#foreign ownership

[eaglesnick]

“Leverage is the reason some people become rich and others do not become rich” - Robert T Kiyosaki

The privatised water companies have been demanding price rises of between 24% and 91% over the next five years according to the Consumer Council for Water. The mainly foreign owned "English" water companies want to invest £96bn in water and sewage restructuring between now and 2030. New reservoirs, the first for over 30 years, will be built, leaks will be reduced and less sewage will be pumped into our waterways and seas.

Amen to that! But wait…

“English water firms have handed £57 billion to shareholders in the 30 years after privatisation.” (The London Economic: 28/10/21)

We, the consumer, having generously contributed to foreign share dividends for three decades to the tune of £2 billion per year, are now expected to part with even more money to pay for 30 years of private water company neglect. Meanwhile, the CEO’s of these private companies gave themselves a 20% pay rise for the year 2021-22, pocketing £24.8 million.

None of these facts are particularly new but what really irked me yesterday morning was an interview on BBC’s “Today" programme with David Henderson, CEO of Water UK, the organisation that represents all of the privately owned water companies.

Stressing the country’s need for “economic growth", Henderson said this would not be possible unless the water companies were allowed to drastically raise the price of water to cover the cost of investment needed to upgrade our water infrastructure. Talking of the need to increase water supply he stated:

“We have not built a reservoir in 30 years, even though our population has risen by 20% in that time. And that’s because we have been blocked by regulators and by planning officials around the country.”

The cheek!

According to New Civil Engineer magazine (01/09/22)

“There is a seemingly direct link between the 1989 privatisation of water companies in the UK and the ceasing of new reservoirs being built. While there have been a number of flood alleviation reservoirs built by the Environment Agency in this time, the water companies have not invested in potable drinking reservoirs.”

While I have no doubt that some applications for new reservoirs have been refused by planning authorities the main reason for inadequate reservoir capacity is the reluctance of the privately owned water companies to spend money on investment. Despite what David Henderson said on the Today programme this is a headline from the Express:

“Water firms ‘sold off reservoirs that could have eased drought' - Profit ahead of supply" (10/08.22)

In defending the private water companies Henderson was merely doing his job - after all that is what he is paid to do - but unfortunately their behaviour is indefensible. The reason that our waterway infrastructure is near collapse is not because investment plans have been blocked by “regulators and planning officials" but because of greed.

When Margaret Thatcher privatised the previously publicly owned water companies she sold this national asset for a grand total of £7.6bn. In addition she gave the newly created privately owned water companies a “green dowry" of £1.5bn. At time of purchase the water companies were totally debt free.

Fast-forward and what do we find?

“Water firms’ debts since privatisation hit £54bn as Ofwat refuses to impose limits.” Guardian: 01/12.22)

The water companies have spent the last few decades borrowing money, not to improve the water supply and sewage disposal infrastructure, but to pay dividends to shareholders. According to Ofwat’s own figures the water companies have been running ratios of debt to capital value as high as 80%. Water company share holders (70% owned by foreign investors) have received £65.9bn in dividends and it is calculated that 20% of household water bills go towards paying for the debt that rewards these shareholders.

Rachel Reeves much heralded national wealth fund is supposed to be a central plank of the Labour governments “Green Prosperity Plan” but Labour’s earlier promise to nationalise the dysfunctional private water companies has now been abandoned.

David Henderson has issued what in effect is a blackmail ultimatum to the new Labour Government that without massive price rises in consumer water bills, the Labour Party can kiss their dreams of economic growth goodbye.

Today Ofwat, the water regulator, sanctioned an average increase in water bills of 21%, some companies charging as much as 44% more over a five year period. This is a third less than what the water companies demanded, but even a 21% rise over five years is an increase of 4% a year, twice the inflation rate target of the Bank of England.

An interesting case study will be that of Thames Water which has dire financial problems due to building up a debt of £14bn (while still paying out tens of millions in dividends to its shareholders). It remains to be seen if Thames Water will be allowed to go bust or whether the new Labour Government will step in and bail it out but maybe this headline gives us a clue:

“Labour abstain on bid to criminalize water companies for sewage pollution” (Canary: 17/05/24)

[kesarijournal]

The Unholy Matrimony of Medicine and Money: A Tale of Unprecedented Betrayal

Based on the Tweet by James Thorp MD https://twitter.com/jathorpmfm/status/1677001591407116296?t=goVxB1OwH69IqgqHIISi4w&s=19 Dr Drew, Dr Kelly Victory & Dr James Thorp Ladies and Gentlemen, gather around, for I am about to regale you with a tale of such audacious corruption and ethical violation that it would make Machiavelli blush. A tale so steeped in irony that even Alanis Morissette would…

[absolute-immunities]

🥲

[theozgnomian]

Because the uber-rich, the people that own the media that SHOULD be talking about it, have recognized that any such talk would be against their best interests. Their best interests? Stay rich and getting richer. More power.

Enough said?

[kraviolis]

so on one hand, its completely fair and understandable for other trans people to not want to hear anything about harry potter and to be intolerant of the entire franchise to the point of openly shitting on it and getting upset at any mention of it. i will never ever say its wrong to be upset by the very topic because of how much real life harm has come from the money made from the series.

on the other hand, it actually really hurts to hear that the people closest to me think lesser of me for something i cannot help because i am autistic and harry potter is one of my special interests, buy not in a disney adult way, more like in the same way people have special interests of specific wars or nuclear disasters or homestuck

but on a secret third hand, there is something extremely funny about how im experiencing feeling genuinely unaccepted by my family for the first time in my life bcus my sister just said “dont take my silence as any sort of acceptance” to me in response to my infodumping.

[randomcollection-o-stuff]

Little did my marine policy professor know that she will be sent in an assignment detailing my anger towards monopolies and oligopolies and how they pollute and have extremely unethical practices towards the environment and their workers today.  ::)

[quotesfromscripture]

So you shall divide this land among you according to the tribes of Israel. You shall allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the aliens who reside among you and have begotten children among you. They shall be to you as citizens of Israel; with you they shall be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. In whatever tribe aliens reside, there you shall assign them their inheritance, says the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 47:21-23 NRSVA (1995)

[sree08blogs]

Setting up a 100% foreign-owned business in Qatar provides full control without needing a local Qatari sponsor, allowing complete management autonomy. Investors enjoy tax exemptions, unrestricted profit repatriation, and customs duty relief in free zones, which lower operational costs and boost competitiveness. They also gain access to government and private tenders, opening opportunities for profitable contracts. Qatar’s stable economy further supports long-term business growth and success.

[samuilawfirm]

Thailand Property Lawer

When it comes to navigating the complexities of property law in Thailand, having a knowledgeable and experienced property lawyer by your side is essential. At Sukhothai Inter Law and Business Co., Ltd., we are dedicated to providing top-notch legal services to clients in Koh Samui, Phuket, and throughout Thailand. Our team of skilled property lawyers is here to assist you with all aspects of…

[kesarijournal]

The Unholy Matrimony of Medicine and Money: A Tale of Unprecedented Betrayal

Based on the Tweet by James Thorp MD https://twitter.com/jathorpmfm/status/1677001591407116296?t=goVxB1OwH69IqgqHIISi4w&s=19 Dr Drew, Dr Kelly Victory & Dr James Thorp Ladies and Gentlemen, gather around, for I am about to regale you with a tale of such audacious corruption and ethical violation that it would make Machiavelli blush. A tale so steeped in irony that even Alanis Morissette would…

[anlawvietnam]

Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide: Buying Real Estate for Foreigners in Vietnam - Expert Tips and Insights

Introduction

Investing in real estate is a significant decision, especially for foreigners looking to buy property in a country like Vietnam. With its thriving economy, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes, Vietnam has become an attractive destination for both tourism and investment. However, navigating the real estate market as a foreigner can be complex due to legal and regulatory considerations. In this article, we will delve into the process of buying real estate for foreigners in Vietnam, providing insights and guidance based on expertise, experience, and trustworthy sources.

Understanding Foreign Ownership Regulations

In Vietnam, property ownership regulations for foreigners have evolved in recent years, making it more accessible for non-citizens to own real estate. However, certain restrictions and conditions still apply.

Types of Properties Eligible for Foreign Ownership

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, foreigners can own specific properties in Vietnam, such as apartments and condominiums. However, ownership of land remains restricted. To get accurate information on eligible property types, it's essential to consult up-to-date sources, like the official government website or legal experts.

Leasehold vs. Freehold

Foreigners can own leasehold properties in Vietnam, which means having ownership rights for a specified period, usually up to 50 years. Some properties might offer the possibility of a lease renewal or extension.

The Importance of Legal Assistance

Given the legal complexities, it's highly advisable to seek legal assistance from experts specializing in real estate transactions for foreigners. Local law firms like AN Law Firm can provide invaluable guidance and ensure a smooth purchasing process.

The Buying Process

Buying real estate in Vietnam involves several steps that require careful attention to detail and adherence to legal procedures.

Due Diligence

Before making any property investment, conduct thorough due diligence. This includes verifying the property's ownership history, legality, and potential encumbrances. Hiring a legal expert can help you navigate this stage effectively.

Sale and Purchase Agreement

Once you've selected a property, a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is drafted. The SPA outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, including the purchase price, payment schedule, and any contingencies.

Applying for a Certificate of Land Use Rights and Ownership of Houses and Other Assets

Foreigners must apply for a Certificate of Land Use Rights and Ownership of Houses and Other Assets, commonly called a "red book." This certificate establishes your legal ownership of the property.

Tax Implications

Understand the tax implications associated with property ownership in Vietnam. Different taxes, such as Value Added Tax (VAT) and personal income tax, may apply at various stages of the buying process.

Financing Options

Financing a property purchase in Vietnam might involve a mix of personal funds and loans. While some local banks offer loans to foreigners, the terms and eligibility criteria can be stringent. It's recommended to explore financial institutions familiar with foreign property buyers.

Conclusion

Buying real estate in Vietnam as a foreigner can be a rewarding endeavor. Still, it requires a solid understanding of the legal landscape and a meticulous approach to the purchasing process. Remember that regulations and procedures may change, so relying on up-to-date sources and legal experts is crucial. By following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking the proper professional assistance, you can confidently navigate the path to property ownership in Vietnam.

[arpadvisory]

Online Service for Foreign Investors

Online Service for Foreign Investors will be ready to launch by the Australian Taxation Office on 26 June 2023. This new service will support the Register of Foreign Ownership of Australian Assets, which is expected to start on 01 July 2023. This online service will enable payments, and will be pre-filled with data where possible. Investors and their representatives will need to login through…

[opencommunion]

"Like all foreigners, the Jewish settlers sailed first to Alexandria, took a ferry to Jaffa, and were taken ashore by small boats. This mundane arrival at the shore appears in the settlers’ statements as aggressive and alien treatment: ‘Aravim Hetikifu Ottanu’ – ‘the Arabs assaulted us’ – is the phrase used to describe the simple act of Palestinian boys helping settlers to small boats on the way to Jaffa; they shouted because the waves were high and asked for baksheesh [tips] because this was how they managed to live. But in the settlers’ narrative they were assailants. Noise, presumably a normal feature of life in the Jewish townships of Eastern Europe, becomes menacing when produced by Palestinian women wailing in the traditional salute of joy to the sailors returning safely home. For the settlers this was the behaviour of savages, ‘with fiery eyes and a strange garroted language.’ Whether the topic is their language, their dress or their animals, reports back to Europe concerning the Palestinians were all about unpleasantness and weirdness. ... Again and again, Zionist settlers behaved as a people who had been insulted – either objectively in the form of a physical attack, but more often simply by the very presence of Palestinians in Palestine. ... The Zionist settlers instituted retaliation for ‘theft’, which was how they characterised the rural tradition of cultivating state land, a practice that was legal under Ottoman law. Picking fruit from roadside orchards became an act of robbery only after Zionism took over the land. The words shoded (robber) and rozeach (murderer) were flung about with ease when Palestinians involved in such acts were described. After 1948 these terms would be replaced with ‘terrorist’ and ‘saboteur’. ... Cleansing the land of its farmers and tenants was done at first through meeting in the Zionist madafa and then by force of eviction in Mandatory times. The ‘good’ Palestinians were those who came to the madafa and allowed themselves to be evicted. Those who refused were branded robbers and murderers. Even Palestinians with whom the settlers sometimes shared ownership of horses or long hours of guard duty were transformed into villains once they refused eviction. Later on, wherever Israelis would control the lives of Palestinians, such a refusal to collaborate would be the ultimate proof for Palestinian choice of the terrorist option as a way of life. ... Following the 1967 war ... both Israeli academics and Israeli media commonly used the term ‘terrorism’ when referring to any kind of Palestinian political, social and cultural activity. ‘Palestinian terrorism’ was depicted as having been present from the very beginning of the Zionist project in Palestine and still being there when academic research into it began in earnest. This characterisation was so comprehensive and airtight that it assigned almost every chapter in Palestinian history to the domain of ‘terrorism’ and absolved hardly any of the organisations and personalities that made up the Palestinian national movement from the accusation of being terrorists."

Ilan Pappé, The Idea of Israel: A History of Power and Knowledge (2014)