Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

July 17, 2025 – Ukraine has endured 2000 attacks on the country's health care system, according to documentation and monitoring by human rights and humanitarian organizations. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 Ukraine has experienced:

• 2000 total attacks on health care
• 1059 attacks damaged or destroyed hospitals
• 285 health workers killed
• 245 health workers injured
• 105 attacks affecting children's hospitals
• 81 attacks affecting maternal health facilities
• 178 attacks on hospital utilities.

“This brutal milestone and pattern of attacks clearly illustrates the Russian Federation's aim to eliminate Ukrainians' access to life-saving medical care and create conditions that jeopardize basic treatment and survival,” said Uliana Poltavets, PHR's Ukraine emergency response coordinator. “As Ukrainian civilians across the country – including health workers and patients – come under sustained attack, the global community must prioritize and advance accountability for these crimes.”

Russia's escalating assault on Ukraine in recent months has included mounting attacks on the country's civilian population and infrastructure, including hospitals and health workers.  

The attacks on health care have picked up pace in 2025 with the intensification of drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. On Monday, Russian forces reportedly attacked a hospital in Sumy region, with 10 people injured. Last week, a Russian drone and missile assault reportedly damaged a maternity hospital in Kharkiv and destroyed a primary care clinic in Kyiv.  

The new data is from a coalition of global and Ukrainian organizations, including eyeWitness to Atrocities, Insecurity Insight, the Media Initiative for Human Rights, Physicians for Human Rights, Truth Hounds, and the Ukrainian Healthcare Center. The 2000 attacks are depicted on an interactive map (attacksonhealthukraine.org).  

The organizations have been monitoring and documenting attacks on Ukraine's health care system since the onset of the full-scale invasion, including through a series of publications. The dataset uses the definitions of attacks on health care as defined by the World Health Organization and used by the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition.  The interactive map is updated with attacks on health care as of April 2025.

“The global community should safeguard the Ukrainian health workers who risk it all to save lives,” said Poltavets. “Russia's continued assault on civilian infrastructure underscores the life-saving impact of humanitarian and health aid. At this critical moment, global leadership, particularly sustained support for accountability efforts, is more needed than ever.”

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is a New York-based advocacy organization that uses science and medicine to prevent mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. Click here for the full document: Attacks on Healthcare in Ukraine. (ref. https://www.attacksonhealthukraine.org )

From Australian Ginger Beer to Fiji Water, and Vita Coconut Water: Jebsen Group relies on Gebrüder Weiss's logistics expertise for nationwide beverage distribution across China.

Shanghai / Lauterach, July 17, 2025. The international transport and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss is driving the dynamic growth of Jebsen Group's beverage business line in China through comprehensive warehousing and distribution solutions. 

In a rapidly evolving global trade landscape, India stands out with its competitive advantage stemming from relatively lower tariff rates compared to several key trading partners. With a tariff rate of 26%, as of July 2025, which might reduce to below 20% amid speculations of a trade deal with the US, India is positioned to leverage its trade potential, particularly in sectors such as chemicals, electrical machinery, pharmaceuticals, textiles and agricultural goods, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Ramnivas Mundada, Director of Economic Research and Companies at GlobalData, comments: “India's tariff rate is relatively lower than other countries, including China (30%), Mexico (30%), and the EU (30%). This favorable environment not only presents a unique opportunity for Indian exporters to but also enhances the price competitiveness of Indian goods and encourages foreign investment, fostering innovation and growth. Against this backdrop, GlobalData forecasts an average growth rate of 6.5% from 2025 to 2027, positioning India to become the third-largest economy by 2027.”

According to NITI Aayog, India can capitalize on 78 product categories (HS 4 codes) for exports to the US, accounting for 52% of its current exports. In the HS 2 code category, India enjoys lower tariffs than competitors in 22 of the top 30 products. This advantage arises from significant tariff hikes on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico. Although India faces slightly higher tariffs in six product categories, there remains a substantial growth potential, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electrical machinery, enhancing India's export competitiveness.

Data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reveals that India's exports to the US increased by 23.5% in June 2025 and by 22.2% from April to June 2025 compared to the same period last year. This growth has positioned the US as India's largest trading partner for the quarter.

Sector-wise opportunities

India has a notable comparative advantage in the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors. With China facing increased tariffs, Indian exporters have a prime opportunity to capture the US chemical import market.

India accounted for about 5% of the US apparel and clothing accessories imports in 2024, according to the ITC Trade Map. With new tariffs affecting Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Indonesia, Indian manufacturers have a significant opportunity. To achieve this, improvements in cost efficiency, lead times, and support for large-scale textile manufacturers will be essential.

The tariff hikes on Asian countries create an opportunity for India to boost its agricultural exports to the US. With relatively lower tariffs, India can position itself as a viable alternative supplier of a range of products, including agricultural goods, livestock, processed foods, and scrap materials.

Companies shifting operations to India

In the first half of 2025, several multinational companies have begun shifting their manufacturing bases to India to capitalize on tariff advantages and reduce reliance on China. Notably, Apple rerouted 97% of Foxconn's Indian iPhone exports to the US during March to May 2025, up from 50.3% in 2024, reflecting a strategic pivot amid US-China trade tensions. Similarly, in July 2025, Samsung Electronics announced plans to diversify smartphone production by moving some manufacturing from Vietnam to India.

India's trade competitiveness

To capitalize on the evolving trade dynamics, India must extend Production-Linked Incentive schemes to labor-intensive sectors like leather and handicrafts, while rationalizing electricity tariffs to enhance competitiveness. Additionally, pursuing a services-centric trade agreement with the US is essential, focusing on IT, finance, and digital trade. Addressing non-tariff barriers in sectors like pharmaceuticals is also crucial for unlocking export potential.

In June 2025, India urged the WTO to address non-tariff barriers impacting its merchandise exports, highlighting issues like opaque regulations and delays in dispute resolution that hinder competitiveness for Indian exporters, particularly MSMEs.

Mundada concludes: “Even if India's anticipated trade deal with the US falls short of expectations, the broader shifts in global tariffs present a strategic opportunity for India to reposition itself as a key export partner. With its resilience and sectoral strengths, India is well-equipped to diversify its export base. By implementing supportive trade and industrial policies, India can transform global tariff challenges into significant economic advantages. As the world navigates these changing trade landscapes, India's potential as a competitive exporter remains bright, promising growth and resilience in the face of adversity.”

Osnabrueck / Bogotá, July 16, 2025. Hellmann Worldwide Logistics today announced the opening of its new fully-owned subsidiary in Colombia. The launch represents a strategic milestone in the company's network expansion across the Americas and underscores its commitment to sustainable, long-term growth.

Hellmann has been active in Colombia for almost 30 years through local partner companies, establishing a strong market presence, in-depth local expertise, and a reliable network. Earlier this year Hellmann acquired its perishables partner HPL Apollo, including the HPL entity in Colombia. Following this acquisition, the company has further strengthened its footprint in the country by formally establishing its own subsidiary specializing in end-to-end logistics for general cargo and other verticals including airfreight, seafreight, customs brokerage, and contract logistics supported by an experienced team of supply chain professionals. Customers and partners can leverage Colombia as a new strategic hub for both inbound and outbound flows, enhancing connectivity to North and South American markets as well as global trade lanes supported by the extensive Hellmann network.

“Following the takeover of HPL Apollo in the United States and the inclusion of its Colombian operations, establishing a fully integrated own country organization in Colombia marks another milestone in our global expansion strategy. The Americas is a key market for us, and this development strengthens our presence and enhances our ability to serve customers across this strategically important region,” says Jens Drewes, CEO Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

“After seven successful years of collaboration with our local partner ABC Cargo Logistics S.A.S., we are proud to take the next step by establishing our own Hellmann operations in Colombia,” said Peter Huwel, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Americas. “This launch strengthens our ability to deliver the high-quality, integrated logistics solutions our customers expect from Hellmann, while positioning us to drive continued growth across the region.”

The Colombian opening further consolidates Hellmann's presence in Latin America and aligns with the company's ambition to connect the Americas' markets, people, and opportunities with efficiency, innovation, and commitment.

Über Hellmann
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics ist ein globaler Logistikdienstleister mit einem umfassenden Dienstleistungsportfolio, das Luft- und Seefracht, Straßen- und Schienentransport sowie Kontraktlogistik umfasst. Mit einem Jahresumsatz von EUR 3,8 Mrd. und rund 12.000 Mitarbeiter*innen in 61 Ländern bewegt Hellmann jährlich über 20 Mio. Sendungen. Auf Basis dieser breiten Produktpalette und langjährigen Erfahrung bietet Hellmann innovative Logistiklösungen für die komplexen Anforderungen jedes einzelnen Kunden und setzt auf visionäre technische Produkte, um maximale Kundentransparenz zu gewährleisten und gleichzeitig eine effizientere Lieferkette zu schaffen.

About Hellmann
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is a global logistics service provider with a comprehensive service portfolio that includes air- and seafreight, road and rail transport, and contract logistics. With annual sales of EUR 3.8 bn and around 12,000 employees in 61 countries, Hellmann moves over 20 mio shipments annually. Based on this broad product range and many years of experience, Hellmann offers innovative logistics solutions for the complex requirements of each individual customer and relies on visionary technical products to ensure maximum customer transparency while creating a more efficient supply chain.

Chișinău, July 16, 2025 – Invest Moldova Agency invites business leaders, investors, business associations, public and private partners to the tenth edition of Moldova Business Week – the country's most important economic forum, taking place between September 15-19, 2025.

The event will bring together participants from the business, institutional, and academic communities, both from Moldova and abroad, with activities scheduled in Chișinău and other regions across the country.

Organized under the theme “Moldova is Open for Business”, this milestone edition highlights Moldova's ongoing commitment to international economic cooperation.

MBW25 reflects the country's strategic direction toward building a sustainable, digital, and regionally integrated economy, further strengthening Moldova's position as an emerging investment destination in Europe.

The forum's agenda includes B2B sessions, thematic panels, investor and exporter success stories, field visits, and a strong focus on networking and business development.

This edition will place special emphasis on four strategic pillars:

 State Aid Scheme for Industrialization – a competitive investment attraction tool supporting six strategic sectors, offering state assistance of up to 60% of the total investment amount.

 Moldova IT Park – a flagship success in the IT and business services sector, offering a unique flat tax rate of 7%, guaranteed by law until 2035.

 Infrastructure and Renewable Energy Investments – aiming to strengthen energy independence, diversify supply sources, ensure direct energy integration with the EU, and accelerate the transition to green energy.

 Positioning Moldova as a regional logistics hub – contributing to the reconstruction of Ukraine through infrastructure, logistics, and the production of construction materials.

“Through this anniversary edition, Moldova will demonstrate its readiness to play an active role in the regional economy. We have talented people, a business-friendly fiscal environment, and a clear development vision,” says Natalia Bejan, Director of the Invest Moldova Agency.

Recent data reinforces this message:

In 2024, 1.3% of all cars produced globally included components made in Moldova.
 
Moldova ranks among the top 20 global producers and exporters of apples, apricots, plums, and wine.
 
IT exports have increased more than fivefold between 2018 and 2024.
 
The British company William Russell named Moldova the most promising real estate investment destination in Europe for 2025.
 
International rating agencies Fitch and Moody's have reaffirmed Moldova's sovereign ratings with a stable outlook, reflecting investor confidence and economic resilience.

Chișinău, Moldova – Moldova is taking a decisive step toward the future of agriculture with the launch of a new incubator and pre-accelerator at Agrotek Arena Incubator, an innovation space dedicated to digital agriculture, robotics, and food technology. The initiative is part of the Innovate Moldova Programme, funded by Sweden, and aims to modernize the country's agri-food sector through innovation, research, and international collaboration.

On July 9, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Moldova's Ministry of Digitalization and Economic Development (MDED), the Technical University of Moldova (UTM), the Innovate Moldova Programme, and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), marking the start of this strategic partnership.

The incubator will span 1,300 square meters across two refurbished floors of Agrotek Arena and will host up to 30 residents – startups, student entrepreneurs, researchers, and agri-food businesses. It is projected to benefit over 3,000 students, farmers, and food processors annually by providing access to cutting-edge technologies, prototyping labs, greenhouses, and innovation support programs.

“Agriculture remains a backbone of Moldova's economy. Yet, without modern tools and forward-thinking infrastructure, its full potential cannot be realized, Agrotek Arena will serve as a launchpad for innovation, helping us bridge the gap between academia, industry, and global partners.”

stated Doina Nistor, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitalization and Economic Development.

The incubator is set to open its doors to residents by September 1st, with a structured acceleration program launching in October 2025. Activities will focus on developing viable agri-tech solutions in areas such as precision agriculture, smart irrigation, and sustainable food processing.

Shared Investment and Global Collaboration

The $1 million project is built on a shared funding model. Innovate Moldova Programme and UMAEF are supporting the refurbishment of common areas, while UTM is offering rent-free space and managing energy efficiency upgrades. Residents will contribute by equipping their dedicated offices with air conditioning, furnishings, and technical installations.

Agrotek Arena will also establish strong linkages with European and North American technology providers. Strategic collaborations include:

Davis Weather Stations for climate-smart farming,
Biosfera's GPS AgTech Solutions for resource-optimized agriculture,
SAS Cropio ERP Systems for real-time farm data analytics.

These partnerships not only bolster Moldova's agricultural transformation but also create long-term business opportunities for EU, EFTA and North Atlantic region.

A Foundation for Moldova's AgriTech Future

Located on UTM's 5-hectare Mircești campus in capital Chișinău and linked to 570 hectares in Criuleni region, Agrotek Arena is the first major milestone in the broader Agrotek Park vision. Future plans include the development of high-tech farming sites, applied R&D centers, and repurposed Soviet-era infrastructure into labs and innovation hubs.

“This is more than a building—it's the beginning of Moldova's transformation into a regional hub for sustainable agri-tech. By fostering ties between startups, universities, and international partners, we are laying the groundwork for high-value job creation and export-ready technologies.”

said Sergiu Rabii, Programme Director at the Innovate Moldova Programme

Agrotek Arena will also support Moldova's alignment with EU standards by integrating sustainable design, ESG practices, and inclusive economic development into its operational model.

16 JULY 2025 – Equinor's long-term positive safety trend is reinforced through the second quarter of 2025. The total number of serious incidents and personal injuries per million hours worked is at the lowest level the company has ever experienced at the end of the second quarter.

At the end of the second quarter of 2025, the serious incident frequency per million hours worked (SIF) was 0.27*, an improvement from the first quarter of 2025. Serious personal injuries are also included in the serious incident statistics.

“Systematic and long-term cooperation has been the key to our efforts over time to improve overall safety results through prevention of major accidents and serious personal injuries. Safety results are created and achieved on a daily basis. We have also experienced incidents that we need to learn from. Our cooperation with our suppliers, our employees and employee representatives is important to ensure that we can maintain this trend,” says Jannicke Nilsson, executive vice president for safety, security and sustainability.

As of the second quarter, the frequency of personal injuries per million hours worked (TRIF) is 2.2 for the last 12 months, the same level as in the first quarter 2025.

Five oil and gas leaks were recorded over the last 12 months, the same level as in the first quarter. These leaks are classified according to the degree of severity in relation to the discharge rate.

There have been no incidents with major accident potential or serious well control incidents in the second quarter.

Preventive work

Through the “Always Safe” annual wheel, Equinor is working with other operating companies and suppliers to enhance understanding of factors that get in the way of safe work. Working safely at heights is the topic for the “Always Safe” learning package for the third quarter. This builds on preventing personal injuries, which was the topic for the second quarter.

Investigating working conditions at Hammerfest LNG

During the second quarter, we opened two internal investigations at Hammerfest LNG. The first is linked to a falling accident in April and will also include associated reports regarding the culture of safety and working environment. The second is an investigation of exposure incidents in the L201 area in the summer of 2024, 9 April and 13 June 2025, where personnel reported symptoms of unknown origin. The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority is also investigating these incidents.

* As of the first quarter of 2025, SIF is being reported with two decimals to better reflect minor changes in the frequency.

Pemba, 16 July 2025 – As Cabo Delgado experiences an alarming rise in violence, access to healthcare for communities in vulnerable circumstances is being severely compromised.

Nearly eight years of conflict in northern Mozambique has already taken a huge toll on people living in the province, where more than 400,000 people are displaced. Fighting and insecurity have led to the forced reduction of medical activities and have limited the movements of health workers and the communities in the affected areas. Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is calling for the protection of medical workers and health facilities from violence, and to ensure a coordinated humanitarian response in places experiencing a surge of needs due to the arrival of displaced people.

To date in 2025, 43,000 people have been displaced following attacks and violent incidents. Over 134,000 people were affected by violence in May alone, according to an OCHA report. This is the most significant rise in violence since June 2022. Many of these recent violent incidents took place in the district of Macomia, Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe and Meluco, and even spread to neighbouring Niassa province.

Macomia, a major town in central Cabo Delgado, was attacked by a non-state armed group in May 2024, forcing MSF, as well as other humanitarian organizations, to stop or suspend activities. We were gradually able to resume operations in April 2025. More than a year after the attack, only one health facility is operational in the district, compared to the seven health centers that were functional before.

“With the increase in displacements, many people have come to seek refuge in Macomia, overwhelming the only functional health center,” says Dr. Emerson Finiose, an MSF medical doctor in Macomia. “We're struggling to do medical referrals. We must prioritize the most severe cases, leaving a significant gap in care for the rest of the community.”

The situation in Macomia illustrates the fragility of the health system in Cabo Delgado, a pattern repeated across the three other districts where MSF is present: Mocímboa da Praia, Mueda and Palma. Since the conflict began, more than fifty percent of the province's health facilities have been completely or partially destroyed, according to official data. The situation got worse when Cyclone Chido struck southern parts of Cabo Delgado late last year.

At the same time, many health facilities are non-functional due to the absence of health workers. Services are frequently suspended or reduced, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, and many of the functional facilities are under-resourced or located too far for many people to access safely.

In 2025, MSF was forced to suspend outreach activities five times due to insecurity, for at least two weeks at a time, particularly in Macomia and Mocímboa da Praia. This left thousands of people without access to healthcare and jeopardized the continuity of care for patients.

MSF teams provide basic healthcare, treatment for HIV and TB, sexual and reproductive health services, mental health support as well as maternity and pediatric care. We also carry out donations of medicines and medical supplies and provide water and sanitation services. Between January and May 2025, MSF carried out a monthly average of 18,000 medical consultations (both inpatient and outpatient), 30 referrals of patients in need of specialized care and 740 deliveries were assisted across the four districts where we operate.

The limitations – and sometimes inability – to offer care due to this volatile context has a deep impact on the community. This is evident in our medical data: in April, our teams in Mocímboa da Praia carried out 12,236 outpatient consultations. In May, as incidents intensified, that number dropped drastically to 1,951.

A crucial part of MSF's response is carried out by health promotion teams and community health workers known as APEs (Agentes Polivalentes Elementares). They work with communities to share essential health information and promote healthy practices, such as handwashing and water treatment to prevent waterborne diseases. MSF trains some of these workers to identify and treat common diseases, such as malaria, a leading cause of death in the region, and to process the referral of patients in need of specialized care.

“Sharing health information is very important in times of conflict, when many people are psychologically affected,” says Fatima Abudo Laíde, an MSF health promoter at the Malinde community, Mocímboa da Praia district.  “Sometimes a person is sick but can't be open, because emotionally they're not well. I help them seek treatment at the nearest health center, so they're not isolated. I've faced difficult situations, like accompanying a woman in labor at three in the morning, even though I felt unsafe. But we're here to support our community, to overcome fear, and to make sure no one is left without help.”

In addition to suffering acute psychological distress and trauma, some patients are forced to interrupt their treatments. This is particularly concerning for pregnant women, older adults, people with disabilities, and people living with chronic conditions or HIV.

“I remember a case in Mbau community where a pregnant woman went into labor late at night,” says Sunga Antônio, an MSF midwife at the Rural Hospital of Mocímboa da Praia. “The health promoter called us for help, but it was too late and risky to evacuate her. She gave birth in the community, and we could only take her to the hospital by morning. Sadly, she fell into a coma, likely from complications, as she was carrying twins. If the local health center had been functional, she could have received timely care and had a safe delivery.”

Recent cuts in humanitarian aid have intensified the deteriorating situation in Cabo Delgado. These funding shortfalls illustrate the broader global issue: the collective ability to respond to people's needs is collapsing across all sectors and organizations. “Cabo Delgado's conflict has become a severe humanitarian crisis,” says Dr. Finiose. “It affects every aspect of life, especially healthcare and education, and it strips people of their dignity. We need safe access to communities in need and we need support from other actors so we can help them cope with the consequences of this crisis.”

MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

Supporting vulnerable refugees, advocating for, and building the capacity of grass roots refugee communities is the mission of a new not-for-profit organisation.

The RCAA Foundation is a refugee driven organisation that also aims to give refugees with lived experience a voice to government and in national conversations.

The inaugural foundation chair is settlement sector veteran and the retiring CEO of settlement agency AMES Australia Cath Scarth.

An extension of the Refugee Communities Association of Australia, the bi-partisan foundation aims to work with grass roots refugee communities in Australia to build their capacity, advocacy and agency.

Ms Scarth said the foundation was about self-determination and agency for refugee communities.

“The foundation is an opportunity to build capacity within refugee communities to help them devise and deliver their own solutions to the challenges they face,” Ms Scarth said.

“We saw during the COVID pandemic the ability of refugee communities to rise above challenges and support each other.

“The foundation is also an opportunity for people who are not from refugee communities to play a part in supporting them,” Ms Scarth said.

 RCAA Foundation director Parsu Sharma Luital said the Foundation's aim was “to incorporate the authentic, grassroots voices of refugees directly into key national discussions”.

“The foundation aims to make our community work sustainable. We want to create opportunities to source resources that support refugee communities and empower them to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.

“Many people don't understand that refugees are making positive contributions to Australia economically and socially. Part of the work of the foundation will be to change that.

“Many people also think that refugees come with problems and challenges. But they also come with solutions, skills, expertise and the opportunity to put forward and implement those solutions could materially benefit many lives,” Mr Sharma Luital said.

Fellow foundation director Elijah Buol OAM said the foundation was an extension of RCAA's work in supporting refugee communities.

“Our mission is to support refugees and people seeking asylum and to empower them as well as to provide resources and financial support so they can achieve their goals and aspirations and fulfil their potential,” Mr Buol said.

The foundation's constitution states its object is “to provide direct assistance to people in Australia who are disadvantaged by poverty, illness, suffering, distress, misfortune, disability, destitution or helplessness so as to arouse compassion in the community, with a particular emphasis on migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and people from a culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who are at financial risk or in other vulnerable circumstances”.

RCAA is the national peak body for grass roots refugee communities.