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Minister attending Australian data, digital meeting
Minister for Digitising Government Judith Collins is in Sydney to attend the first Data and Digital Ministers' Meeting of 2024. "This is a great opportunity to connect with our Australian counterparts and identify how we can work together on digital transformation," Ms Collins says. "Both our nations are looking into how advancements like AI and digital iden.....»»
Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, Feb. 15
COLOMBO -- Sri Lanka's Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on Thursday announced the signing of a direct air service agreement between Israel and Sri Lanka. Speaking at a press briefing at the President's Media Center, the minister said the agreement marks the beginning of direct flights between Israel and Sri Lanka, which would enhance passenger convenience. (Sri Lanka-Israel-Aviation).....»»
Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, Feb. 15
COLOMBO -- Sri Lanka's Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on Thursday announced the signing of a direct air service agreement between Israel and Sri Lanka. Speaking at a press briefing at the President's Media Center, the minister said the agreement marks the beginning of direct flights between Israel and Sri Lanka, which would enhance passenger convenience. (Sri Lanka-Israel-Aviation).....»»
Philippines-Swiss ties get boost after foreign minister’s visit
The Philippines is looking forward to having stronger relations with Switzerland following Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis’ visit to Manila on Thursday......»»
Swiss minister arrives today
Switzerland’s top diplomat will arrive in the Philippines tomorrow, the first time that a Swiss foreign minister will visit the country since 2008, the Department of Foreign Affairs has announced......»»
Economic Watch: China s travel boom buoys global expectations
BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- As the eight-day Spring Festival holiday draws closer, global tourist destinations are keen to attract Chinese holidaymakers, with high hopes for a tourism boom. In a video message last week, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended a warm welcome to Chinese tourists, as they had been the largest source of inbound tourism for the country. The prime minister expressed hopes that C.....»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 3 February 2024
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ebrahim says no to independent Mindanao CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 03 February) — Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim has rejected the call of former President Rodrigo Duterte for an independent Mindanao. Murad instead urged Bangsamoro officials and residents to support the current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. […].....»»
Minister charged with corruption took tickets to F1 races, musicals
Minister charged with corruption took tickets to F1 races, musicals.....»»
Loss of Russian gas has hurt German economy - minister
The country is now in a "particularly" difficult situation, Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has warned The German economy has lost its competitive advantage after abandoning Russian gas supplies, Vice-Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck stated on Wednesday. The EU's top economy benefited from cheap Russ.....»»
Losing Russian gas has hurt Germany s economy - minister
The country is now in a "particularly" difficult situation, Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has warned The German economy has lost its competitive advantage after abandoning Russian gas supplies, Vice-Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck stated on Wednesday. The EU's top economy benefited from cheap Russ.....»»
Saudis could recognize Israel if Palestinian issue resolved – foreign minister
Saudi Arabia's foreign minister says securing regional peace through the creation of a Palestinian state is 'something we have been indeed working on with the US administration, and it is more relevant in the context of Gaza'.....»»
German foreign minister grateful for Philippine health workers
Germany is grateful to Filipinos, especially in the health sector, for their important work in strengthening Germany’s health sector, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said......»»
2 Entrepreneurial Skills to Learn in 2024
As captains of small businesses, owners are responsible for steering their respective works of love through unpredictable waters. This comes more important in 2024, where a new set of challenges await, calling for a new set of abilities to learn and master. As we set sail into 2024, the importance of honing specific skills becomes […].....»»
New sanctions package against Russia
Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced a new package of sanctions as part of the ongoing international sanction response to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The new sanctions are: "Increasingly sophisticated methods are being used in the effort to evade sanctions. By targeting evasion methods, the Governmen.....»»
Open ocean salmon farm a win for the economy
The final approval of New Zealand King Salmon's Blue Endeavour open ocean aquaculture project is a significant step for New Zealand's aquaculture, and a win for the economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. "Blue Endeavour will be the first open ocean aquaculture salmon farm in New Zealand. It's going to provide more jobs for the Marlborough region and benefit our economy b.....»»
Indonesian Vice President to visit New Zealand
Indonesia's Vice President Ma'ruf Amin will visit New Zealand next week, the first here by an Indonesian leader since 2018, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has announced."New Zealand and Indonesia have a strong partnership," Mr Peters says. "The Vice President's visit is an opportunity to discuss how we can strengthen this further, building on 65 years of par.....»»
Where have all the nurses gone?
I could write about the country’s female tycoons who have grown their fathers’ businesses to dizzying heights, including Tessie Sy-Coson, Helen Yuchengco-Dee, Robina Gokongwei and Josephine Gotianun-Yap; or I could write about the Dumaliang sisters who staunchly defend that piece of paradise known as Masungi Georeserve; or I could write about our Filipina athletes waving the flag around the globe......»»
Iranian directors say they are ‘forbidden’ to join Berlin Film Festival premiere
'We are forbidden from joining you and watching a movie on the silver screen that is about love, about life, and also about freedom, a lost treasure in our country," the directors said in a statement after being barred by Iranian authorities.....»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
Chris Martin sings about completely insane Manila traffic at Coldplay concert
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has more to say about Manila's traffic as the British singer did an impromptu song about it in their band's concert last night......»»