Category: MIL-OSI

Source:

Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Polish parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Senate Marshal Kamiński

Date：2024-12-13
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

December 13, 2024  
No. 459  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on December 12 hosted a luncheon to welcome a parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Poland led by Deputy Senate Marshal Michał Kamiński. During the event, the two sides exchanged views on regional developments, Taiwan-Poland relations, and economic and trade exchanges. 
 
Minister Lin pointed out that both Taiwan and Poland had previously gone through periods of authoritarian rule but had since chosen the path of democracy. He remarked that bilateral relations had steadily advanced in recent years in such areas as the economy, trade, higher education, law enforcement, and science and technology. Minister Lin also affirmed that Taiwan would continue to work with Poland and other like-minded countries to bolster democratic resilience, deepen Taiwan-Europe economic and trade linkages, and forge resilient democratic supply chains throughout the world. 
 
Furthermore, Minister Lin noted that the Polish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Group released statements in April last year and May this year advocating Taiwan’s international participation and expressing concern over peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He thanked friends from the Polish parliament for taking such concrete action in support of Taiwan and added that he looked forward to further collaborating in the future and deepening bilateral interactions and exchanges.
 
In his remarks, Deputy Senate Marshal Kamiński stated that Taiwan and Poland could learn from each other through exchanges in such fields as culture, the economy and trade, science and technology, and academia. He also said that due to Poland’s considerable economic development potential, many major Taiwanese enterprises had already invested in Poland, including Chi Mei Frozen Food and Compal, and that he anticipated that even more Taiwanese businesses would seek to develop market opportunities in Poland. 
 
Taiwan and Poland share such universal values as freedom and democracy. In the future, the two countries will continue to work closely together to jointly promote prosperity and progress and protect hard-earned democratic achievements. (E)

Source:

Deputy Foreign Minister Wu to attend Somaliland presidential inauguration as special envoy of President Lai

Date：2024-12-11
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

December 11, 2024  No. 458  

President-elect of the Republic of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who represents the Waddani National Party and previously served as speaker of the House of Representatives, will be sworn into office on December 12 following his election victory on November 13. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu, serving as special envoy of President Lai Ching-te, is leading a delegation to Somaliland to attend the inauguration ceremony and extend congratulations on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan. His visit underscores the friendly relations between the two democratic countries. 
 
Deputy Minister Wu arrived in the capital city of Hargeisa at noon on December 11. He was met at the airport by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Rhoda Jama Elmi on behalf of the Somaliland government. Representative of the Republic of Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan Mohamed Omar Hagi Mohamoud and representative of the new government’s transition team Khadar Hussein Abdi were also there to welcome the delegation.
 
Deputy Minister Wu will attend the presidential inauguration and convey a message of congratulations from President Lai to President Abdullahi. He will also meet with outgoing President Muse Bihi Abdi and other prominent political figures, as well as representatives, envoys, and delegations from other nations, to exchange views on the latest international developments. 
 
Somaliland is an important partner of Taiwan in East Africa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation across various domains and deepen the friendship between the two sides. (E)

Source:

MOFA responds to China’s military activities around first island chain; urges international community to jointly safeguard cross-strait peace and stability

Date：2024-12-11
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

December 11, 2024 
No. 457 

China has recently deployed large numbers of PLA Navy and China Coast Guard vessels around the first island chain for days-long military exercises. It has also repeatedly dispatched military aircraft and vessels to harass Taiwan, unilaterally disrupting peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, unnecessarily escalating regional tensions, and interfering with regular international shipping and trade. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) demands that the Beijing authorities immediately cease their military intimidation and all other unreasonable behavior that is jeopardizing regional peace and stability.
 
An international consensus has been reached on the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. Although cross-strait and regional developments are closely followed by the international community, China continues to ramp up rhetorical and military intimidation against Taiwan. China’s large-scale military buildup around the first island chain has created uncertainty and risk, giving countries in the region cause for concern. This underscores the fact that China is a destabilizing force that is undermining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. 
                                
China’s provocative actions toward Taiwan and other countries in the region are a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, which stipulates that all countries must refrain from the threat or use of force to infringe on the territorial sovereignty of another country. MOFA solemnly demands that China immediately stop violating international law and demonstrate that it can be a responsible major power. 
 
Taiwan will do its utmost to fulfill its international responsibilities, calmly respond to China’s military threats, staunchly safeguard its sovereignty and national security, and firmly defend democracy and freedom. MOFA urges democratic partners worldwide to unite with Taiwan to jointly counter authoritarian expansionism and encroachment, prevent repeated attempts to unilaterally and deliberately disrupt the status quo, uphold the rules-based international order, and together preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific. (E)

Source:

MOFA welcomes ANZMIN joint statement supporting cross-strait peace and stability

Date：2024-12-07
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

December 7, 2024No. 452  Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong met with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters and Minister of Defence Judith Collins in Auckland on December 6 for the second Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN) this year. In the joint statement issued after the meeting, they reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposed unilateral changes to the status quo, and expressed concern over the situation in the South China Sea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomes and appreciates this statement. Australia and New Zealand are important friends of Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific region, and bilateral relations with both countries have made significant strides in recent years. Given that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea has become a global consensus, MOFA invites the international community to continue expressing its concerns and take practical action to uphold the rules-based international order. The Taiwan government will continue to promote values-based diplomacy and work with like-minded countries to advance democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. (E)

Source: Government of India

Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigated 35 cartel cases in last five years

CCI has Signed MoUs with Global Regulators for Competition Law Cooperation

Competition Act 2023 Introduced ‘Lesser Penalty Plus’ for Cartel Disclosures

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 6:15PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigated a total of 35 cartel cases across various sectors over the last five financial years (till 13.03.2025).

CCI has signed Bilateral/Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Egypt, Mauritius, Japan, Brazil, BRICS (Brazil, the Russian Federation, People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa), Canada, European Commission, Australia and United States Department of Justice (DOJ) for cooperation in the field of competition law and policy. These MOUs include provision for enforcement cooperation between CCI and its MoU partners, subject to their respective legal framework, constraints, enforcement interests and available resources.

In addition, India has signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with its trading partners. Some of these FTAs have a separate Chapter on Competition, according to which each Party shall, in accordance with its laws and regulations, take measures which it considers appropriate against anticompetitive activities, in order to facilitate trade and investment flows between the Parties and the efficient functioning of its market.

The Commission has a Division for trend analysis and conducting research in various sectors of the economy to have a holistic view and to detect any anti-competitive activities. The Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 introduced the concept of “lesser penalty plus” within the framework of Section 46 of the Act. Consequently, on 20.02.2024, the CCI (Lesser Penalty) Regulations, 2024 were notified, replacing the 2009 regulations and introducing a “lesser penalty plus”(LPP) mechanism to incentivize disclosures of cartels. The LPP mechanism was introduced to incentivize an existing lesser penalty applicant in respect of a cartel to give full, true, and vital disclosures about another cartel, hitherto not in the knowledge of the CCI.

To further widen the scope of cartel investigation, Hub & Spoke mechanism has been incorporated by introducing the Proviso in Section 3(3) of the Competition Act, 2002 through the Amendment Act 2023 which provides that an enterprise or association of enterprises or a person or association of persons though not engaged in identical or similar trade shall also be presumed to be part of the agreement under this sub-section if it participates or intends to participate in the furtherance of such agreement. 

CCI, through its enforcement and advocacy mandate, seeks to promote and sustain competition in the markets by conducting market studies and advocacy events, imparting training about competition issues besides carrying out market corrections to eliminate distortions. The CCI conducted 1446 advocacy programmes during the last five financial years (till 19.03.2025).

This information was given by Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Nirmala Sitharaman, in  reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

*****

NB/AD

(Release ID: 2114500) Visitor Counter : 411

Source:

(Friday, 7 February 2025 at 6.30 – 9.00pm,Taumeasina Island Resort)

Reverend Siaosi Salesulu

Lau Afioga, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo

Members of the Council of Deputies

Ministers of Cabinet,

Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary,

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

Leader of the Opposition

Members of Parliament,

High Commissioner of New Zealand, Your Excellency, Si’alei Van Toor

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished Guests gathered here tonight,

Talofa lava and Good evening to you all.

It is a pleasure for me to join you all at the reception this evening to celebrate the 185th anniversary of the signing of New Zealand’s founding document, “Te Tiriti o Waitangi” the “Treaty of Waitangi”. On behalf of the Government and People of Samoa I convey through you, Excellency Si’alei Van Toor our warm congratulations and felicitations to the Government and the People of Aotearoa New Zealand on the celebration of your national day.

This evening, we join in the celebration of the commemoration of Waitangi Day around New Zealand and other parts of the world in remembrance of the signing of the treaty. The occasion is an important marker in your country’s history and I understand that numerous events are held around the world and nationally to reflect the significance of the Treaty to national unity and the richness of New Zealand’s history and culture. I am told that the Kapa Haka Performers from Tauranga, the “Te Paringa Tai” are here and will perform for us this evening. Earlier on in the day, Te Paringa Tai had treated the Samoan public to another spectacular performance of songs and dances at the Matagialalua Friendship Park showcasing a bit of Aotearoa’s rich heritage and culture.

This occasion is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come in our partnerships towards the achievement of common goals, for people, peace and prosperity. Have they remained relevant and mutually beneficial?

Samoa and New Zealand continue to enjoy a warm and close friendship underpinned by the foundation of our shared history and a unique “Treaty of Friendship”. There have been exchanges of high-level visits of Heads of State and Government, ministers and parliamentarians reflecting the prominence both countries accord to strengthening people-to-people links. The exchange of high-level visits signifies the maturity of our relations and the mutual respect we hold in high regard for each other. It is not unusual for us to ask ourselves how far the uniqueness of our Treaty of Friendship can go; particularly as we crave for facilitative short-term travel to visit families or explore business opportunities.

Last October, we hosted leaders of the Commonwealth including New Zealand’s Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. We take this opportunity to again express the sincere appreciation of the Government of Samoa and its people to the Government of New Zealand and its people and Samoa’s other key partners, for the generous support and assistance provided, ensuring that Samoa and the Pacific successfully hosted the first meeting of Commonwealth leaders in our Blue Pacific region. A mammoth undertaking it was, but made possible through the generosity and magnanimity of our development partners including New Zealand and the commitment and dedication of many people. What we did not have the resources for, was provided, the capacity gaps were filled even if temporarily and the readiness to support was assured. The high standard and quality of the services provided left a legacy of Samoa’s enhanced ranking and capability to deliver high-quality logistical support for future international meetings.

The close relations between our two countries is reaffirmed by the 2024 Statement of Partnership – O le Fogavaa e Tasi which identifies the priority areas of cooperation including partnerships, security, empowering communities, building climate resilience and inspiring growth which are in alignment with Samoa’s aspirations and priorities as outlined in the “Pathway for the Development of Samoa.” We also acknowledge with gratitude the confidence of the Government of New Zealand in the use of country systems reflected in the extension of budget support under the Joint Policy Action Matrix involving our other development partners as well.

Samoa appreciates the continued commitment of the Government of New Zealand to diligently carry out the Operation Resolution for the HMNZS Manawanui working in tandem with the Samoan authorities and other development partners for the removal of fuel and pollutants from the site. Like our Pacific neighbours, the coastal and marine environment are significant for the sustenance of our local communities and we will continue to work in partnership with the Government of New Zealand and our other development partners to ensure the success of this Operation.

Excellency,

We look forward to the continuation of the excellent bilateral relations and partnership between Samoa and New Zealand for the benefit of our two countries and our peoples.

To conclude, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I respectfully invite you all to join me in proposing a toast:

“To the unity and prosperity of the Government and the People of New Zealand. Happy Waitangi Day!”

SOIFUA

Photo by the Government of Samoa (Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo)

February 21, 2025

Source:

India’s Digital Revolution Earns Global Recognition: Dr. Jitendra Singh

From DBT to Space Startups: Union Minister Showcases India’s Tech Leadership

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 7:21PM by PIB Delhi

NEW DELHI, March 24 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored India’s leadership in digital public infrastructure and technology innovation at the “ET Telecom 5G Congress”, emphasizing the transformative strides made in the last decade under the Digital India initiative.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s success in pioneering digital public infrastructure, which has become a model for the world. He pointed to the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, launched during the early years of the Modi government, as a game changer. “The real litmus test of this digital transformation came during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring seamless transactions and financial inclusion without disruptions,” he said.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also spoke about the Swamitva scheme, which empowers citizens by enabling digital mapping of land ownership, reducing dependence on traditional revenue officers. “With nearly 70% of India’s villages already mapped, this initiative represents the true spirit of citizen-centric governance,” he added.

Emphasizing India’s technological advancements, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that the country has emerged as a global leader in multiple domains, from space exploration to biotechnology. He cited India’s rapid ascent in the Global Innovation Index—from 81^st place to 39^th—as a testament to the nation’s innovation ecosystem. “India is now ranked sixth globally in patent filings, with 56% of those patents coming from resident Indians. This marks a dramatic shift from earlier decades when Indian talent sought recognition abroad,” he remarked.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to scientific research and innovation, Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed to the launch of a viability fund for space startups, a new National Research Foundation, and the recent decision to open up the nuclear sector to private players. “In the first 100 days of Modi 3.0, we allocated Rs 10,000 crore for space startups and launched a pioneering biotechnology policy—BioE3—focusing on environmental sustainability, employment generation, and economic growth,” he said.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also touched upon the role of women in India’s scientific advancements, stating that women are not just participating but leading critical missions. “India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, was led by a woman scientist, marking a paradigm shift in gender representation in STEM fields,” he noted.

Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded India’s thriving StartUp ecosystem and the increasing global recognition of Indian talent. “Indian professionals are now the preferred choice in global innovation hubs, known for their dedication and work ethic. The world is looking at India not just as a participant but as a leader in the digital and technological revolution,” he affirmed.

As India continues to set benchmarks in digital governance and scientific innovation, Dr. Jitendra Singh’s remarks reinforce the country’s commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive growth and global leadership in emerging sectors.

*******

NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2114547) Visitor Counter : 356

Source:

Source: Government of India

Government has taken several initiatives to facilitate ease of access to credit to Women Entrepreneurs

Government has announced a new Loan Scheme for Women, SC/ST Entrepreneurs in the Union Budget 2025-26

Credit to women by Public Sector Banks has seen a substantial increase over last 5 years

Jan Samarth Portal simplifies access to 15 government

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 6:17PM by PIB Delhi

The Government reviews all credit linked schemes from time to time and takes several initiatives in order to facilitate ease of access to credit to the entrepreneurs including women entrepreneurs.

As per para 32 of Union Budget 2025-26 “A new scheme will be launched for 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes first- time entrepreneurs. This will provide term loans upto Rs. 2.00 crore during next 5 years.  The Scheme will incorporate lessons from successful Stand Up India Scheme. Online capacity building for entrepreneurship and managerial skills will also be organized.”

The entrepreneurs are also provided collateral free loans upto Rs. 20 lakh to enable them to set up or expand their business activities under Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) launched on 8th April 2015.

Further, as informed by Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the details of credit extended to women by Public Sector Banks during the last five years is as under:

Credit to women by Public Sector Banks
(No. of A/cs in Lakh and Amount in ₹ Crore)
Financial Year	No of A/cs	Amount Outstanding
Mar-20	207.60	488,459.43
Mar-21	289.46	731,617.22
Mar-22	305.56	836,200.08
Mar-23	350.90	1,008,935.62
Mar-24	387.24	1,169,279.00

The Government has taken various steps towards effective implementation of the Schemes and for addressing the challenges faced by potential beneficiaries including women which, inter alia, include intensive publicity campaigns, simplification of application form, Credit Guarantee Scheme, providing support in Stand-Up India Scheme by reduction in margin money as well as inclusion of activities allied to agriculture.

The Jan Samarth portal is a one-stop digital platform for linking fifteen Government-sponsored loans and subsidies Schemes. It provides a quick and efficient way to apply for loans and obtain approvals based on a digital evaluation of the applicant’s data. Further, many Banks and financial institutions have developed online platforms and mobile apps for end to end digital processing of loan applications, reducing the need for physical paperwork and in-person visits.

This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

*****

NB/AD

(Release ID: 2114502) Visitor Counter : 488

Source:

Rev Siaosi Salesulu

Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo

Members of the Council of Deputies

Cabinet Ministers

Chief Justice and the Judiciary

Speaker of the House

Leader of the Opposition

Members of Parliament

High Commissioner of Australia, Your Excellency William Carter Robinson,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Ladies & Gentlemen

Talofa and a pleasant good evening,

I am delighted to join your company at the reception this evening to commemorate Australia Day. On behalf of the Government and the People of Samoa, I convey through you, Excellency Robinson, High Commissioner of Australia to Samoa, our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Government and People of Australia on the celebration of the anniversary of Australia Day.

Once again we are here to celebrate when Australia became its own

nation and to reflect on its journey throughout the years, We have seen the growth of its diverse population against a tapestry of history rich in various cultures and traditions; its international relations and global partner standing as well as its role as a development partner to its Pacific neighbourhood.

This year marks fifty-five years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Samoa and Australia in 1971. It is a seasoned partnership, underpinned by respect for each other’s sovereignty, shared values and goals for development as well as our shared stewardship of our Blue Pacific continent as members of the Pacific Islands Forum.

Our Bilateral Partnership Arrangement signed in 2003 “Ole Fala

Folasia i lo ta Va” (The Map that guides Us) is the blueprint for our

engagement throughout the vast scope of our cooperation. Our focused priority areas for cooperation include climate and disaster resilience, security cooperation, economic growth and partnerships, human and social development and our people-to-people links; in support of Samoa’s aspirations and priorities as outlined in the “Pathway for the Development of Samoa.”

The TAUTAI and TAUTUA flagship partnerships continue to deliver

economic and human development competencies tailored to our emerging needs. Agreed operational processes are aligned to country systems that emphasize sustainability, contextually tailored capabilities and nationally led ownership. Labour mobility schemes have been proven mutually beneficial to both countries; however, some disadvantages have emerged which have called for a review of such schemes thus ensuring a robust policy framework that is responsive to the constraints.

I would like to acknowledge the prominence we place on the Samoa Australia Police Partnership as reflected in the significant support in capacity building and security arrangements leading up to and during Samoa’s hosting of a successful CHOGM last year with the cooperation of all its development partners including Australia.

Our shared commitment in ensuring the development and prosperity of our Blue Pacific region strengthens our regional engagement despite the growing geopolitical tensions that can undermine the unity and solidarity of the region. The security context has grown to incorporate the existential threat of climate change, transnational crime, human security threat, food security, geopolitical tensions and more recently cybersecurity to mention a few. We thank Australia for its assistance through the crucial capacity building programmes in the region on cybersecurity so that we are not continuously marginalised in such areas.

Notwithstanding the different outlooks and discourses on politics and security, we would like to reiterate our stance of being part of a Blue Pacific continent that is free from military competition and presence and one that is characterised by peace as our contribution to world order

I thank the Government of Australia for the multifaceted support and assistance delivered through the Samoa Australia partnership including budget support that provides a boost in progressing our sustainable development. We also acknowledge the trust and understanding of the Government of Australia and our other development partners in the use of country systems reflected in the extension of budget support under the Joint Policy Action Matrix.

We look forward to further strengthening our partnership as we do with all our development partners and close engagement in initiatives that will further support regional unity, growth and stability.

To conclude, Ladies and Gentlemen, I respectfully invite you all to raise your glasses and join me in proposing a toast:

“To the enduring and meaningful Samoa-Australia relations.

Happy Australia Day.”

Ia manuia!

Photo by the Government of Samoa (Peseta Tusiga Taofiga)

February 26, 2025