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migrationmentor · 9 days ago
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Best Australian Immigration Consultants in Dubai | MARA Registered Experts Licensed Australian immigration consultants in Dubai helping UAE residents achieve their migration dreams. Get expert guidance on skilled visas, family sponsorship, and business migration. Book a consultation with our MARA-registered agents today
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gradstarglobal1 · 11 months ago
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What You Need to Know About Post-Study Work in the USA
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One of the things study overseas consultants often get questions about is post-study opportunities. After all, a big motivation behind studying abroad is to jumpstart your career. This is no different for students heading to the USA for a higher education degree.
The USA works a little differently in comparison to the UK, Canada and Australia, which all offer international graduates a post-study graduate visa route. Instead of a post study work visa USA edition, you continue holding your F-1 visa to access post-study OPT. Here’s what you need to know about post-completion Optional Practical Training or OPT.
Understand Your Work Rights in the USA
As an international student holding an F-1 visa, you need to be mindful of the rights and restrictions governing your student status. For example, for your first academic year as an international student, you can’t work off-campus in the USA. On campus, you can look into roles like administrative assistant or assistant librarian.
To work off-campus, you have two options – Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Both of these options need to be relevant to your field of study. You also need the right authorizations to opt for either.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is work experience that is a part of your curriculum. In other words, you will need to complete CPT to complete your program requirements and graduate. First, you need to receive an employment offer and request CPT authorization. Your DSO (Designated School Official) will then authorize you for CPT in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
CPT is a pre-completion work experience route – you must complete it before graduation. However, we bring it up here because 12 months of full-time CPT voids your qualification for OPT. In other words, a full year of CPT means you will no longer qualify for OPT, the post study work visa USA alternative.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Where CPT is a part of your curriculum, OPT is, as the name implies, optional training you request to take part in. Like CPT, though, OPT must be relevant to what you are studying in the USA. OPT can be either pre-completion or post-completion, with a total duration of 12 months. This means that if you complete six months of OPT pre-completion, you only qualify for six months of OPT post-completion.
There is, however, an exception to the rule for students of specific STEM fields. STEM students may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension! Study abroad consultants will be able to guide you to the US programs that give you the best shot at this STEM extension.
To Apply for Pre-Completion OPT
Unlike CPT, where the DSO authorizes you in SEVIS, the DSO will recommend you for OPT in SEVIS. The decision lies with the USCIS (US Citizenship & Immigration Service). Universities and study overseas consultants will recommend you to apply as soon as possible for OPT. As early as 90 days before the start date of employment is standard.
Unlike CPT, though, you don’t already need to have a work opportunity ready before you apply for an OPT recommendation. You may have to estimate your start date and leave enough time for the OPT authorization to go through.
You will need to understand your university’s processes for OPT application. This will involve understanding who you need to contact and how to file your request for the OPT recommendation. Your DSO will guide you on how to submit your OPT application through USCIS. To apply, you will need the following documents:
· The most recent copy of your I-94
· A 2 x 2-inch photo taken within 30 days of your application
· New I-20 – you will receive this once the DSO recommends you for OPT
· Copies of all previous I-20s
· Scan of your passport’s personal information page
· Copy of your F-1 student visa
· Copies of any previous Employment Authorization Documents
To Apply for Post-Completion OPT
To qualify for Post-Completion OPT, you will need to apply either 3 months (90 days) before or within two months (60 days) of program completion. You can’t start working until you get the right OPT authorization.
First, you will need to fill out Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization, thoroughly. Again, your DSO will recommend you for OPT in SEVIS. Only once the USCIS (US Citizenship & Immigration Service) issues you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will you be able to start working. In the long run, this might open up your opportunities to access longer-term work visas, like the H-1B visa!
Rounding Up
The post-completion OPT is the alternative to post study work visa USA pathways. If pursuing work experience after graduation is a priority to you, we recommend connecting with your Designated School Official or study overseas consultants to better understand OPT. As an F-1 visa holder, you have certain rights as an international student. You are also subject to certain restrictions – and it’s best to carefully understand these to lawfully maintain your F-1 student status.
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mbbsblogsblog · 1 year ago
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Scale High in Your MBBS Career by Opting MBBS in Hungary
Would you like to pursue an MBBS overseas?
If so, you should consider pursuing an MBBS in Hungary as it would have several advantages.
For Indian students, studying MBBS in Hungary is a rather wise choice because of the country's high quality education and affordable tuition for medical colleges. Every day, more and more foreign applicants are hoping to get admitted to Hungary's MBBS program.
MBBS in Hungary: Encapsulated Ideas
The highest tuition costs you may incur while pursuing an MBBS in Hungary are somewhere between USD 10, 000 and USD 15, 000.
Furthermore, compared to other European nations, Hungary has comparatively cheaper living expenses. Living expenses must be paid for with around $700 USD every month. A monthly allowance of around 150,000 Hungarian forints (USD 690) is required to pay for local transit, housing expenses (including utilities), and occasional outings.
Prospective students can choose from a broad selection of courses offered by Hungarian universities. For the benefit of its students, the universities provide a variety of medical programs.
The courses provided include: MBBS/ MD Program (6 years), Dentistry Program (5 years), Bachelors in Pharmacy (4 years), Bachelor in nursing (4 years).
After finishing their MBBS in Hungary, medical graduates are also eligible to begin practicing in India, but they must pass a screening exam. The National Medical Commission administers the exam, which is intended to evaluate students' performance across the board. Those who pass the test are eligible to continue practicing medicine in India as certified doctors. Those who fail the NMC screening exam, however, would not be permitted to practice in India. He or she is able to get ready and take the NMC screening exam again. Pupils breeze through the exam and are permitted to try again.
The following actions need be taken in order to apply to Hungarian medical universities:
Filled out application for a university or institution; applicants need to upload certified copies of their diplomas and grades
The Hungarian university requires twelve passport-sized photos for applicants.
You must present passport photocopies that have been notarized and certified.
A medical certificate is also required.
Each and every document needs to be properly signed and certified by an appropriate authority.
Following a review of your files, the institution will give you a confirmation letter.
When a student applies to the university, they must deposit the non-refundable application costs.
About Ria Overseas:
You may get A-Z MBBS in Hungary solutions from Ria Overseas. Aspiring MBBS students have been using this consultation firm for decades. Professional advisory groups offer a wide range of help to Indian MBBS candidates who want to travel abroad. The knowledgeable advisors at Ria Overseas have been establishing a solid rapport with the MBBS universities and gathering pertinent data about their courses, internship programs, residence hall amenities, cost plans, admissions processes, and a host of other topics that students need to know about before deciding to apply for an MBBS course.
You won't be haunted by uncertainty regarding your job possibilities anymore! Ria Overseas experts are here to provide you with helpful advice on the career route you wish to take.
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usafphantom2 · 2 years ago
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Czech Republic acquires Israeli Heron drones
Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 08/08/2022 - 19:12 in Military, UAV - UAV
IAI Heron TP.
The Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic revealed that it would soon begin negotiations with the Israeli government for the acquisition of three HERON 1 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), including the associated ground control stations and other related equipment.
The acquisition of these systems is based on the Czech Army's "Training Concept", which identifies UAVs as fundamental in carrying out air reconnaissance and in performing other tasks for direct support for combat and protection of ground units.
According to the Czech Ministry of Defense, an official contract should be concluded by the end of the year.
"Similar to other major acquisitions, we opted for the G2G route, that is, direct negotiations between governments. This will allow us to establish long-term cooperation and ensure the operation, repairs and supply of spare parts for the military equipment provided throughout its life," said Defense Minister Jana Cernochová.
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As explained by the Ministry of Defense, HERON was chosen based on market consultations conducted in recent months to determine which drone best meets the needs of the military. From these consultations, the HERON 1 type of the Israeli state-owned company Israel Aerospace Industries emerged as the best.
HERON is designed to carry out long-term strategic and tactical missions and has the ability to fly in severe weather conditions. It can carry a payload of up to 290 kg and be used for various civilian and defense missions.
“Based on an assessment of the necessary individual parameters, provided by the unmanned system suppliers addressed to the designated design team of the Ministry of Defense, the selected system corresponds more closely to the expected use within the army and meets future requirements for full use at scale, both in the territory of the Czech Republic as part of the training, and for possible use as part of support units in overseas operations,” Col. Pavel Nakládal said.
"The next step now will be to start negotiations with the aim of achieving the lowest possible price and, at the same time, the shortest possible delivery time. I believe that the contract will be concluded this year," added Defense Minister Jana Cernochová.
Tags: Military AviationDronesIAI - Israel Aerospace IndustriesIAI HeronCzech RepublicUAV
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Fernando Valduga
Fernando Valduga
Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in a specialized aviation magazine in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.
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Merely illustrative photo of a Super Hornet being released from the USS Harry S. Truman.
AERONAUTICAL ACCIDENTS
Super Hornet that fell from the USS Harry S. Truman is removed from the Mediterranean Sea
08/08/2022 - 19:31
The Combined Operational Flight Program Test Force tested the Angry Kitten electronic countermeasure combat training pod aboard an F-16 assigned to the 53rd Wing in the Joint Pre-flight Integration of Ammunition and Electronic Systems, or J-PRIMES, a test facility at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, from October 18, 2021 to November 5, 2021. (U.S. Air Force/Tech. Sgt. John McRell)
MILITARY
USAF conducts operational evaluation for the updated electronic warfare pod 'Angry Kitten'
08/08/2022 - 16:00
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Czech L-39NG coach receives certification for worldwide export
08/08/2022 - 14:00
BRAZIL
See how the FAB acts in the defense and control of Amazon airspace
08/08/2022 - 12:30 PM
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Pentagon tries to get parts for Ukraine's MiG and Sukhoi fighters
08/08/2022 - 11:30 AM
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French Air Force begs to receive 60 more Rafale fighters
08/08/2022 - 09:30 AM
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architectnews · 4 years ago
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HK University of Science and Technology Student Residence
HK University of Science and Technology Student Residence Development, Modern Campus Building Images
University of Science and Technology Student Residence in Hong Kong
5 Jan 2021
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Student Residence
Design: Zaha Hadid Architects
Location: Hong Kong, China
Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Leigh & Orange Limited (L&O) unveil the new design for Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Student Residence (HKUST).
Established in 1991, HKUST has become a leading research institution consistently ranked amongst the best in Asia and around the globe. HKUST is also one of the world’s fastest growing universities. Over half of the university’s 16,000 students enrolled in the 2019-2020 academic year are from overseas, creating an urgent demand for new residential facilities within its Clear Water Bay campus.
Planned for completion in 2023, the university’s new halls of residence designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in collaboration with Leigh & Orange will house over 1,500 students. Marrying advanced digital design technologies with sustainable construction practices and operational strategies for its 50-year life cycle, the design is guided by the university’s mission to harness technology and innovation to solve today’s critical global issues.
Located at the southeast of the HKUST campus, the new halls of residence are embedded within a steeply sloping site of approximately 25m of level difference. The building’s roof line has been designed as its primary circulation and incorporates shaded outdoor areas for students and staff to rest and gather together, helping to build a stronger cross-campus culture. This rooftop walkway creates a new connection between the academic blocks of the north campus and the primarily residential blocks of the south, eliminating the need for students and staff to circumnavigate the hilly terrain.
Digital design tools allowing simultaneous considerations of numerous site parameters including terrain levels, solar radiation, sightlines and soil conditions have defined the design’s optimal configuration and orientation; while the digital encoding of its internal spaces enabled layout tests to optimize functionality and adaptability, as well as accurate calculation of natural light levels.
The halls of residence are organized in a hexagonal configuration creating four courtyards terraced into the steeply sloping site. With all rooms facing open spaces, the approximately 35,500 sq.m of accommodation includes communal areas for living, learning, recreation and leisure. The courtyards are designed to be quieter spaces for rest and relaxation, while the surrounding hillside will be replanted to prevent soil erosion with zones for exercise and social activities.
The residences are arranged in three differing ‘clusters’ that combine communal living spaces with a varying number of single or double occupancy bedrooms, enabling between 18 to 36 students to share one apartment as a single self-contained ‘household’ that encourages a sense of ownership and cohesion.
The ‘Y’ cluster apartments accommodate 27 students with study areas, relaxation lounge and kitchen, while the ‘V’ clusters house 36 students in a split level apartment with a double-height living space and stairs connecting the quieter study lounge on upper floor with the dining-kitchen area on lower level. The ‘Linear’ cluster of apartments house 18 students and include an open plan living area with kitchen that can be subdivided by partitions when required.
Privacy and spatial equality are the primary drivers for the bedroom designs, with storage and furniture configurations achieving maximum spatial efficacy. The bedrooms within all apartments are grouped together and separated from the communal spaces by an additional doorway to manage noise.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) and 3D simulations have optimized the design coordination and material selection, while construction strategies developed in parallel with the design development ensure the most efficient procurement and construction. Following Hong Kong Government’s initiatives to increase build quality while also reducing construction time and waste, the building’s modular systems include pre-assembled façade units and washroom pods that are quickly installed on-site.
Designed as a series of prefabricated modules, the façade units incorporate 70mm of thermal insulating layers and double glazed windows with a low shading co-efficient. Digital mapping evaluations of solar paths and heat gain have determined the geometries of the external solar shading fins positioned above the windows within the façade units. To ensure thermal comfort, the geometries of these shading fins vary in depth and length in response to solar exposure on each façade unit and the programmatic planning of the interior spaces.
Also determined by these digital mapping evaluations, different colours of ceramic tiles are applied to flat areas of each precast façade module that vary in shade dependent on the solar heat gain calculated for each unit, creating a continuous mural that visualizes the building’s micro-climate and thermal considerations.
The halls’ environmental systems are integrated within the university’s centralised network. Incorporating a central chiller plant using seawater-cooled central chilling in a district cooling system providing significant reductions in energy consumption, this centralized smart system can predict and offset daytime energy demand in the academic buildings with evening demand in the residential accommodation.
As an important circulation route for the campus, the halls’ roof includes substantial thermal and sound insulation while photovoltaic arrays installed on the roof’s inaccessible sections will harvest renewable energy in accordance with the university’s commitment to transforming its Clear Water Bay campus to carbon-neutral operations.
HK University of Science and Technology Student Residence, China – Building Information
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
Brief: On-campus accommodation for over 1500 students Client: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Area: Approx. 35,500 sq.m / 5-8 floors Location: Hong Kong, China Status: Under Construction
Project Team Lead Architect: Leigh & Orange (L&O) Design Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) AP: L&O Building Services Engineering: WSP [Asia] Structural & Geotechnical Engineering: WSP [Asia] Facade Engineering: WSP [Asia], Inhabit Landscaping: Earthasia Quantity Surveyor: Rider Levett Bucknall Sustainability: L&O, WSP [Asia] Traffic consultant: MVA Asia Acoustic consultant: WSP [Asia]
Render by Visual Brick
Copyright © Zaha Hadid Architects.
Zaha Hadid Architects
HK University of Science and Technology Student Residence images / information from Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
Location: Hong Kong, Eastern Asia
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retail-analytics · 5 years ago
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Trends in retail eCommerce, future of retail eCommerce
                                           Reading Time: About 6 minutes
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The eCommerce industry has truly and fully arrived. A report published by UNCTAD found that the industry is estimated to be worth $29 trillion. There is no independent country that has not been affected by this sudden upsurge in retail sales due to the convenience and reaches offered by retail eCommerce platforms.
The rise of smartphones worldwide has fuelled the growth of online shopping as now consumers from all around the world can directly order from their smartphones. Companies have started building dedicated mobile apps to tap the potential of eCommerce and also to know their customers better.
But wait, the party has just begun; new eCommerce trends are defining a new direction for the entire industry. In this article, we shall try and understand a few such trends that we believe have already begun to shape up the future of eCommerce.
Increased use of social commerce
The rise of social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter has helped in increasing the reach of eCommerce many folds leading to the emergence of social shopping. An average user spends about 153 minutes per day browsing through his/her social media feed which is a significant chunk of a day. That is why brands are reaching out to customers on social media platforms. Tech-savvy brands understand the power of social media and have dedicated social media strategies that are handled by expert professionals. To stay ahead of the competition, it has become imperative for businesses to have effective social media strategies.
With their advertising power, social media channels have evolved from just being communication channels to media powerhouses. They have the power to influence buying decisions. With the emergence of the “buy” button on various popular social media platforms, brands are now one step closer to their customers. Tapping on a shoppable post lets the audience view the product description with images, prices and applicable discounts (if any), etc. This has helped businesses in improving the visibility of their brands and products and the likelihood of converting a customer directly from a social media platform. A travel brand, for instance, can easily improve their sales by adding their product stickers on a beautiful photo of a beach or a countryside resort.
Another major trend that is happening right now in social commerce is the rise of influencers. According to a survey, around 17% of internet users reported that they were influenced by social media influencers while making an online purchase decision during the past one month.
Overseas shopping
In this connected world, people are realizing the perks of globalization in the retail industry.
According to a report, around 20% of shopping will be overseas shopping by 2022. This trend is likely to continue as it creates the elusive win-win situation for
Many eCommerce websites are already gearing up to address this challenge by adding multi-currency and multi-language functionality to their websites. This is helping customers in navigating through the website with ease. With global trade increasing by leaps and bounds each year, the trend is expected to continue.
ECommerce personalization
According to ‘The 2017 State of Personalization Report’, around 4 out of 10 consumers in the USA purchased something more expensive because the product was targeted to them in a personalized manner. This is the power of personalization. And let’s face it — we all like attention. It’s this buy button in our brains that gets pushed whenever our favorite brands listen to our needs. Even the smallest adjustments, special prices, personalized notes, or publishing our review on their site holds much importance.
By using omnichannel personalization, brands are building an effective sales funnel, one which caters to both online-aficionados and old-school brick and mortar types.
With the help of sophisticated algorithms, brands are becoming adept in identifying the searching and buying patterns of customers. This helps them in providing targeted advertising, which in turn drives sales. For example, a young mother will be targeted with discount vouchers on diapers as the algorithms know that this is the current top preference for her.
Businesses are going the extra mile in delivering personalized experiences by engaging with customers on their social media handles even after they have made their purchases. Brands are retargeting solutions and re-engaging customers with personalized product recommendations. This is done by tracking the social as well as the online behavior of the customers.
Many tech-savvy brands are utilizing the power of re-targeting on social media by reminding customers about the products that they have left without further action in their shopping carts.
Global business and delivery models
With the fast-changing digital landscape, many innovative businesses and delivery models are taking shape. These models are expected to take a pole position in the future.
One of the most promising business models is dropshipping. This is highly profitable for small and medium-sized eCommerce businesses. The reason for this is that the capital costs are low and you do not have to keep a huge inventory of your products.
Under this model, you either work as a middleman between the producer and the consumer or you are the manufacturer who ships the product to the destination after you receive an order from a seller. The risk of the seller as well as the manufacturer is minimized in this process and hence the model has soared in popularity.
Another popular business model gaining traction is the subscription model. The trendsetter in this domain is one of the pioneers of e-commerce, Amazon. With Amazon Prime, the company has proved that it is possible to get loyal customers using the subscription model. Many e-tailers are expected to follow suit. The beauty of the model lies in its convenience.
Video is the future
With the emergence of video apps like TikTok and growing interest of brands in promoting their products and services in such apps, it is becoming clear that in the future more and more consumers will be targeted for advertisements and making purchase-decisions through video-based advertising apps. The shorter video clips are proving too good to avoid and the time is not far when retailers will be able to directly sell their wares from these video apps by placing targeted advertisements. Making a short video as opposed to lengthy text and presentations about your product is much easier.
In China, we are already witnessing this trend, as TaoBao — China’s largest eCommerce platform, already has 4 out of 10 pages filled with short videos and the company generated more than $15 billion in revenue using the power of live streams. Even Chinese farmers are showcasing their organically-grown food items directly to the consumers via short videos on TaoBao.
Increased usage of AR and VR
Phygital is the new buzzword in eCommerce. The idea of a phygital store is to essentially blur the line between a physical and a digital store.
According to a survey, most of the customers are interested in trying VR (Virtual Reality) shopping. VR shopping is exciting and the immersive experience it provides adds a new dimension to our shopping experience.
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With the emergence of affordable hardware options like Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear and Oculus Rift, the sky is the limit for e-commerce firms who want to ace the VR game.
Retailers such as Westfield are already leveraging the power of VR by letting their customers experience the upcoming fashion trends of the season via Oculus Rift.
AR or Augmented Reality is a much affordable option for e-tailers as opposed to VR. It does not require the use of sophisticated technology. In AR, an image is superimposed on a real scene.
The AR catalog app of IKEA is a shining example of AR in action. A major complaint of furniture buyers over decades has been that they do not know whether the furniture they are buying will look good with the interior of their homes or not. IKEA has solved this problem by allowing the customers to select a furniture item from its huge catalog and then superimposing it in their living room. This way the customer can get a much better idea about the aesthetics of the furniture.
Role of retail consulting and eCommerce consultants
Retail eCommerce is a relatively new domain. The already successful models are saturated like that of Amazon or Uber or are barely imitable by SMEs at such scales. Staying afloat requires ideas and thinking that are fundamentally-correct and sustainable whether it is marketing or operations.
A retail eCommerce consultant or an eCommerce agency need not be your guide or mentor. If you see them as business associates, it brings a whole new paradigm into perspective. You need not know everything about retail eCommerce. The same is true for your consultant. But using one another’s experience and expertise could bring in the synergy and a win-win situation for both.
You can also read eCommerce books or follow eCommerce blogs to learn the basics and remain updated. However, considering the option of retail eCommerce consulting might lead you to better identify areas for improvisation in your business.
About us
Your Retail Coach (YRC) is a retail consulting and outsourcing company in India offering a wide range of services in retail offline, retail eCommerce and retail omnichannel catering to a multitude of industries.
Your Retail Coach (YRC) helps retailers and retail enterprises set up their eCommerce business right from planning (eCommerce business plan) to implementation. Our experience and expertise in both offline and online retail channels will help businesses overcome challenges in adopting and running the eCommerce route.
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that4eyedgeek · 8 years ago
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A list on where to buy suits,dress shirts,dress shoes, and accessories
So I decided to gather as much info as I could and share it for anyone who needs it. I also added to the list places to get custom shirts, where to buy shoes, accessories and where to buy suit separates if you cant afford a bespoke suit.This is info that I gathered by looking up other websites and what not, so I don’t have personal experiences with all of these places.I would appreciate it if people share their personal experiences about these places, have more places to recommend, or have a few extra tips please comment below :)
Suits/Tuxedos (US Locations)
http://www.bindleandkeep.com/ Location: Brooklyn, New York Price: Varies $795+ How?:By appointment waiting time for suit to arrive: about 2-3 months
They offer custom bespoke suits with a choice of fabrics depending on the tier you chose. For example, Tier one “The Wink” starts at $795 for one custom bespoke suit or tuxedo with the choice of super 100s or 120s worsted wool fabric.They also offer custom vest,coats, and shirts.  
http://www.kipperclothiers.biz/ Location: San Francisco, California Price: Varies,2 piece suits start at $799 and can go as high as $4,000 How?:By appointment and online, also sale a limited variety of custom button downs online at $175. waiting time for suit to arrive: about 3 months
Offer custom two piece and three piece suits with a variety of fabrics to chose from. Only want a shirt and or trousers? You can make an appointment just for that. If your suit needs extra tailoring, first alterations are on the house. They offer a personal shopping experience if you need some help choosing accessories. Kipper Clothiers has recently added a service called Kipper Courier.It’s an online service for ordering a suit. They have four categories collections to choose from and will send fabric swatches to your doorstep.They will also help in trying to find a tailor to help you take your measurements. 
https://sharpesuiting.com/ Location: West Hollywood, California Price:Varies, starting point not sure but guessing around $899+ How?:By appointment waiting time for suit to arrive: about 2-3 months
Custom bespoke suits must be made by appointment. They seem to have an online store of suits but Im not 100% if in the end they will ask you to come in for measurements, Im guessing they will.
http://www.thomasthomas.london/about Location: London ,England UK Price: Varies, starting price unknown How?:By appointment Waiting time for suit to arrive: about 2-3 months
Custom blazers, shirts, trousers, and waistcoats made to order by choice of fabrics. Consultations made in person or by phone.
http://www.thedapperdames.com/ Location: San Diego,California and NY Price:Varies,$595+ How?:By appointment(Only in San Diego) and online Waiting time for suit to arrive:2-3 months
Custom suits and tuxedos can be bought online, custom shirts,vests,jackets or pants can be bought online as well. Appointment in person is only available in San Diego,California. If you don’t see something you like online, you may contact them and ask if they can accommodate your request and give you a price quote. Major alterations to suits can be reimbursed by up to $60 or remade completely.
https://www.duchessclothier.com/ Location: Portland,Oregon Price:Varies,$995+ How?:By appointment Waiting time for suit to arrive:about 3 weeks for their off-the-rack suits and 9-20 weeks for custom suits
Offer custom essential, classic, and deluxe suits, as well as sports coats,outerwear,seprates and accessories. They also have a selection of off-the-rack suits and dress shirts that you can try on and will make alterations.
http://www.thetailorynyc.com/ Location:New York,New York Price:Varies, $895+ for suit/tuxedo, $995+ for 3 piece suit How?:By appointment Waiting time: about 2-5 weeks
Custom suits,dress shirts,jackets,blazers,overcoats, tuxedos,pants,skirts,and chinos. Alterations are free for a month.
http://www.studiosuits.com/ Price:Varies by fabric choice,$190-$899+ How?:Online Waiting time:about 2-3 weeks (or more if unlucky)
Made to measure suits(mostly for men) online customized to your liking. With this website it can be a hit or miss. Some say suits arrive too small,too big or waited longer than expected date for suit to arrive.While others had a great experience with no problems.Some recommend extra alterations if needed since they are made for men, but they still fit pretty good.Not sure if studio suits offers reimbursements for alterations.
http://www.indochino.com/ Price:Varries by suit style choice $499-$799+(suits can be about $200-$375 if you use a coupon code that is advertised on the website) How?:Online Waiting time: same as studio suits
Very similar to studio suits,also offer custom shirts,blazers,vests,and trousers. They tend to have a sale often, so a $799 suit might be $375 if you use a coupon code,they tell you what coupon code to use at the home page. Clearance section is also worth checking, suits are about $349 or more. Indochino offers a $75 reimbursement for alterations that you might have to make with a local tailor.
http://rosetuxedoaz.com/cheap-tuxedo-rentals/woman-tuxedo/ Location:NW Phoenix,AZ Central Phoenix,AZ and Mesa,AZ Price:$99+ How?:in Person
Rent and sale(I think) tuxedos for women.They alter mens formal wear for women who would like to wear tuxedos.
Custom shirts
https://woodiesclo.com/category/shirts/ Price:$85-$95 Online (they also make custom chinos)
https://www.ratioclothing.com/t/dress-shirts Price:$98-$125 Online
http://www.kipperclothiers.biz/ Price:$175+ By appointment or online (limited variations)
http://www.bindleandkeep.com/ Price:$125-160
By appointment
http://www.thedapperdames.com/ Price:$99+
online
https://www.duchessclothier.com/ Price:$225+
by appointment
http://www.thetailorynyc.com/ Price:$150+
By appointment
Shoes https://www.tomboytoes.com/ Price:$67 Downtown dapper line are made of vegan leather and wingtip commanders are made of genuine leather
https://www.nordstromrack.com/ Price:Varies Check both mens and womens section
https://www.amazon.com/ Price:Varies Check both mens,womens and big boys section
https://www.dsw.com/en/us/ Price:Varies
Accessories (bowties,suspenders,ties,etc.)
http://thegrunionrun.com/home Price:Varies
https://www.thetiebar.com/ Price:Varies
https://www.sprezzabox.com/ Price:$28 per month This is a subscription box. Each month you get different accessories.One month you can get sunglasses,socks,a tie,some other stuff and the next month a wallet,a flower lapel, a tie bar and so on.But you can also buy some stuff on their online store.
https://www.etsy.com/?ref=lgo Price: Varies
http://www.ties.com/ Price:Varies
Places to check out if on a budget:H&M,Banana Republic,JCrew,Uniqlo,Nordstrom,thrift store,Target,Topman,Payless shoes
ALWAYS CHECK THE CLEARANCE SECTION FIRST.When buying blazers makes sure that the shoulders fit properly and get the sleeves altered if needed and altered to flatter your figure better.If you are small (like me) sometimes checking the boys section might help.For dress shirts people recommend getting a shirt that is a bit bigger and altering it. If you buy a dress shirt that seems to fit every where else but the neck area, then it’s best you buy a bigger size so you feel comfortable when buttoning up the top button.With trousers, make sure they fit around the hips and that you can button them up. If they look super baggy and are too long, just get it altered. You can also combine separates from the mens and women’s section if you’d like to create your outfit.
Suits/Tuxedos (UK and Netherlands)
Bull & Dagger
http://bullanddagger.com/bespoke-tailoring/
Location:London,England
Price:Unkown starting point, likely pricy
How?:By Appointment
Waiting time for suit to arrive:2-3 months
The UK’s first queer fashion label.Offer Bespoke suits and sell a very small selection of clothing  
ThomasThomas
http://www.thomasthomas.london/about Location: London ,England Price: Varies, starting price unknown How?:By appointment Waiting time for suit to arrive: about 2-3 months
Custom blazers, shirts, trousers, and waistcoats made to order by choice of fabrics. Consultations made in person or by phone.
The Butch Clothing Company
http://thebutchclothingcompany.co.uk/
Location:London?(not sure but they do skype call consultations!)
Price:  £1150+ for two piece suits and 3 piece suit prices start at £1350+ How?:By appointment(will do skype calls for overseas clients) Waiting time for suit:2-3 months Bespoke suits,shirts,and  overcoats. Accessories Cravats/Ties/Bow Ties in Silk or Lining Fabric £60
Gender Free World (online store that sales a selection of button ups)
https://www.genderfreeworld.com/
Location:UK
Price: £33.00+
Online store that sells button up shits.They are not custom but have 3 different options for certain body types.They also sell underwear,tshirts,bow ties, and beanies.
FocX (incase anyone is looking for a place to buy underwear)
https://focx.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=60&page=3
price: £19.00+
Edward Sexton
http://www.edwardsexton.co.uk/womens-bespoke/
Location:London,England
Price: Unkown starting point, likely pricy
How?:By appointment
Bespoke suits for men and women. From what I can tell from the photos provided on the website, the suits are a bit more feminine, but since it’s bespoke tailoring I’m sure they are willing to accommodate for those who would like masculine looking suits.They also sell some accessories and make custom shirt.
Hemingwaytailors  
https://www.hemingwaytailors.co.uk/womens/
Location:London,UK
Price:Unkown starting point, likely pricy
How:By appointment
Bespoke suits for men and women.Women suits look feminine but will probably accommodate to make masculine bespoke suits for women.
OliverWicks
https://www.oliverwicks.com/category/custom-suits
Price: €559+
How?:Online
Custom suits and shirts for men but others claim that they fit well with a few extra alterations after suit has been received. They ship for free world wide and give student discounts.
Some places to shop for clothing  
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/home
https://www.jcrew.com/uk/index.jsp
http://www.asos.com/
Moda Maggiore
http://www.modamaggiore.nl/
Location:Utrecht, Netherlands
Price: Unknown staring point
How?:By appointment
Made to measure Suits, Trousers, & Waistcoats. You can meet with them in person or they can visit you for your appointment. First alterations that need to be made for suits are free of charge.    
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nathanielburgos · 4 years ago
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Business Visitor Visa UK
The UK business visitor visa is generally preferred by business travelling employees and their employers since the application process is typically less onerous than other work visa routes.
However, the rules on permissible activities under this visa are restrictive, and border officials have powers to question individuals travelling to the UK under the business visitor visa. If not satisfied that the visa conditions will be adhered to, they have powers to deny entry.
The end of EU free movement from 1 January 2021 also means more individuals will become subject to UK immigration control. EU nationals who are not UK residents will require appropriate permission to enter the UK before they travel.
We are regularly asked by HR teams to help where an employee, relying on a business visitor visa, has been detained at the border and refused entry into the country. This is an unwanted experience for the employee, and places considerable pressure on the HR team to resolve quickly.
But border issues can be avoided if the employee’s immigration options are considered before they travel and specifically, where it’s clarified whether the traveller will be deemed eligible for a business visitor visa UK.
  What is the business visitor visa?
The business visitor visa is now known as a ‘Standard Visitor Visa’.
You can apply if you want to visit the UK for business-related activities for a short period of time. Visitor visas are usually granted to allow business travellers to stay for up to six months.
  What activities are permitted for business visitors?
In particular, general business activities can include:
To attend meetings, conferences, seminars or interviews
Give a one-off or short series of talks provided these are not organised as commercial events and will not make a profit for the organiser
Negotiate and sign deals and contracts
Attend trade fairs, for promotional work only, provided the visitor is not directly selling
Carry out site visits and inspections
Gather information for their employment overseas
Be briefed on the requirements of a UK based customer, provided any work for the customer is done outside of the UK.
    Employees of an overseas-based company are also permitted to undertake the following corporate or intra-corporate activities:
Advise, consult, trouble-shoot or provide training
Share skills and knowledge on a specific internal project with UK employees of the same corporate group, provided no work is carried out directly with clients
Carry out regulatory or financial audits as an internal auditor at a UK branch of the same group of companies as your employer overseas.
    There are also additional sector specific activities that are permitted, including but not limited to the following:
To take part in a specific sports-related event
To perform in the UK as an artist, entertainer or musician
To undertake research as an academic or to accompany students on a study abroad programme
To undertake a clinical attachment or observer post as a doctor or dentist
To obtain funding to start, take over, join or run a business in the UK.
    What is not permitted on a Business Visitor Visa UK?
Under the Visitor Rules there are also various activities that are prohibited. In particular, unless expressly allowed by the permitted activities, you must not intend to work in the UK, which includes the following:
Taking employment in the UK
Doing work for an organisation or business in the UK
Establishing or running a business as a self-employed person
Doing a work placement or internship
Directly selling to the public
Providing goods and services
    When engaging in permitted activities, this must not amount to you taking employment, or doing work that amounts to you filling a role or providing short-term cover for a role within a UK based organisation.
In addition, where you are already paid and employed outside of the UK, you must remain so. Payment may only be allowed in specific circumstances, for example, billing a UK client for your time in the UK in circumstances where your overseas employer is contracted to provide services to a UK company and the majority of the contract work is carried out overseas.
Under a Business Visitor Visa UK, except as permitted under the Visitor Rules and where any additional requirements have been met, you must not intend to study in the UK, access medical treatment other than private medical treatment or to donate an organ, or to marry or form a civil partnership, or to give notice of this, in the UK.
  What are the eligibility criteria for a Business Visitor Visa UK?
To be eligible for a Business Visitor Visa UK you must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
You will leave the UK at the end of your visit and within the permitted period
You have enough money without help from public funds to support and accommodate yourself
You can pay for your return or onward journey
You have proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor Rules.
    It is inherent within these criteria that you are genuinely seeking entry for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes, namely business-related activities, and that you will not undertake any prohibited activities (see above).
If you are being paid by a UK company to visit as an expert in your profession, you should apply instead for a Permitted Paid Engagement visa.
  How do I apply for a Business Visitor Visa UK?
An application for a Business Visitor Visa must be made while you are outside the UK. You will need to complete an online application and pay a fee. You will also need to provide a valid travel document, supporting documentation and, where applicable, biometric information, ie; your fingerprints and a digital photo.
The earliest you can apply is three months before you travel, and you should get a decision within around three weeks – although you should check the guide processing times to find out how long getting a visa might take in the country you’re applying from.
If your application for a Business Visitor Visa is successful you can usually stay in the UK for up to six months. You might be able to stay for longer if you’re an academic on sabbatical and coming to the UK for research.
  Will a Business Visitor Visa UK guarantee entry?
The grant of a Business Visitor Visa UK will not guarantee entry to the country. It is still possible that you may be refused entry by border officials in the event that they are not satisfied that you fulfil all of the eligibility criteria, in particular where it is believed that the reason for your visit is not genuine or where the activities you plan to engage in amount to prohibited work.
You may also need to provide proof that you have access to sufficient resources to maintain and accommodate yourself adequately for the whole of your planned visit to the UK. There is no set level of funds required to show this, rather your income or savings, minus your financial commitments, must be sufficient to meet the likely costs you will incur in the UK and be reasonable expenditure in light of your financial situation.
Please note, in relation to having the necessary funds for travel, maintenance and accommodation, proof may be provided by a third party by way of a written undertaking where there is a genuine professional or personal relationship, and this support will be available for the intended duration of your stay.
  Visitor visa or paid engagement visa?
You can apply for a Permitted Paid Engagement Visa if have been invited by a UK-based organisation or client to come to the UK to do specific paid work without having to be sponsored under the points-based visa system.
To be eligible for this type of visa you must satisfy the following criteria:
You are 18 or over
You are visiting the UK for no more than 1 month
You will leave the UK at the end of your visit
You have enough money without help from public funds to support and accommodate yourself
You can pay for your return or onward journey
You are not in transit to a country outside the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
    Under a Permitted Paid Engagement visa you can undertake the following activities:
Be a student examiner or assessor
Take part in selection panels as a highly qualified academic if you’re invited by an education, arts or research organisation
Give lectures at a higher education institution, or arts or research organisation, as long as it’s not a part-time or full-time role
Examine UK-based pilots so they meet the standards of the country you come from if you’re invited by an approved UK training organisation regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority
Provide advocacy for a court or tribunal hearing, arbitration or other form of dispute resolution for legal proceedings within the UK as a qualified lawyer
Take part in arts, entertainment or sporting activities as a professional artist, entertainer, musician or sports person if you have been invited by a creative or sports organisation, agent or broadcaster based in the UK
Take part in fashion modelling assignments.
    You can also undertake minor activities related to your work or business overseas, such as attend meetings. You cannot, however, undertake specific paid work unrelated to your main job or area of expertise at home, or sell merchandise, other than what is permitted by your visa.
  Do you have a question about travelling under the Business Visitor Visa? 
The UK’s business visitor visa is restrictive in the activities it permits while the individual is in the country. Business travellers may also find they are subject to questioning at the border, requiring evidence to support their planned itinerary and that activities are permitted under the visitor visa rules.
DavidsonMorris are specialist UK immigration advisers to businesses. We provide guidance to employers to meet their global mobility needs, including advice on business travellers.
If you have a question about business travel visa options, contact us.
  Business Visitor Visa FAQs
What is a business visitor?
A business visitor is someone who comes to the UK on a short-term basis for business-related reasons or activities without formally taking part in the UK labour market or being employed here.
What is the difference between a tourist visa and a business visa?
In the UK, the standard visitor visa applies to both tourists and business travellers.
Do I need a visa for a business trip to the UK?
Non-UK nationals who are not resident in the UK will need to apply for a visa to travel to the UK. If you a planning a short trip for business, you should apply for the standard visitor visa.
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estellefmp · 5 years ago
Text
House of Commons: Environmental Audit Committee
Fixing Fashion: clothing consumption and sustainability
Fashion: it shouldn’t cost the earth
19th February 2019
HC 1952
Sixteenth Report of Session 2017-19
Report, together with formal minutes relating to the report
Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 5 February 2019
Key Facts:
·      More than $500 billion of value is lost every year due to clothing underutilisation and the lack of recycling (Ellen MacArthur Foundation)
·      By 2030 global apparel consumption projected rise by 63% (from 62 million tons to 102 million tons)
·      UN: by 2050 equivalent of almost 3 planets required to provide natural resources needed to sustain current lifestyles given growth of global population
·      September 2015, UK signed up to UN Sustainable Development Goals (inc. a commitment (SDG 12) to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns)
Fast Fashion:
·      Fast fashion business model encourages over-consumption and generates excessive waste
·      Demands high throughput of garments and is based on linear economy (Clothing Sustainability Research Group at Nottingham Trent University)
·      Cheap garments aimed at consumers wanting to change wardrobe regulartly – on a trend-driven basis
·      Short lead times = wash tests/wearer trials not always feasible à implications to garment quality
·      Very few made from single fibre materials à cannot be recycled
·      ‘Fast Luxury’ collections (e.g. Louis Vuitton: offer small collections every 2 wks)
·      Growth in UK retail market coming from low value end (ASOS and Boohoo – low prices and high turnaround)
·      Fashion designer Phoebe English says fast fashion has made the sectore a ‘monstrous disposable industry’
-       Overproduction of items which will never be purchased or used + the speed in which the sector churns new designs = never-ending production of cheap, poorly made fashion which will only last a few weeks then throw away
·      Dr Dumner of Leeds University School of Design depicts fast fashion phenomenon as successful due to the ‘democratisation’ of the benefits of fashion
-       Allowed all segments of society, irrespective of class, income, and background to engage in hedonistic and psychogenic pleasures of fashion
-       Fashion accessible to everyone across society
·      British Retail Consortium suggests retailers are using insights from production/consumption data to streamline their products and minimise waste throughout supply chain
·      Hubbub Foundation: 17% of young people wouldn’t wear an outfit again if they’d posted it on IG
·      Online brands established relationships with online ‘influencers’ – advertise latest fast fashion through IG photos
·      Website cookies = retailers target individuals with fast fashion ads as they browse the internet
·      Eco Age: suggests stricter online marketing, argues psychological issues connected w/ high levels of consumption + detrimental environmental and social effects caused by overconsumption
Sustainability of the industry:
·      Ellen MacArthur Foundation: New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future (2017)
-       Textiles system operated in a linear way: large amounts of non-renewable resources
-       $500 billion value lost each year due to clothing underutilisation and lack of recycling
·      UK WRAP esitimates that £140 million worth of clothings goes to landfill each year
·      Boston Consulting Group and Global Fashion Agenda for the Copenhagen Summit in 2017
-       The sustainability ‘pulse’ of industry is weak
-       Scored 32/100 (measured sustainability of sector)
Consumption levels:
·      Clothing charity TRAID warned ‘over-consumption of clothes in UK plays its part in deepening the main environmental challenges that we face at national and global level”
·      UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 aims to promote resource and energy efficiency
·      UN says if the global population reaches 9.6 billion by 2050, the equivalent of almost 3 planets would be required to provide natural resources needed to sustain current lifestyle
·      Prof. Tim Cooper from the Clothing Sustainability Research Group at Nottingham Trent University argues: Garments should be designed and manufactured for longevity, but that a more difficult problem is how to reduce consumer demand for cheap, short-lived garments.
-       “Sustainable consumption demands cultural change. The throwaway culture applies to the whole economy, not merely the clothing sector. If consumers are to be encouraged to buy fewer clothes there needs to be a wider public demate on [the] future of the ‘consumer society’, including an evaluation of its benefits and costs”
·      ^ backed up by Professor Dilys Williams from the London College of Fashion à arguing that technocentric efficiency improvements are not sufficient to make fashion items sustainable if we are ‘still producing more and more of them’
-       Society would have to challenge ‘growth logic’ and develop different business models which involve less material consumption
Social impact of garment production:
·      One of the world’s most labour-intensive manufacturing industries
·      ‘Chasing the cheap needle around the planet’ since 1980s
·      Dr Mark Sumner: consumers in the UK ‘are getting pleasure and enjoyment from fahsion and that is coming at a cost to workers and the environment in exterritorial, overseas production routes as well as agriculture’
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alamante · 6 years ago
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ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Reuters) – Prosecutors on Thursday aggressively pressed their bank and tax fraud case against Paul Manafort, presenting testimony and documents to try to prove U.S. President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman deceived his lead bookkeeper and a bank about his finances.
On the trial’s third day, the prosecution pivoted away from describing Manafort’s lavish lifestyle, focusing instead on the nitty-gritty details of actions they believe underpin the charges against him of bank fraud, tax fraud and failing to report foreign bank accounts.
Prosecutors have attempted to portray Manafort as a tax cheat and a liar who hid much of the $60 million he earned from political work for pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine by stashing it in undisclosed overseas accounts.
Manafort, 69, is facing 18 charges in the first trial stemming from Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of Russia’s role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Manafort has pleaded not guilty to all the charges in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, outside Washington.
Manafort’s lead bookkeeper Heather Washkuhn, who managed the books of his personal and business finances, testified that she thought she had complete knowledge of his financial affairs but that she was unaware of his holdings outside of the United States.
Washkuhn, managing director of the accounting firm Nigro Karlin Segal Feldstein & Bolno, said Manafort was “very detail-oriented” and “approved every penny” the firm paid from his personal account.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Manafort emailed a doctored profit-and-loss statement to a Chicago bank from which he was seeking a loan.
They showed jurors an email from Washkuhn to the bank showing that, through Nov. 20, 2016, his business had a net loss of $1,116,497. They then displayed another email they said Manafort sent to an executive at the bank with a profit-and-loss statement for September 2016 attached.
The document stated that Manafort’s consulting firm had a net income of $3,011,952. Washkuhn said she did not produce that document.
The email from Manafort could potentially undercut his defense strategy. Since the trial started on Tuesday, his lawyers have sought to lay the blame for any financial irregularities on his business partner Rick Gates and went so far as to accuse him of embezzling money from Manafort’s firm.
Defense attorney Thomas Zehnle avoided asking about the questionable document when his turn came to cross-examine Washkuhn.
Taking long pauses to check his notes in between questions, he pressed Washkuhn on whether Gates was the primary go-to guy for Manafort’s financial affairs.
“Mr. Gates would deal with DMP items,” she replied, referring to Manafort’s consulting firm. “But Mr. Manafort was the approval source.”
Washkuhn also testified that she was in the dark about a laundry list of corporate entities that the government says Manafort used when he wired funds to pay expenses.
Vendors who provided goods to the Manafort family testified Wednesday and Thursday that they often received overseas wire transfer payments from companies such as Peranova Holdings Limited, Global Highway Limited and Lucicle Consultants Limited.
Washkuhn said she had no idea any of those entities were owned or controlled by Manafort.
Mueller has pursued a 14-month investigation of Russia’s role in the election and potential coordination between the Trump campaign and Moscow, though none of the charges against Manafort involve that issue.
FILE PHOTO: Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort arrives for arraignment on a third superseding indictment against him by Special Counsel Robert Mueller on charges of witness tampering, at U.S. District Court in Washington, U.S. June 15, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo
KEY WITNESS TO TESTIFY
Greg Andres, a member of Mueller’s team, confirmed on Thursday that the prosecution will call Manafort’s former business partner Gates as a witness, a day after prosecutors suggested they might not.
“We have every intention of calling him as a witness,” Andres said.
Gates pleaded guilty to making false statements after being indicted by Mueller, and is cooperating with Mueller’s probe.
As part of his guilty plea, Gates acknowledged routinely dealing with accountants in the preparation of Manafort’s tax returns and misleading them with false information, although he said he did so with Manafort’s knowledge.
Manafort routed millions of dollars to the United States by putting it in real estate, and spending it on expensive suits, cars and home renovations, according to prosecution witnesses. Prosecutors said Manafort evaded taxes through this scheme. Five of the 18 counts he faces relate to filing false tax returns.
On Thursday, the jury heard from Joel Maxwell of a Florida-based company that installs lighting, audio visual equipment and automation systems for homes that did work for Manafort. Maxwell testified that some of the Manafort invoices shown to him from prosecutors appeared to be have been forged.
Michael Regolizio, of a landscaping firm in the Hamptons on New York’s Long Island, also testified that a Manafort invoice was phony, listing an incorrect address and an altered version of his company’s name. Regolizio said he was paid about $450,000 between 2010 and 2014 for work for Manafort, and that the money was paid via a money transfer from Cyprus.
It was unclear who created the invoices or how they were used.
Slideshow (4 Images)
Mueller has indicted or secured guilty pleas from 32 people and three companies. Trump has called Mueller’s investigation a witch hunt and on Tuesday called on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to end it.
Reporting by Nathan Layne and Sarah N. Lynch in Alexandria, Virginia; Additional reporting by Susan Heavey and Karen Freifeld; Writing by Warren Strobel; Editing by Will Dunham and Grant McCool
Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
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   The post Prosecutors press financial fraud case against Trump ex-aide Manafort appeared first on MySourceSpot.
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dragnews · 7 years ago
Text
Air France-KLM CEO hunt signals industry strategy shift under Macron
PARIS (Reuters) – The hunt for a new chief executive to lead Air France-KLM, a group hobbled by union resistance to cost-cutting at its French brand, is testing President Emmanuel Macron’s resolve for a lighter state touch on the economy.
FILE PHOTO: An Air France Airbus A320 airplane lands at the Charles-de-Gaulle airport in Roissy, near Paris, France, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann/File Photo
Macron’s government has told the Franco-Dutch airline group its very survival is at stake if it fails to become more competitive and undergo the painful reforms completed by carriers such as British Airways (ICAG.L) and Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) as they battle low-cost airlines and Gulf carriers.
In what would signal a subtle shift in French industrial strategy, two sources familiar with Macron’s thinking said the government is open to considering a non-French national as chairman of the group for the first time.
This chairman would sit above one chief executive for Air France, who would almost certainly be a French national, and one for KLM, one of the sources said.
It is just one option on the table. Macron’s office expects to receive a shortlist of candidates from the group’s interim management by the end of next week, a third source familiar with the matter said.
The Air France-KLM group (AIRF.PA) has been led by French chief executives since its formation in 2004, a demand of the French state, its largest shareholder and one with heavy influence over the group’s board thanks to its outsized voting rights.
The last, Jean-Marc Janaillac, resigned in May after losing a fight over pay with Air France staff. His role as group chief executive and chairman as well as chairman of the Air France unit has prompted a rethink of the structure.
Paris’ readiness to consider a foreigner to oversee a revamp of the airline’s strategy and negotiations with Air France unions reflects Macron’s desire to create pan-European companies that can withstand globalization, even if that means placing control of a national asset in foreign hands.
“What we want to do is to create European champions,” a finance ministry official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It’s not of primary importance that the boss has to be French.”
“It wouldn’t worry us if we ended up with an aviation specialist from Europe.”
Slideshow (2 Images)
Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) and China Eastern Airlines (600115.SS), which both hold 8.8 percent stakes in Air France-KLM, declined to comment.
Two names have leaked to media in past weeks. Philippe Capron, the financial head of Veolia Environnement, pulled out after French ministers said they wanted an aviation specialist and that he was one of several candidates.
Le Figaro reported on Monday that Catherine Guillouard, chief executive of French public transport group RATP, was being considered for the top job at Air France-KLM. Two sources told Reuters she was not an official candidate.
INVESTOR PRESSURE
The job of Air France-KLM chief executive may not be one that widely appeals.
The next company chief will face the unenviable task of having to break union resistance to reduce Air France’s swollen cost base, while keeping increasingly frustrated Dutch KLM staff onside. A wave of strikes this spring at Air France over pay cost the group some 350 million euros ($410.97 million) and led to the ouster of Janaillac.
Sources say KLM officials are frustrated at French staff’s chronic labor conflicts and blame Air France’s weak handling of the powerful SNPL pilots’ union for the group’s fragile state.
Investors are frustrated too. The group’s share price has slumped 47 percent so far this year.
Asked recently if the group could have a Dutch chief executive, KLM CEO Pieter Elbers responded: “why not?”
The pressure from investors to slash costs has intensified as rising fuel costs and overcapacity squeeze margins.
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire warned after Janaillac quit that he would not soak up the airline’s losses.
Overseeing a restructuring of Air France-KLM would cement Macron’s reputation as a reformist and modernizer.
“Restructuring … is what is required to move Air France-KLM forward. Anything else will be history repeating itself,” said Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska.
STATE EXIT?
Macron could go further and sell-down France’s 14.3 percent stake in Air France-KLM, a move that would deliver a potent message that he is serious about liberalizing the economy.
The state’s exit from the airline group would hand its leadership more freedom to stare down the unions.
“(IAG chief executive) Willie Walsh just stared them down until blood came out of their eyes and they gave up,” said aviation consultant Andrew Charlton.
AccorHotels (ACCP.PA) announced last month it was looking at buying all or part of the French state’s stake – an option the government has not closed the door on but which faces obstacles.
“The government is studying things and is closed to nothing, but the first priority is to find a new leadership team for Air France-KLM,” the finance ministry official said.
AccorHotels’ overseas investors could, however, complicate any deal. Its main investors are from China and the Gulf, whose own airlines compete with Air France-KLM on long-haul routes.
European Union rules also require more than half of a European airline’s capital to be held by member states or EU nationals.
“Accor’s capital today is not sufficiently European for it to work,” said a second source familiar with the discussions. There would, however, be ways to overcome this, analysts say.
The state’s holding remains an open question. Nonetheless, analysts are encouraged by broader comments on the future of Air France-KLM coming out of the French finance ministry.
“The noises heard out of the finance ministry definitely signify a change in attitude toward Air France-KLM from the French state, said Roeska. “ And they fit with Macron’s wider strategy.”
Additional reporting by Cyril Altmeyer and Jean-Baptiste Vey; Editing by Alexandra Hudson
The post Air France-KLM CEO hunt signals industry strategy shift under Macron appeared first on World The News.
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newestbalance · 7 years ago
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Air France-KLM CEO hunt signals industry strategy shift under Macron
PARIS (Reuters) – The hunt for a new chief executive to lead Air France-KLM, a group hobbled by union resistance to cost-cutting at its French brand, is testing President Emmanuel Macron’s resolve for a lighter state touch on the economy.
FILE PHOTO: An Air France Airbus A320 airplane lands at the Charles-de-Gaulle airport in Roissy, near Paris, France, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann/File Photo
Macron’s government has told the Franco-Dutch airline group its very survival is at stake if it fails to become more competitive and undergo the painful reforms completed by carriers such as British Airways (ICAG.L) and Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) as they battle low-cost airlines and Gulf carriers.
In what would signal a subtle shift in French industrial strategy, two sources familiar with Macron’s thinking said the government is open to considering a non-French national as chairman of the group for the first time.
This chairman would sit above one chief executive for Air France, who would almost certainly be a French national, and one for KLM, one of the sources said.
It is just one option on the table. Macron’s office expects to receive a shortlist of candidates from the group’s interim management by the end of next week, a third source familiar with the matter said.
The Air France-KLM group (AIRF.PA) has been led by French chief executives since its formation in 2004, a demand of the French state, its largest shareholder and one with heavy influence over the group’s board thanks to its outsized voting rights.
The last, Jean-Marc Janaillac, resigned in May after losing a fight over pay with Air France staff. His role as group chief executive and chairman as well as chairman of the Air France unit has prompted a rethink of the structure.
Paris’ readiness to consider a foreigner to oversee a revamp of the airline’s strategy and negotiations with Air France unions reflects Macron’s desire to create pan-European companies that can withstand globalization, even if that means placing control of a national asset in foreign hands.
“What we want to do is to create European champions,” a finance ministry official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It’s not of primary importance that the boss has to be French.”
“It wouldn’t worry us if we ended up with an aviation specialist from Europe.”
Slideshow (2 Images)
Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) and China Eastern Airlines (600115.SS), which both hold 8.8 percent stakes in Air France-KLM, declined to comment.
Two names have leaked to media in past weeks. Philippe Capron, the financial head of Veolia Environnement, pulled out after French ministers said they wanted an aviation specialist and that he was one of several candidates.
Le Figaro reported on Monday that Catherine Guillouard, chief executive of French public transport group RATP, was being considered for the top job at Air France-KLM. Two sources told Reuters she was not an official candidate.
INVESTOR PRESSURE
The job of Air France-KLM chief executive may not be one that widely appeals.
The next company chief will face the unenviable task of having to break union resistance to reduce Air France’s swollen cost base, while keeping increasingly frustrated Dutch KLM staff onside. A wave of strikes this spring at Air France over pay cost the group some 350 million euros ($410.97 million) and led to the ouster of Janaillac.
Sources say KLM officials are frustrated at French staff’s chronic labor conflicts and blame Air France’s weak handling of the powerful SNPL pilots’ union for the group’s fragile state.
Investors are frustrated too. The group’s share price has slumped 47 percent so far this year.
Asked recently if the group could have a Dutch chief executive, KLM CEO Pieter Elbers responded: “why not?”
The pressure from investors to slash costs has intensified as rising fuel costs and overcapacity squeeze margins.
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire warned after Janaillac quit that he would not soak up the airline’s losses.
Overseeing a restructuring of Air France-KLM would cement Macron’s reputation as a reformist and modernizer.
“Restructuring … is what is required to move Air France-KLM forward. Anything else will be history repeating itself,” said Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska.
STATE EXIT?
Macron could go further and sell-down France’s 14.3 percent stake in Air France-KLM, a move that would deliver a potent message that he is serious about liberalizing the economy.
The state’s exit from the airline group would hand its leadership more freedom to stare down the unions.
“(IAG chief executive) Willie Walsh just stared them down until blood came out of their eyes and they gave up,” said aviation consultant Andrew Charlton.
AccorHotels (ACCP.PA) announced last month it was looking at buying all or part of the French state’s stake – an option the government has not closed the door on but which faces obstacles.
“The government is studying things and is closed to nothing, but the first priority is to find a new leadership team for Air France-KLM,” the finance ministry official said.
AccorHotels’ overseas investors could, however, complicate any deal. Its main investors are from China and the Gulf, whose own airlines compete with Air France-KLM on long-haul routes.
European Union rules also require more than half of a European airline’s capital to be held by member states or EU nationals.
“Accor’s capital today is not sufficiently European for it to work,” said a second source familiar with the discussions. There would, however, be ways to overcome this, analysts say.
The state’s holding remains an open question. Nonetheless, analysts are encouraged by broader comments on the future of Air France-KLM coming out of the French finance ministry.
“The noises heard out of the finance ministry definitely signify a change in attitude toward Air France-KLM from the French state, said Roeska. “ And they fit with Macron’s wider strategy.”
Additional reporting by Cyril Altmeyer and Jean-Baptiste Vey; Editing by Alexandra Hudson
The post Air France-KLM CEO hunt signals industry strategy shift under Macron appeared first on World The News.
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cleopatrarps · 7 years ago
Text
Air France-KLM CEO hunt signals industry strategy shift under Macron
PARIS (Reuters) – The hunt for a new chief executive to lead Air France-KLM, a group hobbled by union resistance to cost-cutting at its French brand, is testing President Emmanuel Macron’s resolve for a lighter state touch on the economy.
FILE PHOTO: An Air France Airbus A320 airplane lands at the Charles-de-Gaulle airport in Roissy, near Paris, France, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann/File Photo
Macron’s government has told the Franco-Dutch airline group its very survival is at stake if it fails to become more competitive and undergo the painful reforms completed by carriers such as British Airways (ICAG.L) and Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) as they battle low-cost airlines and Gulf carriers.
In what would signal a subtle shift in French industrial strategy, two sources familiar with Macron’s thinking said the government is open to considering a non-French national as chairman of the group for the first time.
This chairman would sit above one chief executive for Air France, who would almost certainly be a French national, and one for KLM, one of the sources said.
It is just one option on the table. Macron’s office expects to receive a shortlist of candidates from the group’s interim management by the end of next week, a third source familiar with the matter said.
The Air France-KLM group (AIRF.PA) has been led by French chief executives since its formation in 2004, a demand of the French state, its largest shareholder and one with heavy influence over the group’s board thanks to its outsized voting rights.
The last, Jean-Marc Janaillac, resigned in May after losing a fight over pay with Air France staff. His role as group chief executive and chairman as well as chairman of the Air France unit has prompted a rethink of the structure.
Paris’ readiness to consider a foreigner to oversee a revamp of the airline’s strategy and negotiations with Air France unions reflects Macron’s desire to create pan-European companies that can withstand globalization, even if that means placing control of a national asset in foreign hands.
“What we want to do is to create European champions,” a finance ministry official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It’s not of primary importance that the boss has to be French.”
“It wouldn’t worry us if we ended up with an aviation specialist from Europe.”
Slideshow (2 Images)
Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) and China Eastern Airlines (600115.SS), which both hold 8.8 percent stakes in Air France-KLM, declined to comment.
Two names have leaked to media in past weeks. Philippe Capron, the financial head of Veolia Environnement, pulled out after French ministers said they wanted an aviation specialist and that he was one of several candidates.
Le Figaro reported on Monday that Catherine Guillouard, chief executive of French public transport group RATP, was being considered for the top job at Air France-KLM. Two sources told Reuters she was not an official candidate.
INVESTOR PRESSURE
The job of Air France-KLM chief executive may not be one that widely appeals.
The next company chief will face the unenviable task of having to break union resistance to reduce Air France’s swollen cost base, while keeping increasingly frustrated Dutch KLM staff onside. A wave of strikes this spring at Air France over pay cost the group some 350 million euros ($410.97 million) and led to the ouster of Janaillac.
Sources say KLM officials are frustrated at French staff’s chronic labor conflicts and blame Air France’s weak handling of the powerful SNPL pilots’ union for the group’s fragile state.
Investors are frustrated too. The group’s share price has slumped 47 percent so far this year.
Asked recently if the group could have a Dutch chief executive, KLM CEO Pieter Elbers responded: “why not?”
The pressure from investors to slash costs has intensified as rising fuel costs and overcapacity squeeze margins.
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire warned after Janaillac quit that he would not soak up the airline’s losses.
Overseeing a restructuring of Air France-KLM would cement Macron’s reputation as a reformist and modernizer.
“Restructuring … is what is required to move Air France-KLM forward. Anything else will be history repeating itself,” said Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska.
STATE EXIT?
Macron could go further and sell-down France’s 14.3 percent stake in Air France-KLM, a move that would deliver a potent message that he is serious about liberalizing the economy.
The state’s exit from the airline group would hand its leadership more freedom to stare down the unions.
“(IAG chief executive) Willie Walsh just stared them down until blood came out of their eyes and they gave up,” said aviation consultant Andrew Charlton.
AccorHotels (ACCP.PA) announced last month it was looking at buying all or part of the French state’s stake – an option the government has not closed the door on but which faces obstacles.
“The government is studying things and is closed to nothing, but the first priority is to find a new leadership team for Air France-KLM,” the finance ministry official said.
AccorHotels’ overseas investors could, however, complicate any deal. Its main investors are from China and the Gulf, whose own airlines compete with Air France-KLM on long-haul routes.
European Union rules also require more than half of a European airline’s capital to be held by member states or EU nationals.
“Accor’s capital today is not sufficiently European for it to work,” said a second source familiar with the discussions. There would, however, be ways to overcome this, analysts say.
The state’s holding remains an open question. Nonetheless, analysts are encouraged by broader comments on the future of Air France-KLM coming out of the French finance ministry.
“The noises heard out of the finance ministry definitely signify a change in attitude toward Air France-KLM from the French state, said Roeska. “ And they fit with Macron’s wider strategy.”
Additional reporting by Cyril Altmeyer and Jean-Baptiste Vey; Editing by Alexandra Hudson
The post Air France-KLM CEO hunt signals industry strategy shift under Macron appeared first on World The News.
from World The News https://ift.tt/2u9xUs6 via News of World
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dani-qrt · 7 years ago
Text
Trump’s Talk of U.S. Troop Cuts Unnerves South Korea and Japan
“For South Korea, living with a nuclear-armed North Korea is much better than living without American troops,” said Shin Won-sik, a retired three-star South Korean general. “If they are gone, we will lose proof that the Americans will defend us. We will lose confidence that if war breaks out, we can win.”
The possibility of a troop reduction emerged as other signs of diplomatic progress on the Korean Peninsula were reported on Friday.
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President Trump visiting American and Korean service members at Camp Humphreys, in South Korea, in November. Mr. Trump has openly questioned the merit of maintaining a costly military presence overseas. Credit Doug Mills/The New York Times
In Washington, Mr. Trump told reporters that a time and place for his meeting with Mr. Kim had been set, and that details would be announced soon. And the United Nations aviation agency, which governs international air routes, said its directors would visit North Korea next week to discuss the possibility of opening routes to South Korea.
In Seoul, President Moon Jae-in moved quickly Friday to calm jitters about an American troop reduction, especially among older conservatives, who consider the United States military’s presence a sacrosanct symbol of national security and are deeply skeptical of Mr. Kim’s intentions. Mr. Moon’s office said news that the White House was considering drawing down troops was “not true at all.”
“The Moon government doesn’t want the focus of public attention to move from the denuclearization of North Korea to the withdrawal of U.S. troops yet, which is such a political hot potato,” said Lee Byong-chul, senior fellow at the Institute for Peace and Cooperation in Seoul. “But if a peace treaty is signed, the U.S. troops are bound to peter out. Much of the reason they are staying here will be gone.”
On Friday, the White House announced that Mr. Moon would meet with Mr. Trump in Washington on May 22 for talks about North Korea and other matters.
Conservatives in South Korea bristle at the possibility of a troop withdrawal, arguing that it would expose their country to potential foes far stronger than North Korea, like China and Japan, which have invaded numerous times over the centuries. South Koreans reacted to Washington’s past efforts to pull out troops with calls for arming the country with nuclear weapons of its own.
Continue reading the main story
Although South Korea’s navy and air force are superior to the North’s, North Korea has a much bigger army, including stockpiles of chemical and nuclear weapons and huge batteries of artillery, rockets and missiles that could hit Seoul, a city of 10 million people.
For decades, the American military has protected South Korea and Japan under its nuclear umbrella, and it shares high-tech military surveillance and conducts annual joint war games preparing for any conflict.
For many in the region, giving up that protection is an unsettling prospect, even if peace comes to the peninsula.
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Supporters of Mr. Trump in Seoul last year. For conservative South Koreans, the American military presence is a sacrosanct symbol of national security. Credit Jung Yeon-Je/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
“The reason foreign investors stay in South Korea, and its stock market doesn’t panic even when China’s military prowess grows and North Korea conducts its nuclear weapons, is because of the U.S. military presence here,” said Mr. Shin, who was the South Korean military’s top operational strategist before he retired in 2015.
“If they shake the alliance for the sake of denuclearizing North Korea,” he added, “we will have an economic crisis before a security crisis.”
Mr. Trump’s reported directive came as Seoul and Washington were negotiating to decide how much more South Korea should pay than the $800 million a year it is currently paying for the 28,500 United States troops here. Mr. Trump wants a bigger burden-sharing from Seoul, which has resisted.
Trump administration officials say a full troop withdrawal is unlikely. They say that rethinking the force’s size and configuration was overdue, and that they want to see if a smaller force can provide adequate security.
The fate of the American troops has become one of the most delicate points of discussion as the two Koreas, the United States and China engage in fast-paced diplomacy over how to end the North’s nuclear weapons program.
South Korean officials say North Korea is not insisting on a pullout of American troops during the latest round of negotiations with Seoul and Washington. They say they want the troops to stay as a regional stabilizer even if a peace treaty is signed.
Continue reading the main story
In past negotiations, North Korean officials told their South Korean and American counterparts that they could support the United States military presence in South Korea if Washington and Pyongyang normalized ties and the troops served a “peacekeeping role” to prevent China from becoming a dominant military power in the region.
A troop withdrawal could send a bad signal to Japan, where about 50,000 American military service members are based, analysts said.
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A welcoming ceremony for Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in Seoul in October. The fate of American troops in South Korea has become one of the most delicate points of discussions as the two Koreas, the United States and China engage in fast-paced diplomacy over how to end the North’s nuclear weapons program. Credit Jung Yeon-Je/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
“Across the waters in Japan, I think it’s going to be read very, very poorly and really make the Japanese anxious about what exactly are the U.S. commitments” in the region, said Jeffrey Hornung, a political scientist at the RAND Corporation.
Under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan has stepped up its own show of military force, and Mr. Abe has sought to revise the pacifist clause in the country’s Constitution. On Thursday, he released a video message calling for amending it to make explicit the legality of the country’s Self-Defense Forces, as Japan’s military, which has about 225,000 active members, is known.
On Friday Mr. Abe’s office called American forces “essential” for the security of the region.
If Mr. Trump were to succeed in pulling troops from the Korean Peninsula, it could embolden Mr. Abe to push through a constitutional change while citing the reduced American military presence in the region.
The Japanese public has long opposed any constitutional change and on Thursday, thousands of people protested the idea in Tokyo. But recent polls show opinion is increasingly divided.
Ichiro Fujisaki, a former Japanese ambassador to Washington, struck a moderate tone.
He said “the U.S. presence is more symbolic than really there to fight against North Korea,” given the strength of the South Korean military and the fact that North Korea’s missiles are a bigger threat than an actual invasion.
Mr. Fujisaki added that as long as the Trump administration consulted the Japanese and South Korean governments about its plans, “it’s not that big a concern.”
Continue reading the main story
China’s leader, Xi Jinping, spoke Friday with Mr. Moon by phone to offer support for the Koreas’ reconciliation efforts, saying developments were “at an important juncture,” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on its website. “Peace on the Korean Peninsula is facing a historic opportunity,” Mr. Xi said, according to its summary of the call.
China has long wanted American troops to leave South Korea, and analysts there said a drawdown of United States troops — or a complete withdrawal — could drastically reshape the balance of power in the region.
“The end of American troops in South Korea may indicate the beginning of the dissolution of the U.S. alliance in the Asia-Pacific,” said Cheng Xiaohe, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing. “If the American alliance system was gone, China would be greatly relieved.”
Continue reading the main story
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goldcoastdreams · 7 years ago
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One Belt One Road: China lists $400m Gold Coast theme park as 'key project' of global initiative
Updated March 05, 2018 20:33:17 Video: Australian Legend World was listed as one of 40 major projects around the world (Photo: Songcheng)(ABC News) China's Ministry of Culture has listed a Chinese developer's planned Gold Coast theme park as a "key cultural trade and investment project" that is linked to the country's ambitious Belt and Road investment plan. Key points:Chinese theme park giant Songcheng behind Australian Legends World planThe tourism and real estate project will host Chinese and Australian cultural showsSongcheng spokesman said China would not influence park's operations Australia is not part of the divisive trillion-dollar One Belt One Road investment initiative, but analysts have since told the ABC individual investment projects in Australia are still allowed to sign up and be part of it regardless. "The Australian Government may not want to not sign up to the initiative as a program but there's nothing to stop particular projects in Australia signing up on their own account," China expert John Fitzgerald from Swinburne University said. The proposed Australian Legend World at Nerang, to be developed by Chinese theme park giant Songcheng at a cost of more than $400 million, will be the company's first overseas theme park. In a notice posted on the ministry's website late last week, the planned theme park was listed at number 11 among 40 other government projects around the world, affiliated with One Belt One Road, assessed as top priorities for the ministry. "Local culture bureaus are required to conduct guidance and supervise the implementation of the projects on the list," it said. "[They will also] follow up the development and accelerate toward the development of the cultural trades in the One Belt One Road Initiative." Australian Legend World which, until the statement, had only been billed as an "entertainment park" is set to host a variety of Australian and Chinese cultural and historical performances. It is unclear what relation the park will play in being "key" to the Chinese initiative's global trade routes or investment ambitions neither the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade nor the Chinese Ministry of Culture were available for comment at the time of writing. Roland Evans, managing director of the Canford Property Group and Songcheng's spokesman in Australia, said the listing did not mean China's Ministry of Culture would be able to influence how the project operated. "I don't believe it does, but [the ministry] will keep obviously a close eye that it mirrors what the constraints of the One Road One Belt system is." He said both Chinese and Australian consultants had thus far been engaged in the creation of the shows that would be performed at the theme park. New Chinese investment rules no issue Photo: A now outdated illustration of the planned park featured a fibreglass Uluru. (Supplied) The plans for the park also include housing for up to 2,000 residents, including a high-rise development it will also feature one of the world's largest indoor ski fields. While an illustration of the proposed park released a couple years ago showed plans for a controversial fibreglass version of Uluru, Mr Evans said that feature had since been dropped from the project. The listing of projects under the One Belt One Road initiative comes despite China's efforts to scale back on overseas real estate investments. China announced new corporate investment guidelines last year that restricted real estate deals, as well as "irrational" investments in foreign entertainment companies. Mr Evans said the park's listing as part of the Belt and Road initiative is a sign from the Chinese Government that the proposal abides by its new investment rules. "The Songcheng entertainment park has a fundamental cultural experience, and therefore the [Ministry of Culture] has decreed that this investment is allowed," he said. Professor Fitzgerald added that companies may be looking to One Belt One Road initiative as "a form of insurance". "This listing suggests Chinese firms are looking to [One Belt One Road] listing as a form of insurance for projects at risk of Chinese government cancellation, or for projects that may not be financially viable without Beijing's endorsement," he said. 'We're delighted' to be on list: Gold Coast Mayor Photo: Mr Tate said the project would bring "significant financial and social benefits". (AAP: Dan Peled) Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate welcomed China's decision to list the project. "We're delighted the Chinese Government has included this project on their Belt and Road list," Mr Tate said in a statement. "Our city's relationship with China is built on trust as well as Council's ability to minimise red tape, while still ensuring all environmental and development guidelines are adhered to. "I look forward to seeing this theme park development progress as it will bring significant financial and social benefits for our city." The project has courted controversy in the local community more than 300 objections to the planned theme park have been lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported last month. Many locals critical of the project cited environmental concerns as well as the increased population density the high-rise accommodation would bring to the area. The council is set to vote on whether the proposal will go ahead later this year. Photo: The planned park will feature one of the world's largest indoor ski fields. (Songcheng) Topics:business-economics-and-finance,world-politics,arts-and-entertainment,foreign-affairs,nerang-4211,china First posted March 05, 2018 20:21:14 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-05/china-lists-planned-gold-coast-theme-park-as-a-key-project/9508904?source=rss
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top-of-stairs-baby-gate · 7 years ago
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The Advantages And Benefit Of Clipping Journey Services
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