Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai addresses annual meeting of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council via video
On the afternoon of March 26, President Lai Ching-te addressed the 2025 annual meeting of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council via video. In his remarks, he thanked the Consultative Council for being one of the strongest bridges of friendship between Taiwan and Japan, noting that the Consultative Council has not only been a long-time supporter of Taiwan’s international participation, but has also stepped up to increase mutual aid between Taiwan and Japan. The president expressed his hope of working closely with Japan to jointly build non-red supply chains to promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He also said that he looks forward to the Consultative Council continuing to offer its strong support for Taiwan, deepening our cooperation and together creating a bright future of mutual prosperity for Taiwan and Japan.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
In his remarks at the Yushan Forum earlier this month, Chairman Furuya Keiji stated in Taiwanese, “if Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” His words sent a shockwave through the audience, gaining its unanimous approval. Speaking today from the Presidential Office, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I am happy to thank Chairman Furuya and the Consultative Council for their strong support of Taiwan. I am also honored to have the opportunity, at your annual meeting, to express the deepest gratitude to Chairman Furuya and all of our friends on the Consultative Council.
For over half a century now, the Consultative Council has been one of the strongest bridges of friendship between Taiwan and Japan. It has not only been a long-time supporter of Taiwan’s international participation, but whenever there were natural disasters or a pandemic, it has also stepped up to increase mutual aid between Taiwan and Japan.
Particularly due to the hard work of Chairman Furuya and all the members of the Consultative Council, beginning this May, members of the Taiwanese overseas community in Japan included in the country’s family registry system may list “Taiwan” in the field designating their nationality or region of origin. This change amply demonstrates the friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan.
Taiwan and Japan exemplify the adage that “a friend in need is a friend indeed.” We are also an interdependent community with a shared destiny. The international landscape of this year is complicated and changing. Whether the issue is climate change, economic security, or geopolitical change, Taiwan needs the close, hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart cooperation and mutual support of Japan and other like-minded nations. Only then can we meet all manner of challenges.
Former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo once said, “if Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” Responding in kind, I once said, “if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan also has a problem.” We hope, in face of expanding authoritarianism, to work closely with Japan to jointly build non-red supply chains. And we hope to stand firmly together to exert our strength as we collectively safeguard our democratic values and promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Whether it is in the economy, culture, or technology, Taiwan and Japan have significant room for cooperation, and our deep friendship, which has been strengthened by the Consultative Council, is a major force in enhancing our bilateral ties. Thus I sincerely look forward to our good friends on the Consultative Council continuing to offer their strong support for Taiwan, deepening our cooperation and together creating a bright future of mutual prosperity for Taiwan and Japan. 
Lastly, I once again thank the Consultative Council for the contributions it has made to exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. I want to wish today’s meeting a great success. May the Taiwan-Japan friendship reach ever-greater heights, and may all our friends on the council enjoy good health and success. Thank you all.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong attended a press conference for the International Science, Technology & Innovation Forum (ISTIF) of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) 2025 Hong Kong Conference in Hainan this morning to provide more details on the Hong Kong Conference to be held in June.

BFA ISTIF Executive Chairman Leong Vai-tac also attended the press conference.

The ISTIF aims to strengthen global science and technology governance, promote international science and technology innovation and co-operation, lead the direction in rule making of emerging technologies, and contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Three editions of the ISTIF have been held and it has become a premier platform for exchanges, dialogue and co-operation in the field of science and technology innovation.

The BFA and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will jointly host the ISTIF 2025 Hong Kong Conference at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre on June 6 and 7.

Under the theme of “Transitioning Towards the Future: Powered by Science & Technology Innovation”, the conference is expected to attract around 800 participants from the Mainland and overseas, including top-notch experts, scholars, government and business leaders to exchange views on the latest trends in global innovation and technology (I&T) development, the development and emerging opportunities in frontier technological fields, and to inject new impetus into the I&T development of the country and the world at large.

Prof Sun said that it is a great honour for the Hong Kong SAR Government to cohost the Hong Kong Conference with the BFA in Hong Kong.

He said hosting the Hong Kong Conference by the Hong Kong SAR Government does not only continue the ISTIF’s tradition of staging the event in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA cities, but also reaffirms Hong Kong’s advantages as a highly internationalised city and its pivotal role of bridging the country and the world as a dual platform.

The conference will comprise the opening ceremony, a Hong Kong forum, sub-forums, panel discussions and round tables, with internationally renowned speakers who will share their insights on a wide range of topics, including global science and technology governance, sustainable development, innovation clusters, life sciences, future mobility, AI, quantum technology, financial innovation and youth leadership.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Members of the public are invited to witness a special flight demonstration over Victoria Harbour on Sunday afternoon to commemorate a century of aviation history in Hong Kong.

This year marks the centenary of the establishment of Kai Tak Airport, and the demonstration will coincide with the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, which is being held at Kai Tak Sports Park for the first time.

The Government will support event organisers in staging the demonstration.

The Civil Aviation Department will establish a temporary restricted flying zone (RFZ) over Victoria Harbour. This means that activities such as the flying of unmanned aircraft systems, kites, and captive balloons, and the release of multiple small balloons, will be restricted. 

The department will announce details of the temporary RFZ on the “eSUA” electronic portal for small unmanned aircraft and by Notice To Airmen.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin yesterday discussed global trends in education with representatives from other nations and regions at the International Summit on the Teaching Profession 2025 in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Ms Choi was joined in attending the summit, themed “Quality Education: The Key to Prosperity & Well-being”, by a delegation of Hong Kong principals and educationalists.

In her address at a session on kindergarten education, she outlined that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Government’s Kindergarten Education Scheme, introduced in the 2017-18 school year, provides quality and affordable kindergarten education that meets the diverse needs of students.

She highlighted that at present, about 90% of the half-day programmes offered by kindergartens under the scheme are free of charge, while fees for whole-day programmes are maintained at a low level.

She added that the scheme enhances kindergarten education through upgrading teachers’ professional qualifications and supporting their continuous professional development, improving the teacher-student ratio, and more.

During the summit, Ms Choi also met South Australia’s Minister for Education, Training & Skills Blair Boyer, to explore ways of promoting educational exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Australia.

Ms Choi briefed Mr Boyer on the various government measures to achieve a highly internationalised higher education sector in Hong Kong, and discussed issues of mutual concern with him.

The summit was co-organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development, Education International, Iceland’s Ministry of Education & Children, and the Icelandic Teachers’ Union.

Education ministers, teaching leaders and educationalists from around the world gathered at the event to discuss promoting quality early childhood education, inclusive and supportive learning environments, and a child-centred education system.

On Monday, Ms Choi attended a seminar at the summit exploring the frontiers of artificial intelligence in education.

She met Permanent Secretary in Iceland’s Ministry of Education & Children Erna Kristín Blondal to discuss educational collaboration between Hong Kong and Iceland and the latest developments in vocational and professional education and training.

She also visited a local primary school and paid a courtesy call on Chinese Ambassador to Iceland He Rulong.

Ms Choi will today depart from Iceland on a scheduled visit to Delhi, India.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will depart this afternoon for Beijing, where he will call on the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He will also visit an enterprise and meet representatives of the wine industry.

Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on Saturday afternoon. During his absence, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will be Acting Secretary.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:15PM by PIB Delhi

The Government of India is implementing various schemes/initiatives aimed at promoting the textile sector pan India. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme which seeks to create a modern, integrated large scale, world class industrial ecosystem, which will help in attracting investments and boosting employment; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on Man Made Fibre & Apparel, and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development, Skilling and Export Promotion; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; ATUFS to incentivize technology upgradation and modernization through capital investment subsidy for eligible investment in benchmarked textile machinery; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain; Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP) to support small, medium and large scale wool-producing units; National Handloom Development Program and National Handicraft Development Program for end to end support for handloom and handicraft sectors etc.

In addition to the above, the role of the Government is to ensure conducive policy environment, facilitating in creating enabling conditions for the industry and private entrepreneurs to set up units through its various policy initiatives and schemes. Due to these interventions a number of handloom, powerloom, readymade garments, synthetic yarn and hosiery manufacturing units have been setup across the country including Mohanlalganj.  

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q3937)

(Release ID: 2115260) Visitor Counter : 62

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:17PM by PIB Delhi

The Government through Central Silk Board has been implementing Silk Samagra-2 scheme with an outlay of Rs. 4,679.85 crore for the overall development of sericulture industry in the country from the year 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to states towards implementation of various beneficiary oriented field level critical interventions, which includes raising of kissan nurseries, silkworm rearing packages (includes assistance for plantation, irrigation, rearing house, rearing equipments & prophylactic measures), establishment of chawki rearing centres in pre-cocoon sector, support & infrastructure oriented interventions for silkworm seed sector, silk reeling, spinning, weaving, processing components meant for post cocoon sector. 

So far, the central assistance of Rs. 1,075.58 crore has been provide to States to cover around 78,000 beneficiaries under Silk Samagra-2 scheme towards implementation of beneficiary-oriented components covering both pre & post cocoon activities/machineries for the growth and sustainability of sericulture sector.

Additionally, through Research & Development activities, the production and productivity of silk has been improved to achieve the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in silk sector.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

*****

DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q3999)

 

(Release ID: 2115263) Visitor Counter : 56

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:18PM by PIB Delhi

To promote the Handloom and Handicraft sectors, Ministry of Textiles is implementing the following schemes across the country:

1. National Handloom Development Programme;
2. Raw Material Supply Scheme;
3. National Handicrafts Development Programme
4. Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme

Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided to the eligible handloom and handicraft agencies/weavers/artisans for raw materials, common infrastructure development, marketing of handloom and handicraft products in domestic/overseas markets, Weaver MUDRA Loans etc.

In addition to the above,

• Ministry of Textiles is also seeking protection of traditional designs and patterns under the Geographical Indication (GI) Act, 1999. This Ministry provides financial assistance for registering the designs/products under the GI Act and for organizing seminars, workshops etc., for awareness creation.
• Design Resource Centres have been set up in 16 Weavers’ Service Centres across the country including at Jaipur, Rajasthan to preserve traditional handloom designs, and to build and create design-oriented excellence in the Handloom Sector.
• Marketing platform is provided to the handloom & handicrafts agencies/weavers/artisans by organizing marketing expos/events to sell their products. During last three years, a total of 43 expos/events have been organised in the State of Rajasthan.
• To enhance productivity, marketing capabilities and ensure better incomes, more than 380 Producer Companies (PCs) have been formed in different States across country including 16 PCs in the state of Rajasthan.
• Steps have been taken to on-board weavers and artisans on Government e-Market (GeM) place to enable them sell their products directly to various Government Departments and organizations. So far about 1.80 lakh weavers have been on-boarded on the GeM portal.

Funds are not allocated State-wise. The funds are released based on receipt of proposals from the State Governments and other Handloom organisations.

Handloom and Handicrafts are mainly an individual based household activity to which Minimum Wages Act is not applicable. However, through schematic interventions, as specified above, Ministry of Textile provides direct marketing platforms giving ample opportunities for business development and income generation to weavers and artisans across the country.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q3914)

(Release ID: 2115265) Visitor Counter : 53

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:20PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Textiles is continuously monitoring export performance of textiles and taking various measures to boost production and exports in consultation with Textiles Export Promotion Councils and Industry Associations.

Government is implementing Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for Apparel/Garments and Made-ups in order to enhance competitiveness by adopting principle of zero-rated exports. Further, textiles products not covered under the RoSCTL scheme are covered under Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) along with other products. In addition, Government provides financial support to various Export Promotion Councils and Trade Bodies under Market Access Initiative Scheme implemented by Department of Commerce for organising and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets etc at national and international levels to boost export.

As per Para 2.55 of Foreign Trade Policy, 2023

(i)         Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) are policy instruments for Government to support exports. ECAs support exports by insurance, guarantee and also direct lending. Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) like Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd. (ECGC) provides credit insurance support to exports and export credit lending. Covers issued by ECGC to exporters, protect against losses arising out of payment failures due to insolvency or default of the buyers or due to political risks. Exporters can diversify their markets in addition to protecting existing markets through such covers. ECGC also supports Medium and Long term (MLT) exports including project exports. Exim Bank is the other ECA in the business of lending for MLT exports and fronting the government’s line of credit.

(ii)        ECGC indemnifies losses of exporters in export trade due to insolvency or default of the buyer. Additionally, losses due to political risk like war, sudden import restriction, promulgation of law or decree after the shipment has been affected are also covered. Some of the anti- dumping measures or non-tariff barriers introduced after a shipment has been made will come under the purview of the political risk. In such cases exporter’s interest are protected by ECGC.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q4045)

(Release ID: 2115268) Visitor Counter : 51

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

The Cluster Development Programme (CDP), a component of National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) provides need based financial support through various interventions like upgraded looms & accessories, construction of worksheds, solar lighting units, product & design development etc., across the country including State of Andhra Pradesh, based on the proposals received from States/UTs Government. On receipt of proposals from State Government of Andhra Pradesh, financial assistance of Rs.1,790.05  Lakh have been provided for 44 CDPs during last three years and current financial year from 2021-22 to 2024-25 (till 20.03.2025). District-wise details of CDPs assisted, fund sanctioned/released and utilized in the State of Andhra Pradesh during last three years and current financial year from 2021-22 to 2024-25 (till 20.03.2025) is at below.

In Kakinada District of Andhra Pradesh State, 03 handloom clusters have been financially assisted covering 1,333 beneficiaries for various interventions like upgraded looms & accessories, construction of worksheds, solar lighting units, product & design development etc. and Rs.77.137 lakh sanctioned/released during 2021-22 to 2024-25 (till 20.03.2025), of which Rs.65.39 lakh utilized.

As per the existing guidelines of National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), there is no provision for providing financial support for setting up of Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and yarn bank. Therefore, no financial assistance has been released under the scheme for this purpose during last three years and the current financial year from 2021-22 to 2024-25 (till 20.03.2025). Further, no financial support has been provided to any States including Andhra Pradesh for setting up of dye house across during last three years and current financial year.

29 Weavers Service Centres (WSCs) are functional in the different parts of the country in all States/UTs including State of Andhra Pradesh under their jurisdictions.  State/UT-wise details of skill training provided under SAMARTH-Scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector) to handloom weavers during last three years and current financial year from 2021-22 to 2024-25 (till 20.03.2025) is at below.

District-wise detail of skill training provided in the State of Andhra Pradesh through Weavers Service Centre, Vijayawada during last three years and current financial year from 2021-22 to 2024-25 (till 20.03.2025) is at below. 

Statement referred to in reply of part (a)

District-wise details of CDPs financially assisted, funds released and utilized in Andhra Pradesh State  under NHDP during 2021-22 to 2024-25 (till 20.03.2025)
Sl. No.	District	No.  of CDPs	Funds released (Rs. in Lakh)	Funds Utilized (Rs. in Lakh)
1	2	3	4	5
1	Anakapalli	1	48.78	41.93
2	Ananthapuramu	3	107.89	8.48
3	Annamayya	4	228.50	31.37
4	Bapatla	1	58.89	0.00
5	Chittoor	2	98.89	91.70
6	East Godavari	3	81.69	65.42
7	Guntur	5	284.36	197.67
8	Kakinada	3	77.14	65.39
9	Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema	2	81.79	65.33
10	Kurnool	2	90.57	76.05
11	Parvathipuram Manyam	2	50.84	37.18
12	Nandyal	1	44.43	9.08
13	Palnadu	1	34.60	0.00
14	Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore	2	69.69	58.23
15	Srikakulam	4	124.84	92.54
16	Sri Sathya Sai	2	34.34	1.20
17	Tirupati	3	144.03	0.03
18	Vizianagaram	1	47.18	42.43
19	West Godavari	2	81.61	59.59
	Total	44	1,790.05	943.62

 

Statement referred to in reply of part (d)

State-wise details of no. of persons trained under SAMARTH during 2021-22 to 2024-25 (till 20.03.2025)
Sl. No.	State	No. of persons trained
1	Andhra Pradesh	1,425
2	Arunachal Pradesh	225
3	Assam	1,979
4	Bihar	947
5	Chhattisgarh	807
6	Delhi	305
7	Goa	55
8	Gujarat	1,067
9	Haryana	333
10	HP	294
11	J&K	992
12	Jharkhand	931
13	Karnataka	1,165
14	Kerala	1,670
15	Madhya Pradesh	1,274
16	Maharashtra	1,632
17	Manipur	1,220
18	Meghalaya	163
19	Mizoram	753
20	Nagaland	585
21	Odisha	1,259
22	Punjab	139
23	Rajasthan	646
24	Tamilnadu	2,099
25	Telangana	1,940
26	Tripura	827
27	Uttar Pradesh	3,202
28	Uttrakhand	440
29	West Bengal	1,009
	Total	29,383

 

Statement referred to in reply of part (d)

Location and district-wise details of weavers trained in Andhra Pradesh State under SAMARTH during 2021-22 to 2024-25 (till 20.03.2025)
SI. No.	Location	District	No. of weavers trained
1	Uravakonda	Anantapur	20
2	Yadiki		36
3	Chirala	Bapatla	15
4	Cherukupalli		33
5	Battiprolu		16
6	Kanagala		17
7	Peteru		18
8	Battiprolu		16
9	Vemuru		16
10	Epurupalem		29
11	Murari	East Godavari	16
12	Katheru		19
13	Pulagurtha		30
14	Polavaram	Eluru	20
15	Phirangipuram	Guntur	126
16	Nidibrolu/Ponnuru		20
17	Ilavaram		17
18	Phirangipuram		20
19	Nidibrolu/Ponnuru		19
20	Ilavaram		39
21	Prathipadu		16
22	Mangalagiri		25
23	Durgada	Kakinada	37
24	Gollaprolu		18
25	Pedana	Krishna	32
26	Pedana		38
27	Kappaladoddi		40
28	Ghantasala		35
29	Adoni	Kurnool	20
30	Adoni		77
31	Yemmiganur		18
32	Nandyala	Nandyala	17
33	Allagadda		18
34	Vijayawada	NTR Dist.	19
35	Machavaram	Palnadu	17
36	Dachepalli		17
37	Sattenapalli		37
38	Korasawada	Srikakulam	28
39	Amadalavalasa		17
40	Akkulapeta		18
41	Akkulapeta		27
42	Somandepalli	Sri SatyaSai	71
43	Somandepalli		19
44	Dharmavaram		18
45	Somandepalli		28
46	Venkatagiri	Tirupati	19
47	Venkatagiri		18
48	Venkatagiri		16
49	Vizag	Visakhapatnam	16
50	Vizag(Gajuwaka)		18
51	Tanuku	West Godavari	19
52	Moragudi	YSR Kadapa	17
53	Proddatur		16
54	Jammalamadugu		17
55	Moragudi		20
	Total		1,425

 

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

***

DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q4053)

(Release ID: 2115274) Visitor Counter : 37