Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Korea-Indonesia summi (April 2026)

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

Korea-Vietnam summit (April 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung, on a state visit to Vietnam, discussed raising practical cooperation on April 20 in a bilateral summit with Vietnamese President To Lam at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi. Both leaders gave their opinions on uncertainty over global supply chains due to the conflict in the Middle East and agreed to work together for energy security and stable supply chains.

Korea-India summit (April 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 20 held a bilateral summit at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India. The two leaders agreed to double bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. The summit proceeded in small-group and expanded sessions. 

Korea-Poland summit (April 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung and visiting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on April 13 at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” President Lee underscored the importance of carrying out a 2022 defense deal worth USD 44.2 billion and follow-up contracts, requesting smooth conclusion of the remaining agreements.

Korea-France summit (April 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron, who was on a state visit to Korea, on April 3 agreed in their summit to greatly expand cooperation in cutting-edge industries and energy. Both leaders adopted a joint statement on the development of bilateral relations, amended three agreements and signed 11 memorandums of understanding.

Korea-Indonesia summi (April 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung on April 1 upgraded bilateral ties with Indonesia to the level of a “special comprehensive strategic partnership” after his summit with visiting Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto in Seoul. The new level of relations is a first for both countries.

Korea-Ghana summit (March 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung and visiting Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on March 11 agreed in their summit in Seoul to boost cooperation in climate change, maritime security and digital technology. At Cheong Wa Dae, both sides signed an agreement on climate change cooperation and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on joint efforts in maritime security and the development of cooperation in technology, digital and innovation.

Korea-Philippines summit (March 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung on March 3 held a summit with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the presidential office of Malacanang Palace in Manila. The two leaders agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in new projects for building nuclear energy plants and supply chains for core minerals.

Korea-Singapore summit (March 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung on March 2 held a summit with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on improving their free trade agreement, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, and raising bilateral cooperation in sectors such as artificial intelligence and nuclear power.
Both sides also adopted a joint declaration on starting talks to improve the accord and signed five memorandums of understanding on cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and small modular reactors.

Korea-Brazil summit (February 2026)

At their bilateral summit held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Feb. 23, President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva agreed to upgrade bilateral ties forged in 1959 to the level of a strategic partnership. Both sides adopted a joint four-year action plan (2026-29) as a blueprint for future cooperation.

Korea-Italy summit (January 2026)

President Lee Jae Myung on Jan. 19 in a summit with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Cheong Wa Dae agreed to expand bilateral cooperation focused on cutting-edge sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence and the defense industry.

On economic cooperation, they pledged to expand trade and investment and revive a bilateral business forum with companies from both countries to create more opportunities and resolve corporate difficulties. They will also jointly develop and support small and medium enterprises based on Italy’s well-established ecosystem for such businesses.

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Jobless rate drops to 3.7%

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.8% in the three months from December 2025 to February 2026 to 3.7% in the period from January to March 2026, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The underemployment rate fell from 1.7% to 1.6% during the same period.

Total employment was 3,655,700, down 7,300 from the earlier three-month period, while the labour force dropped around 5,300 to 3,792,400.

Looking ahead, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the sustained growth of the Hong Kong economy should underpin the overall labour market.

“The Government will continue to closely monitor the developments in geopolitical tensions and assess the potential implications for the labour market,” he added.

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Démantèlement des patrouilleurs P400 : structuration d’une filière d’avenir

Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie

Dans le cadre du démantèlement des deux patrouilleurs P400 La Glorieuse et La Moqueuse, Samuel Hnepeune, membre du gouvernement chargé des questions liées aux infrastructures maritimes et président du conseil d’administration du Port autonome (PANC), aux côtés du capitaine de frégate Grégoire Renaud, directeur du Service de soutien de la flotte en Nouvelle-Calédonie, et d’Emma Hohl, responsable Qualité hygiène sécurité environnement (QHSE) de la société EMC, a présenté les enjeux et avancées de ce chantier majeur lors d’une conférence de presse.

Menée par le Service de soutien de la flotte (SSF), administration de la Marine nationale travaillant au service des Forces armées en Nouvelle-Calédonie (FANC), avec le soutien du gouvernement, cette opération d’envergure vise à dépolluer, déconstruire et valoriser les matériaux des navires dans une logique d’économie circulaire.

Une opération industrielle majeure au service de l’économie locale

Désarmés respectivement en 2019 et 2022 après près de trente années de service, les patrouilleurs P400 ont été remplacés par des unités plus modernes et performantes, dont l’Auguste-Bénébig (avril 2023) et prochainement le Jean-Tranape (arrivée prévue en juin 2026).

La Marine nationale a donc engagé la déconstruction de ces deux anciens patrouilleurs en Nouvelle-Calédonie dont le chantier est piloté par le Service de soutien de la flotte (SSF), responsable de la maintenance et du retrait de service des bâtiments militaires.

Débuté en janvier au petit quai Sud à Nouméa, le chantier s’est poursuivi dès le 24 mars 2026 sur la cale de halage de Nouville. Il devrait s’achever dans le courant de l’année.

Avec près de 500 tonnes d’acier traitées, il s’agit du plus important chantier de démantèlement jamais réalisé en Nouvelle-Calédonie.

Ce projet, d’un montant de 160 millions de francs, a pu être conduit localement grâce :

  • aux compétences des entreprises calédoniennes et notamment leur capacité à collaborer étroitement pour obtenir le marché ;
  • à une maîtrise technique reconnue ;
  • à des coûts compétitifs à l’échelle régionale.

« Nous réalisons ce projet localement car il y a les compétences, mais également parce que c’est compétitif au plan économique. L’argent apporté à travers ce chantier est directement injecté dans l’économie calédonienne. Cela est finalement aussi au bénéfice de la marine et de l’État, puisque ce projet contribue au renforcement des compétences dont nous bénéficierons plus tard », a assuré le capitaine de frégate Grégoire Renaud.

À l’issue de l’appel d’offres lancé en novembre 2025, des entreprises locales ont été retenues :

  • EMC, spécialisée dans la valorisation des déchets ferreux, en cotraitance avec AMPE, experte en dépollution, traitement des peintures et désamiantage ;
  • SCADEM, spécialisée dans les travaux sous-marins ;
  • SORECAL pour la partie remorquage des bateaux ;
  • SOCALMO, spécialisée dans le grutage.

Au-delà de sa dimension technique, cette opération contribue directement au développement de l’économie bleue, en générant de l’emploi et en structurant une filière locale de déconstruction navale.

« Ce chantier est une vraie aubaine pour nous. Sans cela, notre entreprise n’aurait surement pas pu perdurer, a indiqué Ludovic Cochard de la société AMPE. Cela fait trois ans que nous travaillons sur la partie technique, sur la partie ICPE, ainsi que sur la réglementation métropolitaine. Avoir été retenus représente donc une immense fierté pour nous ».

Une filière vertueuse

Le démantèlement des P400 constitue une alternative durable à l’ancienne pratique d’« océanisation », qui consistait à immerger les navires en eaux profondes.

Ces bâtiments contenant notamment de l’amiante et des peintures au plomb, leur traitement à terre permet :

  • une gestion sécurisée des polluants,
  • une traçabilité complète des déchets,
  • et une valorisation optimale des matériaux recyclables.

Classé « installation classée » pour la protection de l’environnement (ICPE), la cale de halage permet au chantier de répondre aux exigences réglementaires les plus strictes, en faveur de la protection de l’environnement.

Grâce à cette cale ICPE, le PANC et les entreprises mobilisées disposent d’équipements performants, parmi lesquels :

  • un système fixe de récupération et de traitement des effluents (eaux, hydrocarbures, huiles), installé récemment sur la cale de Nouville.

Plus largement, l’industrie navale calédonienne confirme son rôle stratégique dans l’entretien des navires militaires stationnés à Nouméa et dans le développement d’une filière complète de maintenance et de déconstruction.

Renforcer une filière stratégique pour le territoire

Fort de ses infrastructures, notamment ses cales de halage de 200 et 1 000 tonnes, le port dispose d’un fort potentiel de développement dans la maintenance et le démantèlement naval.

« Il s’agit d’un chantier précurseur, du début d’une nouvelle aventure, a indiqué Samuel Hnepeune. Ce projet témoigne de la volonté de la Nouvelle-Calédonie de développer une vraie filière de maintenance navale ».

Plusieurs étapes structurantes ont été engagées :

  • 2024 : lancement de la mise aux normes ICPE de la cale 1 000 tonnes, permettant d’accueillir des opérations de démantèlement réglementées ; Septembre 2025 : mise en service d’une plateforme de traitement de 1 000 m² (en cours de finalisation), cofinancée par l’État (investissement de 200 millions de francs). Un espace dédié au traitement des effluents et des eaux de ruissellement accueille au fur et à mesures les éléments des P400 pour les réduire en taille avant de les envoyer à EMC.
  • 2025 : création d’un service de nettoyage de coques, répondant aux exigences environnementales des pays voisins (Australie, Nouvelle-Zélande) et favorisant le développement des escales commerciales (nettoyage de Paquebot, mais aussi de porte conteneur)

Ces investissements renforcent l’attractivité du territoire et soutiennent durablement l’emploi local.

Ce chantier de déconstruction des patrouilleurs P400 souligne la coordination étroite entre le Port autonome de Nouvelle-Calédonie (PANC) et le Service de soutien de la flotte (SSF). Ensemble, ils garantissent une gestion rigoureuse des opérations de dépollution et de démantèlement, dans le respect des normes environnementales. La capacité du territoire à conduire des chantiers industriels complexes, structure durablement cette filière stratégique navale locale performante et responsable.

Pour les prochaines étapes, « des études commerciales ont été lancées pour définir l’outil de levage nécessaire pour sortir les navires de l’eau et donc développer l’activité. Nous devons évaluer le potentiel calédonien mais aussi régional, afin de savoir si nous investissons dans un outil de 3 500, 5 000 ou 10 000 tonnes. La Polynésie mène également une réflexion là-dessus et leur choix nous permettra également de nous positionner », a ajouté le membre du gouvernement.

Le port autonome de Nouméa : un hub régional en devenir, levier stratégique pour la Nouvelle-Calédonie

Véritable pilier économique du territoire, le Port autonome de la Nouvelle-Calédonie s’engage dans une transformation ambitieuse visant à renforcer son rôle dans :

  • le commerce régional ;
  • la croisière ;
  • l’innovation maritime ;
  • l’aménagement urbain.

Doté d’atouts majeurs, position stratégique dans le Pacifique, infrastructures existantes, deux rades naturelles et plus de 80 hectares de foncier, le port dispose d’un potentiel encore largement sous-exploité, notamment dans :

  • la grande croisière ;
  • l’accueil de porte-conteneurs de nouvelle génération ;
  • le développement de chantiers navals.

Enfin de par son emplacement géostratégique, les services et les aménités qu’elle offre (Bureau Véritas, Affaire maritimes, Hôpitaux, infrastructures diverses …), la Nouvelle-Calédonie a tous les atouts pour prétendre à ce statut d’hub régional.

Cinq axes stratégiques pour accélérer la transformation

Afin de concrétiser cette ambition, cinq orientations prioritaires ont été définies par le gouvernement :

  1. Moderniser le terminal de commerce pour sécuriser et fluidifier les échanges ;
  2. Développer la croisière afin de renforcer l’attractivité touristique ;
  3. Créer un pôle scientifique et technique à vocation régionale ;
  4. Structurer la filière de maintenance et de déconstruction navale ;
  5. Repenser l’intégration ville-port dans une logique urbaine durable.
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Alert issued over fake websites

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Digital Policy Office has alerted the public to two fraudulent GovHK web addresses that seek to deceive visitors into providing personal information.

The office stressed that these websites have no connection with GovHK and has referred the case to Police for follow-up.

The office stressed that the genuine GovHK website – which takes the format https://www.gov.hk – is an information portal which does not request any personal information from visitors.

Anyone who has provided personal information to a fraudulent GovHK website or suspects that they have fallen prey to fraudulent acts should contact Police. Call 183 5500 for enquiries about GovHK.

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MOEA Leads Taiwan Pharma Pavilion at CPHI Japan and ITRI Partners with iPark Institute to Target the Asia-Pacific Pharmaceutical Market

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

CPHI Japan, a leading global pharmaceutical exhibition, opened on April 21. Led by the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), 16 leading biomedical companies formed the Taiwan Pharma Pavilion to expand their presence in the Asia-Pacific market.

The pavilion highlights Taiwan’s comprehensive capabilities across four key areas: CDMO/API, Drug R&D and Equipment Services, Innovative and Improved New Drugs, and High-Barrier Generic Drugs. By presenting these strengths on a global stage, Taiwan aims to deepen international partnerships and position itself as a reliable partner in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

On the first day of the exhibition, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) signed a cooperation agreement with the iPark Institute, which operates one of the largest life science research hubs in Japan. The strategic partnership integrates R&D, clinical, and manufacturing capabilities to promote cross-border collaboration in innovative drugs and key technologies, creating a complementary framework for market expansion between Taiwan and Japan.

During the opening ceremony, Chien-Cheng Tai, Senior Specialist at DoIT, noted that 2026 marks a pivotal year for Taiwan’s pharmaceutical industry as it expands beyond its R&D strengths to build a more complete global supply chain presence. As part of this effort, the MOEA is promoting a two-stage international outreach strategy: Japan will serve as the entry point for regulatory alignment and early market access, while Milan in Italy will act as a global manufacturing hub, linking international pharmaceutical companies with Taiwan’s strong CDMO ecosystem. This approach aims to integrate Taiwan more deeply into the global pharmaceutical supply chain while highlighting its advantages in manufacturing flexibility and technological integration.

Shyue-Yow Chou, Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, added that the partnership enables both sides to leverage complementary strengths and strengthen their roles in the global pharmaceutical supply chain. Toshio Fujimoto, CEO of iPark Institute, emphasized that Taiwan’s robust R&D capabilities, comprehensive manufacturing base, and rich clinical resources make it a highly promising partner for advancing global pharmaceutical innovation.

To further deepen industry collaboration, 14 Japanese pharmaceutical companies will participate in industry exchange sessions with Taiwanese firms during the exhibition. The Taiwan delegation will also visit leading companies such as Otsuka Pharmaceutical, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, and Astellas Pharma. By combining Taiwan’s manufacturing resilience with its development efficiency, the delegation aims to expand contract manufacturing and technical collaboration opportunities while strengthening ties between Taiwan’s and Japan’s pharmaceutical industries.

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Results of 15-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds tender through re-opening

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender of 15-year HKD institutional Government Bonds through the re-opening of existing Government Bond (issue number 15GB3912001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (April 22).
 
A total of HK$1.0 billion 15-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of HK$4.460 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 4.46. The average price accepted is 105.06, implying an annualised yield of 3.313 per cent.
 
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
 
Tender results of 15-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:

Tender Date : April 22, 2026
Issue Number : 15GB3912001 (Re-open)
Stock Code :
4287 (HKGB 3.75 3912)
 
Issue and Settlement Date : April 23, 2026
Tenor : 15 years
Maturity Date : December 5, 2039
Coupon Rate : 3.75 per cent
Amount Applied : HK$4.460 billion
Amount Allotted : HK$1.0 billion
Bid-to-Cover Ratio* : 4.46
Average Price Accepted (Yield) : 105.06 (3.313 per cent)
Lowest Price Accepted (Yield) : 104.76 (3.340 per cent)
Pro-rata Ratio : About 88 per cent
Average Tender Price (Yield) : 103.21 (3.482 per cent)

* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.

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Results of 7-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds tender through re-opening

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender of 7-year HKD institutional Government Bonds through the re-opening of existing Government Bond (issue number 07GB3302001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (April 22).
 
A total of HK$1.25 billion 7-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of HK$7.655 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 6.12. The average price accepted is 101.68, implying an annualised yield of 2.656 per cent.
 
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
 
Tender results of 7-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:

Tender Date : April 22, 2026
Issue Number : 07GB3302001 (Re-open)
Stock Code :
4201 (HKGB 2.91 3302)
 
Issue and Settlement Date : April 23, 2026
Tenor : 7 years
Maturity Date : February 7, 2033
Coupon Rate : 2.91 per cent
Amount Applied : HK$7.655 billion
Amount Allotted : HK$1.25 billion
Bid-to-Cover Ratio* : 6.12
Average Price Accepted (Yield) : 101.68 (2.656 per cent)
Lowest Price Accepted (Yield) : 101.47 (2.689 per cent)
Pro-rata Ratio : About 63 per cent
Average Tender Price (Yield) : 100.93 (2.778 per cent)

* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.

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Results of 3-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds tender through re-opening

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender of 3-year HKD institutional Government Bonds through the re-opening of existing Government Bond (issue number 05GB2912001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (April 22).
 
A total of HK$0.75 billion 3-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of HK$4.592 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 6.12. The average price accepted is 103.15, implying an annualised yield of 2.331 per cent.
 
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
 
Tender results of 3-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:

Tender Date : April 22, 2026
Issue Number : 05GB2912001 (Re-open)
Stock Code :
4284 (HKGB 3.23 2912)
 
Issue and Settlement Date : April 23, 2026
Tenor : 3 years
Maturity Date : December 5, 2029
Coupon Rate : 3.23 per cent
Amount Applied : HK$4.592 billion
Amount Allotted : HK$0.75 billion
Bid-to-Cover Ratio* : 6.12
Average Price Accepted (Yield) : 103.15 (2.331 per cent)
Lowest Price Accepted (Yield) : 102.94 (2.391 per cent)
Pro-rata Ratio : About 1 per cent
Average Tender Price (Yield) : 102.40 (2.549 per cent)

* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.

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Commissioner of Customs and Excise meets Director General in Lhasa Customs District

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, today (April 22) met with the Director General in Lhasa Customs District, Mr Wang Honghan, in the Customs Headquarters Building to exchange views on deepening collaboration between the two Customs administrations.

Mr Chan welcomed Mr Wang’s visit to Hong Kong Customs with his delegation and held a meeting with the Lhasa Customs delegation. During the meeting, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on multiple issues, including optimising customs clearance procedures and co-operation on the mutual recognition of Authorized Economic Operators, accelerating the development of smart customs, and deepening co-operation on intelligence exchange and risk management, with an aim of broadening the scope of mutual co-operation and promoting trade development.

During their visit, the delegation also visited the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, the Kwai Chung Customhouse, and the Customs Marine Base at Stonecutters Island, and took a ride on a sector patrol launch to visit sea-borne smuggling black spots to learn about the operations of passenger and sea cargo clearance of Hong Kong Customs, as well as its maritime patrol and enforcement work. 

     

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Hospital Authority’s statement regarding the dead of a worker at Kai Tak Hospital construction site

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hospital Authority’s statement regarding the dead of a worker at Kai Tak Hospital construction site 
     The HA was notified by the main contractor of the KTH Phase II project this evening that a 59-year-old male worker employed by the subcontractor lost consciousness after being injured while working. The worker was then sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital and was certified dead after resuscitation.
 
     The HA expresses deep sorrow over this incident and extends its sincere condolences to the deceased worker’s family. The HA has directed the main contractor to provide appropriate assistance to the family and supports them in handling the deceased worker’s after-death arrangements.
 
     The HA is very concerned about the incident. The HA is aware that site staff has immediately contacted and followed up with the main contractor, China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited. The main contractor has been urged to take the incident seriously and to adopt all necessary measures expeditiously to ensure site safety. The main contractor has also been instructed to thoroughly investigate the cause of the incident and to submit a report to the HA as soon as possible.
 
     The HA has always placed paramount importance on industrial safety at hospital construction sites. The HA notes that the main contractor will report this incident to the Labour Department, and the HA will also urge the main contractor to fully co-operation with the Labour Department and other relevant enforcement agencies in their investigation.
Issued at HKT 22:03

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