MIL Email Publisher – Foreign Submissions

01 October 2025 – Unless the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is renewed, African exporters of agricultural products and light manufactures could face shrinking market access to the United States, undermining prospects for diversification.

Since its launch in May 2000, AGOA has supported sub-Saharan African exports to the US through preferential access. However, the recent expiry of the scheme would threaten export diversification and industrialization across the continent. In a country like Lesotho, for instance, approximately one third of exports are tied to AGOA, predominantly in the apparel sector, which employs between 30,000 and 40,000 workers, primarily women.

African and non-African exporters are already facing increased trade barriers in the US market.  Country- and sector-specific tariffs that have been introduced by the US since April 2025 have increased tariffs for the average AGOA country from below 0.5% to 10%. For key exports, such as agriculture and food products, metals, machinery and transportation, textiles and apparel, they have already triggered a double-digit increase in duties.

The expiry of AGOA would disproportionately affect Africa’s light-manufacturing exports to the US, namely apparel and agro-food products, such as fish and dried fruits. Without AGOA’s preferential treatment, the 32 countries that received preferences until September 2025  would face a second wave of tariff increases as country-specific and sectoral tariffs would be added on top of most-favoured nation (MFN) rates, instead of the current preferential treatment under AGOA. Due to varying tariff rates and exceptions for sensitive raw materials, African exports of agricultural goods and manufactured products would be subject to tariffs that are 2-to-3 times higher than those applied on fuels and minerals.

Exporters of mined commodities are the least affected by the US tariff changes on African goods. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria or Angola—whose exports are primarily fuels and minerals—face minimal tariff increases, as their main exports already benefit from low MFN tariffs, or exemptions from additional duties. More diversified economies, such as South Africa, are less exposed to AGOA’s expiry but have already experienced significant tariff increases this year due to country-specific and sectoral tariffs.

Highlights

• Intelligent Monitoring Group Limited (“IMG” or the “Company”) has entered into a sale and purchase agreement to acquire all of the shares in BNP Securities Pty Ltd (“BNP”) (“Acquisition”)1

• IMG will pay $4.2 million cash for the Acquisition, subject to customary adjustments for working capital, cash, and debt amounts on completion

• The Acquisition is expected to be immediately earnings accretive and is anticipated to generate a pro forma annualised EBITDA of $1.4m, putting the multiple in line with prior IMG acquisitions

• The Acquisition is a strategic acquisition by IMG Subsidiary, ADT Security Group Pty Ltd, on behalf of ADT’s new ADT Guard division. It will strategically expand ADT’s Australian operating footprint into the large security guarding market

• BNP will provide ADT Guard a strong platform to pursue an industry-wide rollout of IMG’s ADT Guard video strategy into an area currently dominated by physical manpower

• BNP has a long-term, significant, high-quality reputation as a provider of traditional manpower and patrol-based security services, which will complement IMG’s modern, lower-cost, higher-quality video solutions

Acquisition

IMG’s subsidiary ADT has entered into a sale and purchase agreement today to acquire all of the shares in BNP.

BNP is a leading supplier of traditional security manpower solutions, including guards, patrols and alarm response, for government, industrial, retail and other commercial customers, principally in NSW, and was established in 1993.

ADT will pay $4.2 million cash for the Acquisition, subject to customary adjustments for working capital, cash, and debt amounts on completion. The estimated figure is based on the seller’s average earnings for the prior three years.

IMG is expecting to complete the Acquisition later today.

Company comment

Managing Director Dennison Hambling said, “This acquisition is an important step in commercialising and accelerating IMG’s Live Video Monitoring services.

Customers of all sizes, who have adopted this product, have seen a significant (in some cases up to 50%) cost reduction in the cost of physical security provision and experienced far improved deterrence and apprehension outcomes.

We want to use our ADT Guard products and division to accelerate making Australian and New Zealand safer, and BNP will give us a good initial scale to showcase to a wider audience, what we can do”.

Bangkok, 30 September: Private sector engagement and cross-sectoral integration across key industries, from energy to manufacturing and agriculture, are urgently needed to ensure Thailand keeps pace with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said leading decision-makers at the Unlocking capital for sustainability conference in Bangkok.  

Ranking 43rd on the global SDG index, the Southeast Asian country still shows limited or worsening progress on areas such as climate, biodiversity and energy. The country will further need between US$22 billion to US$28 billion annually in climate investments between 2030 and 2050 to meet these targets.

Kanda Chookaew, Deputy Secretary General for the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), who was guest-of-honour at the conference, said the agency is committed to working with the private sector on key areas such as green energy, biodiversity, sustainable tourism and climate adaptation.  

“We fully recognise that achieving sustainability requires cross-sectoral integration. This is why we have remained committed to seeking partnership at every level. Over the past year, we, through ONEP, actively engaged the private sector in advancing sustainability, particularly in biodiversity conservation, driving progress under SDG12 and supporting adaptation to climate change,” she said in her keynote address at the sustainability summit held in UOB Plaza Bangkok Building.

ONEP, an agency under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) responsible for developing policies on environmental conservation, is working with major Thai corporates toward this.

For example, the agency signed a memorandum of understanding with Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), PTT Exploration and Production, B.Grimm Power, Toyota Motor Thailand and Nestlé Thailand to promote biodiversity conservation, restoration and sustainable use through knowledge exchange.

Balancing between profitability and sustainability will further be integral in accelerating private sector engagement, which the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) – an agency under the Prime Minister tasked with promoting investments for an innovative, competitive and inclusive economy – is working closely on.

“BOI and the private sector are working hand-in-hand to build balance between growth and sustainability. Public-private partnerships are expanding investments in renewable energy, the electric vehicle ecosystem and smart manufacturing. By unlocking capital for sustainability, we are not only protecting our environment but also shaping new markets and driving innovation and creating inclusive prosperity,” said Tanita Sirisup, Senior Executive Investment Advisor for BOI, in her keynote address.  

BOI has embedded both sustainability principles and the BCG Model as part of the agency's five-year investment promotion strategy, including in key areas such as renewable energy, green mobility and smart agriculture.  

Themed ”Advancing ambition: Driving change for a resilient and sustainable economy”, the Thailand edition of the thought leadership forum, organised by Eco-Business in partnership with United Nations Environmental Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), convened about 90 leading decision-makers across government, finance, industry and academia. 

United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) was a strategic partner for the event and targets to advance Thailand's net zero transition through innovative financial and non-financial solutions, including aiding Thai corporates in their decarbonisation efforts.

“Large corporations in Thailand have made commendable progress in reducing their carbon footprint, but supply chain decarbonisation remains a complex challenge. The fragmented and mobile nature of upstream suppliers makes collaboration difficult – but not impossible. We are committed to supporting industries in their transition to a low-carbon economy. Through strategic partnerships and a combination of financial and non-financial solutions, we help companies across the value chain accelerate their decarbonisation strategies. Together, we can turn these challenges into opportunities and move collectively toward net zero,” said Chow Wong Yuen, Chief Sustainability Officer for United Overseas Bank (Thai) PCL.

“Companies are grappling with the immense task of decarbonisation, especially in accessing the necessary technology and capital, while material risks beyond carbon such as biodiversity loss are now threatening operational resiliency. This demands a fundamental shift in how we approach competitiveness. Unlocking capital for sustainability is a catalyst to spark meaningful and timely conversations on the need for groundbreaking partnerships between government, finance, business and civil society to co-create meaningful strategies that accelerate our collective journey to a climate-resilient economy,” said Meaghan See, Chief Commercial Officer for Eco-Business.

“Thailand – and Bangkok – is strongly positioned as a regional leader for financing and enabling climate resilience, and the Unlocking capital for sustainability forum was helpful in strengthening both the knowledge and human capital here to facilitate this leadership,” said Dr Winston Chow, Co-Chair for Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Professor of Urban Climate for Singapore Management University, in his closing remarks.  

The summit also hosted a dedicated masterclass in the morning covering topics such as climate risks and financial opportunities in the net zero transition for Thailand and the region. Organised by Eco-Business ESG Intelligence and UNEP FI, the half-day workshop featured speakers from UOB, International Finance Corporation, ERM, Thai Wah Public Company and GreenShift Partners.

WASTED – Eco-Business's latest award-winning impact documentary examining the intersection of resource use, human health and the climate crisis – was also screened the next day to raise awareness on the mounting waste crisis, including the role of government, industry and civic society in mitigating the crisis.  

Unlocking capital for sustainability is hosted in six markets across Asia in 2025. It held the Hong Kong edition in March, Jakarta in June, Kuala Lumpur in July, Philippines in August and will host the closing summit in Singapore on 21 October this year.  

ANNEX

Masterclasses include:  

Climate change fundamentals, with an eye on Thailand and ASEAN
Transition to Net Zero: Financing opportunities in the energy supply and demand market in Southeast Asia and Thailand
Climate risks and opportunities, with spotlight on the role of the finance sector
Panel discussion & knowledge sharing — Financing Thailand's transition: Integrating climate risks and opportunities

Plenaries include:   

• Opening keynote by guest-of-honour 
• Opening plenary – Beyond finance: Activating supply chains for net zero 
• Plenary 2 – From risk to resilience: Embedding nature into business strategy 
• Closing plenary – From crisis to resilience: Scaling climate adaptation in Thailand 
• Closing keynote address – Tanita Sirisup, Senior Executive Investment Advisor, Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) 
• Closing remarks – Dr Winston Chow, Co-Chair, Working Group II, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Professor of Urban Climate, Singapore Management University. 

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. Visit www.eco-business.com.  

About UNEP FI    

UNEP Finance Initiative brings together a large network of banks, insurers and investors that collectively catalyses action across the financial system to deliver more sustainable global economies.    

For more than 30 years the initiative has been connecting the UN with financial institutions from around the world to shape the sustainable finance agenda. We've established the world's foremost sustainability frameworks that help the finance industry address global environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges.   

Convened by a Geneva, Switzerland-based secretariat, more than 500 banks and insurers with assets exceeding US$170 trillion work together to facilitate the implementation of UNEP FI's Principles for Responsible Banking and Principles for Sustainable Insurance, as well as three UN-convened net-zero alliances. Financial institutions work with UNEP FI on a voluntary basis, and we help them to apply the industry frameworks and develop practical guidance and tools to position their businesses for the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy.    

Founded in 1992, UNEP FI was the first organisation to engage the finance sector on sustainability and incubated the Principles for Responsible Investment, now the world's leading proponent of responsible investment.    

Today, we cultivate leadership and advance sustainable market practice while supporting the implementation of global programmes at a regional level across Africa & the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean and North America. More details about UN Environment can be found at www.unepfi.org.  

About Unlocking capital for sustainability    

Unlocking capital for sustainability is an annual flagship event organised by Eco-Business in partnership with UNEP FI that brings together high-level decision makers in finance, business, government and civic society to discuss and commit to actionable initiatives that mobilise the capital markets for sustainable development projects. Our full list of knowledge partners – past and present – can be found on our website: www.unlockingcapitalforsustainability.com.

September 30 2025 – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's keynote speech at the Labour Party conference today is being watched by investors, businesses and global bond markets with acute attention, warns financial advisory giant deVere Group's CEO Nigel Green.

He says: “This is not just another party conference address. It's a make-or-break moment for credibility.

“Bond markets, already charging the UK a premium to borrow, will immediately reprice if they sense a repeat of the policy missteps of recent years, specifically the Truss-era. This would raise costs for the government, for companies, and for households.”

The pressure comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a £25 billion payroll tax increase in her first Budget, contributing to falling vacancies, higher unemployment and mounting unease across corporate Britain.

“Multinationals in pharmaceuticals and energy have already delayed UK investments, while the abolition of non-dom status has accelerated capital flight that's now leaving a visible hole in public finances.”

He continues: “Businesses need certainty, not surprises, The repeated tax raids, from windfall levies on energy to higher capital gains for entrepreneurs, have sent a chill through the economy.

“What markets and corporate Britain want to hear today is that there'll be no further shocks.”

The banking industry is particularly sensitive to speculation of further levies, including cuts to the interest it receives on deposits held at the Bank of England.

Pension savers and asset managers are also waiting for clear assurances that the tax regime supporting long-term retirement saving will remain intact.

“Investors will punish ambiguity. Any hint of fiscal looseness or new burdens on enterprise will echo immediately in gilt yields.

“Starmer must instead demonstrate discipline and a long-term vision for growth. This is the only way to win back market trust and release investment into the real economy,” says the deVere CEO.

As of this week, the yield on the UK 10-year gilt is hovering around 4.73%, a level that underscores how much premium capital currently demands to lend to the government. Longer-dated borrowing is even more strained — the 30-year gilt recently jumped above 5.74%, approaching levels not seen since the late 1990s. These rates already reflect anxiety over fiscal direction; any suggestion of policy looseness risks shifting them higher again overnight.

Markets remember the turmoil triggered by the Truss government's mini-budget in 2022, when poorly costed plans crashed sterling, spiked borrowing costs and forced emergency Bank of England intervention.

“This cautionary tale remains fresh,” notes Nigel Green. “No leader should ever underestimate again how swiftly global capital will turn away if it senses risk.”

Yet the opportunity is equally clear. The UK has the chance to restore its reputation as a reliable destination for investment. Lower borrowing costs, renewed foreign direct investment and revived business confidence are all on offer “if the Prime Minister can deliver credible commitments today.”

Nigel Green concludes: “This speech must send a clear signal to bondholders and businesses that Britain is stable, serious, and open for growth.

“Success would likely deliver benefits of cheaper financing, stronger investor appetite, and momentum for an economy that urgently needs it.

“The world's financial decision-makers will be hanging on his words.”

Chișinău, September 30, 2025 – In Cimișlia district, the village of Sagaidac is set to host a high-impact investment initiative led by Roses Kingdom Company. Developed as a partnership between the Netherlands, Belgium and the Republic of Moldova, the project aims to cultivate premium-quality roses.

The first stage involves an investment of €1.2 million, which includes the installation of modern greenhouses, advanced irrigation and climate-control systems, and packaging facilities. This initial phase is expected to generate at least 20 full-time jobs for the local community. Development plans foresee the project's expansion to €10 million and a workforce of around 100 employees, with the ambition of transforming the region into a hub for floriculture, wellness, and professional training.

Economic ties between the Republic of Moldova and the Netherlands have strengthened steadily in recent years, and this investment stands as a compelling example of trilateral cooperation. The Netherlands plays a pivotal role as a gateway for European and global investments in the region, ranking fourth among Moldova's foreign direct investors, with an FDI stock of about USD 488.8 million and an annual growth rate of 18.4 percent. Many international investments reach Moldova through Dutch financial and logistics hubs, reinforcing the strategic value of this partnership for the country's economic development.

“This investment represents an important step toward diversifying the economy of the Republic of Moldova and harnessing its agricultural potential in a high value-added sector. It is not a traditional investment, but one that combines two of the country's key assets – fertile soil and openness to diverse investments – contributing to regional development and strengthening the Republic of Moldova's position as a safe and attractive destination for international investors,”
— Natalia Bejan, Director of Invest Moldova Agency

The initiative seeks to drive knowledge transfer, raise production standards, and support exports to EMEA markets (Europe, the Middle East and Africa), further enhancing the Republic of Moldova's reputation as a supplier of high-quality floricultural products.

“The Republic of Moldova offers us proximity in accessing foreign markets and a favorable climate for growing roses and other flowers, essential factors that allowed us to launch this project with confidence, and the support provided by the Invest Moldova Agency was important in the process of starting the investment project. At the same time, we want to thank the Embassies of Belgium and the Netherlands in the Republic of Moldova, as well as the Romanian-Belgian-Luxembourg-Moldova Chamber of Commerce for organizing the BeNeLux forum and for the partnership formed as a result of it – an important step in the development of the entire flower growing sector and the positioning of the Republic of Moldova internationally in this field.”
— M. Bashar Almajzoub, Founder, Roses Kingdom

This initiative illustrates how foreign direct investments can transform local communities, bringing not only capital and employment but also international expertise and opportunities for professional training. With a planned expansion to €10 million, the project lays the foundation for a competitive Moldovan presence in the international flower market.

Invest Moldova remains a key partner in attracting and facilitating strategic investments, connecting international investors with local opportunities and reaffirming its commitment to turning Moldova's potential into success stories with regional and global impact.

Key facts:

• NSW government scraps Business Connect programme during Small Business Month, despite previous studies showing $1.50 return on every $1 spent
• Service NSW Business Bureau remains available for NSW businesses, while other states offer various support programmes including Victoria's Small Business Bus and Queensland's Mentoring for Growth
• Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania all maintain free business advisory and support services for SMEs
• Business support remains crucial amid high insolvency rates, rising costs and ATO debt recovery efforts
• Government support services play vital role in supporting Australia's 2.5 million SMEs, which are the nation's largest employers.

With NSW Small Business Month running throughout October, it’s quite ironic that it coincides with the state government’s scrapping of the Business Connect program – an initiative which supported tens of thousands of small businesses right across NSW.

Put bluntly, it is particularly bad timing.

While the NSW state government’s decision to can Business Connect has been criticised as narrow minded and short sighted, there are at least resources still available to small business owners looking for advice or mentoring right across the nation, according to James Beeson, CEO of the nation’s leading invoice financing specialists, Earlypay.

“It’s a terrible shame the NSW government is closing a service which was providing a positive return on its investment through supporting the success of SMEs. The timing of the shutdown is really unfortunate given soft economic demand, stubbornly high business costs and an ATO that is determined to recover its outstanding tax debts. This is all contributing to stress for many SMEs, which is visible through the high levels of insolvencies.” Beeson says.

“Back in 2021, NSW Treasury commissioned an independent review into the Business Connect program and found for every $1 spent, it brought in $1.50 in benefits. Be that as it may, it’s now closed down which is a loss for the state economy that won’t be felt for a couple of years especially if the number of insolvencies continue to rise.”

Beeson points out all is not completely lost in NSW as SMEs can still access the Service NSW Business Bureau for free expert support.

He states that further afield there are wide-ranging options in other states.

“Beyond NSW the other states are doing their bit for SMEs. Business Victoria for example operates the Small Business Bus which visits metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria as an 'office on wheels'.” Mr Beeson says.

Business Queensland’s Mentoring for Growth (M4G) program also offers eligible businesses free access to volunteer business experts who provide insights, options and suggestions relating to challenges and opportunities SMEs might be experiencing in their business.

Western Australia’s Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) also offers a free of charge Business Advisory Service that connects SMEs with experienced advisers that have run, or are currently running, their own business.

According to the SBDC, their confidential advice includes offering practical solutions for SME owners whether they’re starting, growing or exiting their business.

The Northern Territory Government’s Business Growth Program offers eligible SMEs funding up to $10,000 for professional advice, services and systems. This is available to reimburse 50 per cent of the costs of eligible services provided by an approved service provider.

In South Australia, the state government’s Small Business Support Officers provide free one-on-one support for SMEs across the state. They can help with a range of services including navigating government support programmes, connecting with resources within your local area, talking through available grants and funding as well as uncovering tools and resources.

While in Tasmania, the Tasmanian Business Advice Service provides up to five hours free and independent advice for established Tasmanian businesses to help them run and grow their business.

Beeson says most of these programs are just one of a suite of resources state government offer SMEs “as well as an array of services offered by the federal government”.

Beeson’s advice to small business owners is to do their research on what programmes they might be eligible for and to realise they’re not alone if they need assistance in making their business work.

“Australia’s SMEs are the nation’s largest employers and play a major role in driving the economy forward and this is mostly well-recognised by state governments as well as the federal government,” Beeson says.

“While a lot more can be done when it comes to reducing the regulatory and taxation burden on the nation’s SMEs, governments do offer a range of good business support services that can assist in navigating some of the challenges SMEs must confront.”

Beeson explains Earlypay have been assisting the nation’s small businesses overcome their cash flow challenges for nearly 25 years, and he firmly believes government plays a key role in ensuring the nation’s 2.5 million SMEs are healthy because “if they’re doing well, then the economy will follow”.

Earlypay is a leading provider of working capital finance to Australian SMEs with its invoice finance and equipment finance products.

Earlypay’s invoice finance helps SMEs bridge the cash flow gap between issuing invoices and receiving payment from customers by providing early payment of unpaid invoices. Earlypay also provides equipment finance to SMEs to assist with capital expenditure.

 Earlypay has been supporting Australian SMEs since 2001 and has built a trusted legacy of delivering reliable, flexible and innovative working capital finance.

The Marovo Constituency Office (MCO) has finally commenced the implementation of its 2024 CDF program, with project materials making headway to the constituency on the Charted MV Fair King for delivery to communities, Wednesday this week.

This support delivery was funded under the Marovo Constituency Office CDF allocation for 2024.  

Project materials and equipment were delivered under various categories, including the essential sector, social sector, and productive sector, in compliance with the CDF Act 2023. Projects include:  

• 200 aluminum water tanks, each with a capacity of 700 gallons, exclusively for Wards 23 and 24, with Wards 21 and 22 also set to benefit and receive their tanks soon.
• 1,000 solar batteries to be delivered to constituents or families for replacing faulty batteries from previous projects. This initiative will serve all wards—21, 22, 23, and 24.
• Ongoing projects that also form part of the delivery include roofing iron materials and Outboard Motor Engines (OBMs) for fishing projects under the productive sector.

Constituency Development Officer (CDO) John Pikacha said this assistance is part of the ongoing efforts and commitments by the Marovo Constituency Office under the leadership of the Member of Parliament, Honourable Chachabule Rebi Amoi, towards improving rural communities’ livelihoods through CDF, in alignment with the constituency’s development plan.  

He said the support through these projects is part of the Constituency’s Development Program (CDP), which aims to boost people’s livelihoods and community development.  

“The constituency office also remains committed to supporting our churches. We are assisting churches by transporting their materials, such as gravel and roofing irons for Niniveh Church, as well as roofing irons and a water tank for the church pastor’s house at Telina Island.”  

“These projects reflect our dedication to fostering sustainable development, improving living standards, and supporting community development within the constituency,” CDO Pikacha said.  

He added that the water tanks, which fall under the 2024 Water & Sanitation Project, will significantly help families access clean and safe water, while the solar batteries are part of the effort to enhance renewable energy access for households.  

“Roofing materials are part of the constituency’s ongoing support to help constituents improve their homes, with OBMs supporting local fishermen under the productive sector, providing economic opportunities,” Mr. Pikacha highlighted.  

Mr. Pikacha thanked the Marovo constituents for their patience and understanding throughout the projects' preparation and also called for continued support and cooperation with the constituency delivery team on the ground.  

He also acknowledged the leadership of Hon. Chachabule and his ongoing support for development initiatives that will bring lasting impacts on the lives of Marovo constituents.  

CDF is a national program of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG), administered by MRD, and implemented through the 50 constituencies across the country, aiming to improve the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders.  

The Ministry of Rural Development’s vision is to ensure all Solomon Islanders are empowered for self-sufficiency, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development.

YOKOHAMA/ MANILA, 30 September 2025 – As population ageing accelerates across much of Asia and the Pacific, pushing higher the incidence and impact of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), the Government of Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan and the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office have formalized plans to address these megatrends and help inform health policy regionally.

At a ceremony in Yokohama before the International Day of Older Persons, Kanagawa Governor Yuji Kuroiwa and WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala signed a memorandum of understanding on the partnership, which has three themes:

·       Identifying priority knowledge gaps on healthy ageing and NCDs, particularly in the context of demographic transition and evolving health system needs in the WHO Western Pacific Region.  

·       Generating new multidisciplinary research and synthesizing knowledge to address gaps, drawing on a range of public health expertise; and

·       Translating evidence into actionable policy options by fostering knowledge-sharing; implementing pilot programmes; and contributing to the development of national strategies, operational guidance and scalable interventions.

“This isn’t about viewing population ageing as a crisis. Longevity is actually a triumph of development,” noted Dr Piukala. “What we must tackle, however, is the increase in the already high burden of noncommunicable diseases and mental health challenges linked to ageing, along with the resulting sharp rise in health-care expenditure.

“Japan, as the world’s first hyper-aged society, and with the largest number of centenarians anywhere, has implemented policies and programmes that are a template for others to follow,” he explained. “Kanagawa Prefecture, with its enlightened leadership, is creating a healthier society by shifting focus from treating sickness to promoting well-being and preventing disease progression. Our collaboration capitalizes on this innovative approach.”

Governor Kuroiwa explained that Kanagawa Prefecture’s Healthcare New Frontier policy package uses an approach known as ME-BYO which has its roots in traditional Chinese health approaches. The ME-BYO approach does not categorize people as healthy or sick, but rather views their physical and mental state as continuously transitioning between health and illness.

The approach “goes beyond treating a patient’s symptoms of illness by emphasizing a holistic view of the body’s condition. This continuum between health and illness requires a focus on the early detection of risks and undertaking lifestyle improvements before the onset of disease,” he said. “We are gratified that WHO sees merit in this approach, allowing us to share our experience and benefit countries beyond Japan.”

The partnership between WHO and Kanagawa Prefecture will also be carried out with the cooperation of the General Incorporated Association Global Strategy Center for ME-BYO established by the Prefecture in 2025. This partnership will contribute to offering solutions to global health issues, such as extending healthy lifespans and promoting universal health coverage.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the bold proposals and commitments that are emerging from this partnership,” said Dr Piukala. “Together, we are linking two of the most pressing megatrends of our time – population ageing and the rising burden of NCDs – and transforming them into opportunities for innovation and impact, allowing us to reap the benefits of a ‘silver dividend’.

“At WHO, our mission is rooted in the promise of SDG 3: that every person, regardless of age, deserves the highest attainable standard of health.”

NOTES:

·       Almost 30% of Japan's population of 124 million people, totalling over 36 million people, is 65 years or older, the highest ageing rate globally.

·       Japan’s population of those 75 and over has surpassed the 65-74 age group. Further, projections show that in Japan by 2070, roughly one in 2.6 people will be 65 and older.

·       About 503 million people aged 65 or over — roughly 60% of the world’s older people — currently live in the Asia-Pacific Region overall. By 2050, that number will almost double to around one billion.

·       In the WHO Western Pacific Region specifically, covering 38 countries and areas, there are about 265 million people over 65 years of age – about one-third of the world’s older people.

·       Every country in the Western Pacific Region is experiencing a surge of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.

In September, the KOF Economic Barometer increases. After a decrease in the previous month, it moves upwards but remains below its medium-term average. The outlook for the Swiss economy continues to be subdued.

The KOF Economic Barometer increases in September by 1.8 points to a level of 98.0 (after revised 96.2 in the previous month). Within the production-side indicator bundles included in the Barometer, the indicators for manufacturing and for financial and insurance services point to an improved outlook in particular. However, nn the demand-side the indicators for foreign demand weaken while the prospects for private consumption remain unaltered.

Among the sub-indicators for the different aspects of business activity within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction), the indicators for exports and for the general business situation show particularly positive developments. The indicators for stocks of finished products as well as for production activity are, however, slightly under pressure.

Within manufacturing, positive developments are particularly exhibited by the sub-indicators for the wood, glass, stone and earth segment, for paper and printing products, and for the electrical industry. However, the sub-indicators for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry as well as for machinery and equipment manufacturing experience a setback.

Note:
Due to the publication of the revised national accounts at the end of September, the yearly update of the KOF Economic Barometer will be done in October. In previous years, KOF has published the yearly update in September.

September 30 2025 – The US is once again staring down the barrel of a government shutdown, and the implications for investors in America and abroad are significant, warns the CEO of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations.

Congress has failed to pass the necessary funding bills, with the deadline expiring tomorrow. Unless lawmakers strike a last-minute deal, large parts of the federal government will grind to a halt.

The standoff comes against the backdrop of soaring deficits, an economy already showing cracks, and political divisions that are as wide as they have been in decades.

Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, comments: “Gold prices have already surged to record highs as investors move into safe-haven assets. Treasury yields are oscillating, with history pointing to declines during shutdowns, but the political rancour and concerns over debt could push them higher this time. The US dollar, which remains the global reserve currency, is vulnerable to shifts in confidence.”

He continues” “Shutdowns are not the same as defaults, but they send a damaging signal about political dysfunction in the world's largest economy.

“Investors everywhere are forced to reassess risk, and that has ripple effects across asset classes and geographies.

“Shutdowns in the past have tended to be short and economically manageable, yet this one is being viewed with more trepidation.”

Since 1950, there have been 21 such episodes, most lasting only a few days. The longest, in 2018–2019, stretched on for 35 days and cost the economy an estimated $3 billion in permanently lost output. During that episode, the S&P 500 saw a correction, yields fell, and confidence took a hit.

What makes the looming shutdown more concerning is the context: slowing global growth, geopolitical shocks, and tighter monetary conditions.

“This is happening at a time when investors are already grappling with an unpredictable environment,” says Nigel Green.

“It magnifies volatility and could accelerate the flight of international capital away from US markets.

“We've already seen allocations to the US shrinking in recent times, and another political standoff could reinforce that trend.”

One of the overlooked but important consequences of a shutdown is the disruption to data collection.

Government agencies could halt the release of critical economic statistics, including jobs numbers and inflation reports.

Markets rely heavily on these indicators to set expectations for corporate earnings, interest rates, and currency valuations.

“Without them, speculation fills the void, raising the risk of mispricing and abrupt swings,” notes the deVere CEO.

“Investors base decisions on reliable information. If reports on employment or consumer prices are delayed, it doesn't just inconvenience economists, it destabilizes markets and complicates central bank policy. The absence of data at a critical time can cause lasting damage to sentiment.”

Equity markets are especially exposed. Short shutdowns are often brushed aside by investors, but prolonged ones dent confidence and trigger sell-offs.

Companies dependent on government contracts or regulatory approvals can face delays that hit revenues. Consumer confidence also tends to slip, which can feed into spending and earnings.

The symbolism matters as much as the substance for international investors. The US is still the largest and most liquid market, but recurring shutdown threats highlight political fragility. All this undermines the dollar's allure as a safe-haven asset and strengthens the case for diversification.

“Investors should not be paralysed by political drama in Washington, but they should be pragmatic,” says Nigel Green.

“Holding quality companies with strong fundamentals remains essential. Diversification across geographies and asset classes is more critical than ever. Alternative assets, including gold, are once again proving their worth as part of a balanced portfolio.”

The political calculus in Washington is unlikely to improve quickly. Even if a temporary patch is found, longer-term agreements remain elusive.

The growing polarization means the threat of future shutdowns will remain, keeping a degree of permanent uncertainty embedded in US assets.

Nigel Green concludes: “Markets can live with economic cycles, even with inflationary pressures and shifting monetary policy.

“What undermines confidence most is dysfunction at the top. Every shutdown erodes the credibility of the US as a dependable steward of the global economy.”

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.