#ConflictMinerals

[businesswolfmagazine]

Ethical Sourcing of Materials: Avoiding Conflict Minerals

In today’s interconnected global economy, the products we use every day—from smartphones to cars—often contain components sourced from various parts of the world. While this globalization has brought about economic opportunities and technological advancements, it has also raised ethical concerns, particularly regarding the extraction and trade of conflict minerals. In this blog, we delve into the issue of conflict minerals, explore their impact on communities and regions, discuss efforts towards ethical sourcing, and highlight the importance of corporate responsibility in ensuring a transparent and ethical supply chain.

Understanding Conflict Minerals

Conflict minerals refer to minerals sourced from regions or countries where armed conflict, human rights abuses, and unethical mining practices occur. The most commonly identified conflict minerals are tantalum (used in electronics), tin (used in soldering), tungsten (used in electronics and machinery), and gold (used in jewelry and electronics). These minerals are often extracted under conditions of forced labor, child labor, and conflict zones where armed groups control mining operations and exploit local populations.

The extraction and trade of conflict minerals fuel violence, perpetuate human rights violations and contribute to instability in affected regions. Proceeds from the sale of conflict minerals may fund armed groups, prolong conflicts, and undermine efforts toward peace and sustainable development.

Impact on Communities and Regions

Human Rights Abuses: Mining operations in conflict zones are often characterized by labor exploitation, including forced labor and child labor. Miners, including women and children, may work in hazardous conditions with little to no protection, facing risks of injury, health issues, and even death.

Environmental Degradation: Unregulated mining practices, such as illegal mining and improper waste disposal, contribute to deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. These environmental impacts harm local ecosystems and jeopardize the livelihoods of communities dependent on natural resources.

Social Instability: The presence of armed groups and conflict over control of mineral-rich territories exacerbate social tensions, displacement of populations, and violations of human rights. Communities living in conflict-affected areas endure insecurity, displacement, and limited access to essential services such as healthcare and education.

Economic Exploitation: The exploitation of conflict minerals perpetuates economic inequality and undermines local economies. Resources that could otherwise contribute to development and poverty alleviation are siphoned off to fund armed conflict and enrich illicit actors.

Efforts Towards Ethical Sourcing

Recognizing the ethical and humanitarian issues associated with conflict minerals, various stakeholders—including governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), industry associations, and corporate entities—have taken steps to promote ethical sourcing practices and establish regulatory frameworks aimed at mitigating the trade in conflict minerals. Key efforts include:

Legislative Initiatives: Governments and international bodies have enacted legislation to address the issue of conflict minerals. For example, the United States passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in 2010, which includes provisions requiring companies to disclose their use of conflict minerals sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries. Similar initiatives have been proposed or implemented in the European Union and other jurisdictions.

Industry Initiatives and Standards: Industry associations and initiatives, such as the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), collaborate with businesses to promote responsible mineral sourcing practices. These initiatives aim to establish transparency, traceability, and due diligence mechanisms throughout global supply chains to ensure that minerals are sourced ethically and legally.

Certification and Traceability Programs: Certification programs, such as the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) certification for gold and the Conflict-Free Smelter Program (CFSP), verify compliance with ethical sourcing standards and promote responsible practices among miners, smelters, and manufacturers. Traceability programs enable companies to track the origin of minerals from mine to market, ensuring that products are free from conflict minerals.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policies: Many companies have integrated ethical sourcing and responsible supply chain management into their CSR policies and business practices. By conducting due diligence, engaging with suppliers, and supporting community development initiatives in sourcing regions, companies can mitigate risks associated with conflict minerals and uphold ethical standards.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite progress in addressing the issue of conflict minerals, several challenges persist:

Complex Supply Chains: Global supply chains are often complex and fragmented, making it challenging to trace the origin of minerals and ensure compliance with ethical sourcing standards throughout the supply chain.

Resource Constraints: Implementing due diligence and traceability programs requires financial resources, technical expertise, and cooperation across multiple stakeholders. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may face challenges in meeting regulatory requirements and implementing robust compliance measures.

Enforcement and Monitoring: Effective enforcement of regulatory frameworks and monitoring of compliance remains critical to preventing the entry of conflict minerals into global markets. Weak governance, corruption, and lack of transparency in some regions hinder efforts to combat illicit mineral trade.

Community Empowerment: Sustainable solutions to the issue of conflict minerals require empowering affected communities, promoting inclusive economic development, and addressing root causes of conflict and instability in mining regions.

The Role of Corporate Responsibility

Corporate responsibility plays a pivotal role in ensuring ethical sourcing practices and promoting transparency in mineral supply chains. Companies have a responsibility to:

Conduct Due Diligence: Implement robust due diligence processes to identify and mitigate risks associated with conflict minerals in their supply chains. This includes conducting supplier audits, engaging with stakeholders, and implementing traceability systems.

Collaborate and Advocate: Collaborate with industry peers, NGOs, and governments to advocate for responsible mineral sourcing practices, share best practices, and support regulatory initiatives that promote transparency and accountability.

Support Community Development: Invest in community development initiatives, such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment programs, to improve the livelihoods of mining communities and foster sustainable development.

Transparent Reporting: Provide transparent reporting on mineral sourcing practices, compliance with ethical standards, and efforts to address social and environmental impacts associated with mining operations.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Intel Corporation: Intel has implemented a comprehensive conflict minerals program, requiring suppliers to undergo due diligence and report on the origin of minerals used in their products. The company supports smelters and mining initiatives in conflict-affected regions to promote responsible sourcing and improve livelihoods.

Apple Inc.: Apple has committed to sourcing conflict-free minerals for its products and works closely with suppliers to ensure compliance with ethical sourcing standards. The company invests in community development projects, including education and healthcare, to support mining communities in Africa and other regions.

Tiffany & Co.: Tiffany & Co. is a member of the RJC and adheres to responsible sourcing practices for diamonds, gold, and other precious metals. The company supports responsible mining initiatives and promotes transparency in its supply chain to ensure ethical and sustainable practices.

Conclusion

Ethical sourcing of materials, particularly the avoidance of conflict mineral, is a critical issue that requires collective action and commitment from governments, businesses, and civil society. By promoting transparency, traceability, and responsible supply chain management practices, stakeholders can mitigate the adverse impacts of conflict mineral on communities, promote peace and stability in mining regions, and uphold human rights and ethical standards globally.

As consumers increasingly prioritize ethical considerations in their purchasing decisions, companies have a vested interest in implementing robust due diligence processes, supporting community development initiatives, and advocating for regulatory frameworks that promote ethical mineral sourcing. By working together towards sustainable and responsible practices, we can create a more equitable and ethical global supply chain that benefits communities, businesses, and the environment alike.

Did you find this article helpful? Visit more of our blogs! Business Wolf Magazine

[sunstreamglobal]

Guidance on Improving Transparency in Conflict Mineral Reporting

Explore the ethical imperative and regulatory landscape surrounding conflict mineral compliance in our guide on improving transparency in conflict mineral reporting. Delve into the challenges of supplier engagement, data accuracy, and technology integration, while discovering practical solutions to navigate these complexities. This resource equips companies with essential insights to not only meet regulatory requirements but also demonstrate a commitment to responsible sourcing and ethical business practices in the realm of conflict minerals.

Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=539H2R8CcJs

[exrconsultancy]

Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives - Booksvenue.com

An unflinching investigation reveals the human rights abuses behind the Congo’s cobalt mining operation―and the moral implications that affect us all.

Cobalt Red is the searing, first-ever exposé of the immense toll taken on the people and environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by cobalt mining, as told through the testimonies of the Congolese people themselves. Activist and researcher Siddharth Kara has traveled deep into cobalt territory to document the testimonies of the people living, working, and dying for cobalt. To uncover the truth about brutal mining practices, Kara investigated militia-controlled mining areas, traced the supply chain of child-mined cobalt from toxic pit to consumer-facing tech giants, and gathered shocking testimonies of people who endure immense suffering and even die mining cobalt.

Cobalt is an essential component to every lithium-ion rechargeable battery made today, the batteries that power our smartphones, tablets, laptops, and electric vehicles. Roughly 75 percent of the world’s supply of cobalt is mined in the Congo, often by peasants and children in sub-human conditions. Billions of people in the world cannot conduct their daily lives without participating in a human rights and environmental catastrophe in the Congo. In this stark and crucial book, Kara argues that we must all care about what is happening in the Congo―because we are all implicated.

Buy Now

Visit our website — www.booksvenue.com

[viraj096]

Solving PCB Layout Design Problems With CAD

Read full article: https://degentevakana.com/blogs/view/65530

Computer Aided Design, or CAD, is the process of drawing, designing, and developing a product or concept using computer software. A user can use CAD software to produce a graphic model of the object.

[lithium-battery-service-gbr]

No conflict minerals in iPhones & Co.

No conflict minerals in iPhones & Co. The Apple Group is working on a "completely green" iPhone, which should be made of 100% recycled material and should not contain  conflict materials. Apple does not want to process mineral resources that are mined in a conflict or high-risk area. To ensure traceability of specific mineral supplies throughout the production process, Apple relies on blockchain technology, which also ensures data protection. A "closed economic cycle" is the objective. Apple wants to avoid poor working conditions and child labor, such as those found in cobalt mines in the Republic of Congo. Cobalt is used for the production of lithium-ion cells/batteries. In order to exclude sourcing of conflict minerals as far as possible, Apple has prepared an Environmental Protection 2021 Progress Report: https://www.apple.com/environment/pdf/Apple_Environmental_Progress_Report_2021.pdf

Find out more about Apple’s requirements for suppliers here: https://www.apple.com/supplier-responsibility/ Since all iPhones and laptops contain a lithium ion cell or lithium ion battery that is classified as dangerous goods class 9, you as a consumer or distributer should also ensure that lithium-ion cells and batteries that have reached the end of their life are properly recycled or disposed of.

Defective/damaged lithium-ion cells and batteries are handled in accordance with regulations. There are specific requirements for assessment, packaging, labeling and documentation. So these are not just handed over for recycling. We at LITHIUM BATTERY SERVICE will be happy to assist you: You can read about how to dispose of and recycle lithium cells and batteries according to legal requirements with us: We offer free information on disposal in all ADR states at this link: https://www.lithium-batterie-service.de/en/disposal/ Anyone who transports lithium cells and batteries or who sends them for disposal and recycling can download detailed and practical checklist articles from us on how to transport this dangerous goods in compliance with regulations. The checklist articles contain all the necessary information for preparing shipments. With reference list. Prepared shipping documents and labels are included. 
 Defective/damaged lithium-ion cells and batteries must be assessed and handled in accordance with regulations. These have their own packaging, labeling and documentation requirements. So these are not just handed over for recycling/disposal. We also have suitable checklist articles as work instructions for this. You can find the checklist articles here: https://www.lithium-batterie-service.de/en/checklist?tab=1 If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: https://www.lithium-batterie-service.de/en/contact/consulting

[elenags75]

Me and me. Just before making a presentation in a webinar this morning. #work #unioneindustrialetorino #conflictminerals https://www.instagram.com/p/CNsOrOfnUY_/?igshid=1f8jkdie3z199

[globalsouth]

Demand for electric car batteries' raw materials set to rise: UNCTAD report

The demand for raw materials used to manufacture rechargeable batteries will grow rapidly as the importance of oil as a source of energy recedes, as highlighted recently by the collapse of prices due to oversupply and weak demand resulting from COVID-19, according to a new UNCTAD report. The report, Commodities at a glance: Special issue on strategic battery raw materials, documents the growing importance of electric mobility and the main materials used to make rechargeable car batteries. Ongoing efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions are expected to spur further investment in green energy production, which has been steady over the years, standing at around $600 billion per year on average. “Alternative sources of energy such as electric batteries will become even more important as investors grow more wary of the future of the oil industry,” said Pamela Coke-Hamilton, UNCTAD's director of international trade, launching the report. Electric car sales have boomed in recent years, rising 65% in 2018 from the previous year to 5.1 million vehicles, and are expected to reach 23 million in 2030. Electric car sales have boomed in recent years, rising 65% in 2018 from the previous year to 5.1 million vehicles, and are expected to reach 23 million in 2030, according to the International Energy Agency. Read the full article

[positivedevelopment]

Weekly Roundup January 29 to February 4

“From February 4 to 10, 2018, Global Affairs Canada, individuals and organizations across the country take part in International Development Week (IDW) and celebrate Canadian contributions to poverty reduction and international humanitarian assistance in the developing world. IDW is also a chance to engage others in learning about—and contributing to—those efforts. Established in 1991, International Development Week is a uniquely Canadian tradition. The theme for IDW 2018, ‘Partners for a Better World’, encourages all Canadians to be partners in building a better, more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world. The efforts of Canadians, whether collectively or as individuals, play an important role in achieving sustainable development at home and around the globe.”

Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook #IDW2018 

Canadian News

Bell Canada: “Thanks to your support, we saw a record 138,383,995 calls, texts, tweets, video views, and use of our Facebook frame and Snapchat filter on Bell Let’s Talk Day. That means an additional $6,919,199.75 will be donated to mental health initiatives in Canada.”

Canada creates world’s first ombudsperson for responsible business

Welcome to Winnipeg: The Human Rights Capital of Canada

“Winnipeg is so much more than its weather and its problems. It’s the epicentre of human rights activities in Canada. Many Winnipeggers know this, but it’s about time the rest of Canada knew it too.”

INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW CONFERENCE: VULNERABILITIES IN ARMED CONFLICT March 9, 2018 in Kingston, ON

How to Get a Job in International Development - free guide!

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Read new insights from WHEAT Institute alumni, students, faculty, and professionals on the updated blog here and receive updates on training opportunities & community events directly in your inbox: sign up!

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International News - Children and Conflict

UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS RIGHTS OF THE CHILD RESOLUTION, REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR CAC MANDATE

“The resolution (A/RES/72/245) was formally adopted on December 24, 2017, reaffirming Member States’ interest to continue to advance measures towards the promotion and protection of the rights of the child, and encouraging all Members to carry out the necessary legislative and administrative actions, among others, to effectively implement the rights recognized in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”

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International News - Human Rights, Development, Peacebuilding, and the Arts

A New Rwanda: A documentary short film about healing and hope in Rwanda Support through Indiegogo.

WPDI team of refugee children from South Sudan wins a local soccer tournament in Northern Uganda

“On January 31st, the WPDI soccer team of children under 12 (U-12) based in the refugee settlement of Kiryandongo, in the North of Uganda, took the cup at the “Mini-Championship Gala”, a competition gathering kids from the settlement and from the neighboring town of Bweyale also in the Kiryandongo District.”

Why Corporate Minerals From the DRC Are Conflict-Minerals

“In the case of the DRC, Glencore and other mining corporations directly contribute to political, economic, and environmental violence. As such, the entire corporate mining industry in the DRC urgently requires international review and suspension.”

HELPING STREET DOGS IN BOTSWANA THROUGH FREE CARE AND COMPASSION

“The fringes of the inland delta is home to the Maun Animal Welfare Society (MAWS), a grassroots animal welfare charity that was founded as The Dog Project by Mervyn Palmer. The organization is dedicated to preventing indiscriminate breeding, transmissible disease and human-inflicted cruelty of domestic animals, and to help improve the welfare of domestic animals across Botswana.”

Why ignoring mental health needs of young Syrian refugees could harm us all

“In spite of the overwhelming trauma, Syrian children are so resilient. They smile, play and adapt quickly in the refugee camps and even under siege. The same child who drew a picture of death and bombs will be drawing flowers, rivers, butterflies and happy faces after a few sessions of art therapy. He can grow up to become a doctor, a teacher, an engineer or even a president. It is incumbent on us to provide him with that chance.”

AID to Artisans

“We create economic opportunities for artisan groups around the world where livelihoods, communities, and craft traditions are marginal or at risk.”

Local public arts program engages community and inspires at-risk youth

“Since its start in 2015, the Dane Arts Mural Arts (DAMA) has produced more than 25 murals, but this public arts program has transformed more than just walls—it has transformed young lives through self-esteem building. DAMA’s mission is to not only beautify the local community, but to also foster a sense of belonging in residents, especially at-risk youth.”

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International News - Elephant Conservation

Hong Kong Lawmakers Ban Ivory In Historic Move To Protect Elephants

“Lawmakers passed the Endangered Species of Animals and Plants (Amendment) Bill 2017, otherwise known as the Hong Kong Ivory Ban Bill. The vote comes just one month after China shut down all commercial processing and sales of ivory at the end of 2017.”

Good News for Elephants: Major Ivory Market Will Close

“It’s official: Hong Kong—a major market for elephant ivory—will end sales of the “white gold” by the end of 2021.”

NEW: The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund

“The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund was established to support global conservation efforts for critically endangered species. Building a permanent home for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is the first initiative of the Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund.”

[vt-ibutwa-initiative-blog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe4s6aU911s

[wwwfoecouk]

RT @Global_Witness: New EU #conflictminerals law comes into force today! Read what we make of it https://t.co/lnWN3npLnN

New EU #conflictminerals law comes into force today! Read what we make of it https://t.co/lnWN3npLnN

— Global Witness (@Global_Witness) June 8, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/wwwfoecouk June 08, 2017 at 09:57AM

[elenalsposts]

Materiali a rischio, un aiuto per la...

Materiali a rischio, un aiuto per la certificazione di conformità #SAPItalia #ConflictMinerals #Compliance #REACH

Materiali a rischio, un aiuto per la...

Oggi i consumatori sono sempre più attenti ai potenziali risvolti etici dei loro acquisti, nella consapevolezza che la produzione dei beni che intendono comprare può...Read More

SAP Social Matters Program

[moraltimenp]

Apple vows to use only recycled materials, but Greenpeace says iPhones should also last longer #apple #bloodminerals #conflictminerals #greenpeace #Moraltime

[studentofrhetoric-blog]

International & Domestic News, Friday, April 7th, 2017

--- "Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau said on Friday he could not judge the likelihood of the United States introducing a new border tax following meetings with U.S. officials this week. Speaking in London, he said discussions with the White House over the last few days had underscored that President Donald Trump's team was pushing for broad U.S. tax changes but said he would make no guesses at any outcome on trade tariffs. Trump's proposed Border Adjustment Tax (BAT) has sent shivers through all major exporters to the U.S., and especially neighbors like Canada and Mexico whose companies sell an enormous amount of their goods there. It would exempt U.S. export revenues from federal corporate tax but levy an implicit 20 percent tax on imports by preventing U.S. companies from deducting the cost of imported goods and supplies. "I can't handicap (judge chances of) an outcome other than to say I spoke to Steven Mnuchin about the ideas of this U.S. administration," Morneau said."

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-canada-britain-finmin-idUSKBN1791TA?il=0

--- "For the first time in at least a decade, Mexico's army is allowing the United States and the United Nations to observe opium poppy eradication, a step toward deeper cooperation to fight heroin traffickers, three sources in Mexico said. The opening could bring Mexico more in line with other drug producing countries like Afghanistan, Colombia and Peru that have been heavily involved with the United Nations in cultivation studies and eradication efforts. The Mexican army hopes to gain more credit at home and abroad for its work and address doubts in Washington about the quality of its data and the success of the eradication program, the officials said. Last week, the army flew U.S. military, U.N. and embassy officials into the heart of Mexico's heroin country to witness the destruction of fields of opium poppies, according to two of the officials with knowledge of the operation."

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-mexico-heroin-idUSKBN1792WE?il=0

--- "U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on Friday told reporters that he plans to announce additional economic sanctions aimed at Syria in the near future, part of the U.S. response to a poison gas attack that Western countries say was carried out by the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. "We expect that those (sanctions) will continue to have an important effect on preventing people from doing business with them," Mnuchin said. "These sanctions are very important and we will use them the maximum effect.""

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-sanctions-idUSKBN17932P?il=0

--- "Syrian-Americans on Friday hailed the U.S. missile attack on a Syrian air base as a blow for human rights, but said they were wary of both President Donald Trump's motives and what comes next. Many who had been angered by Trump's efforts to ban Syrians, along with visitors from several other Muslim-majority nations, welcomed what they saw as his new role as the avenger of civilians killed in this week's chemical weapons attack. "We needed to take some action, show some backbone," said Judy Asghar, 35, an American born to Syrian immigrants who lives in Dearborn, Michigan, epicenter of one of the largest Arab-American communities in the United States...Some Syrian-Americans and Syrians in the United States said Trump's response to the chemical attack transformed him in their eyes. "A lot of Syrian-Americans are now cheering the president, are elated," said Dr. Mohammad Kabbesh, 45, a physician who grew up in Damascus but now lives in Sacramento, California, said by phone. Syrian refugee Motaz al Afandi, 49, of Texas said that if Trump pursues aggressive action toward Assad, he could end up solving the refugee problem. "If we get rid of Al-Assad, we won't need to be refugees anymore," said al Afandi, who runs a tow truck business in the Dallas area and sought asylum in the United States with his wife and three children after fleeing his country's conflict. Still, some who cheered the military action said the travel ban first launched in January had left them with mixed feelings about Trump, and they reserved judgment as they awaited his next steps...Others questioned whether the White House was using the humanitarian crisis as an excuse for more overseas wars."

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syrians-idUSKBN179310?il=0

--- "Internal State Department instructions to implement President Donald Trump's temporary travel ban on citizens of six Muslim-majority nations help demonstrate that the ban violates the constitution, the American Civil Liberties Union argued in court filings late on Thursday. The ACLU made the argument as part of its lawsuit in federal court in the Northern District of California on behalf of three student visa holders against Trump's March 6 executive order barring travelers from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the United States for 90 days and refugees for four months. The lawsuit, which seeks class-action status, says the order discriminates against Muslims. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson issued instructions to implement Trump's order in a series of four cables to consular officers worldwide last month, which were first revealed by Reuters. The ACLU pointed to language from one of the cables that directs consular officers to assess whether applicants from the six countries "found otherwise eligible" for U.S. visas could still be denied visas based on Trump's order. The ACLU said the guidance "amounts to an unconstitutional amendment of existing law.""

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration-cables-idUSKBN17930K?il=0

--- "The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said on Friday it is suspending enforcement of the costliest requirements of its "conflict minerals" rule, after a court remanded it back to the regulator because part of it violates the U.S. Constitution. Acting SEC Chairman Mike Piwowar, a Republican, said he has asked staff for a recommendation on how to proceed with the rule, which requires companies to disclose if their products contain certain minerals from a war-torn part of Africa. For now, he added, companies will not be required to conduct a due diligence review or an audit, which are both part of the process used to determine the origin of the minerals. "Until these issues are resolved, it is difficult to conceive of a circumstance that would counsel in favor of enforcing" the due diligence requirements, he said in a statement. The move sparked backlash from SEC Democratic Commissioner Kara Stein, who accused Piwowar of acting beyond his authority to gut the meat of a rule mandated by Congress, adopted by the SEC and reviewed by the courts. “It is unprecedented for one commissioner, acting alone and without official notice and comment, to engage in de facto rulemaking," she said. "It represents a troubling attack not only on the Commission process, but also on the restraints of government power.”"

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-sec-conflictminerals-idUSKBN1792WX?il=0

--- "President Donald Trump pressed Chinese President Xi Jinping to do more to curb North Korea's nuclear program and help reduce the gaping U.S. trade deficit with Beijing in talks on Friday, even as he toned down the strident anti-China rhetoric of his election campaign. Trump spoke publicly of progress on a range of issues in his first U.S.-China summit – as did several of his top aides – but they provided few concrete specifics other than China's agreement to work together to narrow disagreements and find common ground for cooperation. As the two leaders wrapped up a Florida summit overshadowed by U.S. missile strikes in Syria overnight, Xi joined Trump in stressing the positive mood of the meetings while papering over deep differences that have caused friction between the world's two biggest economies. Trump's aides insisted he had made good on his pledge to raise concerns about China's trade practices and said there was some headway, with Xi agreeing to a 100-day plan for trade talks aimed at boosting U.S. exports and reducing China's trade surplus with the United States. Speaking after the two-day summit at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also said that Xi had agreed to increased cooperation in reining in North Korea's missile and nuclear programs – though he did not offer any new formula for cracking Pyongyang's defiant attitude...Chinese state media on Saturday cheered the meeting as one that showed the world that confrontation between the two powers was not inevitable and established the tone for the development of U.S.-China relations."

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-idUSKBN1792KA?il=0

[viraj096]

REACH And Its Impact On Business

Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) is a European Union law aimed at improving the safety of human and environmental health from chemical dangers while also boosting the efficiency of the EU chemicals sector. 

Read full article: https://www.robinspost.com/social/blogs/view/44788

[mbahelp24-blog]

New EU 🇪🇺 #ConflictMinerals law will set due diligence obligations, help prevent… New EU 🇪🇺 #ConflictMinerals law will set due diligence obligations, help prevent minerals #trade from funding wars:

[endtimewatchman]

http://ift.tt/HDXIyB KINSHASA (Reuters) - A possible plan by U.S. President Donald Trump to suspend a rule on "conflict minerals" could help fund armed groups and contribute to a surge in unrest in central Africa, regional states said on Wednesday.