Latest news with #businesssector
RNZ News
08-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Government unveils its first-ever national artificial intelligence strategy
In the plan's forward written by Science and Technology Minister Shane Reti he said New Zealand was the last OECD country to publish such a strategy. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii New Zealand has - at last - joined other countries in tackling the AI opportunity and challenge, with the government unveiling its first-ever national artificial intelligence strategy. The plan - titled "Investing with Confidence" - has been met with enthusiasm from the business sector, but concern from critics who say it sets a "dangerous path forward" and is "worryingly light" on ethical considerations. In a foreword, Science and Technology Minister Shane Reti said New Zealand needed to get moving on AI, noting it was the last OECD country to publish such a strategy. "Artificial intelligence represents one of the most significant technological opportunities of our time," Reti said. "For New Zealand, embracing AI is not merely an option - it is essential." The plan - which was developed with the assistance of AI - positions New Zealand as a "sophisticated adopter" rather than as an inventor of new foundational models. For its part, the government is promising a "light-touch and principles-based" approach using existing legislation and regulations, rather than introducing new ones. "The government aims to encourage investment in AI adoption by reducing uncertainty, removing unintended and unwanted barriers to AI in legislation, and providing clear guidance on responsible AI innovation within New Zealand's existing legal framework." As well, the strategy includes a commitment to grow AI expertise in New Zealand, noting that this year's Budget includes more than $200 million for tuition and training subsidies and more than $60m for STEM and priority areas. Dr Andrew Lensen, a senior lecturer in Artificial Intelligence at Victoria University, said the strategy was heavy on economic growth opportunities but "worryingly light" on ethical and societal issues. "The strategy suggests that new legislation is unnecessary, which I, and many other AI researchers, disagree with," Lensen said. "Having 'principles' is not nearly sufficient to reduce AI-induced harm, bias, and inequity. We need clear legislation and well-resourced enforcement mechanisms to ensure AI does not further harm New Zealanders." Lensen, who also co-directs an AI consultancy, raised the risks of sourcing modern healthcare AI systems from overseas, for example, which might have no regard for New Zealand's unique demographics. "This AI Strategy sets a dangerous path forward for New Zealand, with an attitude of economic growth above social good." In contrast, the Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges applauded the new strategy, saying it would give "clarity and confidence" to many small and medium enterprises which were currently unsure where to start. "This strategy cuts through the fog," Bridges said. "It's practical, not hype. If we don't get moving, we'll fall behind - but this gives Auckland a real platform to lead." A 2024 Datacom survey found that 67 percent of larger New Zealand businesses utilised some form of AI, up from 48 percent in 2023. However, a separate Spark-NZIER survey, also last year, said 68 percent of SMEs had no plans to explore the technology. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi: Over 80,000 commercial registrations issued in 2Q 2025, bringing total to 1.7mln
RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce has issued more than 80,000 commercial registrations during the second quarter of 2025. This brings the total number of commercial registrations to over 1.7 million across all regions of Saudi Arabia. This was revealed in the business sector summary bulletin for the second quarter of 2025, issued by the ministry. The bulletin also includes an overview of the business sector's performance and developments in the Kingdom. The bulletin highlighted developments in promising sectors, shedding light on the growth of commercial registrations in activities related to artificial intelligence technologies, blockchain, big data and data analytics, financial activities, insurance, amusement parks, games, and other promising activities in the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The bulletin addressed the geographical distribution of issued and existing commercial registrations in promising sectors, highlighting registrations in e-commerce, and highlighting the most prominent activities and events of the business sector in the Kingdom. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Bloomberg
27-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
A New Coalition Government Will Set South Africa Back
For many observers, trying to keep South Africa's coalition government intact as it staggered from one crisis to another over the past year has seemed like a Sisyphean task. Yet, because it seemed like such a worthy pursuit, citizens and the business sector have supported it. Now, two weeks after its first anniversary, the government has hit another hurdle — and this time the main players have drifted so far apart it may mean the end of the union as soon as this weekend. Threats of a walkout have been made. Ultimatums that must be met by Saturday afternoon have been issued. A new coalition government, more fragile and unstable than the current one, will have to be cobbled together.
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi: Updating commercial registration owner data allows access to all e-services
RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce has clarified that updating commercial registration owner data electronically allows access to all electronic services provided by the ministry to the business sector in partnership with the Saudi Center for Economic Business. The ministry explained that there are certain terms and conditions for completing the procedures of updating commercial registration. These include an active commercial registration and the age of the applicant should be 18 years or above. The update is not possible for employees who are working in the government sector. There should be at least one manager working in the commercial registration section, in addition to obtaining the manager's approval if the applicant is not the owner of the commercial registration. The ministry stated that the service will be provided electronically free of charge and is completed within one day via the "Business Platform": © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
South China Morning Post
12-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China-US trade truce won't stop Hong Kong from filing WTO complaint: John Lee
Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu has said the city will proceed with filing a complaint about US punitive tariffs to the World Trade Organization (WTO) despite the truce between Washington and Beijing. The city's business sector is also gearing up to take advantage of the 90-day tariff suspension window to front-load their shipments and productions, as economists see the temporary deal more as an effort to buy time ahead of the resumption of the trade war. Lee, who is leading a delegation to visit the Middle East to explore new markets, emphasised Hong Kong's status as a 'free port' and criticised the US for violating the WTO's rules by imposing so-called reciprocal tariffs on the city. 'As a separate customs territory, Hong Kong has its own tariff policies. We will continue to file complaints with the WTO,' said the city's chief executive. Under the temporary deal between Beijing and Washington, both sides agreed to roll back most of their recent tariffs for 90 days. Specifically, the US will cut tariffs on Chinese goods to 30 per cent from 145 per cent, while China will roll back duties on American goods to 10 per cent from 125 per cent, effective from Wednesday.
