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PRESS Council of the European Union 29/10/2018   Presidency press release after the informal meeting of transport and environment ministers, 29 October 2018, Graz, Austria Press release Informal meeting of EU transport ministers: Putting an end to seasonal clock changes requires harmonisation between member states Published 29 Oct 13:35 National consultations and bilateral consensus are a first important step The first plenary session of the informal meeting of EU transport ministers that began on 29 October 2018 showed that a substantial majority of EU member states are in favour of ending seasonal clock changes . A mere three countries – Portugal, Greece and the United Kingdom – spoke out strongly against ending seasonal clock changes, while Cyprus, the Netherlands, Ireland, France and Denmark have not yet taken a stance. EU Commissioner Violeta Bulc and Federal Minister Norbert Hofer, who currently chairs the Council meetings in the area of transport, view this first major discussion as a success and are confident that a common position on the way forward can be found as early as December, when the EU Council meeting of transport ministers will take place. There was general consensus that the end of seasonal clock changes may only be implemented when the next steps are known and an impact assessment is available. Most importantly, it must not entail any disadvantages for the single market and economy. The ministers called on the Commission to make sure of that. All of the proponents also stressed that it will be imperative to find a solution that doesn’t result in a “patchwork” of European times zones. This can only be guaranteed by an appropriate timeline. “The decision on which time to use in each country in the future will remain within the competence of individual states. So as not to rush this important decision, studies and surveys are needed, which will also take time. And there is no doubt that we are prepared to give the EU countries this time”, assured Commissioner Bulc. “I am pleased that the Commission is doing what is expected of political decision‑makers: it is responding to the public opinion, listening to citizens and trying to fulfil the wish of the vast majority to end seasonal clock changes Europe‑wide. This matter, however, gives rise to huge challenges – not least because the EU has three different time zones. If we were to now do away with seasonal clock changes, this might in fact result in a “patchwork quilt” that would have disastrous consequences for the single market”, said Minister Hofer, thereby also expressing the concerns of his colleagues. The Austrian minister currently chairing the Council meetings in the area of transport thus proposed three ways to resolve the current problems: firstly, more time for the adjustment, that is to say, the timeline should be extended until 2021. Secondly, the Commission should nominate a coordinator who will be in charge of harmonisation and coordination. And last, but not least, a safeguard clause should allay any remaining concerns: should unforeseen problems arise, the European Commission will have to present a new directive. “I am convinced that such a safeguard clause will be the key to an even broader majority. It is the safety net that is needed to be able to make the leap”, said Minister Hofer optimistically.

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Strategy for Norway’s efforts in the Sahel region Artikkel | 24.10.2018 On 10 September 2018, the Government launched a strategy for Norway’s efforts in the Sahel region for the period 2018-2020. The strategy sets out the main priorities for a coherent Norwegian policy in the Sahel region, a region that is facing significant challenges relating to security, humanitarian needs and development. The strategy has also been translated into French and English. News alert about: Foreign affairs

Norway increases support for humanitarian response in Yemen Pressemelding | 22.10.2018 ‘I am deeply concerned about the grave humanitarian situation in Yemen. A large proportion of the population is suffering from a shortage of food and malnutrition. The Government will now provide a further NOK 30 million to the humanitarian response, with an emphasis on urgent food aid channelled through the UN,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide. News alert about: Foreign affairs

CANADA NEWS

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico

October 26, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Yesterday, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, spoke with President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico.

The Prime Minister and President-elect discussed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which removes uncertainty and supports stronger investment and exports.

The leaders shared views on the U.S. section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs in effect on exports.

The Prime Minister welcomed the recent visit to Canada by a high-level delegation from the incoming Mexican Administration, and looked forward to working closely with the President-elect as he begins his mandate on December 1.  

The Prime Minister and President-elect committed to stay in close contact.

Prime Minister welcomes final report from the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders

October 29, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to welcome the final report from the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders:

HONG KONG MEANS BUSINESS..

24 OCTOBER 2018

MARKET SPOTLIGHT Foreign Fare Wows Moscow Consumers at Food Expo Adventurous Russian gourmets look to Asian cuisine as sanctions crimp exports from the West. This year's Taste of Moscow event saw the chill of Western trade embargoes briefly lift as globally sourced gourmet delights and local restaurateurs jostled for the attention of munch-minded Muscovites in a four-day culinary cavalcade. More US Trade Latest Developments and Support for SMEs A new webpage brings businesses the latest updates and regulatory alerts related to United States trade. FIRST PERSON Recruitment Specialist Grows Strongly in Asia Pure’s regional head notes that employees and employers have warmed to contract-based hiring. INSIDE CHINA Green Light for Belt and Road-backed Laos Project A US$10 billion tourism-focused Khonphapheng Special Economic Zone project becomes the latest China-Laos joint venture. HEADS-UP Opening Doors to ASEAN At an upcoming workshop, Hong Kong officials will detail incentives that support SMEs against tariffs. VENTURE HONG KONG Painless Client Onboarding Fintech start-up Veridate digitises the life cycle of the client onboarding process for greater efficiencies within firms. LIFE & STYLE Cheers to Craft Beers The appetite for real ales continues to grow in Hong Kong, with an increasing number of local options available. UPCOMING EVENTS 28 Oct-2 Nov Hong Kong Food Business Mission to Wakayama, Osaka, Mie, Tokyo, Japan 1 Nov Trade Facilitation and Cross-border E-commerce: The Role of the Shanghai... 7-9 Nov HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair 2018 FIND AN EVENT   MULTIMEDIA SEE THIS Managing risk on the Belt and Road HEAR THIS China’s Beauty Services Market: Changing Consumer Preferences MORE MULTIMEDIA   RESEARCH China Adjusts Personal Article Import Levy as of 1 November Economic and Trade Information on China China’s Beauty Services Market (3): Changing Consumer Preferences MORE RESEARCH