Latest news with #DecisionNo.
The Star
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Lao PM urges Attapeu to scrutinise investment projects, strive for economic self-reliance
VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (pic) has instructed Attapeu authorities to take decisive action over unproductive mining projects, as part of efforts to boost economic self-reliance and investment accountability. The premier met with provincial leaders during a working visit to the southern province on July 2 to monitor development progress and preparations for the upcoming 12th Provincial Party Congress. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone addresses a meeting with the leaders of Attapeu province last week. The meeting, held at the Attapeu Governor's office, brought together deputy ministers, senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office, and relevant representatives. In assessing the province's mid-year performance, the prime minister commended the achievements made but stressed the urgency of stronger leadership and more effective implementation moving forward. His main concern was the oversight of investment projects, many of which, he said, had made no progress, experienced delays, violated contractual terms, or had serious negative environmental or social impacts. These projects will now undergo close scrutiny. PM Sonexay advised provincial authorities to issue warnings to the owners of underperforming projects and set firm deadlines for resolution. His stance reflects a national push for stronger accountability, ensuring that all investments contribute to local development without causing harm. If corrective action is not taken within the set timeframe, these ventures will be subject to cancellation or official withdrawal, the prime minister said. To support these measures, he advised provincial authorities to coordinate with the Special Taskforce established under Decision No. 47/PM, dated April 25, 2025. This taskforce is mandated to manage, monitor, and inspect previously approved mining projects, ensuring they comply with legal and environmental standards. The prime minister also reaffirmed the importance of enforcing the legal instruments of the taskforce, particularly in monitoring resource-related activities and ensuring transparent, lawful development practices. Prime Minister Sonexay's visit has injected renewed urgency and clarity into the development agenda of Attapeu province. With a clear focus on disciplined governance, self-reliant growth, and investment accountability, the province is being positioned to serve as a model of resilient, people-centred development aligned with national aspirations. - Vientiane Times/ANN
Iraqi News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
The Cabinet holds the 20th regular session, decisions included
The Cabinet held the 20th regular session on Tuesday chaired by PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani, issuing several decisions and discussing the latest developments in the country alongside several files within the government's strategic plans. The Prime Minister spoke about the achievement of one of the government's most important milestones, hosting the Arab Summit and the Development Summit in Baghdad, according to the PM's media office statement - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA. "The summits conveyed Iraq's true image as a contributor to finding regional solutions and emphasized Baghdad's capability to play a political role befitting its stature," he affirmed. He expressed appreciation to all state institutions, media outlets, both local and international, that covered the events, and to the Iraqi people for their awareness and patriotism. The Prime Minister further stated that the Baghdad Summit followed a scientific approach in presenting and adopting topics and initiatives, with Iraq submitting 18 initiatives. "The successful outcomes of the summit were reflected in the final communiqué titled the 'Baghdad Declaration.' "The projects completed in conjunction with the summit will remain, and Baghdad will witness the launch of Phase Two of the 'More Beautiful Baghdad' project initiated in 2023." The Cabinet proceeded to discuss its agenda items. Regarding informal housing, the Cabinet approved an amendment to its Decision No. (23107 of 2023) concerning the conversion of land from agricultural to residential use. The amendment includes forming a technical committee chaired by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, with members from the relevant governorate, municipality, State Properties Directorate, and Department of Agriculture. The committee will verify that the informal housing areas were established before Decision No. (320 of 2022), based on aerial imagery or field visits. The committee will also compile lists of housing occupants, lot sizes, and unit boundaries, and identify land ownership based on master plans. The work is to be completed within 90 days for submission to the Prime Minister. In celebration of the upcoming Eid Al-Adha holiday, the Cabinet approved a grant of 100,000 dinars for orphans who lost both parents and are registered under the social protection network. The number of beneficiaries is 5,832. The Cabinet also approved the formation of a committee headed by a representative of the Federal Board of Supreme Audit and members from the Ministry of Finance's Accounting Department, Rafidain and Rasheed Banks, and the Ministry of Planning. The committee will develop practical solutions to implement the Treasury Single Account system and submit recommendations to the Prime Minister. The Cabinet approved the Bill of Mukhtars, referring it to the Parliament under the Constitution. The monthly compensation was set at 350,000 dinars. In the energy sector, the Cabinet authorized the Ministry of Electricity to directly contract, bypassing regular procurement rules, to purchase power on a take-and-pay basis (excluding fuel costs) for one year starting June 1, 2025. The Cabinet approved the Amendment Bill to the Law on the Authentication of Iraqi and Foreign Signatures and Documents (No. 52 of 1970), referred to the Parliament, taking into account legal department notes. In the area of anti-corruption, the Cabinet approved the 2024 Annual Report of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Council, in line with Law No. (39 of 2015), and emphasized the continued coordination with oversight bodies. In customs reform, the Cabinet amended its previous Decision No. (23037 and 23185) to include the creation of a new unit within the customs authority focused on auditing exemption records, in line with the Administrative Structures Act No. (12 of 2011). As part of efforts to complete stalled infrastructure projects, the Cabinet approved the following: 1. Increased contingency funding and total cost for the Low-Income Housing Complex Project (192 units) in Al-Multaqa Subdistrict, Kirkuk. 2. Increased contingency funding and total cost for the Specialized University Hospital Project in Basra. 3. Increased cost for the Desalination Plant Project in Basra, and instructed the Ministry of Finance to include the project in the governorate's 2025 development plan. Concerning the Federal Service Council, the Cabinet amended its earlier Decision No. (24940) to allow the newly nominated Chair and Members of the Federal Service Council to assume their roles in an acting capacity until the Parliament approves them, due to the expiration of the current council's term. The Cabinet also issued the following decisions: • Approved the Second Amendment to the Civil Airports Fees System (No. 6 of 2018), by the Civil Aviation Law (No. 148 of 1974). • Approved holding an International Conference on Al-Hol Camp, to be funded from the allocations of the Office of the National Security Advisor. • Ratified the recommendations of the Baghdad Economic City Meeting, as submitted by the National Investment Commission. • Issued the system establishing the National Authority for Nuclear, Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Oversight, and defined its tasks, based on Law No. (1 of 2024). • Approved the Bill on the Management of Solid Municipal Waste, reviewed by the State Council, and referred it to the Parliament.
Daily Tribune
23-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
74% of tour guides are Bahraini, ‘all licensed'
Tourism Minister, Her Excellency Fatima Al Sairafi, told Parliament yesterday that 74 per cent of tour guides in Bahrain are citizens, all licensed and certified by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA). She was speaking in response to remarks from MP Mohammed Janahi, who raised several concerns during the session. In reply, Al Sairafi defended the ministry's performance and said Bahrainis remain at the heart of the government's tourism plans. 'There are several points raised by the MP,' she said. 'Unfortunately, some of them are not accurate.' She said Vatel College of Hospitality is an accredited institution in Bahrain and that its students are employed while still studying. 'Sixty-two per cent of Vatel graduates are Bahrainis,' she told MPs. 'They are working in the hotel and hospitality sector in the Kingdom, which in itself shows the importance of this sector and the value the ministry and the authority place on bringing Bahrainis into it.' The Minister added that this approach falls under the tourism strategy launched in 2022. Al Sairafi said she welcomed the MP's call to make better use of the college and confirmed a new qualification is in the pipeline. Feasibility study 'At the moment, Vatel offers a bachelor's degree,' she said. 'We are working to introduce a master's degree soon. I would also like to support the MP's suggestion that the college offer short-term development courses. That is already under way. We are preparing a feasibility study with those involved in the tourism sector, inside and outside Bahrain.' Turning to training, she said the system for guides had been changed. 'There may have been training in 2015,' she said. 'But in 2023, we changed the whole training structure and worked with the UN World Tourism Organisation to ensure a full and proper programme for tour guides. This was a joint effort between the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and the government bodies involved.' Oversight She also addressed the issue of oversight. 'The MP mentioned regulation, which is important,' she said. 'In 2023, the licensing and inspection directorates were separated. We are now preparing a new decision that will contain clear regulatory tools to stop these kinds of practices.' Al Sairafi noted that this policy shift has already produced results. 'The rise in the number of Bahrainis working as tour guides is clear,' she said. MP Janahi had referred to Decision No. (3) of 2005 on the regulation of tour guiding. Al Sairafi acknowledged that it states Bahrainis have priority, but she pointed out that Article 7 of the same decision allows for exceptions. 'The authority is allowed to grant licences to non-Bahrainis in certain cases,' she said, 'for example, to provide services in languages that Bahrainis may not speak. In the 2022 strategy, we targeted several tourist markets, including many countries in Europe.'
Daily Tribune
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
New Board Appointed for Bahrain Deaf Sports Federation
TDT | Manama His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, has issued Decision No. (18) of 2025, appointing the new Board of Directors for the Bahrain Deaf Sports Federation. The decision, made in accordance with Decree-Law No. (21) of 1989 regarding social and cultural associations and sports organizations, and the Unified Statute of Sports Federations issued by Decision No. (15) of 2014 and its amendments, also references the registration of the Bahrain Deaf Sports Federation under Decision No. (60) of 2020. The newly appointed board will serve for the 2025–2028 term and will be led by Sheikh Salman Ali Abdullah Al Khalifa as President. The members of the board are:
Daily News Egypt
05-04-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
FRA approves four banks to trade government securities, financial instruments on secondary market
The Registration and Licensing Committee of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), established under Decision No. 3060 of 2023, has approved the requests of four banks to regularize their status and be listed in the FRA's official registry for trading government securities and financial instruments in the secondary market. This move aligns with the FRA's ongoing efforts to regulate and enhance the efficiency of non-banking financial markets while safeguarding market stability and transactional integrity—particularly in the secondary market for government debt instruments. The initiative also aims to expand access to non-banking financial services, promote broader market participation, and advance financial inclusion. The approved banks, which are not part of the primary dealer system, include Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, the United Bank, the Arab International Bank (AIB), and Emirates NBD. Their approval was granted in accordance with the FRA Board of Directors' Decision No. 232 of 2024, which governs the regulation of trading in government securities and financial instruments on the secondary market. The FRA Chairman's Decision No. 394 of 2025 further extended the grace period for institutions seeking to regularize their status in this market segment. Decision No. 232 of 2024 also mandated the creation of a dedicated registry for non-primary dealer banks authorized to trade in government securities and financial instruments on the secondary market. This registry encompasses all qualified entities—including banks registered as primary dealers, non-primary dealer banks, firms licensed by the FRA for bond trading, brokerage, and intermediation, as well as companies authorized to manage investment funds and portfolios, or to establish and oversee securities and investment funds.
