Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: SANY Heavy Industry

Guangzhou, April 2, 2026 – SANY Heavy Industry (SSE: 600031 / HKEX: 60031), a global leader in the heavy machinery industry, today announced its 2025 Annual Report. The results mark a definitive structural pivot for the company, as international business evolved from a growth segment into the core engine of the enterprise.

Financial Performance: Profitable Growth and Strong Cash Flow

In 2025, SANY achieved total revenue of USD 12.49 billion, a year-on-year increase of 14.73%. Beyond top-line growth, the company demonstrated significantly enhanced profitability and financial health:
 

• Net Profit: Surged 41% to USD 1.18 billion.
• Gross Margin: Climbed to 27.7%, up 1.07 percentage points.
• Operating Cash Flow: Reached USD 2.80 billion, an impressive 34.8% increase.
• Shareholder Returns: Consistent with its focus on long-term value, SANY returned over 50% of its profits to shareholders.

Global Markets: International Revenue Reaches 64%

2025 was the year SANY’s global strategy achieved unprecedented scale and quality. International revenue reached USD 7.83 billion, now accounting for 64% of total revenue.
 

• Africa: Emerging as a major growth driver with USD 1.16 billion in revenue, up 55% due to localization and infrastructure demand.
• Asia-Pacific: Remained the largest overseas contributor at USD 3.34 billion.
• The Americas & Europe: Demonstrated high resilience, contributing USD 1.56 billion and USD 1.75 billion respectively, despite global economic cycles.

Product Leadership: A Diversified Global Portfolio

SANY’s growth remains rooted in its product excellence across multiple categories:
 

• Excavators: Contributed USD 4.83 billion, representing 38.7% of total revenue.
• Cranes & Concrete Machinery: Delivered combined revenue exceeding USD 4.38 billion.
• High-Growth Segments: Road machinery and piling equipment saw robust growth of 25% and 36%, respectively.

Management Perspective

“After 40 years of evolution, SANY is now a more resilient, global, and predictable business,” stated SANY Heavy Industry management. “The 2025 results prove that our global strategy is no longer just an objective—it is our reality. We remain committed to building long-term value by supporting the world’s most complex infrastructure projects.”

About SANY Heavy Industry (SSE: 600031 / HKEX: 60031)

SANY Heavy Industry is a premier global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, port and oil drilling machinery, and renewable wind-energy systems. With a presence in over 150 countries, SANY is dedicated to driving the industry forward through digitalization, electrification, and global collaboration.

Source: Amnesty International

 

• Regulators rubber-stamped casinos this year despite evidence of slavery and torture
• Survivors describe being trafficked to casino complexes and forced to scam 
• Casinos linked to scamming compounds owned by major Cambodian companies

 

A new investigation by Amnesty International shows that a dozen casinos in Cambodia are directly linked to scamming compounds where torture, forced labour, child labour and human trafficking have taken place.

Analysis of official licensing documents issued by Cambodia’s Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) shows that casino owners are in direct control of buildings and sites where human rights abuses have been documented in at least 12 separate locations. The findings corroborate testimony from compound survivors who described being on casino property while they were confined and abused.

 

The casinos’ plans were recognized by the CGMC in December and January – during the country’s supposed nationwide crackdown on scamming compounds. The approved businesses include three Crown casinos owned by Anco Brothers Co. Ltd., one of the most powerful companies in Cambodia.

 

“This research establishes a clear link between Cambodia’s licensed casinos and its scamming compounds. At a time when the government says it is dismantling the scamming industry, the evidence shows it is simultaneously recognizing the plans for casino properties where abusive scamming compounds are run,” Amnesty International’s Co-Regional Director Montse Ferrer said. 

 

“This contradiction raises urgent questions about whether Cambodian regulators are legitimizing companies linked to grave abuses. The authorities must explain why casinos with documented links to trafficking and torture continue to receive official approval. Every day that these casinos remain licensed is another day in which people on casino property are at risk of human rights abuse.”

 

Casinos recognized by government despite scamming links

In December 2025 and January 2026, the CGMC reviewed and recognized plans submitted by companies operating casinos. These included Crown casinos in the cities of Poipet, Bavet and Chrey Thum, and the Majestic Two and Majestic Hotel & Casino in Sihanoukville, whose former chairman was charged in January 2026 with illegal recruitment for exploitation, aggravated fraud, organized crime and money laundering.

 

The CGMC published detailed maps of the casino complexes, which show casino buildings, rental buildings, guest accommodation, hotels and general facilities.  

 

By comparing the official CGMC maps with satellite imagery, analyzed alongside Amnesty International’s own visits to compounds and testimony from scores of survivors gathered for its June 2025 report on scamming compounds, Amnesty identified 11 instances where the compounds profiled in the 2025 report were within the casino complexes recognized by the CGMC.

 

Amnesty International was able to link an additional complex not featured in its June 2025 report, the Crown Bavet Casino, to very recent evidence of human rights abuse. In January 2026, Amnesty interviewed two individuals from Kenya who had been subject to forced labour and deprived of their liberty at the casino complex, in one case until December 2025. The victims identified the buildings, including through photographs they had taken while confined, and the Crown logo. One of them identified building 15 in the CGMC map as the location where she was confined. The map marks this building as “residential and office building”.

 

“The children in the room were crying”

Between 2024 and 2026, Amnesty International interviewed survivors who were able to identify exact buildings within casino complexes where they were held.

 

Two survivors told Amnesty International they were at the Crown Resorts complex in Poipet where they were confined for months, threatened with electric shock batons and forced to open bank accounts that were likely used to launder money. The victims identified an image from Google Streetview which features a door and a sign for “Crown Casino”, saying they were taken through that door and forcibly confined inside.

 

One was in tears as she recounted: “The guards would enter the room and trigger the shock batons … it made a terrible sound. The children in the room were crying.” The building where she was tortured is marked in the Crown Resorts map in Poipet as “Restaurant and Office Buildings”.

 

Another victim, who was a child when he was trafficked into Cambodia, was deprived of his liberty in two separate casino complexes recently recognized by the CGMC. Sawat (not his real name) said he was confined in building 9, identified in the Crown Chrey Thom map plans as a “Hotel and office”, and was later taken to a location now confirmed as the New Venetian Casino in Bavet, operated by the New Venetian Resort Co., Ltd. 

 

At The New Venetian site, Sawat said he was tortured in a dark room on the eighth floor of  “building E” before being told to eat his “last meal” in 2024. He jumped out of a window to escape, later losing consciousness before receiving medical assistance away from the compound.

Building E is identified as a “Hotel” in the CGMC approved map of the casino complex. During a site visit, Amnesty International observed a marker on the gate to Buildings C, D and E reading “The New Venetian Casino and Resort” with the corresponding logo.

 

A systemic pattern that demands accountability

In addition to the Crown casinos and The New Venetian casino, Amnesty International also confirmed the following CGMC-recognized casino buildings located within the same complex as scamming compounds documented in its June 2025 report. Deprivation of liberty was documented in all locations, among other abuses:

 

• Casino Kyom (My casino), operated by Zhou Cheng K.P. Hotel Co. Ltd., a Cambodian company with links to China through one of its two directors; the same location Amnesty International identified as scamming compound KA02;
• Marinan International, operated by Marinan International Co., Ltd., a Cambodian company with links to China through one of its two directors; the same location Amnesty International identified as scamming compound PO07 where evidence of human trafficking and forced labour was documented;
• Peak Casino, operated by Conglomerate Development Group Co., Ltd., a Cambodian company; the same location Amnesty International identified as scamming compound SI12;
• Majestic Hotel & Casino and Majestic Two, both operated by Big House Commercial Corporation, a Cambodian company with links to China through one of its two directors; the same locations Amnesty International identified as scamming compounds SI15 and SI16, respectively, where evidence of human trafficking, forced labour, child labour and enslavement were documented;
• Long Feng Xuan Casino, operated by Long Feng Xuan Co., Ltd., a Cambodian company whose sole director is listed as being based in China; the same location Amnesty International identified as scamming compound SI20;
• Huang (or Wang) Chao International, operated by Bao Shi International Entertainment Co., Ltd., a Cambodian company; the same location Amnesty International identified as scamming compound SI32;
• Golden Sea Casino; operated by King Golden Sea Corp Ltd., a Cambodian company; the same location Amnesty International identified as scamming compound SI50 where evidence of human trafficking, forced labour and torture and other ill-treatment was documented.

 

In all cases Amnesty International has evidence that the human rights abuse documented took place within the buildings marked as part of the casino complexes recognized by the CGMC. Amnesty has also verified further accounts of human rights abuse connected to at least three of these casino complexes since the publication of its June 2025 report.

 

“The scale and industrialized nature of abuse documented in these Cambodian casinos makes clear that this is a high-risk sector that demands investigation and accountability at every level of the corporate chain,” Montse Ferrer said.

 

“The Cambodian government must immediately suspend the gambling licenses of these casinos and conduct a full, independent and transparent investigation into the violations documented at these sites. It should also investigate all those suspected of individual responsibility for crimes under international law or other gross human rights violations, including the owners, financiers and operators of these casinos.”

 

Background

In June 2025, an Amnesty International report found that more than 50 scamming compounds across Cambodia were sites of widespread slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, torture and other human rights abuses, operating as prison-like facilities controlled by organized criminal groups. The report concluded that Cambodian authorities had failed to prevent or address these violations, with evidence pointing towards state complicity or deliberate inaction that had allowed the industry to flourish. Nearly half of the 53 scamming compounds Amnesty International identified in June 2025 were linked to a casino.

 

In July 2025, the Cambodian government announced a nationwide crackdown on scamming compounds in the country. The CGMC has taken some enforcement actions since the start of this crackdown, such as the suspension and sealing of four casinos in Preah Sihanouk province in November 2025.

 

As reflected in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, all businesses — including casino operators — bear a responsibility to respect human rights, which is independent of the state duty to protect against human rights abuses by private actors. Where casino premises are used to facilitate the detention, coercion and exploitation of trafficked workers, casino operators and property owners may face exposure under Cambodian, transnational, and international criminal law where there is evidence that they knowingly assisted in the trafficking, enslavement or torture of persons.

 

Amnesty International wrote to the CGMC and all the companies named above to give them an opportunity to respond to the allegations raised. At the time of publication, none have responded.

Source: Temasek Foundation

The Liveability Challenge 2026 drew over 1,500 submissions across 100 countries, with eight stand-out solutions shortlisted after a rigorous selection process. Image: Eco-Business.

Singapore, 31st March 2026: Eight high impact start-ups have been shortlisted in The Liveability Challenge (TLC) – a global crowdsourcing platform presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business.

Chosen from a record 1,500 submissions across 100 countries, the finalists represent the cutting-edge innovations addressing urgent sustainable development challenges in the urban tropics.

These disruptive and technology-driven solutions in the two chosen themes for the year – Decarbonisation and Cool Earth – range from closed-loop systems that reduce buildings' cooling energy use to advanced textile recycling with significant reductions in energy, water and emissions, and next-generation carbon capture and hydrogen production systems.  

The 8 finalists for The Liveability Challenge 2026 are:    

Endo Enterprises (United Kingdom)
Closed-loop hydronic additive for the built environment that reduces energy for cooling by up to 15%.

FlueVault (Singapore)
Low cost, low-purity industrial CO2 capture and storage with critical metal recovery.

MacroCycleTechnologies (United States of America)
Textile-to-textile polyester recycling technology with 80% lower energy usage, 80% lower CO2 emissions and 99% less water usage, all at price parity.

Metha8 (Singapore)
Methanol-to-power technology for 24/7 baseload generation with 60% efficiency and integrated CO₂ capture.

Power To Hydrogen (United States of America)
Low-cost hydrogen production system with five times greater durability, 65% lower capex and a pathway to US$2/kg of hydrogen.

SPACECOOL (Japan)
Passive radiative cooling that cuts energy use by up to 11% and reduces urban heat island effects.

UP Catalyst (Estonia)
Utilisation of flue gas to produce battery-grade carbon materials at 26% lower cost than conventional methods.

YAMA (France)
Electrified carbon capture technology for dilute gas-fired streams, delivering up to 50% lower costs than conventional methods while enabling flexible operation.

Two finalists will each receive S$1 million in catalytic grant funding at The Liveability Challenge 2026 Grand Finale, which will be held on 20 May 2026 at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre – a flagship partner event of Ecosperity Week 2026 by Temasek.  

In addition, A*STAR has committed up to S$2 million annually over the next three years to support TLC, marking the platform's largest funding injection to date, with Temasek Foundation as the anchor funder.

TLC was established in 2018 and is Asia's largest sustainability solutions platform, supporting the commercialisation of innovative technologies from the lab to market.

Now in its ninth edition, TLC 2026 will see finalists pitch their solutions live at the Grand Finale, across two themes:

Decarbonisation
Disruptive deep-tech solutions that provide scalable and impactful solutions to reduce carbon emissions across diverse industries.  

Cool Earth
Groundbreaking innovations that address the challenges posed by climate-induced extreme weather conditions.

The eight finalists were carefully selected by an expert panel comprising leaders from government, finance, industry and the technical community.

“While global politics remain divided, the urgency of the climate crisis continues to intensify, with rising temperatures and increasing climate-related disasters. The strong global response to TLC 2026 reflects the determination of the innovation community to tackle these challenges, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the tropics. Governments, financiers and corporates must now match this ambition with sustained support to scale these solutions and deliver real-world impact,” said Meaghan See, Chief Commercial Officer, Eco-Business.

To date, TLC has attracted thousands of applications globally, shortlisted and incubated 54 start-ups and deployed more than S$16 million in funding to help these startups, who have gone on to raise hundreds of millions more.

Join global innovators, partners and funders for The Liveability Challenge 2026 Grand Finale on 20 May 2026.

Click here to register your attendance (in-person or virtually) now: https://events.eco-business.com/events/the-liveability-challenge-2026-grand-finale

For more information, visit The Liveability Challenge website at  www.theliveabilitychallenge.org.  

Steering committee/shortlisting experts (in alphabetical order):  

A*STAR (ISCE2) – Dr Gavin Chua, Coordinating Director

Eco-Business – Meaghan See, Chief Commercial Officer  

Eurazeo – Ernest Xue, Operating Partner

Evonik – Foo Chay Chong, Technology and Project Manager

National Climate Change Secretariat, PMO – Dr Poon Kee Chun, Head, Climate Change and Sustainability

SMART Innovation Centre – Dr Howard Califano, Director

ST Engineering – Khoo Teng Lip, Head, STEV

Surbana Jurong – Tan Wooi Leong, Senior Executive Director (Global Energy)

Temasek Foundation – Anders Soh, Director, Programmes (Climate & Liveability)

About Temasek Foundation

Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Temasek Foundation's programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and contributions from other donors. These programmes strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation's programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science and protect the planet.

For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg  

About Eco-Business

Established in 2009, Eco-Business is Asia Pacific's leading media and advisory platform dedicated to sustainable development. It publishes high quality, trusted content that advances dialogue and enables measurable impact on a wide range of sustainable development and responsible business issues. Eco-Business is headquartered in Singapore, with a presence in Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and correspondents across major cities in Asia Pacific.

For more information, visit www.eco-business.com

Source: deVere Group

April 1 2026 – Markets are now trading a 'two or three week' war timeline based on Trump's latest comments, and it's driving global moves, asserts the CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group.

The analysis from Nigel Green comes as global markets surge on expectations that tensions with Iran could ease far sooner than previously feared, triggering a rapid repricing across equities, oil, and currencies.

Futures linked to the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 moved higher overnight, extending a powerful rally in US equities, while Asian markets led gains, with South Korea's Kospi jumping more than 6%.

Oil, which had spiked to $119, has since fallen back toward $105 a barrel as traders reassess the likelihood of prolonged disruption.

He says: “Markets are, effectively, now trading a two or three week war scenario based on Trump's latest comments.

“The market reaction is now feeding directly into pricing across equities, oil and currencies.”

The shift has been swift and decisive. Comments from US President Donald Trump indicating Washington could conclude its campaign within weeks, alongside confirmation from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that talks with Iran remain ongoing, have altered the market narrative in a matter of hours.

Investors are recalibrating expectations “not on confirmed outcomes, but on a perceived narrowing of the conflict window,” notes the deVere CEO.

Nigel Green says markets are now moving ahead of the political process itself.

“Markets are pricing de-escalation faster than diplomacy can deliver. Financial markets move in probabilities, not confirmed outcomes, and right now the probability of a shorter conflict is being aggressively priced in.”

The move in oil remains central to this repricing. Crude's sharp pullback is already feeding through to expectations around inflation and interest rates, amplifying the rally in equities and reinforcing the broader shift in sentiment across asset classes.

“The oil move is doing the heavy lifting.

“As crude drops, inflation expectations ease and rate pressure softens, which is why equities are responding so strongly,” comments Nigel Green.

This dynamic is creating a powerful but potentially fragile rally. US stocks have just posted their strongest session in months, reflecting how quickly sentiment has turned.

Only days earlier, markets had been braced for escalation and a renewed inflation impulse. Now, positioning is shifting rapidly toward a more supportive macro backdrop.

The scale of the move also suggests that investors had been defensively positioned and are now rushing back into risk assets as geopolitical fears ease.

This kind of repositioning can accelerate gains in the short term, particularly in equity markets that are sensitive to changes in rate expectations and growth outlooks.

Asian markets are already reflecting this change in global capital flows. The sharp rise in the Kospi points to a broader re-risking trend, with investors reallocating toward regions and sectors that tend to benefit most from improved global growth expectations and reduced geopolitical tension.

The chief executive notes that this pattern highlights how interconnected global markets have become.

“Movements in one asset class are now transmitting across the entire system almost instantly.

“Oil feeds into inflation expectations, which feeds into rate outlooks, and that drives equity valuations. It's all happening in real time,” he says.

Currency markets are also beginning to adjust. As geopolitical risk premiums ease and inflation expectations soften, the support for the dollar from safe-haven demand could begin to moderate if current conditions persist. This adds another layer to the global repricing underway.

Despite the optimism, the underlying situation remains unresolved. There is no formal agreement in place, and diplomatic efforts are still ongoing. This leaves markets highly sensitive to any shift in rhetoric or developments on the ground.

Nigel Green warns that the current trajectory depends heavily on a single assumption holding true.

“This rally is built on a defined timeline that hasn't been confirmed. If that timeline slips or the situation deteriorates, markets will have to reprice just as quickly,” he says.

He concludes: “The key driver right now is Trump's latest salvo and his assumed duration of the conflict.

“Markets are trading that assumption aggressively. If it holds, risk assets will extend gains. If it doesn't, the reversal will be just as sharp.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Source: United Nations – UN Trade and Development
 
1 April 2026 – Energy corridor halted: The Strait of Hormuz remains “practically closed,” disrupting a critical share of global oil and gas flows.

Source: Trelleborg

 

Skellefteå, Sweden – April 1, 2026: Trelleborg announces its participation at the upcoming EuroMine exhibition in Skellefteå, Sweden from May 26-28. The company will showcase its latest wear-resistant rubber and mining wear protection solutions at stand 219, demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting essential industrial equipment and improving operational efficiency for mining professionals.

 

Mining operations require highly durable materials to withstand harsh conditions, reduce equipment downtime and achieve regulatory compliance. Trelleborg leverages in-depth materials expertise and applied polymer engineering to deliver custom solutions that meet these specific operational challenges.

 

Visitors to stand 219 will discover how advanced wear protection solutions extend product lifespan to ensure optimal performance. These high-performance materials withstand the most abrasive environments, reducing long-term costs and securing key infrastructure. As a trusted partner, Trelleborg provides global distribution capabilities alongside local expertise. The wear-resistant rubber solutions featured at EuroMine align with corporate sustainability goals by minimizing waste and supporting the transition to a low-carbon society.

 

Trelleborg will also introduce its new range of advanced wear resistant rubber sheeting at EuroMine, including Blackoil and Blackfras, innovative solutions designed to deliver durability and protection in the harshest mining environments. These new products are developed to handle challenging conditions, helping operators achieve reliable performance and extend equipment lifespan. In addition, GoldLine® will be highlighted as the flagship rubber sheeting product, recognized for its proven reliability and versatility across a variety of applications.

 

“With Blackoil and Blackfras, we are proud to bring next-generation rubber sheeting to the mining field. These solutions, together with GoldLine®, reinforce our commitment to supporting customers facing tough conditions around the world,” says Inigo Nuin, Sales & Marketing Director Rubber Sheeting.

 

Additionally, Trelleborg will present a comprehensive range of chute lining systems engineered to address the toughest challenges in material handling. The Top Liner solution features patented hook and loop technology, enabling fast, no-glue installation and easy assembly.

 

This innovation minimizes downtime and simplifies maintenance for mining operations where reliability and efficiency are crucial. Alongside this, visitors can explore FlexiGuard® 2, an abrasion-resistant chute liner system developed to maintain the free flow of material even in high-capacity applications. FlexiGuard® 2 is engineered to tackle the problem of build-up in mine chutes, helping operators maximize throughput and reduce unplanned disruptions.

 

“It is fantastic to be in Sweden for EuroMine this May,” says Carl Samuelson, Business Development Manager Nordics at Trelleborg. “This event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discuss complex challenges and demonstrate how our tailored polymer solutions drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage for our partners.”

 

To learn more about Trelleborg's mining solutions visit: www.trelleborg.com/en/fluidhandling/products-and-solutions/mining-and-mineral-solutions

 

About Trelleborg Fluid Handling Solutions and Trelleborg Group

Trelleborg Fluid Handling Solutions is a global leader in fluid transfer and wear protection innovations. Our comprehensive range of hoses, safety couplings, rubber sheeting and wear parts are designed to ensure safety and reliability across diverse industries. With expertise rooted in decades of experience, we are a trusted partner that delivers tailored solutions, engineered to optimize performance and minimize environmental impact. We proudly serve a wide range of industries, including food & beverage, mining, construction, oil & gas and chemical processing. Discover how we can support your fluid handling needs at www.trelleborg.com/fluidhandling.

 

Trelleborg leverages in-depth materials and applications expertise with early market insights, making the Group a world leader in engineered polymer solutions. We offer a unique portfolio covering a broad range of applications – even the most complex ones. In 2024, Trelleborg Group reported annual sales of approximately SEK 34 billion, with operations in around 40 countries. The Group comprises three business areas: Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, Trelleborg Medical Solutions, and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. The Trelleborg share has been listed on the Stock Exchange since 1964 and is traded on Nasdaq Stockholm, Large Cap. www.trelleborg.com 

Source: Victoria State Government
 
Thursday, 2 April 2026 – Labor is making it easier to move goods across Victoria, by bringing freight closer to the port while reducing truck traffic on local streets.

One of the world’s largest logistics companies – MEDLOG – has signed on as a major tenant of the former Melbourne market site in West Melbourne.

Partnering with the Port of Melbourne, MEDLOG will redevelop part of the 29-hectare site, enabling container storage next to the port – supporting more efficient freight movements and reducing truck trips through Melbourne’s inner west, including Yarraville, Tottenham, Brooklyn and Seddon.

By bringing container storage closer to the port, the project will reduce the need for trucks to travel across Melbourne’s inner west – cutting congestion and improving local roads.

This builds on the benefits of the West Gate Tunnel and No-Truck Zones, which have already taken thousands of trucks off residential streets and improved safety, air quality and noise for local communities.

The former Melbourne Market site – equivalent in size to more than 14 MCGs – is underpinned by approximately $500 million in private investment across the site and is being developed with industry to support Victoria’s growing freight task.

The Port of Melbourne remains Australia’s busiest container port, handling more than a third of the nation’s container trade.

Victoria’s freight sector contributes more than $36 billion to the economy each year, supporting around 240,000 jobs and moving approximately 440 million tonnes of freight annually.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne

“This is about keeping goods moving while taking pressure off local streets – cutting truck traffic, improving safety and strengthening Victoria’s supply chains.”

“By bringing freight closer to the port, we’re making the system more efficient and delivering real benefits for
communities, the freight industry and businesses right across the state.”

Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall

“This project will reduce truck movements on local roads and make a real difference for families in the inner west, with safer streets and better connections for our community.”

Quotes attributable to Port of Melbourne CEO Saul Cannon

“With approximately $500 million in private investment planned across the whole precinct and a significant uplift in jobs and economic activity, this redevelopment is a strategic investment in Victoria’s future that will help deliver a stronger and more resilient supply chain for the state.”

Quotes attributable to MEDLOG SA Chairman Giuseppe Prudente

“This investment reflects MEDLOG’s long‑term commitment to building resilient, port‑connected infrastructure that supports global trade and local economies.”

Quotes attributable to VTA CEO Peter Anderson

“By utilising this site for freight activity, transport operators will benefit from reduced congestion, improved access, and fewer avoidable delays that often lead to additional costs and compliance risks.”

Source: Maija-Frästechnik GmbH

Documentation of the use of 150 mm and 180 mm milling discs – Milling on a robot with a 150mm and 180mm milling disc, without using any cooling lubricants.

Source: AMES

Melbourne's Multicultural Hub has welcomed its one millionth program participant.

The millionth person to engage with the Hub's many programs and activities is Nepali international student Samrika Bhattarai, who currently volunteers as a facilitator at the Elizabeth Street facility.

“I love volunteering at the Multicultural Hub. I enjoy meeting lots of diverse people from different communities – it's a true melting pot,” Samrika said.

“And I enjoy all the different activities the Hub facilitates. It was initially a place where I could meet other international students and now, I'm volunteering at the Hub.

“Soon, I'll be facilitating my first Welcome to Melbourne event for in international students and I'm really excited,” she said.

Samrika came to Australia two years ago and has been studying for a bachelor's degree in Community Services.

For 18 years Melbourne's Multicultural Hub has provided a central place for the city's culturally diverse communities to meet, interact and collaborate.

Each year the Hub welcomes almost 60,000 visitors representing around 450 separate groups, and it hosts about 1600 events, meetings and gatherings annually. It is used by more than 80 migrant and refugee communities.

The Hub, operated by migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia in partnership with the City of Melbourne, is home to several impactful volunteering program. Community volunteers who support the Hub's programs pass on invaluable skills and experience to people diverse of vulnerable communities.

The Hub's volunteering programs for diverse community members help to develop their English build their social capital and ultimately help them gain paid employment. The Volunteer Work Experience Program (VWEP) is specifically designed to provide newly arrived skilled migrants an opportunity to develop local work experience, gain understanding of the Australian workplace culture and local references. In 2025 the Hub provided volunteering opportunities to almost 60 people.

The Hub has also proved to be a critical resource in times of crisis. It was used as welcome point for thousands of evacuated Afghan refugees during the COVID-19 lock downs. It was an information/contact centre for friends and relatives of people caught up in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

The Hub was used as a COVID-19 testing and vaccination centre for the homeless and for inner city residents. More recently it has been an information and resources centre for people fleeing the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Melbourne Multicultural Hub manager Maria Tsopanis said the Hub provides a safe and welcoming space for people from diverse, and sometimes marginalised groups.

“Patrons of the hub say they find the space safe, convenient and welcoming. Many say they feel more comfortable at the Hub than in other mainstream community spaces,” she said.

“The Hub as a facility provides: space for community groups to meet; opportunities for social connection; opportunities for learning and skill development; a space where communities can share their culture; opportunities for communities to maintain connection with their cultural heritage; a space where people can freely express cultural, religious and spiritual beliefs; as well as information and connection so people can increase their understanding of different cultures,” Ms Tsopanis said.

Source: KOF Economic Institute

The KOF Economic Barometer decreases considerably in March. After increasing in the previous month, it falls below its medium-term average for the first time this year. The outlook for the Swiss economy deteriorates.

In March, the KOF Economic Barometer decreases by 7.7 points to a level of 96.1 (after revised 103.8 in the previous month). The dampened outlook is reflected in both the production side and the demand side indicator bundles which are included in the Economic Barometer. The indicator bundles for manufacturing and for foreign demand in particular experience a strong setback.

The sub-indicators for different aspects of business activity within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction) equally exhibit the negative developments. Particularly the sub-indicators for exports, for the general business situation and for order backlogs are under pressure.

Nearly all sub-indicators within manufacturing show negative perspectives. While the sub-indicators for food and beverages are slightly improving, the sub-indicators for machinery and equipment manufacturing, for the electrical industry, for the metal industry as well as for paper and printing products are particularly weakening.