Latest news with #ASPA
Arab Times
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait wins bid to host ASPA Congress in 2026
HONG KONG, July 1: Kuwait has secured the right to host the Asian Sports Press Association (ASPA) Congress in 2026, after winning the majority of votes during the Association's General Assembly held in Hong Kong. The Kuwaiti delegation at the meeting was led by Sattam Al-Sahli, Chairman of the Sports Media Committee, along with committee member Khalil Nadoum. Al-Sahli expressed his gratitude to the General Assembly members for their confidence in Kuwait, emphasizing that the country will present an exemplary model of hosting. He affirmed Kuwait's readiness and proven capability to organize major meetings and tournaments with excellence and professionalism. In his closing remarks, Al-Sahli wished continued progress for sports journalism throughout Asia, underscoring its vital role in supporting athletic development across the continent.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Feds approve waiver for Alabama rail project amid automation concerns
The Federal Railroad Administration has approved a Buy America waiver for a planned intermodal container transfer facility (ICTF) in Montgomery, Alabama despite concerns that such a waiver could lead to lost jobs through automation. The Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA), which will oversee the ICTF, told the Federal Railroad Administration that the waiver is necessary in order to purchase two rubber-tired gantry cranes it wants to install at the facility, located next to the main CSX rail line between Montgomery and Mobile, Alabama. Projects receiving funding under FRA's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program – ASPA received a $67.3 million CRISI grant for the project in 2022 – must adhere to the agency's Buy America requirements. But FRA may waive those requirements if it determines that:Applying the Buy America requirements would be inconsistent with the public interest; Steel, iron, and goods produced in the U.S. are not produced in a sufficient and reasonably available amount or are not of a satisfactory quality; Rolling stock or power train equipment cannot be bought and delivered in the United States within a reasonable time; or Including domestic material will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25%. 'FRA has determined that the two rubber-tired gantry cranes, including spreaders, that meet ASPA's technical specifications are not produced in the United States in a sufficient and reasonably available amount or satisfactory quality' consistent with the regulation, FRA stated in a notice published on Wednesday. 'FRA finds ASPA has conducted appropriate due diligence through market research and an open procurement process to identify potential domestic suppliers for the products. ASPA's efforts included a market research study that identified one potential supplier; however, ASPA did not receive any responses to its RFP from domestic suppliers.' The Transportation Trades Department (TTD), part of the AFL-CIO, which represents railroad employees, had protested the waiver last year, arguing that because ASPA's bid request stipulates that the cranes allow for future conversion to remote operations, a waiver 'may serve as a back door to securing federal funding for a huge share of the cost of equipment that will eventually be converted to semi-automated or automated functions.' 'Put simply, this strategy, if successful, would incentivize procurements that operators would not have made without the government's intervention,' asserted TTD President Greg Regan in comments filed with the FRA.'In other words, the federal government would be subsidizing the near-future elimination of jobs.' Responding to TTD's concerns, FRA pointed out that the waiver does not set precedents and will expire upon the closeout of the grant award, estimated to be April 2028. In addition, because the ICTF will serve international container traffic that passes through the Port of Mobile, Alabama, the waiver will help ASPA 'promote American jobs by supporting the transportation needs of Central Alabama's growing manufacturing, agricultural, and retail industries,' the agency stated. Port of Mobile enters fourth phase of $104M container terminal expansion $231M rail project to connect Port of Mobile to central Alabama Port of Mobile awarded $300M for infrastructure, intermodal improvements Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher. The post Feds approve waiver for Alabama rail project amid automation concerns appeared first on FreightWaves.
Fashion Value Chain
02-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
ASPA MEA Open House 2025 Unites Region vs Counterfeits
The Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA) successfully concluded its MEA Open House 2025 on 24 April at Anantara Downtown Dubai, advancing its mission to curb counterfeiting through strengthened regional collaboration. The event brought together 46 delegates from 17 companies involved in authentication, brand protection, and packaging technologies, reinforcing ASPA's strategic expansion into the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Moderated by Kaunain Shahidi, a packaging and sustainability expert, the session began with an introduction by ASPA President Manoj Kochar, who outlined the association's goals to protect brands and consumers via effective authentication and traceability solutions. A keynote by Ranesh Bajaj, Chairperson of the ASPA MEA Chapter, spotlighted the urgency of cross-industry collaboration to address counterfeiting threats. He proposed forming a Dubai-based 'Action Group' to strengthen ASPA's activities in the region—an initiative welcomed by six regional companies. Momentum continued as 11 companies expressed interest in joining ASPA, highlighting growing industry alignment with ASPA's vision. Closing the event, ASPA Vice President Ankit Gupta thanked stakeholders for their active participation. The evening concluded with a networking dinner and cocktails, offering delegates the opportunity to explore partnerships aimed at more secure and transparent regional supply chains. Mr. Kochar emphasized, 'This overwhelming response confirms the urgency and resolve across the MEA region to champion authenticity and trust. ASPA is proud to be a catalyst for meaningful action.' The MEA Open House marks a pivotal moment in ASPA's global outreach, boosting regional knowledge exchange and collaboration on cutting-edge physical and digital authentication technologies.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Successful conclusion of ASPA MEA Open House 2025: Strengthening regional collaboration against counterfeiting
Dubai, UAE/ New Delhi: The Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA) successfully hosted its MEA Open House on April 24, 2025, at Anantara Downtown Dubai, bringing together 46 delegates representing 17 companies across the authentication, packaging, and brand protection industries. The event marked a significant milestone in ASPA's mission to expand its global footprint and strengthen collaboration against counterfeiting in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The evening commenced with an engaging agenda moderated by Mr. Kaunain Shahidi, Packaging and Sustainability Expert. Mr. Manoj Kochar, President of ASPA, opened the session by introducing ASPA's key focus areas, its mission of safeguarding products and consumers, and the growing importance of adopting robust authentication and traceability solutions. This was followed by a powerful address by Mr. Ranesh Bajaj, ASPA Governing Body Member and Chairperson of ASPA MEA Chapter, who emphasized the urgency of collective action to combat counterfeiting threats in the MEA region. He highlighted the challenges faced by brand owners and solution providers and urged companies to join ASPA's efforts to build a strong, collaborative network. Mr. Bajaj also proposed the formation of an "Action Group" based in Dubai, focused on strengthening ASPA's presence and initiatives within the MEA region. Encouragingly, six companies from the region expressed interest in being part of this initiative. The event received an overwhelmingly positive response, with 11 participating companies showing intent to join ASPA as members — a testament to the need for collective action and ASPA's growing influence in the MEA region. Mr. Ankit Gupta, Vice President of ASPA, concluded the formal proceedings with a heartfelt thank-you note, expressing gratitude to all delegates, partners, and stakeholders for their enthusiasm, participation, and commitment to the cause. The evening ended with a vibrant networking dinner and cocktail session, allowing industry peers to connect, share ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities for safer and more transparent supply chains across the region. 'The overwhelming response to the MEA Open House underscores the growing commitment among industry leaders to build a future rooted in authenticity and trust. At ASPA, we are proud to have created a dynamic platform that not only raises critical awareness but also forges actionable partnerships, empowering the fight against counterfeiting across borders,' said Mr. Manoj Kochar, President, ASPA. The MEA Open House builds on ASPA's global engagement strategy and reinforces its commitment to regional empowerment, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of advanced physical and digital authentication technologies. About ASPA: The Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA) is the world's first self-regulated non-profit organization representing the entire spectrum of physical and digital authentication and traceability solutions globally. Founded in 1998, ASPA works to raise awareness about the importance of these solutions for brand, document, revenue protection, and consumer empowerment. The organisation strives to educate stakeholders, including government authorities, brand owners, industry professionals, and consumers, on how combining technology solutions ensures various products' authenticity. ASPA also aims to inform companies how adopting physical and digital authentication and traceability solutions can facilitate brand protection and reduce revenue loss. For Further Details, please contact Ms. Deepika Kaushik Email: Deepika@ Mr Puneet Maithani Email : info@
Arab Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Peruvian Foreign Minister to visit Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, April 27: Peruvian Ambassador to Kuwait Carlos Enrique Tomás Jiménez Gil stated that Peru is currently looking into the revision of its foreign policy toward the Gulf states to strengthen bilateral cooperation, expand trade exchange, and stimulate investment. The ambassador indicated that the upcoming diplomatic missions are essential for revitalizing relations with the region and will coincide with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Kuwait this year. In a press conference on the upcoming visit of Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Elmer Chialler to Kuwait, Gil confirmed that Peru intends to intensify its international presence and promote global economic stability through strategic alliances with the Gulf states, acknowledging the increasing significance of this region. He affirmed the importance of relations with Kuwait, citing collaboration in various areas, particularly technical cooperation. 'This cooperation is founded on shared challenges, such as water scarcity and limited arable land,' he revealed. He pointed out that Peru has succeeded in overcoming these challenges, and it has become one of the leading global exporters; hence, it is a reliable partner committed to strengthening relations with Kuwait. He announced that Chialler will arrive in Kuwait on Tuesday, as part of a Gulf tour, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE,) and Saudi Arabia. He said the tour aims to create new opportunities for investment and trade, and strengthen inter-regional ties. On the agreements, he confirmed that Chialler will sign a memorandum of understanding between the National Library of Kuwait and the National Library of Peru, adding that the two sides are discussing other memoranda of understanding. On tourism, he disclosed that the Embassy of Peru issues around 250 visas for Kuwaitis annually. 'Kuwaitis are currently required to obtain a visa to enter Peru, which is usually issued on the same day of applying,' he clarified. He also stressed that the Gulf states have become a main player in the foreign policy of Peru since 2010, following the visit of the former foreign affairs minister to the region that coincided with the ASPA summit in Lima, which signaled the beginning of Peru's openness to the Arab world.
