Latest news with #Chinese-operated
Hans India
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Serbia battles hundreds of wildfires as heatwave triggers national emergency
Belgrade: Serbia is battling a surge of wildfires fueled by extreme heat and strong winds, prompting several regions to declare a state of emergency and to deploy military forces. More than 200 fires have been reported in the past 24 hours, with one person dead and at least 14 injured, the Ministry of the Interior said Monday. States of emergency have been declared in the southern municipality of Kursumlija and in Bor in the east, where the fires are most intense, Xinhua news agency reported. The Serbian Armed Forces have joined firefighting efforts using helicopters, water tankers, and specialized equipment. Working with local authorities, firefighters, and volunteers, they have managed to contain several fires in southern Serbia, though multiple hotspots remain active. In Bor, a city known for its mining industry, wildfires are burning across more than 100 hectares near the Krivelj settlement. Emergency teams, supported by local companies including the Chinese-operated Zijin Mining, are battling the flames in challenging, windy conditions. Fires have also broken out near Bor Lake and in nearby rural communities. Twelve new fires erupted around Gornji Milanovac in central Serbia on Monday, damaging agricultural structures and vehicles. Fires were also reported in cities including Kragujevac, Prokuplje, Valjevo, and Nis, affecting homes, farmland, and forests. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said 197 wildfires were recorded on Sunday alone. "All available resources are engaged," he said, noting the involvement of police, rescue units, helicopters, and volunteers. The government has urged citizens to avoid open flames and report any fires immediately. Meanwhile, the national electricity distributor temporarily shut down several power lines in affected areas to prevent further damage, leaving parts of western Serbia and southern cities without electricity until conditions stabilize. Emergency officials warned that burning dry grass, stubble, or waste in open areas is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. All incidents should be reported via the national emergency number 193, they stressed. Chinese companies operating in Serbia's energy and mining sectors have provided logistical support and personnel, underscoring growing cooperation on disaster response between the two countries. "The situation remains critical," said Luka Causic, acting head of the Sector for Emergency Management under the Ministry of the Interior. "There is no part of the country unaffected." With continued hot and dry weather forecast, authorities are stepping up monitoring and urging public cooperation to prevent further damage from the fires.
The Star
07-07-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Serbia battles hundreds of wildfires as heatwave triggers national emergency
BELGRADE, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Serbia is battling a surge of wildfires fueled by extreme heat and strong winds, prompting several regions to declare a state of emergency and to deploy military forces. More than 200 fires have been reported in the past 24 hours, with one person dead and at least 14 injured, the Ministry of the Interior said Monday. States of emergency have been declared in the southern municipality of Kursumlija and in Bor in the east, where the fires are most intense. The Serbian Armed Forces have joined firefighting efforts using helicopters, water tankers, and specialized equipment. Working with local authorities, firefighters, and volunteers, they have managed to contain several fires in southern Serbia, though multiple hotspots remain active. In Bor, a city known for its mining industry, wildfires are burning across more than 100 hectares near the Krivelj settlement. Emergency teams, supported by local companies including the Chinese-operated Zijin Mining, are battling the flames in challenging, windy conditions. Fires have also broken out near Bor Lake and in nearby rural communities. Twelve new fires erupted around Gornji Milanovac in central Serbia on Monday, damaging agricultural structures and vehicles. Fires were also reported in cities including Kragujevac, Prokuplje, Valjevo, and Nis, affecting homes, farmland, and forests. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said 197 wildfires were recorded on Sunday alone. "All available resources are engaged," he said, noting the involvement of police, rescue units, helicopters, and volunteers. The government has urged citizens to avoid open flames and report any fires immediately. Meanwhile, the national electricity distributor temporarily shut down several power lines in affected areas to prevent further damage, leaving parts of western Serbia and southern cities without electricity until conditions stabilize. Emergency officials warned that burning dry grass, stubble, or waste in open areas is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. All incidents should be reported via the national emergency number 193, they stressed. Chinese companies operating in Serbia's energy and mining sectors have provided logistical support and personnel, underscoring growing cooperation on disaster response between the two countries. "The situation remains critical," said Luka Causic, acting head of the Sector for Emergency Management under the Ministry of the Interior. "There is no part of the country unaffected." With continued hot and dry weather forecast, authorities are stepping up monitoring and urging public cooperation to prevent further damage from the fires.
Fashion Network
16-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Valentino Bags Lab faces judicial oversight amid labor violations probe
A Milan court has placed Valentino Bags Lab Srl—maker of handbags and travel accessories for Italian fashion house Valentino SpA—under judicial administration, following allegations that the company failed to monitor its suppliers. These suppliers reportedly subcontracted production to Chinese-owned workshops accused of exploiting workers and violating Italian labor laws. The court imposed a one-year judicial oversight period but confirmed it would end sooner if Valentino Bags Lab aligns its operations with legal standards. Authorities have not filed any criminal charges against the company. In its ruling, the court stated that the company 'culpably failed' to oversee its subcontractors in pursuit of higher profit margins. Investigators found that Valentino Bags Lab did not assess the actual production capacity of its suppliers or verify working conditions. The Carabinieri's labor protection unit conducted the investigation, with public prosecutor Paolo Storari coordinating the effort. Between March and December 2024, law enforcement officers inspected seven Chinese-run workshops near Milan—including one previously linked to a Dior case. They found 67 workers across these sites, including nine unregistered individuals and three undocumented immigrants. The ruling stated that workshop operators forced workers to sleep on-site and kept them available for round-the-clock production, including public holidays. Power usage data showed continuous day-night cycles, and operators had allegedly removed safety devices from machinery to boost output. Since 2018, one of the suppliers, Bags Milano Srl, has worked exclusively for Valentino Bags Lab, producing about 4,000 bags per month at costs ranging from €35 to €75 ($39.20–$84). Two judicial sources reported that retailers later sold the same items for €1,900 to €2,200. Bags Milano's owner allegedly outsourced additional work to other Chinese-operated workshops. Authorities are now investigating the owners of both the primary and secondary firms for labor exploitation and illegal employment practices. The court noted that Valentino Bags Lab 'continued working with suppliers who exploit workers and breach safety standards,' even after similar practices received media coverage involving other major fashion houses. This case marks the fourth time Milan's judiciary has targeted a fashion company since December 2023. Officials previously took action against the Italian operations of Dior (LVMH), Armani, and Alviero Martini SpA. In those instances, the court lifted judicial supervision before the companies implemented corrective measures. In 2023, French luxury conglomerate Kering acquired a 30% stake in Valentino from Qatari investment fund Mayhoola, with an option to acquire full ownership by 2028. The Milan court is now calling for broader reforms, urging luxury brands to enhance supply chain oversight and ensure compliance with labor laws. According to consultancy Bain & Company, Italy accounts for 50% to 55% of global luxury goods production, which is driven by networks of small, subcontracted manufacturers.
Fashion Network
15-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Valentino Bags Lab faces judicial oversight amid labor violations probe
Between March and December 2024, law enforcement officers inspected seven Chinese-run workshops near Milan—including one previously linked to a Dior case. They found 67 workers across these sites, including nine unregistered individuals and three undocumented immigrants. The ruling stated that workshop operators forced workers to sleep on-site and kept them available for round-the-clock production, including public holidays. Power usage data showed continuous day-night cycles, and operators had allegedly removed safety devices from machinery to boost output. Since 2018, one of the suppliers, Bags Milano Srl, has worked exclusively for Valentino Bags Lab, producing about 4,000 bags per month at costs ranging from €35 to €75 ($39.20–$84). Two judicial sources reported that retailers later sold the same items for €1,900 to €2,200. Bags Milano's owner allegedly outsourced additional work to other Chinese-operated workshops. Authorities are now investigating the owners of both the primary and secondary firms for labor exploitation and illegal employment practices. The court noted that Valentino Bags Lab 'continued working with suppliers who exploit workers and breach safety standards,' even after similar practices received media coverage involving other major fashion houses. This case marks the fourth time Milan's judiciary has targeted a fashion company since December 2023. Officials previously took action against the Italian operations of Dior (LVMH), Armani, and Alviero Martini SpA. In those instances, the court lifted judicial supervision before the companies implemented corrective measures. In 2023, French luxury conglomerate Kering acquired a 30% stake in Valentino from Qatari investment fund Mayhoola, with an option to acquire full ownership by 2028. The Milan court is now calling for broader reforms, urging luxury brands to enhance supply chain oversight and ensure compliance with labor laws. According to consultancy Bain & Company, Italy accounts for 50% to 55% of global luxury goods production, which is driven by networks of small, subcontracted manufacturers.
Fashion Network
15-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Valentino Bags Lab faces judicial oversight amid labor violations probe
A Milan court has placed Valentino Bags Lab Srl—maker of handbags and travel accessories for Italian fashion house Valentino SpA—under judicial administration, following allegations that the company failed to monitor its suppliers. These suppliers reportedly subcontracted production to Chinese-owned workshops accused of exploiting workers and violating Italian labor laws. The court imposed a one-year judicial oversight period but confirmed it would end sooner if Valentino Bags Lab aligns its operations with legal standards. Authorities have not filed any criminal charges against the company. In its ruling, the court stated that the company 'culpably failed' to oversee its subcontractors in pursuit of higher profit margins. Investigators found that Valentino Bags Lab did not assess the actual production capacity of its suppliers or verify working conditions. The Carabinieri's labor protection unit conducted the investigation, with public prosecutor Paolo Storari coordinating the effort. Between March and December 2024, law enforcement officers inspected seven Chinese-run workshops near Milan—including one previously linked to a Dior case. They found 67 workers across these sites, including nine unregistered individuals and three undocumented immigrants. The ruling stated that workshop operators forced workers to sleep on-site and kept them available for round-the-clock production, including public holidays. Power usage data showed continuous day-night cycles, and operators had allegedly removed safety devices from machinery to boost output. Since 2018, one of the suppliers, Bags Milano Srl, has worked exclusively for Valentino Bags Lab, producing about 4,000 bags per month at costs ranging from €35 to €75 ($39.20–$84). Two judicial sources reported that retailers later sold the same items for €1,900 to €2,200. Bags Milano's owner allegedly outsourced additional work to other Chinese-operated workshops. Authorities are now investigating the owners of both the primary and secondary firms for labor exploitation and illegal employment practices. The court noted that Valentino Bags Lab 'continued working with suppliers who exploit workers and breach safety standards,' even after similar practices received media coverage involving other major fashion houses. This case marks the fourth time Milan's judiciary has targeted a fashion company since December 2023. Officials previously took action against the Italian operations of Dior (LVMH), Armani, and Alviero Martini SpA. In those instances, the court lifted judicial supervision before the companies implemented corrective measures. In 2023, French luxury conglomerate Kering acquired a 30% stake in Valentino from Qatari investment fund Mayhoola, with an option to acquire full ownership by 2028. The Milan court is now calling for broader reforms, urging luxury brands to enhance supply chain oversight and ensure compliance with labor laws. According to consultancy Bain & Company, Italy accounts for 50% to 55% of global luxury goods production, which is driven by networks of small, subcontracted manufacturers.
