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Pacific – Solomon Islands’ East Malaita Constituency retires 2024 CDF, submits 2025 annual work plan

Source: Government of the Solomon Islands

The East Malaita Constituency (EMC) has formally submitted its 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Expenditure Report to the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), demonstrating a commitment to transparency, accountability, and compliance with the reporting obligations outlined in Section 29 of the CDF Act 2023.

The submitted report details the disbursement of about $3.88 million in CDF funds allocated to each constituency for the 2024 financial year. The presentation was made by the Member of Parliament for EMC, Honourable Manasseh Maelanga.

During the submission, Hon. Maelanga also presented the constituency’s 2025 Annual Work Plan (AWP), which outlines community development programs and initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable growth within the constituency.

Representing the MRD, PS John Misite’e acknowledged the submission as a positive step forward.

He emphasized that the Ministry remains committed to implementing the CDF legislation and providing guidance to ensure proper administration of constituency programs within this legal framework.

PS Misite’e highlighted the importance of annual reports, including financial expenditure reports, as critical documents for organizational accountability and transparency, especially when public resources are involved.

“These reports reinforce transparency and demonstrate accountability in the use of public funds,” he said.

He also commended Hon. Maelanga and his constituency officers for their diligent efforts in fulfilling their reporting obligations.  He also thanked other constituencies that have already submitted their 2024 CDF reports.

PS Misite’e called on remaining constituencies to submit their reports by July 31st, reiterating the urgency and importance of compliance. “I urge all constituencies to come forward with their reports soon,” he emphasized.

Hon. Maelanga, on behalf of the people of East Malaita and his constituency officers, expressed his happiness in submitting the report and pledged ongoing support to the MRD to ensure annual compliance with legal reporting requirements.

He noted that most of the EMC 2024 budget was allocated to road infrastructure, education support, medical assistance, administration, and other sectors vital to community development.

Hon. Maelanga reaffirmed EMC’s commitment to its mandate and continued support and purpose to collaborate with MRD, other government agencies, and stakeholders to implement effective development initiatives that will improve the livelihoods of his constituents.

He extended heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry, his constituency officers, stakeholders, communities, and all supporters of development initiatives undertaken under his leadership.

The CDF Act 2023 was passed by Parliament on December 22, 2023, and came into effect on January 5, 2024. This legislation makes it clear that any offences committed by recipients of the CDF after this commencement date are subject to penalties.

Penalties apply to constituents, Members of Parliament, and public officers who commit offences such as:

Misappropriates any funds or assets from the fund; or
Advances materials and cash from a supplier without prior approval from the responsible ministry; or
Fraudulently converts project assets or materials to his own use or to the use of some other person; or
Deliberately victimises non-voters by excluding them from receiving Constituency Development Funds projects and funds without justifiable grounds; or
Assists or causes a person to misappropriate or apply the funds otherwise than in the manner provided in this Act and Regulations.

With the new CDF legislation in place, it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to adhere to the law, ensuring proper use of funds and avoiding legal penalties.

We should view this legislation not as a threat but as a guide to conduct and accountability in managing development funds or public resources.

The primary purposes of the CDF Act 2023 are:

To strengthen good governance;
To ensure improved and effective delivery mechanisms of the Constituency Development Funds and
To promote equal and inclusive participation of all Solomon Islanders in development.

Constituents and the public are encouraged to consult their respective constituency offices should they need to get more information about how their constituency offices implement their Constituency Development Program (CDP).

Constituency Development Program is a national programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

It is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country purposely to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.

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Australia Universities – UNSW leads global effort to protect iconic African river basin – UNSW

Source: UNSW Sydney

From Botswana, UNSW researchers have collaborated with international partners to protect the future of the Cubango-Okavango River Basin.

UNSW Sydney researchers, as part of a PLuS Alliance initiative, recently joined 60 international delegates at a workshop in Botswana focused on protecting the Cubango-Okavango River Basin (CORB).

Spanning Angola, Namibia and Botswana, the CORB is a large inland river basin that

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Tech – Robotic AI Skin Announced as Finalist in Australia’s First Robotics Sprint

Source: Robotic AI Skin

SYDNEY, NSW – Robotic AI Skin has been selected as one of six finalists in the inaugural Propel-AIR program, Australia's first dedicated AI and Robotics Sprint.

Inneurva, the Sydney medtech and robotics startup behind the innovation, will now compete for the opportunity to travel to Boston and work alongside MassRobotics.

Teaching Machines to Feel

Inneurva is developing flexible, intelligent artificial skin that brings a sense of touch to robots through soft, sensor-rich patches that can be attached to robotic grippers, humanoid robots, or even clothing.

“We want to give AI the intelligence of touch. With Robotic AI Skin, robots can feel what they touch and respond accordingly, whether it's identifying a person, checking body temperature, or assessing the ripeness of fruit,” said founder Tass Paritt.

Inneurva Founder Tass Parritt

“The CEO of NVIDIA  Jensen Huang recently spoke about the arrival of physical AI, a new generation of artificial intelligence that doesn't just see or hear, but actually feels the world around it. Our project is part of that movement. We are not just teaching machines to think, we're teaching them to feel.”

The technology captures complex tactile information including pressure, temperature, and gesture recognition, using embedded AI to interpret and respond in real time. This enables safer, more intuitive interactions between humans and machines.

Modular Technology with Wide Applications

The sensor patch can be applied to robotic grippers, humanoid limbs, or worn as smart fabric. It allows machines to recognise who is touching them, detect how something is touched, and learn and adapt to the meaning of those interactions.

Applications range from healthcare robots and eldercare assistants to industrial automation and agriculture. Robots equipped with Robotic AI Skin could detect the ripeness of fruit during picking or monitor human health indicators during physical interaction.

Strong Research Foundation 

Robotic AI Skin is backed by foundational IP and supported through collaborations with CSIRO, University of Technology Sydney, and a UK-based university research partner. The team has received early-stage funding and support from Microsoft's Startup Hub.

With backing from Microsoft's Startup Hub, the team is exploring the creation of a “tactile language model” using synthetic data, an emerging field that parallels large language models but for physical sensation.

Commercial Pathways

The company aims to explore multiple pathways to commercialisation including OEM partnerships with robotics manufacturers, licensing of core tactile sensing IP and AI models, and custom development for medtech and assistive robotics.

“Touch is the missing piece in robotics. We want to make it easy to embed tactile intelligence into any device so robots can understand us better and act more safely,” Paritt said.

The team is currently building an MVP with plans to deliver a functional prototype within six months. Through Propel-AIR, Inneurva will focus on simulation testing and refining product-market fit.

The winner will travel to MassRobotics in Boston for a one-month residency, with access to leading robotics companies and world-class institutions like MIT and Harvard.

About Robotic AI Skin

Robotic AI Skin is a pioneering project from Australian medtech and robotics startup Inneurva, founded by Tass Paritt. Inneurva is developing flexible, intelligent artificial skin that brings a sense of touch to robots for safer, more intuitive human-machine interactions.
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Russia Ukraine War – "Brutal Milestone": 2000 Attacks on Ukraine’s Hospitals, Clinicians, and Health Infrastructure Since Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion – Physicians for Human Rights

Source: Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)

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 )

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Trade – Premium Beverages from Around the World Make Their Mark in China with Gebrüder Weiss

Source: Gebrüder Weiss

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. 

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Jebsen Group is a well-established trading company known for bringing international premium brands to Greater China and marketing them across the region. 

Featured brands include renowned products such as Bundaberg Ginger Beer, Fiji Water, and Vita Coconut Water. From Shanghai, the brands are distributed nationwide to supermarkets, wholesalers, and e-commerce platforms.

“Thanks to Gebrüder Weiss's modern supply chain infrastructure and professional team, we've been able to significantly expand our market position,” said Gary Chan, Head of Supply Chain, Beverage at Jebsen. Customers include leading retailers such as Hema – the Alibaba-owned supermarket chain, as well as JD.com and numerous other retailers and wholesalers throughout China.

The partnership dates back to 2017, when Gebrüder Weiss provided Sanyi Wine Trading with a warehouse solution to support the market entry of the Australian Bundaberg brand. Following Jebsen Group's acquisition of Sanyi in 2022, the focus shifted to the premium beverage segment in Greater China. Since then, the collaboration with Gebrüder Weiss has evolved into a comprehensive logistics solution, currently handling over 2,700 orders annually – and growing.

At the company's 4,000-square-meter logistics facility in Shanghai, specialized professionals ensure seamless operations. The warehouse was recently certified at Security Level 3 for meeting high safety standards. Services include temperature- and humidity-controlled storage, order processing using the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) method, expiry date monitoring, labeling and packaging, as well as inventory management.

“The beverage market in China is fast-paced and highly demanding. Our goal is to work closely with the Jebsen team to develop tailored solutions and respond flexibly to changing needs,” said Yongquan Chen, General Manager of Gebrüder Weiss China. Looking ahead, Gebrüder Weiss and Jebsen Group plan to further deepen their successful collaboration and expand their beverage portfolio.

With extensive experience in beverage logistics in China, Gebrüder Weiss also operates a second logistics hub in Chengdu. There, the company supports leading Baijiu brands – China's most well-known and best-selling spirit – with customized e-commerce and fulfillment solutions.

About Gebrüder Weiss

Gebrüder Weiss Holding AG, based in Lauterach, Austria, is a globally operative full-service logistics provider with about 8,600 employees at 180 company-owned locations. The company generated revenues of 2.71 billion euros in 2024. Its portfolio encompasses transport and logistics solutions, digital services, and supply chain management. The twin strengths of digital and physical competence enable Gebrüder Weiss to respond swiftly and flexibly to customers' needs. The family-run organization – with a history going back more than half a millennium – has implemented a wide variety of environmental, economic, and social initiatives. Today, it is also considered a pioneer in sustainable business practices. www.gw-world.com

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Economy – India gains trade momentum amid tariff and global supply chain shakeup, says GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

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.”

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Australia – From 4 trades to 40,000: How 30 years of CommSec has shaped Aussie investing – CBA

Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

CommSec reflects on its 30-year journey and the future of investing.

When CommSec launched on 17 July 1995, just four trades were placed via telephone and fax, at $75 each. Investing was slow and largely reserved for the few who had the time, knowledge, and access.

But that day marked the beginning of a shift that would help reshape how Australians engage with financial markets. Fast forward to today, and investors can trade on the bus to work with the tap of their phone.

“Many younger investors would find it hard to imagine what it was like buying and selling shares 30 years ago. Back in the early ‘90s, investing wasn’t exactly easy. Picture having to put in a call to a stockbroker, sometimes even fax orders, fill out reams of paperwork, and then wait for what felt like weeks for your share certificate to arrive,” said CommSec’s Executive General Manger James Fowle.

“In 2025, that same process now takes a matter of seconds and you can do it straight from your mobile.”

https://youtu.be/AforSgYeUQA?si=k1ocLNyupyitvbCr

CommSec’s vision 30 years ago was to make the stock market easy, accessible and affordable.

Three decades later, CommSec customers now execute around 40,000 trades daily, with the average value of shares bought and sold on the platform reaching $575 million each day. In the past 30 years, CommSec has completed nearly 160 million orders, worth more than $2.5 trillion – roughly the equivalent size of Australia’s economy.

CommSec’s journey in many ways mirrors the broader evolution of investing in Australia, moving from the margins to the mainstream and becoming a core part of how Australians build wealth.

Through a commitment to empower more Australians to grow their wealth, CommSec has helped transform how Aussies invest.

“Over the past 30 years, CommSec has played a critical role in shaping the way Australians invest. Whether a first-time investor or seasoned portfolio builder, we’ve always pathed new ground to make investing more accessible to all Australians through innovation and education. Trust is key to who we are and I’m thankful to the millions of Australians who continue to trust us to grow their wealth,” said Fowle.

The evolution of investing

CommSec’s path to becoming Australia’s leading online broker has transpired largely due to the platform’s ability to meet the evolving needs of investors.

In 1997, CommSec became the first Australian broker to launch a share trading website, paving the way for a digital trading future.

By 2001, around 80 percent of CommSec’s trades were being placed online, mirroring a broader trend: Australians wanted more control, more transparency, and more speed when they invested.

In 2008, CommSec launched Australia's first iPhone trading app, making trading accessible to Aussies with a smartphone.  And in 2019, CommSec Pocket was launched – a low cost, simple investing app that aims to empower more Australians to start their investing journey.

Fast forward to today, and nearly 50 per cent of trades are made via mobile.

Over the years, market participation has also grown across demographics as government privatisations, the rise of self-managed super funds (SMSFs), the popularity of exchange traded funds (ETFs), and the increasing use of mobile apps have all contributed to a more engaged and informed investor base.

Ten years ago, 20 per cent of CommSec’s customers were under 40 – today, that number has more than doubled to 43 per cent. Meanwhile, the percentage of female investors on CommSec has almost tripled in the past 5 years.

“Markets have become more dynamic, and so have investors,” said Tom Piotrowski, CommSec’s long-time market analyst.

“We’ve gone from a world where people waited for the morning paper to receive market news, to one where they’re trading on their phones during a lunch break. Now we’re pushing out a daily podcast and educating our customers on TikTok. That shift has been extraordinary to witness.”

Not only that, CommSec has taken great strides in making investing more accessible through education. Initiatives like CommSec Learn offers tips to beginners, while the CommSec Invest podcast breaks down the fundamentals of investing. Also, bite sized content is delivered through channels like Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

A trusted partner through volatility

From bull markets to the GFC, CommSec has supported customers through the uncertainty and volatility of the market.

In CommSec’s 30-year history, the top 10 trading days have all occurred over the last 5 years.

“Covid really changed the market – the number of first-time traders has more than doubled since February 2020,” said Fowle.

“The introduction of tariffs by President Trump on April 2 rattled global financial markets, with the three-day drop in the S&P 500 being one of the worst market sell-offs since World War II, while the ASX witnessed its biggest one-day drop since 2020. In fact, April 7 was CommSec’s largest trading day in three years, with the team processing over $1.4 billion in trades.

“What makes me proud is not just how we responded to the high and low moments like these; but how over three decades, CommSec has remained a trusted partner for Australians on their investment journey.”

Looking forward to the future

As technology continues to evolve at an ever-accelerating pace, CommSec is committed to remaining at the forefront of innovation to help more Aussies invest and grow their wealth.

“The Australian stock market is poised for continued evolution, with technology playing a central role in shaping trading practices and investor engagement,” Fowle said.

“I’m incredibly proud that CommSec, 30 years on, continues to make investing easy, accessible and affordable. As innovation continues to accelerate, we are well positioned to continue to harness new technologies to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

30 Years of CommSec by the Numbers

Australian Markets Since 1995

The ASX All Ordinaries Accumulation Index has risen 335%
Average NSW house prices have increased by 751%
CBA’s share price has grown from $9.34 (30/6/95) to $184.75 (30/6/25), a 1878% increase
Wealth per capita has surged from $96,810 to $810,000

CommSec Firsts

July 1995: First direct broker
1997: First free live share price quotes
November 2003: First retail Stop Loss order
July 2008: First Financial Services iPhone App

Average number of trades

Four trades on day 1
10,000 trades per day by 2002
40,000 /$575m per day by 2025

Method of Trading

Telephone and Fax only on launch 31 July 1995 ($75 per trade)
Internet access was offered in October 1996, providing information only. Trading started March 1997. 80% of trades made online by 2001

Top trading days

2020 and 2021 dominate the top five biggest trading days showing the impacts of COVID.
The sixth biggest trading day was on 7 April 2025, following the announcement of U.S. tariffs.
 

Stocks over time

Top 5 stocks: 25 June 1995

1. BHP
2. News Corp
3. NAB
4. CRA
5. WBC  

Top 5 Stocks: 26 June 2025  

1. CBA
2. BHP
3. Rio Tinto
4. NAB
5. CSL

CommSec customers

Percentage of customers under 40:

Now: 39.80%
5 years ago: 25.57%
10 years ago: 20.19%
30 years ago: 26.42%

Percentage of female customers with holdings:

Now: 27.46%
3 years ago: 12.62%
5 years ago: 10.60%.

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Business – Hellmann expands footprint in Americas region with launch of fully-owned operations in Colombia

Source: Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

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.

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Moldova – Moldova Business Week 2025. Discover Moldova’s Economic Opportunities at the Country’s Leading Economic Forum

Source: Invest Moldova Agency

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.

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Moldova – Moldova Launches Agrotek Arena: A New Incubator for Digital Agriculture, Robotics, and FoodTech

Source: Innovate Moldova Programme

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.