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KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Minister of Commerce Industry and Labour, Honourable Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua (14th March 2025)

Reverend Misipati Afutiti,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to all participants representing various organizations, school principals, teachers and students who are gathered here today for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Labour (Ministry) Awareness Day.

TALOFA LAVA

Today’s programme marks the commemoration of the World Consumer Rights Day, an important occasion dedicated to celebrating consumer rights and standing in solidarity with the global consumer movement.

The Ministry commemorated the World Consumer Rights Day on March 14th, 2025, in advance of the internationally recognized date of March 15th, which falls on a Saturday. The World Consumer Rights Day is an annual event that provides an opportunity to advocate for the protection and respect of consumer rights while addressing market abuses and social injustices that undermine those rights. The World Consumer Rights Day was inspired by President John F Kennedy, who, on March 15, 1962, delivered a special message to the US Congress that formally acknowledged the importance of consumer rights. The day was first observed by Consumer International (CI) on 15 March 1983 and continues to be commemorated each year on this date, driving action on key issues and campaigns. This year marks the 27th celebration of World Consumer Rights Day in Samoa.

In June 1998, the Samoan Government enacted the Fair Trading Act, aimed at protecting consumer rights and establishing conduct standards for businesses operating in Samoa. This legislation was later refined and strengthened by the Competition and Consumer Act of 2016.

In honour of this special day, the Ministry sets aside the universal theme “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles” but chooses to proceed raising commitment in engaging consumers and businesses to interact in a solid and competitive trading environment by conducting an outreach program.

The eight fundamental Consumer Rights include:

1. Right to satisfaction of basic needs

2. Right to safety

3. Right to information

4. Right to choose

5. Right to representation

6. Right to redress

7. Right to a healthy environment

8. Right to consumer education

It is our hope that by the conclusion of today’s activities, all attendees will have a comprehensive understanding of their consumer rights and obligations, the Ministry’s services and its integral role within our community. We also eagerly anticipate receiving your valuable feedback to further improve our services.

On that note, I wish you all a successful and enriching day.

I HEREBY DECLARE THIS AWARENESS DAY OFFICIALLY OPENED.

Soifua.

FAAMANATUINA O LE ASO FAAPITOA MO AIA TATAU A TAGATA FAATAU 2025

SAUNOAGA AUTU a le Minisita o le Matagaluega o Pisinisi Alamanuia ma Laipa le afioga Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua, (14 Mati 2025)

E manatu o lea ua pale i galutu’u seegapapa a le tupu e pei o le fetalaiga i le malae o le Tea Malosi . Ua o tatou fesilafai foi i pu’e o manu ae le o mala i le alofa ma le agalelei o le Tapaau Sili i le Lagi. Ae e’e ia i vaatapu ou paia sausaugatā Samoa auā o paia lava mai le vavau seia o’o i le faavavau.

Lau Susūga i le Ta’ita’i o le sauniga ma le pa’ia maualuga o le valaaulia. Mālo le soifua manuia ma le lagi e mamā. O lea ua māe’a ona asa uta mamao ma uta lalata, ua uma foi ona paniniu pa’ia o le taeao ma le aso e pei ona saunoa i ai le fofoga o le aso. Ae o le a salatonu ia lau o le fō ma vili tonu le ifi a Māina e tusa ai ma le faamoemoe o lenei aso.

O le faamoemoe ua taunuu, o le la’au lea o le soifua. Faafetai tele mo le taliaina o le vala’au atu a le Matagaluega ina ia tatou auai faatasi I lenei faamoemoe.

O lenei faamoemoe ua faapitoa lea mo le faailogaina o le Aso Faapitoa mo le Puipuia o Aia Tatau a Tagata Faatau.

O le aso 15 o Mati i tausaga taitasi e faamanatuina ai i le lalolagi atoa le Aso Faapitoa mo le Faalauiloaina o Aia Tatau a Tagata Faatau o le Lalolagi (World Consumer Rights Day). Talu ai o le aso 15 e pāu i le Aso Toonai, o lea ua faailogaina ai i le asō le aso faapitoa i lenei tausaga.

O lenei Aso Faapitoa sa ulua’i faamamaluina mai le tausaga e 1983 e se tasi o Peresetene ta’uta’ua o le malo o Amerika, o John F Kennedy. O le tausaga e 1998 na amata faamamaluina ai i Samoa lenei aso faapitoa ina ua pasiaina le Tulafono o Fefaatauaiga Talafeagai lea ua suia nei i le Tulafono o Faiga Faatauvaga mo Fefaatauaiga ma le Puipuia o Tagata e Fa’aaogaina Oloa ma Auaunaga 2016. O se tasi o sini autu o lenei Tulafono o le puipuia lea o aia tatau a tagata faatau i le atunuu.

O le luasefulu fitu (27) ai lenei o tausaga talu ona faamamaluina i Samoa lenei aso faapitoa ma ua avea ai lava le aso 15 o Mati o tausaga taitasi ma aso faapitoa mo lenei faamoemoe taua. O se faailoga foi lea o le faatauaina tele o aia tatau a tagata faatau uma.

O ia Aia Tatau e 8 e aofia ai:

1. Aia Tatau i oloa ma auaunaga saogalemu

2. Aia Tatau i faamatalaga o oloa ma auaunaga

3. Aia Tatau e filifili ai i oloa lelei ma auaunaga talafeagai ma lou mana’o

4. Aia Tatau faa-le-tulafono

5. Aia Tatau mo le faamalieina o manaoga masani

6. Aia Tatau e toe faaleleia ai se oloa, toe sui se oloa, poo le toe totogi foi o se oloa poo se auaunaga ua lē talafeagai

7. Aia Tatau i se si’osi’omaga mama

8. Aia Tatau ia A’oa’oina

Ua filifili le Matagaluega e faataatia le Sini Autu Faavaomalo mo lenei Tausaga “O se suiga tonu i se olaga gafataulimaina” ae faatautaia polokalame faalauiloa e saga unaia atili ai le silafia o tagata faatau i a latou matafaioi poo aia tatau.

O se faamanatu taua tele mo tagata faatau, ia fa’aaogaina a latou aia tatau ma le tatau i taimi o fefaatauaiga ma fesoasoani tele ia ausia se si’osi’omaga maloloina ma talafeagai i maketi o fefaatauaiga.

E i ai le manatu maualuga o le a fa’aaogaina lenei avanoa tatou te talatalanoa ai ma fefa’asoa’i i mataupu uma o loo mafai ona tuuina atu ai se fesoasoani, fautuaga ma se auaunaga a lenei Matagaluega. E le gata i lea o ni auaunaga e tatau ona faaleleia atili a le Matagaluega.

Ia manūteleina lenei aso i le alofa o le Atua, ma ou te faamalosi ‘au atu ina ia fa’aaoga lenei avanoa lelei ma le tāua tatou te fefaasoaa’i ai ma fetufaa’i ai. Ia tatala le tofā ma le faautautaga sasa’a i finagalo o le tatou mafutaga ina ia tofu le gogo ma si ana i’a auā lava le sini autu o lenei aso. Ia agalelei mai le Alii ma tulituliloaina pea i tatou i lona alofa tunoa ma lona filemu ma taitaiina atu i tatou uma i le faaiuga o lenei faamoemoe.

UA TATALA ALOAIA LE TATOU FAAMOEMOE I LE ASŌ.

SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA.

Ata Pueina – Malo o Samoa (Taunuuga Toatasi)

March 31, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE – Wednesday 19th March 2025] The newly accredited Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Independent State of Samoa, H.E. Ms. Kira Christianne D. Azucena presented her Letter of Credence to the Head of State of Samoa at the credential ceremony held yesterday afternoon, on 19 March 2025.

On the occasion, Ambassador Azucena in her remarks conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of the Philippines, His Excellency Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr to the Head of State and to the Government and People of Samoa. The Ambassador also highlighted the remarkable parallels and similarities between both Samoa and Filipino cultures, attributing these commonalities to the very relations that both nations enjoy today. Ambassador Azucena reaffirmed the Philippines commitment to strengthening the diplomatic ties and cooperation between the two countries for a better and prosperous future for all.

Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II acknowledged the Government of the Philippines continued support for Samoa through their Technical Cooperation programme and expressed his gratitude for the latter’s assistance through the Trainers training on diplomatic protocol and conference management workshop conducted in March 2024 to assist Samoa with its preparations in hosting the 2024 CHOGM. The Head of State also expressed his confidence that the appointment of H.E Azucena as the new Ambassador of the Philippines to Samoa will yield more opportunities in promoting cooperation and enhancing relations between the two countries.

Her Excellency Ms. Kira Christianne Danganan Azucena is a career diplomat and has served in various capacities to include, Director for the Central Europe at the Office of European Affairs, Special Assistant to the Secretary General of the National Organizing Committee in 2006. In Cebu, she served as Executive Director of the Office of the UN and other International Organizations, Assistant Secretary of the Office of American Affairs, Chief Coordinator of the Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Chief of Staff of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. She was also on various diplomatic postings including as First Secretary and Consul and Alternate Permanent Representative to the FAO at the Philippines Embassy in Rome and served as the Deputy Consul at the Philippines Consulate General in Hong Kong. She continued her career as Deputy Consul General at the Philippines Consulate in New York and later became Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d’ffaires a.i at the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations. H.E Azucena is currently the Ambassador of the Philippines to New Zealand with concurrent accreditation to the Pacific countries including Samoa with residence in Wellington, New Zealand.

END

SOURCE – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Photos by the Government of Samoa (Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo)

March 31, 2025

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 31 MAR 2025 11:03AM by PIB Delhi

NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), has developed a portal which is a comprehensive repository of data on social, economic and fiscal parameters, research reports, papers, and expert commentary on State Finances for a period of about 30 years (i.e 1990-91 to 2022-23). Hon’ble Finance Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman will launch the “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” portal on 1st April, 2025 in New Delhi. 

The portal has four main components, namely: 

1. State Reports – summarising the macro and fiscal landscape of 28 Indian States, structured around indicators on demography, economic structure, socio-economic and fiscal indicators. 

2. Data Repository – offering direct access to the complete database categorised across five verticals viz. Demography; Economic Structure; Fiscal; Health and Education. 

3. State Fiscal and Economic Dashboard – showcasing graphical representations of key economic variables over time and provide quick access to raw data through a data appendix or additional information through summary tables. 

4. Research and Commentary – draws on extensive research on State finances and critical aspects of fiscal policy and financial management at the State and national levels.

The portal will facilitate an understanding of macro, fiscal, demographic, and socio-economic trends; easily accessible data and user-friendly format and will also address the ongoing need for consolidated sectoral data in one place. It will further help in benchmarking the data of each state against that of other States and the national figures. It will also provide a forum to policymakers, researchers, and others interested in alluding to the data for informed debates and discussions.

The portal will serve as a comprehensive research hub, offering a wealth of data and analytical tools for in-depth research studies. It will act as a central repository of information, providing access to an extensive database of social, economic, and fiscal indicators spanning the past 30 years. By leveraging historical trends and real-time analytics, users will be able to track progress, identify emerging patterns, and formulate evidence-based policies for development.

*****

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2116968) Visitor Counter : 14

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 31 MAR 2025 1:38PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commended the Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh, for his insightful remarks on the pivotal role of nuclear power in India’s journey towards sustainability and self-reliance in energy. 

Responding to a post by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on X, he stated:

“Union Minister @DrJitendraSingh elaborates on how nuclear power has emerged as a crucial pillar in India’s quest for a sustainable and self-reliant energy future.”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2116999) Visitor Counter : 271

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 31 MAR 2025 11:55AM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 31 March 2025

 

WAVES Bazaar, the premier global e-marketplace for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry, is set to make a powerful impact in its inaugural edition, taking place from May 1-4, 2025, at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. As a key component of WAVES 2025, the marketplace will bring together industry leaders from Film, TV, and AVGC (Animation, VFX, Gaming, and Comics) sectors, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, content showcasing, and business expansion.

With an ambitious vision to establish India as a global content hub, WAVES Bazaar will feature a range of exclusive segments, including the Viewing Room, Market Screenings, Buyer & Seller Meetings, and the dynamic Pitchroom, facilitating meaningful connections and driving cross-border partnerships.

Viewing Room & Market Screenings: Unlocking New Content Horizons

WAVES Bazaar will host curated screenings of films, series, and AVGC projects, providing buyers, sales agents, and distributors with exclusive access to fresh and compelling content. The Viewing Room will offer a dedicated space for industry professionals to explore and acquire new titles, while the Market Screenings will present select projects to a global audience, creating opportunities for content distribution, licensing, and syndication deals.

Buyer & Seller Meetings: Fostering Global Collaborations

In collaboration with FICCI Frames Content Marketplace, WAVES Bazaar will offer a structured Buyer & Seller segment, enabling one-on-one meetings between key stakeholders, including producers, studios, broadcasters, and platforms. These targeted B2B interactions aim to accelerate deal-making, co-productions, and content acquisitions, fostering international collaborations and strengthening industry ties.

Pitchroom: Where Ideas Meet Investors

The Pitchroom will provide a high-energy platform for creators, filmmakers, and content innovators to present their most promising concepts to investors, producers, and commissioning editors. Designed to spotlight emerging talent and innovative projects, the Pitchroom will serve as a launchpad for new content ventures and potential co-productions, making it a must-attend for industry decision-makers.

Industry Leaders Endorse WAVES Bazaar

Prominent industry players have lauded WAVES Bazaar for its potential to transform content trade and partnerships.

“We are excited to participate in WAVES Bazaar across multiple segments,” said Mr. Murlidhar Chhatwani, Chief Business Officer, and Mr. Rajat Goswami, Head of Film Acquisitions & Syndication at Panorama Studios. “This marketplace provides an incredible platform for showcasing our projects, securing meaningful collaborations, and expanding our global reach in the entertainment industry.”

A Gateway to Global Content & Strategic Alliances

WAVES Bazaar is poised to become a game-changer for content creators, buyers, and investors, offering an influential platform to discover new content, form partnerships, and explore distribution and co-production opportunities. The event invites buyers, sellers, investors, and M&E professionals to participate and leverage WAVES Bazaar for strategic growth and international collaborations.

For registrations and more information, visit: WAVES Bazaar

 

About WAVES

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

Have questions? Find answers here.

Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES 

Register for WAVES now.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Nikita/ Darshana | 82

Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

(Release ID: 2116982) Visitor Counter : 237

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Government announced today (March 31) the reappointment of six incumbent members of the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF) Committee. The appointment of Mr Shum Ho-kit and Miss Amy Chan Lim-chee as the new Chairman and Vice-Chairman, and Miss Louisa Cheung Yee-sha, Mr Lawrence Lam Chi-bun, Miss Charlotte Lau Hei-lam, Dr Michael Liu Tsz-chung, Professor Ming Wai-kit, Ms Ng Mei-yee, Mr Wilson Or Chong-shing, Ms Tse Yi-lam, Ms Macy Wong Chor-kei and Mr Yim Chi-fung as new members, was also announced. The appointment of these 18 members will take effect from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027.

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, welcomed the appointments and looked forward to the new members continuing to demonstrate the care for community and cross-sectoral collaboration that the CIIF seeks to promote. She also expressed her appreciation to the outgoing Chairman, Mr Kwan Chuk-fai, and members Professor Alan Chow Ping-kay, Dr Fan Ning, Ms Amy Fung Dun-mi, Professor Vivian Lou Wei-qun, Miss Yanice Mak Wing-yan, Mr Francis Ngai Wah-sing, Miss Joanna Wong Kwan-chiu, Ms Wong May-kwan and Mr Wong Wai-kit, for their efforts and contributions to the CIIF during their term of service. 
   
The membership list of the CIIF Committee, with effect from April 1, 2025, is as follows:

Chairman
———–
Mr Shum Ho-kit

Vice-Chairman
—————-
Miss Amy Chan Lim-chee

Members
———-
Ms Karin Ann
Miss Louisa Cheung Yee-sha
Mr Lawrence Lam Chi-bun
Miss Charlotte Lau Hei-lam
Mr Lau Hing-wah
Ms Janus Lau Yuen-yee
Mr Lee Kwong-yu
Miss Leung Sze-wan
Dr Michael Liu Tsz-chung
Professor Ming Wai-kit
Ms Ng Mei-yee
Mr Wilson Or Chong-shing
Dr Johannes Poon Yin-kwong
Ms So Lai-chun
Mr Johnny Sze Chun-hong
Ms Tse Yi-lam
Mr Andy Wan Ka-kit
Ms Macy Wong Chor-kei
Mr Yim Chi-fung
Mr Yu Hon-kwan

The CIIF was established in 2002 to promote social capital development through encouraging mutual support in the neighbourhood, community participation and cross-sectoral partnership. The CIIF Committee is tasked to handle applications for funding under the CIIF and advise the Government on the administration of the CIIF as well as the development of social capital in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region