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Barry Bagels plans to open a new location in downtown Toledo
A new dining option is coming to downtown Toledo,
Barry Bagels is set to open a new location as part of the ProMedica Headquarters downtown. The Barry Bagels restaurant will be on the first floor of the Junction building at ProMedica Headquarters. It is a franchise owned and operated by Sodexo, LLC, ProMedica’s Nutrition Services management partner, which will open in early August 2017.
Ron Dorchak, system director of ProMedica Nutrition Services, said, “While planning the food service offerings for ProMedica Headquarters, we knew our employees and the downtown community would like see something fresh, fun and uniquely Toledo. Barry Bagels is the perfect fit, and we are happy to showcase their brand in our new facility.”
“We are very excited about this partnership with both ProMedica and Sodexo and the opportunity to serve people who live and work in downtown Toledo,” said James Nusbaum, CEO of Barry Bagels Franchise Holdings.
The company currently has 11 locations throughout Ohio and Michigan. It is working to grow to 24 stores and expand in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois in the next one to two years. For information on franchising opportunities, head to www.barrybagelsfranchising.com.


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- The pandemic has delivered both supply and demand shocks to global supply chains;
- COVID-19 has highlighted outdated processes and introduced new consumer trends. Many supply chains are likely to be forever changed by the pandemic;
- Risk managers need to assess their resilience against future shocks and adapt strategies for the post-pandemic world.
For the past 12 months, anyone involved in logistics or the supply chain will have suffered sleepless nights. Severe winter weather in parts of the Global North, Brexit and trade tensions have added significant challenges and a raft of new regulatory hurdles – and that’s before you consider the impact of COVID-19.
Have you read?
The pandemic is one of the most significant disruptions to ever hit global supply chains. It turned global trade on its head. It resulted in both supply shocks as governments, businesses and individuals struggled to procure basic products and materials; and demand shocks as people stayed home and curtailed their usual consumption patterns, which had a ripple effect on the supply side again.
The hope is that vaccines and ongoing preventative measures will allow us to finally see lockdowns lifted and our lives – and supply chains – return to normal as if we’ve jumped back to 2019.
Before we get there, however, risk managers and others need to take a close look at their supply chains to determine whether they are resilient against the kinds of shocks we saw from COVID-19. Disruption from the pandemic may have created opportunities for managing supply chains in new ways.
In the meantime, anyone thinking the issues that have plagued our supply chains in the past year will magically disappear are in for a nasty surprise.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire
When lockdowns ease more widely and life begins to resemble a pre-pandemic normality, businesses will look for their demand and supply dynamics to normalize too. Will that be possible? Will your suppliers still be in business and, if they are, will they have the same capacity as pre-pandemic? Many suppliers downsized or closed manufacturing plants to remain financially viable. Getting manufacturing capacity back to pre-pandemic levels will not happen overnight.
There is a similar issue with skills. As supply chains slowed down, many employees were forced to find jobs in other sectors. Truck drivers, port operatives and production managers became delivery drivers, supermarket employees or worked in the health sector. Will they return to their previous careers supporting the supply chain?
Finally, will your customers return? The pandemic has made everyone reorder their priorities, review their financial commitments and introduced new trends that may be here to stay. All this could change future demand for your products and services.
This all means that when the pandemic ends, a fresh wave of challenges will impact supply chains.
Sleepless nights ahead
COVID-19 exposed the fragility of our global supply chains. Production strategies, lean inventories and just-in-time replenishment were found to be vulnerable when there were material scarcities and freedom of movement was restricted. It may be time for a rethink.
This was particularly evident in the healthcare sector, where shortages of protective equipment highlighted the risks of inventory and single-sourcing models driven by cost control, but was also seen in the supply of other products as diverse as toilet paper, hand sanitizer and bicycles.
COVID-19 is not the first major event to disrupt supply chains. In 2011, the Thailand floods and Japan’s Fukushima disaster interrupted the global supply of vital components and equipment for the computer, electronics and automobile industries. It acted as a wake-up call that led to greater focus on dual sourcing and supply chain transparency.
The pandemic has had far deeper consequences. It is a truly global crisis that has also delivered global demand shocks, whereas the Thailand and Fukushima events only impacted the supplier side and were geographically limited.
There will be urgent pressure to redesign supply chains to be smarter, stronger and more diverse, as they are optimized for cost, service and resilience – that’s a huge task.
These are the questions to ask about your supply chain strategy:
1. Is it time to further diversify my supply chain?
When Chinese factories closed in early 2020, manufacturers struggled to switch to other suppliers. Diversifying your supply chain needs to be a major consideration. Instead of relying only on China, consider manufacturing hubs such as Vietnam, Mexico and India which are likely to gain greater prominence.
This can help you navigate geopolitical risks and potential trade wars. It is also an opportunity to increase transparency and gain a deeper understanding of the vulnerabilities and hidden risks throughout your supply chain, including your suppliers’ suppliers.
2. Do I need to localize manufacturing?
An alternative is to move some or all production closer to the end consumer. Localized supply chains can be more resilient and are not as susceptible to trade wars or other global events. This strategy only works if your suppliers are local and their materials are sourced locally too, otherwise global risks will remain in your supply chain.
This strategy will likely increase costs, but it may also appease governments who sometimes apply pressure to manufacture in-country to boost employment and ensure certainty of supply of critical products, such as medical supplies.
What is the World Economic Forum doing to manage emerging risks from COVID-19?
The first global pandemic in more than 100 years, COVID-19 has spread throughout the world at an unprecedented speed. At the time of writing, 4.5 million cases have been confirmed and more than 300,000 people have died due to the virus.
As countries seek to recover, some of the more long-term economic, business, environmental, societal and technological challenges and opportunities are just beginning to become visible.
To help all stakeholders – communities, governments, businesses and individuals understand the emerging risks and follow-on effects generated by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Marsh and McLennan and Zurich Insurance Group, has launched its COVID-19 Risks Outlook: A Preliminary Mapping and its Implications - a companion for decision-makers, building on the Forum’s annual Global Risks Report.
Companies are invited to join the Forum’s work to help manage the identified emerging risks of COVID-19 across industries to shape a better future. Read the full COVID-19 Risks Outlook: A Preliminary Mapping and its Implications report here, and our impact story with further information.
3. Should I invest in digitizing my supply chain?
Many supply chains still rely on outdated processes. This is an opportunity to build interconnected digital supply networks that can anticipate and respond to future shocks in the supply chain and minimize their impact.
Digitizing the supply chain, by investing in artificial intelligence and intelligent automation, can create smart and nimble supply chains able to quickly shift production strategies.
4. Can I make my supply chain more customer-focused?
The demand shocks caused by the pandemic left warehouses full of unwanted or outdated products. Align your marketing strategy with your supply chain so you push items that are in stock and reroute goods to where there is demand (e.g. from retail outlets toward ecommerce fulfillment centres).
It is also an opportunity to use your supply chain to increase brand value. Consumers care about responsible sourcing, including labour standards and sustainable practices. Turn this potential reputational risk into a marketing opportunity by learning about your suppliers and taking advantage of any positive narratives.
Unfortunately, the sleepless nights endured by those working in logistics or the supply chain are not going away, but this time it could be more positive thoughts interrupting your sleep. Instead of waking up worrying about how to solve the next issue to beset your supply chain, you’ll lie awake considering the opportunities to redesign supply chains to be smarter and more resilient.

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But it still looks stupid.
Google is expanding Hangouts' voice calling capabilities and integrating its Google Voice service into Hangouts on the web, iOS and Android.
Eager to change the course of conversation from the 29 million-plus recalls it announced this year, GM CEO Mary Barra touted the Super Cruise.
Google might be the first major U.S. Internet company to comply with a recent law that critics say will allow for greater censorship and surveillance in Russia.
Google is launching a massive ad campaign for mobile Thursday night that will include a joint venture with The New York Times for banner ads based on breaking news stories. The campaign will be "multi-year" according to Advertising Age. The ad above,...
Google will refund $19 million of in-app purchases as part of a settlement over a Federal Trade Commission complaint.
As football season begins, Google is reaching into Tumblr's playbook. The search giant is working with EA on the Madden GIFerator, an app that will create a live stream of memes using Madden NFL 15 game footage triggered by action on the field. "For ...


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Target chief digital officer exits abruptly
RetailDive.com - Sep 27th 2016, 10:52
Jason Goldberger, Target Corp.’s chief digital officer and president of Target.com, has left the company "effective immediately" after being the first to take on the newly created position in May, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Goldberger's abrupt exit comes amid a major turnaround period for Target, and it doesn't look like he fits in with Cornell's vision for the retailer's future. But after only a few months at the digital helm, it's unclear exactly why Goldberger wasn't the right fit.
Tech is generally a forte at Target, and its Cartwheel mobile application, which recently expanded into a rewards program, is widely viewed as a success story. But the retailer's e-commerce sales have lagged after surging earlier in the year, falling from 30% to 16% in its latest quarter.
Cornell reportedly has been pushing for more pricing and promotions as well: Target's turnaround has been focused on making significant moves to recapture its “cheap chic” mantle, revamping the merchandising and presentation of its apparel and home goods, and it seems to be working: Apparel sales have spiked in those categories by 20% to 30%. But Q2 same-store sales also slipped 1.1%, marking Target’s first negative same-store sales measure since the first quarter of 2014.
“‘Expect more’ and ‘Pay less’ both have to work together,” CEO Brian Cornell told Fortune earlier this month. “We lost a bit of that balance and now we’ve got to get back.” Its recent slump, reported amid fairly upbeat reports from other retailers in the summer quarter, indicates that Target has faced a plateau in its turnaround.
Target earlier this month also said it’s taking major steps to upgrade its grocery aisles, including better training of dedicated grocery staff in stores, in order to ensure that food becomes another reason for its customers to shop there — although Cornell insists that doesn’t mean that the company aims to become a major grocer.
Goldberger is now the second senior executive to leave Target in recent weeks: Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Jones exited last month to become president of Uber. Losing Jones was seen as one of many setbacks for the retailer, and Cornell made the effort to thank him in a company press release. No similar release has yet been issued in response to Goldberger's exit.2016 Industry Dive. All rights reserved
Multi-million rand Rustenburg Mall underway
09/09/2019 - 11:07
Rustenburg shoppers can look forward to a brand new shopping centre – Rustenburg Mall – set to introduce its first phase in April 2021.
Introducing the Cape Fine and Rare Wine Auction
23/08/2019 - 10:07
With the world market increasingly focused on the fine and rare wines from South Africa, the Cape Winelands is in a stronger position than ever to showcase its fine wine investments. This year, the Cape Winelands is proud to host its first-ever Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction, an evolution of the historic Nederburg Auction in 1975.
Boost for SA's economy as China lifts its beef ban
07/08/2019 - 09:10
Within one month of the meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Xi Jinping at the G20, China has announced that it is lifting the ban on South African beef exports to China. This will be a major boost to South Africa’s economy given that China is the largest consuming market for South African beef and related products.
South Africa’s economy ‘doesn’t have a long time’
02/08/2019 - 12:57
South Africa’s outlook has been dealt several heavy blows following Eskom’s financial results, and the latest unemployment data, which has raised the question: where to from here?
Inducing consumer paralysis: how retailers bury customers in an avalanche of choice
01/07/2019 - 10:35
Do you think you are paying more than you should for energy, banking, insurance, internet, and phone services? You are not alone, and you are probably right.


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Dell to Hold 2010 Analyst Meeting
Dell executives will discuss the company’s strategy and operating agenda along with a financial overview and update on its current initiatives at its 2010 Analyst Meeting in Austin, Texas on Thursday, June 24.
This meeting features Chairman and CEO Michael S. Dell, and Senior Vice President and CFO Brian T. Gladden as well as various members of the executive leadership team. The meeting will be webcast live at www.dell.com/investor from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT on Thursday, June 24. The webcast will also be accessible by replay online at www.dell.com/investor. Additional investor topics can be found at www.dell.com/dellshares, Dell’s investor relations blog, which enables the online community a direct link with the company’s investor relations team.
About DellDell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they need and value. For more information, visit www.dell.com.


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Wood products company Pope & Talbot will shutter three mills temporarily to reduce the company’s inventory of finished goods.
Mills in the British Columbia cities of Grand Forks, Castlegar and Fort St. James will be shut down for two weeks beginning Oct. 15. The mills produce high-end softwood lumber products.
Company CEO Harold Stanton said the move was necessary due to falling prices of softwood lumber products and a stronger Canadian dollar.
“Moving forward, we will continue to make adjustments as the market dictates,” he said.
Portland, Ore.-based Pope & Talbot produces pulp and wood products for markets in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.


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Apple has called for a voluntary recall of AC wall plug adapters designed for use in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Europe, New Zealand and South Korea, after 12 incidents across the globe.
Weak demand for mobile phones and display panels pushed down Samsung's profits last quarter, and the company doesn't expect much improvement this year.
Just how bad are conditions in the smartphone market? We'll get a better idea later Wednesday when Samsung announces its latest quarterly earnings.
Apple sold roughly as many iPhones during the last quarter of 2015 as it did during the same period in 2014, signaling a possible end to continual gains for the phone and a potential shift in Apple’s business and the smartphone market at large.
The iPhone won't always be the moneymaker it once was.
Apple has lured a top virtual reality researcher away from Virginia Tech, according to the Financial Times. The move could give Apple a chance to catch up with rivals Samsung Electronics, Microsoft, Google and Facebook, which have all made plays in t...
The company is investigating reports that the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus don't accurately display their battery percentage under certain circumstances.
Apple today released an updated list of car models that support its iPhone-mirroring API CarPlay, but the list excludes some major car makers -- at least for now.
The Tesla CEO doesn’t feel threatened by the forthcoming Apple Car, which he calls an “open secret.”
Apple has reportedly acquired artificial-intelligence startup Emotient, giving it access to technology that could one day imbue its devices with the ability to "read" people's emotions through their facial expressions.
Asian electronic component makers are expecting Apple to cut procurement orders by about 30 percent in the coming quarter due to weaker than expected sales of the new iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, according to a Japanese media report.
Apple has agreed to pay Ericsson royalties on the wireless devices it sells in settlement of a long-standing patent dispute.
When IBM and Apple forged their partnership last year to bring new mobile apps to the corporate world, their promise of bringing 100 such apps to market by the end of 2015 was widely considered an ambitious goal. Sure enough, though, it now looks lik...
Google’s digital wallet, Android Pay, will launch in Australia next year, the company announced today.
Samsung is attempting to take its years-old patent fight with Apple to the U.S. Supreme Court. On Monday it filed an appeal to the court asking it to take a look at the rules regarding design patents -- rules that haven't been touched in 120 years.
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We spent more then a year in Rio. And yes, we’re now shaved properly. Videos and pics have been deleted, don’t worry. Guess what… we’re back! Tatatataaaaa. Can you already hear the glorious The A-Team tune? Oh... Read more...March 4, 2015
The Big Internet Museum presents a brand new temporary exhibition: “LOCAL & SOCIAL”. An exhibition with an overview of the world’s most important local networks. It’s a unique collaboration between The Big... Read more...August 8, 2013
Last December we opened our doors and, of course, also a massive bottle of champagne. Now almost three months later a lot has happened. Dingdong here's a quick update.
First of all, a huge thank you... Read more...April 29, 2013
We have – literally - big news for you this time: we’ve added Megaupload and Mr. Dotcom to our permanent collection. Thanks Eric Ponce for submitting this piece to our museum! It’s about time, what’s The Big... Read more...April 10, 2013
We are very pleased to announce that we added three new pieces to our permanent collection. If you thought the concept of the Web was devised in the late sixties, think again. Paul Otlet’s ideas of the World Wide Web... Read more...January 31, 2013


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UPDATE: Royal Thai Navy and Air Force join Lazada ban
Yes, the Lazada-gate fiasco rolls on. Following yesterday’s report that Lazada was banned from entering Royal Thai Army bases, the unit later launched an “emergency announcement” warning of penalties to anyone who violates the ban. Now the Royal Thai Navy and Air Force have also joined the boycott, stating that a zero-tolerance policy “will be considered” as Lazada ads “could drag Thai society down”.
The boycotting of Lazada has emerged from a contracted advertising ‘influencer’ campaign launched last week on TikTok, which has been construed as possibly offensive to the Thai Royal Family and disabled people using a wheelchair. One of HM King Vachiralongkorn’s sisters, HRH Princess Chulabhorn, uses a wheelchair and suffered from lupus, an autoimmune disease.
The issue continues to be a hot topic among Thais after a week of ‘outrage’ from leading royalists. Many users have even deleted their Lazada apps in protest and in response to the #banlazada trending hashtag. Some online sellers have temporarily closed their Lazada shops on the platform too.
The issue was ramped up after the Royal Thai Army announced they would ban Lazada delivery services in army areas and bases, even setting up temporary Lazada delivery tents out the front of key bases around the country. Yesterday, Thai media reported that the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, Narongphan Jitkaewthae, said soldiers could still buy products from the application but had to take delivery outside the military area.
But then, last night, the Commander said that every unit related to the Royal Thai army is “not allowed to use the services from the platform”.
“If anyone fails to follow the rule, the penalties will go to the unit commanders.”
And joining the campaign of outrage, the Royal Thai Navy and Air Force announced their extended boycott of Lazada and asked for cooperation from both officers and residents to avoid using the platform.
The Thai Royal Navy Spokesperson, Pokklong Montartparin, reiterated the claims that the advertisement aimed to “insult the disabled groups”, which was unacceptable in Thai society as it could “drag Thailand down”.
“I would like to ask the residents to put a zero-tolerance action on this kind of issue. Businesses should prevent and avoid offensive advertisements and encourage the creative ones to build up a society of love and understanding.”
Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Airforce spokesperson, Boonlert Andara, said the department would like to ask for cooperation from officers to consider carefully before ordering products from Lazada “because the platform produced advertisements that insulted others and affected Thai society”.
“The advertisement was considered disrespectful and had lower human values, especially for the disabled group.”
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Sunday, March 22, 2015
The Chunghwa Post (中華郵政) on March 30 will release four new updates to its popular “Dream of the Red Chamber (紅樓夢)” stamps series.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Peter Chou has given up his position as CEO of HTC Corp. and will assume a new post as head of the company's Future Development Lab, the Taiwanese smartphone maker said Friday.
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., on Friday denied a media report that thousands of iPhone 6 handsets had been stolen from one of its factories in China.
China Airlines (CAL) Chairman Sun Hung-hsiang said on Friday that budget carrier Tigerair Taiwan, a joint venture with Tiger Airways from Singapore, will unveil a new route to Northeast Asia in the near future.
Spanish lender Sabadell clinched Friday a 1.7-billion pound (US$2.5 billion) takeover of TSB, a unit of the UK's bailed-out lender Lloyds, marking its entry into the UK retail banking sector.
China Airlines (CAL), Taiwan's largest carrier, said Friday it is expecting a healthy aviation industry this year thanks to low fuel prices and an improving global economy.
A Minnesota judge has endorsed a settlement in which Target Corp. will pay US$10 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over a massive data breach in 2013.
Steve Gundrum was grinning on Thursday when he climbed out of a Toyota some might call a cross between a zippy scooter and an eco-friendly electric car.
Jaguar Land Rover is recalling more than 36,000 cars from China, it said, after it was criticized by state television over allegedly faulty gearboxes.
Chinese shoppers are mobbing Chanel stores and counting their savings after the French fashion house slashed handbag prices in the world's biggest luxury market due to the slumping euro.


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Even more attention has been paid to Sylvia Park’s city linkages – as well as nearly 4,000 on-site car parks, it has its own purpose-built train station.
“If you look at our language around Sylvia Park now, we refer to it as a town centre,” Gudgeon says. “In actual fact if you look at how Auckland Council looks at Sylvia Park, Sylvia Park’s a Metropolitan Centre. So with that, we’ve looked to expand our offerings in food and entertainment, services, personal and commercial services, and it’s worked. It really has.”
Under Auckland Council’s 30-year Auckland Unitary Plan for managing future growth, Metropolitan Centres are regional centres around which commercial activities will be clustered. Other Metropolitan Centres include Takapuna and Newmarket. The idea is that this clustering will reduce infrastructure costs and encourage alternative transport.
Gudgeon says Kiwi Property is embracing the council’s plans to intensify around key transport nodes. Its ambitions go beyond retail growth, too. Kiwi Property’s plans for Sylvia Park include the development of a nine-level office building offering 11,200 sqm of office space. Completion of the $80 million project is targeted for 2018.
“Obviously we’ve got a lot of airspace which we’re never going to use for retail, and we can offer office accommodation with a real point of difference,” Gudgeon says. “You’ve got your own railway station on the site, bus interchange, great motorway access, plus you’ve got all the amenities of the shopping centre. Whether it’s daycare or gym or community constable or commercial services, it’s all there.”
Another interesting variation on the shopping centre norm is planned at Hamilton’s The Base. Kiwi Property acquired a 50 percent stake of The Base from Tainui Group Holdings Limited, an investing vehicle for the Waikato-Tainui tribe, in April. Kiwi Property’s investment includes management of The Base and 120-year ground leases, but the underlying land will remain in tribal ownership.
The tribe plans to build a Whanau Ora centre for family health on part of the site which it’s retained. It’s also made sure unique cultural elements such as bilingual signage are kept up.
Gudgeon says it’s an exciting project: “We are so happy to be in that joint venture with Tainui. We see ourselves as very compatible partners, they’re very happy to have us on site as managers because, you know, it’s our core business.”
The Base is New Zealand’s largest single-site retail centre, covering more than 85,000 sqm. The site includes just under seven hectares of land which is yet to be developed, giving it plenty of potential for expansion.
While alarming headlines are heralding the death of shopping centres in the US - Green Street Advisors LLC told Bloomberg in June that several hundred malls could shut down over the next decade – Gudgeon is confident New Zealand centres are in no such trouble.
He points out that judging by floorspace per capita of enclosed malls, the US has around five times more mall space than New Zealand does, and Australia has approximately double.
“So on that stat, New Zealand is not over-provided. It’s when you get oversupply that you can confront issues, and I think possibly that’s been the case in the US. They’ve been oversupplied.”
Gudgeon looks forward to seeing Kiwi Property and its shopping centres continue to flourish. Kiwi Property’s retail portfolio is maintaining a 99.1 percent occupancy rate, and a 3.8 percent like-for-like net rentail income growth rate. He says running a shopping centre has many parallels with retail.
“Success is defined by sales, what consumers want, what shoppers want, so it keeps us on our toes just like it does with retailers.”
This story originally appeared in NZ Retail magazine issue 747 December 2016 / January 2017


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The If You Could Collaborate exhibition is at the A Foundation Gallery in London from 15-23 January. It features 33 collaborations including works by Fontaine Anderson and Deanne Cheuk, Karl Grandin and And Beyond, and Max Lamb and Gemma Holt (pictured).
The co-founder and creative director at Territory Projects discusses why designers should be using technology to bring brands to life, from movement and interactive touchscreens to virtual and augmented reality.
John Scarrott, trainer and coach to design professionals, spoke with three creative directors who have taken this journey to find out how they adapted to life at the top.
As part of our series looking at jobs in design studios, we speak to Jorijn Harms, group account director at Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR), about how she went from product
A Kickstarter campaign has been launched to fund a new board game, which aims to educate young people and make them feel “more comfortable” talking about menstrual cycles.


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GEORGE TOWN: More than 300 people in Penang have come forward to report that they have lost over RM10mil in investments in a cafe chain that is now under probe for conducting unlicensed multi-level marketing schemes.
The Competition Act will be in place soon to protect consumers against market abuse from cartel activities and monopolies, said Domestic Trade, Co-operative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. Several Acts under the ministry would also be amended to further protect consumers against indiscriminate and unfair business practices.
TEMERLOH: The Domestic Trade, Co-operative and Consumerism Ministry will announce on Feb 3 the 11 types of food and goods that will be listed as controlled items for the coming Chinese New Year.
The Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Ministry will announce on Feb 3 the prices for 11 price-controlled items during the Chinese New Year celebration.
PETALING JAYA: The 20-litre fuel sale cap for foreigners within 50km of the border has been effective in curbing the smuggling of petrol and diesel, said Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
PUTRAJAYA: The MCA will host a round-table talk to promote greater understanding, dialogue and cooperation among people of different religions.


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Dredged-up comments from the edgy retailer's CEO plunge the company into another round of controversy.
An investing guru says America is about to see a startling industrial rejuvenation.
In an interview with the Journal's Jason Zweig, van Agtmael says the country is just embarking on an industrial revitalization. Most analysts are only starting to recognize this. If investors realized the scope of what's about to happen, perhaps they wouldn't have been so eager to get out of stocks over the last year.
Here are five reasons why van Agtmael thinks the U.S. is the next great emerging market, according to Zweig:
Blockbusters like 'Iron Man 3' battle more subtle Chinese fare as audiences choose plot and complexity over explosions and 3-D.
Sure, Tom Cruise can still top the box office for 23 straight weeks with Paramount Pictures' (VIA, VIA.B) "Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol," but The New York Times notes that demand for Hollywood films like Warner Brothers' (TWX) "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" and MGM's "Skyfall" isn't nearly as robust. According to ChinaFilmBiz.com, the take for American movies in China during the first quarter fell 65%, to about $200 million, while sales for Chinese-language films rose 128% to well over $500 million.
The economy will grow by 3% in July because of a shift in how the government measures output, especially of intangible assets.
Starting in July, the U.S. gross domestic product will officially jump by 3%. The change isn't due to some miraculous economic event but rather from a shift in the way the government looks at statistics in the digital age.
Brent Moulton, an associate director at the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis, says the revised benchmark economic number will take into account billions of dollars in intangible assets that have previously been left out.
"We’re capitalizing research and development," Moulton told the Financial Times, "and also this category referred to as entertainment, literary and artistic originals, which would be things like motion picture originals, long-lasting television programs, books and sound recordings."
The restaurant chain's three top brands, including Olive Garden, are trying to get diners to bite on bargain deals.
After serving up a mess at its Red Lobster and Olive Garden chains, Darden International (DRI) is banking on "value" meals to lure diners back. But the big question is whether diners will bite.
Olive Garden is offering a "buy one, take one" deal, giving diners an option of five entrees with soup or salad. The restaurant then sends a second entree home with the diner. Red Lobster is selling two seafood dinners for $25, while LongHorn Steakhouse is offering similar deals, according to Nation's Restaurant News.
The question is whether it's too late for Darden, given that diners fled earlier this year amid higher payroll taxes, rising prices at the gas pump and aggressive pricing from other restaurant chains. Bloomin' Brands (BLMN) Outback Steakhouse, for one, offered $10 entrees or 2-for-$20 meal deals.
Johnson & Johnson's popular pain reliever has been found to reduce 'existential angst' -- that is, if you're watching 'Eraserhead' or pondering prostitutes' bail amounts.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) executives wouldn't be blamed for taking some of their own headache medicine, given the government's takeover of three of its Tylenol plants in 2011.
But now the health care products giant has gotten a bit of bright news. A new report published in Psychological Science found that Tylenol and other medicines with acetaminophen can help alleviate "existential angst."
"Pain extends beyond tissue damage and hurt feelings, and includes the distress and existential angst we feel when we're uncertain or have just experienced something surreal. Regardless of the kind of pain, taking Tylenol seems to inhibit the brain signal that says something is wrong," lead researcher Daniel Randles, a graduate student at the University of British Columbia in Canada, said in a statement.
One early estimate puts the price for mending the people hurt in the marathon attack at more than $9 million.
As survivors of last week's horrific Boston Marathon bombings continue to recover, now comes the financial accounting of their injuries, and it isn't pretty.
While the ultimate cost won't be known for some time, a rough calculation made by NBC News pegs the price tag at $9 million. For victims who lost limbs, their health care expenditures may be particularly high, given the cost of prosthetics and rehabilitation.
"It’s probably on the magnitude of $40,000, $50,000 (per person for emergency-room care). But for the people who will be hospitalized for weeks, you could easily be looking at $150,000 to $200,000 per person," health economist Ted Miller told NBC News.
Fundraising sites have popped up to help the victims pay for their medical costs, even for those with health coverage, such as Jeff Bauman.
More farmers and ranchers are now adding Earth Day, visitor-friendly activities as a way of creating new revenue.
As folks everywhere celebrate Earth Day today, many of them are looking for new ways to get closer to nature. And as winter finally winds down, many states are polishing up their financially important tourism programs to welcome domestic and international visitors. At the moment, the U.S. travel industry is one of the nation's strongest business sectors, now employing 7.7 million people.
Rural America is looking for a piece of that action while tapping the growing desire among vacationers for an authentic connection to the natural world. That's leading a growing number of agricultural producers to consider agritourism as a new source of revenue to not only attract the legion of TV program-inspired "foodies" searching for a locavore culinary experience but also the educated and upwardly mobile tourists looking for a new adventure. People want to know more about where their food comes from and how it's produced.
The streets were eerily empty Friday as residents obeyed requests to stay home. The city's economy is strong enough to withstand the shutdown, however.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Boston region has an annual gross domestic product of about $325 billion, meaning that it could easily withstand the impact of a single-day disruption.
"A lot of activity that would've taken place today takes place tomorrow or Monday,” said IHS Global Insight economist Jim Diffely in an interview with Bloomberg News.
There were some exceptions. Conventions that were underway before the governor issued a shutdown order at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and the Hynes Convention Center were allowed to continue.
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Like rival Wal-Mart, it's pointing the finger elsewhere for its problems while other retailers are coping just fine.
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[BRIEFING.COM] The S&P 500 settled lower by 0.8% after early strength turned into afternoon weakness.
Today's headline event came in the form of Ben Bernanke's testimony before the Joint Economic Committee. During his remarks, Chairman Bernanke said premature tightening of monetary policy could stall the pace of recovery. This followed weeks of conflicting remarks from FOMC members, which sparked speculation regarding possible changes to the Fed's policy course.
However, ... More
More Market News
The market's cheap money addiction is laid bare. No one knows how it will end.


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The Cottage Cafe, Bakery and Tea Room publishes cookbook
Since it opened in 2009 on Calhoun Street in Old Town Bluffton, The Cottage Cafe, Bakery and Tea Room has become a heavily-frequented establishment among locals and tourists.
It has also been described as a must-visit by returning visitors to town, owner Leslie Rohland says.
Over the years, Rohland has received numerous requests for recipes for some of The Cottage's most popular items, including scones, tomato pie, gumbo and pistachio cake.
"There was just such a large variety and so many requests, that I just couldn't accommodate everything, unfortunately," Rohland said.
That is, until Rohland finally decided to combine all the most sought after recipes into a cookbook.
Last week, the establishment announced it has published "The Little Cottage That Could." The cookbook, co-authored by Rohland, was published by Iowa-based G&R Publishing and features 94 items. Some are from the past, some are currently on the menu and others are on the way this fall, Rohland said.
"It worked out better to just put everything together and let people have it all right at their fingertips," Rohland said. "The process of sitting down and writing out all the recipes and putting them together was a little bit intimidating and harder than I thought it would be. But I'm pleased with how it turned out."
Patrons have already taken to the book, Rohland added.
"People have been pleasantly surprised coming here and seeing the book on the shelves. It's been a hit so far with return customers, and I've heard several people are purchasing the book as a gift to someone else."
Rohland said another reason for publishing the book was to celebrate The Cottage's fifth anniversary in town, which is Oct. 15.
The restaurant is located in the original Carson Cottage, built in 1890 by former Confederate soldier J.J. Carson and restored in 2007.
"I feel like we've become sort of a staple in the community," Rohland said. "Calhoun Street and Old Town are really thriving right now. The people here and visitors to the area have always supported us, and this is just a way for us to give back."
Rohland said the book can be purchased for $12.95 at The Cottage, at the Bluffton Farmers Market on Thursdays, or online at thecottagebluffton.com.


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The Call of APAC Telcos Connecting to be Fully Digital
Today, the Asia-Pacific telecom sector is quickly transforming to stay connected amid a rapid innovation pace. APAC telcos connecting to 5G, in particular, could enable a conducive APAC 5G technology environment. This will help APAC telecommunication service providers to make meaningful monetization opportunities in industrial and enterprise use cases a reality rather than prospects.
In light of the current transformation status, Mei Lee Quah, Director, Frost & Sullivan, has a message for the telecom sector in the APAC region.
In a recent interaction with CEO Insights Magazine, Quah said, “Overall, there is industry consensus that a way forward for mobile operators lies with the successful transformation from telco to techco to stay relevant, generate revenue, and show growth in the future”.
At the same time, she indicated that mobile operators seem more conservative, with concerns that many of them lack the capability, resources, and stakeholder support to undertake the journey from telco to techco.
Southeast Asia's telecom sector is observed to be changing quickly, mainly due to rising mobile device penetration and demand for digital services.
How are the Statistics Looking?
In support of that, the trade association GSMA predicts that by 2025, there will be more than 200 million 5G customers in ASEAN due to the region's rapid 5G rollout.
An Exponential 5G Growth
The Asia Pacific area is undergoing exponential 5G growth, with next-generation connections expected to account for 41 percent of all mobile connections by 2030, according to the GSMA's latest Mobile Economy APAC 2023 report. Additionally, in the same year, 5G will boost the local economy by $130 billion.
Factors Fueling 5G’s Growth
The GSMA listed several other significant trends that are driving 5G's expansion in the area, such as the emergence of generative AI, the move toward circularity in telecom to cut waste, high levels of telco consolidation in the APAC region, a rapidly expanding fintech sector driven by mobile, and what it refers to as the "growing monetization imperative."
COVID-19 Accelerated the Pace, But There Are Other Factors Too
The reason for the quick pace is the COVID-19 pandemic has forced numerous companies in the region to shift to a digital economy. It led to a lot of Southeast Asian consumers and businesses having to adopt fintech and e-commerce solutions, including online services and digital payments. Other factors like strong economic fundamentals in ASEAN, with a market size of 670 million, a youthful, tech-savvy populace, and increasing internet penetration, are also driving this expansion.
Yet Revenue and IT Spending Remain Stagnant
However, telecom revenues and enterprise IT spending are stagnating despite the digital change that is sweeping through ASEAN.
Only Major Mobile Operators to Turn Fully Digital
Quah added, "By 2027, 82.2 percent of major mobile operators in APAC will remain as telcos with 25 percent likely to exit or become MVNOs assuming three-player markets. Only 17.8 percent of major mobile operators in APAC will become techcos".
Quah further assured, “The outlook for 5G SA is positive as more countries embark on their 5G rollout plans and devices that support 5G SA become available”.
But the telecom sector is still facing obstacles to expansion from all directions, including low subscriber growth, revenue, investment, high-interest rates, weakening currencies, and other factors that call for a hyperefficient paradigm.
Businesses require new asset ownership structures, improved technology, and innovative business models to develop the digital backbone successfully and sustainably. Telcos in the area will require an extra $40–60 billion in funding over the next five years to do this.
A Lot of Renovation Required in Many Areas
Telcos may find it challenging to finance the infrastructure independently in the current scenario. Operators will have to update their business plans and asset ownership. To serve Southeast Asia's expanding smartphone user base, mobile internet infrastructure needs to be strengthened. This entails implementing 5G technology, improving current infrastructure for better speeds, and extending network coverage.
The Bar is High on Performance Expectations
According to Quah, there are not many expectations for expansion, particularly in the area of connectivity. The pandemic and other causes have made the world more digital and hyperconnected, raising the bar for performance from digital enterprises. Change is happening faster, with more agile software companies contributing to the difficulty levels and markets becoming more competitive. The current situation is worsening for mobile carriers; although the pandemic has forced them to deploy some digital solutions, the majority are still in the process of going totally digital and digitally first. Moving from consumer logic to growth logic is a challenging shift that will likely take another one to two years to finish, and not all mobile operators will be able to accomplish it.
The industry could whisk its efforts on data center colocation, a growing trend that involves renting space for computers and other technology, such as servers.
Make Do with What You Have
With an abundance of land resources that could offer economic competitiveness, nations like Malaysia and Vietnam have emerged as desirable locations for data center investments.
Build Data Centers on Available Land
According to research firm Arizton, Malaysia's data center business is actually predicted to grow to a value of over $2 billion by 2028. Contributions from providers like Google, Alibaba Cloud, and Meta will help the Malaysian wholesale colocation sector expand. Low-cost, dependable electricity resources and reduced development costs are advantages for nations such as Vietnam.
Change the Way of Making Investment Strategies in These Data Centers
Investment company decision-makers could respond to the changes in the independent and telco data center markets by adopting more adaptable and smart investment strategies. They can also take a holistic strategy that makes use of industry knowledge, regulatory analysis, and market insights. Investors can find the most attractive possibilities and place the proper bets by carefully evaluating the market potential.
If companies are prepared to change their ownership and business models, Southeast Asia's expanding digital market offers enormous potential for independent data center operators, telecom providers, and tower companies.
To stay ahead of the curve, it is more important than ever to recognize the potential effects of disruptive technologies and business models in the telecom industry and to make plans appropriately.


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China will quicken the development of 5G network construction with more than 600,000 5G base stations expected to be built nationwide by the end of 2020, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
Tech giant Foxconn Industrial Internet (Fii) earned a net profit of 18.6 billion yuan ($2.62 billion) in 2019, up 10.1 percent year-on-year. Its revenue totalled 408.7 billion yuan last year, an annual decrease of 1.6 percent, the Shenzhen-based company said in its annual report filed to the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
Chinese tech giant Xiaomi announced Tuesday that its 2019 revenue totaled 205.8 billion yuan ($29 billion), which exceeded market estimates.The reading marked a 17.7-percent increase year-on-year as the firm bet big on artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT).
To match the rapid trend of resuming work in Shanghai, the United Office Platform of Global Chambers (GCP) issued a preferential policy to provide foreign companies who join in the GCP before the end of March with two months of free co-working office space and amenities. Welcome to contact EAcham for more details.
Chinese drugmaker Walvax Biotechnology Co Ltd announced on Tuesday that the first batch of its 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, totaling 141,119 vials, had received a permit from the authorities for release after safety and quality tests.
JD Logistics, the logistics unit of Chinese e-commerce giant JD, said its overall delivery orders in Hubei province, the region hit hardest by the novel coronavirus outbreak, surged more than three times in March compared with February, surpassing the number of the same period last year.
Huawei Technologies Co said on Tuesday that its global sales revenue grew by 19 percent on a yearly basis to 858.8 billion yuan ($120 billion) in 2019, despite the US government's restrictions.
Author: Producer Emilio Mendez
EAchamFollow EACHAMGet more information


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Kardashians’ Instagram Posts May Be Breaking Advertising Law
Is there a filter called Shill? Social media posts are required to acknowledge paid endorsements. But a watchdog group found that law wasn’t being obeyed on more than 100 Instagram posts from Kim Kardashian West and other members of her social media-savvy reality TV family, with online musings and photos flacking brands such as Calvin Klein and Estée Lauder. Truth in Advertising says it will file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission today if the posts aren’t altered, though the agency’s policy dictates “education” rather than fines for a first offense.


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It’s a challenge to sum up an event so comprehensive and complex as the National Restaurant Association Show, but here are five lasting impressions from the show’s Centennial:
Success depends on agility and adaptability
That was the message from Sunday’s Signature session, which put a spotlight on the future of dining. National Restaurant Association President and CEO Dawn Sweeney moderated the panel discussion, which gathered leaders from the grocery, convenience store and restaurant worlds.
“We all compete here for share of stomach,” said John Cywinski, president of Applebee’s Grill & Bar, acknowledging supermarket Hy-Vee, c-store operator Wawa and Cooper’s Hawk, the other companies represented on the panel. “We don’t take that lightly,” he added. Cywinski also noted the growing need for restaurant operators to offer delivery service but added that the current economic model for delivery is unsustainable.
Sweeney also announced over the weekend that this will be her final Show as President and CEO; she’s retiring at the end of 2019 after 12 years in that role.


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Z-CoiL footwear received a very special mention on the January 7th episode of The Doctors, a countdown of the “Top 10 Health Trends for 2009.” During the finale, Dr. Travis Stork announced that they had one more amazing invention they just had to fit in: Z-CoiL shoes!
Dr. Travis and Dr. Drew Ordon, both springing to their feet in Freedom 2000’s, declared the shoes were “pretty doggone comfortable.” They explained how the footwear is designed to reduce the damaging effects of impact and would be great for anyone who has to stand for long periods of time. Dr. Drew also felt they improved his posture and said he couldn’t wait to wear them during surgery!
When the audience members heard they were all receiving a free pair of Z-CoiL shoes, they went wild! Z-CoiL was the only product featured that day to get a standing ovation!


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Wednesday, 29 May 2013
JLR beats last year’s sales
JaguarLandRover Automotive plc (JLRA) has reported revenues of £15.8bn for the fiscal year ended 31st March 2013, up 17% year on year (£13.5bn last year).
Retail sales increased 22% to 374,636 vehicles, supported by significant product actions including the all-new Range Rover, Jaguar all-wheel drive XF and XJ and the XF Sportbrake.
The company generated positive sales growth in all regions: China up 48%, Asia Pacific up 27%, UK up 20%, Europe up 18%, North America up 9% and other overseas markets up 19%.
Profit before tax increased by 11% to £1.675bn for the fiscal year (£1.507bn last year).
Commenting on the results, JLR chief executive officer, Dr. Ralf Speth said: "
Dr. Speth continued:
The company is one of the UK's largest exporters by value (£8.2bn in 2011) and generates in the region of 85% of its revenue from exports.
The figures might leave Ford Motor Company executives asking: "Where did we go wrong?" ∎


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MEGPlay20 Aug, 2020
YouTube Gaming announced it's “Celebration of Mobile Gaming” tournament with a prize pool of $50,000. Seven creators will compete in Brawl Stars, PUBG Mobile, and Clash Royale on Aug. 27 to become the champion.
The event itself will be streamed via the VidCon YouTube Channel on Aug. 28 at 2 a.m. Malaysian time.
The winning creator out of Clash with Ash, Orange Juice Gaming, KairosTime, Medalcore, Lex, Her Gaming, and Powerbang Gaming will get the chance to donate the prize money to a charity of their choice....


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Californian plastics recycling firm, CarbonLITE is to build a new plant located in Pennsylvania that will enable increase the number of post-consumer PET beverage bottles it recycles annually by 50% to more than 6 billion.
Already claimed to be the world’s largest producer of post-consumer bottle-to-bottle food-grade PET resin, with its plants in Riverside, California and Dallas processing more than 4 billion post-consumer beverage bottles annually, the company said the new $60 million plant is scheduled for startup in late 2019.
The company’s customers use the resin created through the recycling process to produce new sustainable PET bottles and thermoforming products.
“Through state-of-the-art facilities, technologies and equipment, CarbonLITE is fully invested in and committed to helping preserve our precious resources, reduce the PET industry’s carbon footprint, diminish our landfill problems and protect our waterways,” said Chairman and CEO Leon Farahnik.
“With the addition of the Pennsylvania plant, our three facilities will save more than 180,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year,” he continued.
Nestle Waters North America and Pepsico are the primary consumers of CarbonLITE’s raw material in pursuit of their sustainability efforts.
Farahnik added that CarbonLite believes recycling is the only responsible option for PET. “Our motto is: ‘Treat the Earth well. It was not given to you by your parents, it's loaned to you by our children.’"
IN DEPTH: AMUT Washes Up at CarbonLITE’s Dallas PET Bottle Recycling Plant
In 2012, plastics recycler CarbonLITE opened the world’s largest PET bottle recycling facility. Recently it opened its second facility featuring AMUT & BHS equipment in Dallas, Texas.
Closed Loop PET Bottle Recycling Demonstrations from AMUT & EREMA
AMUT and EREMA are inviting guests to watch washed post-consumer PET bottle flakes being recycled in a closed material loop process from 28 to 31 May 2018 at the AMUT headquarters in Novara, Italu.
TOMRA Backs Plastic Pollution Research eXXpedition as Leader Speaks at IFAT 2018
TOMRA, has come on board as the Title Sponsor for eXXpedition’s next highly anticipated all-women plastic research voyage North Pacific 2018.


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Omnicom Group Inc (OMC.N)
* OMNICOM GROUP SAYS ON FEB 15, BOARD VOTED TO INCREASE SIZE OF BOARD TO 14 PERSONS - SEC FILING Source: (http://bit.ly/2HFBaRg) Further company coverage:
* RONNIE S. HAWKINS APPOINTED TO OMNICOM GROUP BOARD OF DIRECTORS
U.S. advertising company Omnicom Group Inc on Thursday reported fourth-quarter revenue that missed Wall Street estimates due to lower spending by clients in North America and the healthcare sector.
Feb 15 U.S. advertising company Omnicom Group Inc on Thursday reported fourth-quarter revenue that missed Wall Street estimates due to lower spending by clients in North America and the healthcare sector.
Feb 15 U.S. advertising company Omnicom Group Inc's revenue dipped 1.5 percent in the fourth quarter, as many domestic clients curbed marketing budgets and due to stiffer competition from consulting firms.
* OMNICOM GROUP REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2017 RESULTS
* OMNICOM GROUP NAMES WENDY CLARK GLOBAL PRESIDENT AND CEO OF DDB WORLDWIDE; CHUCK BRYMER TRANSITIONS TO CHAIRMAN ROLE
(The following statement was released by the rating agency) HONG KONG/SHANGHAI, November 20 (Fitch) Fitch Ratings has published China-based BlueFocus Communication Group Co. Ltd's (BlueFocus) Long-Term Foreign- and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of 'B+'. The Outlook is Stable. The agency has simultaneously assigned an expected 'B+(EXP)' with a Recovery Rating of 'RR4' to the proposed senior unsecured notes. The notes are issued by its wholly owned subsidiary, Blue Skyline Communica
Oct 17 Omnicom Group Inc's third-quarter revenue topped analysts' estimates, as the advertising group benefited from surprisingly strong demand in North America and the impact of a weaker dollar.
* Omnicom Group reports third quarter and year-to-date 2017 results


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Seoul: Samsung Electronics, the world’s top maker of memory chips and LCD screens, reported its best quarterly net profit on resurgent sales and forecast a strong 2010 despite concerns of a strengthening won.
Samsung, which had predicted strong quarterly earnings earlier this month, has made a spectacular turnaround this year, riding a sector recovery and wrestling market share from global rivals, sending its stock to a record high last month.
“Samsung has made great progress in strengthening its market leadership throughout 2009, and we believe the outlook is positive for further growth as the global economic recovery continues into 2010,” Robert Yi, Samsung’s head of investor relations, said in a statement.
The statement stood in contrast to the company’s cautious stance so far this year.
Still, Samsung and South Korean peers such as LG Electronics may be hit by a firming won currency and rising competition.
“If the won stays between 1,150 and 1,190 to the dollar, Samsung shouldn’t face big problems. But if it strengthens past 1,150, that would be a serious issue,” said Lee Ka-keun, an analyst at IBK Securities. The won was trading at 1,183 against the dollar on Friday.
“The global economy is another concern. If it faces a double-dip, that will put additional pressure on Samsung,” said Lee.
Samsung itself warned about its fourth-quarter profits.
“We forecast a solid fourth quarter supported by seasonal demand for consumer electronics, though the appreciation of the won and increased marketing expenses may lead to a quarter-on-quarter decline in profit,” Yi said.
By 0246 GMT, Samsung’s shares were up 2.2% in a broader market up 0.7%. Shares in South Korea’s biggest company rose 59% this year through Thursday, beating a 41% gain in the Kospi.
CHIP MARGINS SOAR
Samsung’s semiconductor business posted an operating profit margin of 15% on a consolidated basis, surging from 4% in the second quarter. Several analysts say the unit will post margins above 20% in 2010.
Samsung said it would invest more than 5.5 trillion won ($4.64 billion) in memory chips and around 3 trillion won in the liquid crystal display (LCD) business in 2010, on a consolidated basis, after investing some 7 trillion won company-wide in 2009.
In mobile phones, where Samsung ranks behind only Nokia, profit margin remained flat at 10% despite increased marketing costs and fewer subsidies from mobile operators.
Samsung’s display division reported a profit margin of 15% on a consolidated basis, compared with 3% in the previous quarter. Robust sales of liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions, where Samsung leads rivals Sony Corp and LG Electronics, have helped.
Samsung’s July-September net profit rose to 3.72 trillion won ($3.14 billion) from 1.22 trillion won a year ago, beating an average forecast for 3.34 trillion won from Thomson Reuters, and topping its previous best quarterly net profit of 3.14 trillion won in the first quarter of 2004.


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From the People's Daily App.
This is Story in the Story.
Heated bidding for freshly caught fish has always been an exciting part of the annual winter fishing festival at Chagan Lake, northeast China's Jilin Province.
This year, the largest bighead carp caught in the first net was sold for nearly three million yuan, or more than $400,000.
The auction price has increased more than tenfold in the past decade. And it's not just for the biggest catch, as overall sales of the lake's fish have been increasing year by year.
While China's normal freshwater fish market continues to weaken, the price and demand for Chagan Lake fish remains strong.
Zhang Wenping, deputy director of the Chagan Lake fish farm said sales speed and volume now are higher than the same period last year. "If Chagan Lake fish could be sold as fast as now, 1,500 tons of output this year can be sold out by Spring Festival," he speculated.
Today’s Story in the Story looks at the growing appetite in China for fish and crustacean delicacies.
A crab farmer from Cheng Long Hang, a company whose Huangpu branch restaurant got a Michelin star this year, harvests hairy crabs from Taihu Lake in East China's Jiangsu province. (Photo: China Daily)
Many come by the lake every winter to shop for a lucky bighead carp as a lunar new year's gift for friends and relatives, wishing for a good start. The grand winter fishing celebration, along with local folklore about ancient customs being handed on, reinforces the cultural roots of the fish and makes them widely known.
Meanwhile, the fish farm manager believes the quality of the fish also matters as they meet the increasing desire for organic food. This means the fish in the lake have become widely coveted.
And in recent years, with the emergence of e-commerce websites in China such as JD.com and Tmall, the majority of the fish are being sent directly to consumers across the country.
The number of e-commerce retailers of Chagan Lake fish has mushroomed from two to over 20, accounting for 70 percent of total sales last year. And they are set to play an even bigger part in the future.
"In the beginning there were only small fish weighing two kilograms for online sales. But since last year, we have begun to sell bigger ones of over 10 kilograms to meet growing market demands," Zhang Wenping added.
Each winter, Mongolian fishermen brave temperatures of -20 to -30 degrees Celsius and use a centuries-old technique to catch fish.
And because the old fishing method is very time-consuming, each fishing crew can only cast their net once a day.
Braised hairy crab and shrimp with dough ball in sour soup from Maison on One. (Photo: China Daily)
As the fishing season goes on, fishermen will slowly approach the center of the lake where the highest number of fish are typically caught.
At the same time, thanks to a mild summer and optimal breeding methods, both the amount and quality of hairy crabs, a freshwater crustacean farmed mostly in East China's Yangtze River region, have reached historical highs.
According to the China Fisheries Association, the total volume of hairy crabs produced this year should reach 850,000 metric tons, up by more than 10 percent from last year.
Dubbed the man who "fished diamonds out of water," Yang Weilong, a senior engineer of aquaculture and consultant of China Fisheries Association, has been largely responsible for turning the famous hairy crabs produced in Yangcheng Lake into a national brand.
"The hairy crab, after decades of improved breeding and marketing efforts, stands out as the epitome of China's refined taste and culinary skills due to its unique characteristics and historical background," he says.
Many dining establishments that specialize only in hairy crabs have also spawned over the years. One such example is Cheng Long Hang, a high-end restaurant chain from Shanghai that specializes in hairy crabs.
"As a Chinese food producer, all we need to do is to make sure the quality and taste of hairy crabs don't deteriorate. Who knows? We might even see these crabs end up on dining tables around the world in the future, placed alongside the likes of oysters and lobsters," said the chain's founder Ke Wei, a native of East China's Fujian province.
(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Brian Lowe, Lance Crayon and Paris Yelu Xu. Music by: bensound.com. Text from CGTN and China Daily.)


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An Ashford company has played a vital role in the global effort to combat COVID-19 by providing personal protective equipment to hard-hit areas in the U.S. and around the world.
Eastern Technologies provides warehousing and distribution services for its global entity Global Resources International, which makes PPE for a variety of industries.
GRI has ramped up production of surgical gowns, isolation gowns, surgical packs, surgical instrument covers, needle counters, face masks, and a whole host of other operating room related products and components. Business has expanded to keep up with demand.
“Our volume of sales for many PPE products expanded greatly since the emergence of the COVID-19 virus,” Mark Fellows, vice president of Eastern Tech, said. “To keep up with demand we have expanded production through overtime and adding additional night and weekend shifts. We have also added several new manufacturing lines in our overseas facilities.”
Its single-use products, manufactured overseas, are delivered to large medical, industrial, safety supply, and nuclear product distributors in European countries such as Germany, France, Spain, United Kingdom, and Denmark, in addition to South and North America. Its industrial PPE has been used in Hong Kong and other places in China, South Korea, and Taiwan, and likely other countries via its many distributors.
As the number of virus cases began peaking in the U.S., the amount of PPE provided to the U.S. surpassed its supply to any other region or nation with regard to COVID-19-related PPE sales.
GRI began moving its production out of China a few years ago — a departure Fellows said was greatly accelerated with the onset of the tariff situation. Now, most of its industrial and nuclear product manufacturing is located in Vietnam, which Fellows said has helped insulate GRI significantly from interruptions in supply chain.
ETI provides products typically oriented toward the nuclear power, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, nuclear research facilities, petrochemical industry, refineries and/or related industries, and the food processing industry.
The products ETI provides include but are not limited to a wide variety of protective coveralls, head coverings, foot coverings, industrial rubber gloves, and industrial rubber shoes.
Its product offerings are separated into two lines, products specially designed for the nuclear industry carrying the brand names PolyZolv and Comfort Guard, and products designed for the industrial market carrying the brand names Xposure Guard and Pure Blue.
Its PolyZolv line of protective clothing is made from a special polymer that when treated by a patented process converts the clothing items into carbon dioxide and water. Fellows said this process eliminates roughly 98% of all waste associated with the clothing, thus making single-use clothing a green environmental option.
With some of GRI’s industrial product lines, the availability and price of raw materials have changed dramatically.
One of the main components of the fabric for GRI’s medical product line of coveralls has increased in price over 70% since the beginning of the year. Ocean freight prices have not seen dramatic cost increases but air shipping costs have increased well over 100%.
“We are very vertical in our manufacturing and we control much of the raw materials that go into our finished goods. However, with the current global demand for PPE and facemasks our raw materials production capacities have exceeded maximum as well,” Fellows said.
ETI currently has 53 U.S.-based employees. Its global entity, GRI, has over 3,000 employees worldwide.
With the current U.S. demand, Fellows said GRI is weighing the option of moving of several of its medical products manufacturing to Alabama.
“This will likely include surgical gowns and isolation gowns in addition to other PPE-related products,” Fellows said. “We have not yet made a final determination on such a move but we are working closely with many agencies and departments to make the move a reality.”


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ESOMAR-certified consulting firm Future Market Insights (FMI) has recently published a report on the global APAC automotive telematics market for the forecast period 2021-2031. According to the report, the market is expected to post impressive gains, expanding at a CAGR of over 9% throughout the forecast period. Increasing production of passenger and commercial vehicles are spurring demand.
While the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the automotive industry, the recovery that started in last quarter of 2020 and increased production of commercial as well as passenger vehicles bolstered the growth of automotive telematics market.
Request a Sample of this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-ap-47
With the increassing adoption of embedded systems in the commercial vehicles due to the government regulatory policies across Japan, China and India, the market is expected to witness significant gains over the coming years.
The latest revised edition of the report on automatic telematics market study by FMI forecasts a valuation surpassing a billion dollar mark through 2021. Trends such as software platform integration, adoption of cloud based technology, and integration of android operating systems are accelerating the demand of automotive telematics market across Asia Pacific. .
Key Takeaways from FMI’s APAC Automotive Telematics Market Study
- In terms of vehicle type, passenger vehicles are expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period
- In terms of technology, embedded systems are expected to be dominant, through 2031
- On the basis of end-user, infotainment segment is anticipated to register a increasing demand through the forecast period
- China is expected to be the most lucrative market of APAC automotive telematics market
“Increasing adoption of advanced technology and continuous development in the technology are expected to boost the market. Also, surging adoption of embedded systems among the consumers is expected to create wide growth opportunities for market players,” says the FMI analyst.
Leading manufacturers are adopting artificial intelligence and big data science for new product launches and connected vehicles. Targeted collaborations and partnerships still remains the core strategy for many leading players to maintain a strong foothold in the industry.
In April 2021, Airbiquity, a global leader in connected vehicle services announced the expansion of a multi-year technology collaboration with NXP Semiconductors to pre-integrate and demonstrate efficient and highly scalable automotive software updates and data management for intelligent connected vehicles.
Also, another leading company, Harman International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, announced the launch of new future-proof telematics solution. The HARMAN 5G-ready Telecommunications Control Unit (TCU) enables the scalable mobile network connectivity for connected cars using either the current 4G network infrastructure or the faster 5G network.
Some of the prominent manufacturers profiled by FMI includes Trimble Inc., Visteon Corporation, Airbiquity Inc., Aplicom OY, Scorpion Automotive Limited, iTriangle InfoTech Pvt. Ltd., Minda Corporation Limited, Road Track and Microlise Limited among others.
Key Segments Covered
- South Korea
- Oceania (Australia and the Rest of Oceania)
Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/brochure/rep-ap-47
Key Points Covered in APAC Automotive Telematics Market Study
- Market estimates and forecast 2021-2031
- Key drivers and restraints impacting market growth
- Segment-wise, Country-wise, and Region-wise Analysis
- Competition Mapping and Benchmarking
- Brand share and Market Share Analysis
- Key Product Innovations and Regulatory Climate
- COVID-19 Impact on Automotive Telematics Market and How to Navigate
- Recommendation on Key Winning Strategies
More Related Reports
About Future Market Insights (FMI)
Future Market Insights (ESOMAR certified market research organization and a member of Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) provides in-depth insights into governing factors elevating the demand in the market. It discloses opportunities that will favor the market growth in various segments on the basis of Source, Application, Sales Channel and End Use over the next 10-years.


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Fast food 'surrounds' metropolitan schools," read a recent USA Today headline. "Most public and private schools in Chicago are only a five to 10-minute walk from at least one fast-food restaurant, says a study in September's American Journal of Public Health." And another recent story lead, this one from Brandweek: "How can brands reach students who ... spend a record-breaking $175 billion annually? Try a little of everything, from campus marketing to ...
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Microsoft trims benefits to cut costs
Changes affect stock purchase plan, parental leave and medical co-payments
Published 10:00 pm, Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Microsoft Corp., renowned for its industry-leading employee benefits, plans to scale back in some areas as part of a broader effort to cut costs and improve its profit margin even as revenue growth slows.
Don't worry, the soft drinks in the break rooms are still free.
But the company yesterday said it will reduce the discount employees receive when they buy Microsoft stock, shrink the window in which they can take their four weeks of paid parental leave, require a co-payment when they choose brand-name prescription drugs over approved generic equivalents and trim the vacation time received by new hires.
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"These benefit changes will significantly reduce our operating costs, and -- as part of Microsoft's overall cost-efficacy initiative -- help increase the long-term value of the company," wrote Ken DiPietro, corporate vice president of human resources, in a memo to employees. "They also better align our benefits with those of our competition while still keeping us ahead of the market average."
The company has long touted its benefits package as the best in the high-tech industry, and most of the items on the long list -- ranging from the 401(k) matching program to full medical coverage to free health-club membership -- remain unchanged despite the latest adjustments.
But one labor leader said he sees in the move a sign of things to come.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg of what Microsoft employees are going to face in the next few years in light of the company's continued shift toward a more globalized work force," said Marcus Courtney, president of WashTech, which wants to organize Microsoft employees. "If they had union representation, management would have to negotiate with the union before it could implement these unilateral changes."
An employee survey conducted for Microsoft last year by consulting firm Towers Perrin asked if employees were generally "willing to share in health care costs" through increased deductibles, co-payments or higher payroll contributions. Courtney cited the survey as evidence that the company has been contemplating broader changes.
This week's announcement is the second time in less than a year that the company has changed elements of the package it offers employees. Microsoft last year began awarding employees actual shares of stock as part of their compensation, rather than options to buy shares, as it had previously.
Many employees welcomed that change, which resulted in more financial certainty.
The benefits changes were announced to employees late Tuesday. Cecily Hall, Microsoft's director of U.S. benefits, said it's too early to know how employees will react, but she said she believes they will see it as the right thing for them, the company and shareholders.
"What we've done is made some minor modifications to our benefits plan, but we really feel like most of them still offer a lot of choice and flexibility, and these changes will continue to preserve what really is a premier benefits package," she said. "We're being fiscally responsible while still working to provide the best package that we can."
A summary of the changes:
Microsoft declined to detail the overall savings it expects from the changes. The decision resulted from the company's regular review of its benefits program, Hall said.
John Connors, the company's chief financial officer, told financial analysts last month that Microsoft is seeking to keep its operating expenses essentially the same in the next fiscal year -- about $22 billion -- as in the current one. As part of the effort, Microsoft is also cutting back on travel, entertainment and other areas of discretionary spending.
The cuts will help keep the company's profit margin rising even if revenue growth slows. Microsoft is forecasting less than 5 percent revenue growth in fiscal 2005, down from 13 percent or 14 percent growth this fiscal year, although the company regularly beats its forecasts.
It would have been more difficult for the company to trim its benefits in the days of the dot-com boom, when many employees were being lured by Internet companies. But things are different today, said software industry analyst Dwight Davis, vice president with Summit Strategies Inc.
"Microsoft probably has a bit more freedom to do this kind of cost control and cut back a bit on its benefits package because it can offer the prospect of stability," he said. "In today's world, that's a pretty important perk."


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This year's Worms spread through USB devices
Over a quarter of new Worms have been designed specifically to spread through computer-connected USB storage devices, a report claims.
According to the Second International SMB Security Barometer, published by Panda Security, which surveyed 10,470 companies across 20 countries, some 48 per cent of SMEs admit to having been infected by some type of malware over the last year. Specifically, 27 per cent confirmed that the source of the infection was a USB device connected to a computer
Computer worms are self-replicating malware programs. They use computer networks to send copies of themselves to other computers on the network, and it may do so without any user intervention. Unlike a virus, it does not need to attach itself to an existing program.
Worms almost always cause at least some harm to the network, if only by consuming bandwidth, whereas viruses almost always corrupt or modify files on a targeted computer.
So far, these types of infection are still outnumbered by those that spread via email, but it is a growing trend Panda reports.


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Google has updated its cryptocurrency advertising policy to allow for blockchain-based nonfungible token (NFT) gaming advertisements as long as they don’t promote gambling or gambling services.
According to a blog post from Google, the new changes will go into effect starting Sept. 15 and will be restricted only to games that meet specific criteria:
“NFT games that allow players to purchase in-game items, like virtual apparel for a player’s characters, weaponry, or armor with better stats, consumed or used in a game to enhance a user’s experience or aid users in advancing the game.”
The new policy will continue to ban advertisements for games allowing players to wager or stake NFTs against other players or for rewards, including cryptocurrencies and other nonfungible tokens. NFT casino games and any other social betting paradigm that allows players to wager or play for real-world prizes — such as NFTs, cash or cryptocurrency — will also continue to be banned.
To run ads that promote gambling-related content that integrates NFTs, developers and publishers must “comply with the Gambling and games policy and receive the proper Google Ads certification.”
As Cointelegraph reported in March 2018, Google previously banned all cryptocurrency-related advertising across its platforms. It did not indicate whether the ban would be permanent or reviewable at a later date.
Scott Spencer, the director of sustainable ads at Google at the time, stated that the company had “seen enough consumer harm or potential for consumer harm” that it would continue to approach cryptocurrency-related ads with “extreme caution.”
In June 2021, Google softened the ban to allow some companies creating “cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets targeting the United States” to advertise on the platform, provided the companies were registered with the United States Financial Crimes Enforcement Network as a money services business or a federal or state-chartered bank entity.


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This is huge: FCC chairman's strong net neutrality proposal turns the Internet into a public utility
Can a neverending list of features thrive on a 390-pixel display? Not when so many of those features have been borrowed from stumbling smartwatch predecessors.
At least a few thousand people are interested enough in Apple's new ResearchKit framework to participate in a medical study.
Apple keeps whittling down the number of fitness trackers in its retail stores as it makes way for the Apple Watch.
This new iOS app has everything you want from a desktop photo editor on your iPhone.
Apple told the court that the witnesses and records in the case are in California
Users posting such content will have their accounts locked, the company said.
In which Glenn Fleishman talks to physics experts and does a lot of math to calculate if tripping over your MacBook's USB-C charging cable will knock it off the desk. Spoiler: Don't trip over your MacBook cable.
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Catch up on everything we know about the Apple Watch before its April 24 debut.
The Apple Watch is almost here. So this week's roundup of accessories includes a few new wrist-based items that you won't want to live without. Plus, the usual speakers, batteries, and more.
Glenn and Susie have a lot to talk about, from the shiny new single-port MacBook to Susie's experience with the Apple Watch.
That's the assurance from the companies involved with the mobile framework's first five apps


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A South Craven couple have taken over a top goats cheese brand and have plans to expand.
Sharron and Ed Parker are operating the business from their Bradley farm.
They bought the Yellison Farm Goats Cheese outfit – established in 2003 – when it was put on the market by former owner Steve Akrigg, due to his failing health. Sadly, he died on Christmas Day last year.
Mr Akrigg’s 24-year-old son, Jonathan, and his partner, Lucy Pollard, are helping the Parkers familiarise themselves with all aspects of the operation.
The milking parlour, dairy and cheese production unit have been relocated from the former base at Carleton to Sire Bank Farm, where the Parkers are currently milking 72 predominantly Saanen and Anglo Nubian goats.
“We are up and running, and while it’s early days and there’s still plenty of work to do, we have retained all existing customers and are meeting current order requirements,” said Mrs Parker, a fully qualified mechanical engineer, who formerly managed the tool rooms at Kingfisher (Lubrication) in Leeds.
Steve Akrigg had built-up a hugely successful, award-winning business, with a national customer base and a top reputation.
“Steve invested so much of his time in both establishing and developing the business,” added Mrs Parker.
“It was a true passion in his life – a real labour of love – and one I am determined to continue and further develop in his memory. I already share much of his passion and enthusiasm.”
The business is continuing to produce two types of goats cheese – a light and creamy log in two sizes and potted Crowdie, a soft, spreadable cheese made to a Scottish recipe.
Production has increased, with milk output currently about 600 litres a week and two weekly cheese runs producing some 180kg of product.
And there are plans to further develop and diversify.
“We are looking to grow the herd naturally, and eventually hope to be milking 120-plus goats, producing our own haylage on the farm to feed them,” said Mrs Parker.
“This will allow us to increase both production and capacity. We will also seek to develop and expand our cheese types and ranges, with different flavour variations of existing soft log products, together with the introduction of an own-brand hard cheese similar to a Stilton.”
She and Ed, who also runs his own structural engineering business, have three children – Georgia, 13, a pupil at Skipton Girls’ High School; Joseph, 11, who attends South Craven School in Cross Hills, and five-year-old Archie, who is at Bradley Primary School.
The family’s farm – where Ed’s parents Bill, now 81, and Jennifer Parker help out – specialises in Hereford-cross cattle, with a 30-strong herd of cows, Texel-cross-Mule sheep and Warren hybrid hens, with the eggs sold in Bradley Village Shop.
Sandra Waite, who runs the shop, is already selling Yellison’s cheese, and is holding an open day with tastings on Saturday.


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Sometimes there is good news. The Gap, under strong pressure from consumers and worker rights activists, has agreed to allow independent observers, including human rights officials, to monitor working conditions in the factories in Central America in which Gap clothing is made.
If carried out in good faith, the agreement would curb many of the abuses of the young and mostly female workers who put in long hours at very low pay in the so-called maquiladora factories. These are independently owned sweatshop operations that have been set up in free-trade zones to produce goods for large retailers in the United States and elsewhere.
The conditions are often miserable. Forced overtime is common. Marathon shifts during peak production periods can last 20 hours or more. Many of the factories employ children, which is illegal. And until now, all attempts by workers to organize and form unions have been ruthlessly suppressed.
Retailers always insist they won't tolerate such abuses, while at the same time claiming to be unaware of them. When the abuses are brought to light, the companies inevitably shift into a defensive public relations mode -- their highest priority being to ward off negative publicity.
The Gap, in an accord with the National Labor Committee that was signed last Friday, has moved beyond public relations.Continue reading the main story
The agreement says, "Gap and the NLC feel that it will be helpful to use the Human Rights Ombudsman's offices in El Salvador and other Central American countries to monitor factory compliance with the Gap's 'Sourcing Principles and Guidelines.' "
All of the major retailers have drawn up principles and guidelines -- codes of conduct -- for their subcontractors to follow. The guidelines are supposed to protect the rights of workers and insure humane conditions, but they are routinely ignored. The Gap, by signing this agreement, is saying that it will no longer allow its guidelines to be ignored.
"This is an important step," said U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich in an interview on Wednesday. "It is something of a watershed. The major retailers and manufacturers have been somewhat reluctant to police their contractors here and abroad. This raises the question for other big retailers who haven't moved in this direction -- why not?"
The agreement refers specifically to the Mandarin International plant in El Salvador, which recently crushed an attempt by workers to form a union. Union leaders and many union members were fired.
The agreement says: "Mandarin International has agreed to meet face to face with non-working union officials and workers to negotiate and resolve their differences. This meeting will take place at the Ministry of Labor in the presence of a representative from the Ombudsman's office. It is the fervent hope of the Gap and NLC that this meeting will result in the offer of reinstatement to the seven non-working union leaders and other members."
Mandarin is not bound by the agreement, but it is understood that if a fair settlement cannot be reached with the union workers the Gap will no longer do business with Mandarin. And if the Gap severs all ties to Mandarin, other large companies can be expected to do the same.
The pressure on the Gap and other retailers began in earnest last summer when two young maquiladora workers, on a trip sponsored by the Labor Committee, toured several cities in the U.S. and Canada. The reaction to their plight was intense. Consumers were outraged. Students joined in letter-writing campaigns. Religious groups organized protests.
Two rabbis from Congregation B'nai Jeshurun on Manhattan's Upper West Side wrote a letter to Donald G. Fisher, chief executive of the Gap and Banana Republic empire, that said, "Before we publicly announce to our congregation that shopping at the Gap and the Banana Republic is a violation of Jewish ethical laws, we would like to hear from you if there are any plans to immediately correct those violations."
"This thing touched a chord," said Charles Kernaghan, the executive director of the Labor Committee and the leader of the campaign on behalf of the workers. "People are not interested in wearing clothes made by exploited workers and children."Continue reading the main story


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MONROVIA – Amid the controversies surrounding the scarcity of rice on the Liberian market, The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bhofal Chambers on Tuesday October 11, 2022 led a Delegation of other lawmakers on the field to tour the facilities of rice importers to ascertain the quantity of rice in the Country and methods used in distributing or selling to Citizens.
The first port of call of the lawmakers, some of whom have expressed dissatisfaction over the plight of the people, was at the Fouani Brothers Clara Town Branch, where a sizable number of Liberians and other nationals were seen in search of the nation’s staple food.
The lawmakers met with authorities and instructed them to increase sales from two hundred (200) persons per day to five hundred (500) persons per day at the minimum of twenty (20) bags each so as to have more people served; something Foauni Brothers have committed to and effectively beginning Wednesday, 12th October they will serve 500 persons per day at the cost of $13.00USD.
Fouani Brothers also stated that they’re expecting another vessel of rice in mid-October.
As for the Supply West Africa Trading (SWAT), the management told the lawmakers they have received a vessel on Monday evening from Abidjan and is currently offloading at the Freeport of Monrovia.
According to them, they are selling thirty five thousand bags per day.
Fouani, another said, they are expecting six thousand (6,000) metric tons, which will account for 250,000 bags of rice on 22 October from India.
Speaking during the visit, Speaker Chambers stressed that the mission to tour the importers facilities is to ensure the sustainability of rice on the Liberian market.
He further used the occasion to call on Citizens to cooperate and do away with panic as the House of Representatives is concerned about their welfare.
He urged importers to work collectively for the good of the society and avoid doing anything that will suffer the people.
Following the intervention, the Citizens commended the lawmakers and hope that the importers will do as they have promised.
Members of the delegation included Johnson N. Gwaikolo, Rustonlyn Dennis, Solomon George, and Byron Zahwea.
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