Day: May 13, 2022

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Development Bank of Mongolia Announces Early Payment Before Maturity on JPY 30 Billion Samurai Bond

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia, May 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mongolian Prime Minister Oyunerdene Luvsannamsrai has instructed the Development Bank of Mongolia (DBM) to explore potential options, including an early payment, to settle its outstanding Samurai Bond obligations. Following this, the Bank says it will be able to further manage its future obligations and improve its overall debt profile. The move will reduce Mongolia’s general government debt as the sovereign guarantee on the bond will concurrently mature.

According to Mr. Manduul Nyamdeleg, CEO of DBM, the Bank is waiting on potential options to make an early payment on its first-ever Samurai bond of JPY 30 billion (US $231 million) before its maturity date of December 2023. DBM is the only policy-oriented financial institution in the country with a mandate to finance large-scale, strategically important development projects in Mongolia. DBM serves a unique role in the local economy by filling the gap created by the emerging domestic banking sector, which remains unable to finance large development projects. Since its inception in 2011, the Bank has financed energy, transportation, affordable housing, agriculture, processing factories and mining projects in the country.

Due to its policy nature and the Government backing, DBM has maintained a strong funding base with a longer tenure and lower cost compared to those of the commercial banks in Mongolia.

In 2013, the Bank issued Mongolia’s first-ever Samurai bond in the amount JPY 30 billion with a 10-year maturity and coupon rate of 1.52%. The guarantee from the Government of Mongolia and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) made it possible to secure the long-term funding with a lower interest rate at the time. The proceeds from the bond have been used to finance affordable housing, processing factories, and agricultural projects in Mongolia.

Founded in 2011, Development Bank of Mongolia is wholly owned by the Government of Mongolia. Its principal objectives are ensuring sustainable economic growth in Mongolia, fostering value-added, export-driven production, and introducing financial solutions designed to implement Government development policies. As of May 10, 2022, total assets are MNT 4,196,004.38  million (US$1,351 million). Total loans and advances represent MNT 2,592,042 million (US $834.7 million), with the loan portfolio focusing on key sectors such as mining, agriculture and energy. Though the Bank was only established 11 years ago, it has successfully issued a number of notes in the international capital markets.

For more information, please contact: spilcher@atticuscomms.com

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

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ITA Airways Launches the Summer Season on the French Market With Eleven Daily Flights Between France and Italy at Roadshow Presentation in Paris

A Total of 72 Weekly Flights at the End of July

ITA AIRWAYS LAUNCHES THE SUMMER SEASON ON THE FRENCH MARKET WITH ELEVEN DAILY FLIGHTS BETWEEN FRANCE AND ITALY

Pierfrancesco Carino, VP International Sales at ITA Airways poses for a portrait at a press event at the Hotel Shangri-La on Thursday, May 12, 2022 in Paris. (Adrienne Surprenant/AP Images for ITA Airways)

PARIS, May 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Yesterday, at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris, ITA Airways, the new Italian national carrier presented the summer season on the French market to representatives of the press as well as to business partners in the French market. The Company aims to offer eleven daily flights between France and Italy by June, in order to meet the travel needs of tourists and business passengers.

ITA Airways which started operations on October 15, 2021, is an efficient and innovative air carrier that will be a reference point to provide Italy with quality connectivity with national, international and intercontinental destinations. ITA puts customers at the center of its strategy, thanks to a strong digitalization of processes that guarantees a first-class experience and personalized services, combining it with environmental sustainability (new green and technologically advanced aircraft, use of sustainable fuels) and the integration of sustainability into internal strategies and processes.

The development of the intercontinental network represents one of the Company’s main assets, a strategy that will also be consolidated thanks to the arrival at the end of May of the new latest-generation Airbus A350, which will join the Airbus A330 already in service with the fleet since the beginning of the summer season on long-haul destinations.

The expansion of ITA Airways’ routes for this summer focuses on the French market, which is the most strategic European market after Italy and the United States, as well as the one with the largest number of Italian-French. Indeed, ITA Airways’ program for the French market will be strengthened with an additional route between Paris CDG and Milan Linate from May 16, which completes the offer with three daily flights. In addition, we are also strengthening the connections between Nice and Rome – already operational – from 1 June, with a second direct flight to Rome Fiumicino.

Additionally, there are three daily flights to Rome Fiumicino from Paris CDG and the three flights from Paris Orly to Milan Linate, the city airport.

The launch of these new routes consolidates the expansion process in the French market, which aims to reach a total of 72 weekly flights between France and Italy by July 2022, for a total of 11 daily flights.

The multiple offers of the Rome Fiumicino hub will allow ITA Airways to be the reference carrier of the France to Italy and via Rome to Europe and the Mediterranean for the Italian community and the main communities of the Mediterranean countries.

From Paris-CDG and Nice airports, connectivity is guaranteed with the main Italian destinations: Alghero, Brindisi, Bologna, Bari, Cagliari, Catania, Gene, Milan-Linate, Naples, Olbia, Palermo, Reggio Calabria (from Paris-CDG only), Lamezia Terme, Turin, Trieste, Venice. From July, the destinations of Florence and Verona will be added to the network. From Paris-Orly, the national destinations accessible by Milan-Linate are as follows: Alghero, Brindisi, Bari, Cagliari, Catania, Naples, Palermo, Reggio Calabria, Lamezia Terme.

During the 2022 summer season ITA Airways will also offer the most popular Mediterranean destinations with new flights to the Italian islands, including Sardinia served by both Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate. As well as seasonal flights, departing from Rome FCO and Milan Linate, during the month of August to Spain, Greece and Croatia, Lampedusa, Pantelleria; (destinations served: Corfu, Heraklion, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Ibiza, Menorca, Majorca, Kefalonia, Dubrovnik, Split).

In addition to these five routes already operated to North America, a new destination from Rome Fiumicino to Los Angeles will be added in June, bringing Italy’s offer to the United States to a total of six daily flights.

The summer season will also see the addition of new flights from Rome Fiumicino to Buenos Aires and São Paulo from early June. These new routes will allow ITA Airways to expand into South America, which has always been a preferred destination for Italian holidaymakers and a country with the largest community of Italian origin.

The centrality of the French market in ITA Airways’ strategy is also reflected in the major marketing campaigns launched in recent months in Paris and Nice, with billboards in the main French stations and places of passage such as La Défense or the department stores of the Bd Haussmann.

The local presence is also ensured by ITA Airways’ France team who work with travel agencies, business partners and the web to ensure coverage of key customer segments, including business, leisure and affinity traffic.

Finally, thanks to a strong commercial partnership established with the main commercial partners and companies, ITA Airways ensures the complete distribution of its flights covering each passenger segment in France.

Launched in early March, ITA Airways’ 2022 summer season includes 64 new destinations, including 23 domestic, 34 international and 7 intercontinental. Through codeshare agreements with major international carriers, ITA Airways continues to grow its network through partnerships with other global carriers – providing a preferred route to the Company’s most attractive markets, first and foremost in Europe and America, but also in Africa and Saudi Arabia.

The codeshare agreements allow ITA Airways to join the entire national network of other international carriers with direct flights from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate to their hubs. A total of 24 codeshare agreements have been signed to date, for a total of more than 270 destinations served on which ITA Airways will use its own codes.

All ITA Airways flights can be purchased on the ita-airways.com website, from the ITA Airways call center or from travel agencies and airport counters.

Volare Programme
With a commitment to maximum customer orientation, ITA Airways launched on October 15, 2021 “Volare”, its new loyalty program, also accessible to French customers. It has been designed as an open ecosystem of services and products, made available by ITA Airways and its partners to ensure customers have a unique 360° travel experience. Since March, the program has been enriched with new features that increase its flexibility and ease of use and offer frequent travelers everything they could want from a program dedicated to them.

Volare expands its strength by relying on the four values on which it was developed: “Freedom”, “Personalization”, “Choice ” and “Login” :

Volare is a “tailor-made” program that consists of four exclusive clubs, on an ascending scale of increasing premium levels and dedicated priority services: Smart, Plus, Premium and Executive. With every purchase on ITA flights, customers can earn the points they need to upgrade to the next Club level and enjoy various premium benefits and services. In addition, from Club Smart, as the access threshold increases, the benefit to the customer also increases in terms of multipliers and services available.

Volare already has many members, both from Italy and abroad. To date, the program has over 361,500 members, of which over 40,000 are Elite members (i.e. Club Plus, Premium and Executive). This result is also important because it is consolidated on the international market: 35% of the participants in the Status Match campaign came from foreign companies.

About ITA Airways
ITA Airways is a company wholly owned by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance for the exercise of activities in the air transport sector. ITA Airways aims to create an efficient and innovative air carrier that will become a reference point to provide Italy with quality connectivity both in terms of international destinations, thus boosting tourism and foreign trade, and within the country, also taking advantage of integrated air-train mobility. ITA Airways will place the best customer service at the center of its strategy (thanks to a strong digitization of processes that guarantee a first-class experience and personalized services), combined with sustainability, in its environmental aspects (new green and technologically advanced aircraft, use of sustainable fuels), social (equality and inclusion for a non-sexist company) and governance (integration of sustainability into strategies and processes) aspects internal). ITA Airways has been a member of the SkyTeam alliance since October 2021.

For more information:
LaPresse SpA Communication and Press Office Director
Barbara Sanicola – barbara.sanicola@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ff07a172-0049-4115-b5ce-e324665ab1ea

The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.

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For Eurovision, Turin and Piedmont Shows Their Vocation for Hospitality on Many Levels

FOR EUROVISION, TURIN AND PIEDMONT SHOWS THEIR VOCATION FOR HOSPITALITY ON MANY LEVELS

Music brings people together, even in the most challenging times. The Eurovision Song Contest, one of the most important international songwriting competitions globally, turns the spotlight on the touristic, cultural, and eno-gastronomic excellence of Turin and the northern-Italian region of Piedmont and the vocation of the region for the hospitality of different cultures.

TURIN, Italy, May 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Music brings people together, even in the most challenging times. The Eurovision Song Contest, one of the most important international songwriting competitions globally, is not only an opportunity to turn the spotlight on the touristic, cultural, and eno-gastronomic excellence of Turin and the northern-Italian region of Piedmont and the vocation of the region for the hospitality of different cultures. Turin and Piedmont are also showing how they embrace populations having a moment of difficulty.

On the occasion of the Eurovision Song Contest, the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine arrived in Turin to perform at the Eurovision Village, in the beautiful Valentino Park, in collaboration with the European Commission and the European Parliament. The Orchestra was also welcomed in Palazzo Madama, a historic building that houses the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art. “We have been welcomed with great warmth, we feel good, and we love the fact of being here with you,” said Natalia Stets, director of the Orchestra, adding, “I think that Ukrainians and Italians are very close to each other: we share a big heart and a strong feeling of welcome.”

Founded in 2016, the Orchestra aims to develop Ukraine’s very young musical talents and is made up of boys and girls aged between 12 and 22 years old, from different cities, such as Odessa, Chernobyl, Kiev and Kalviv. The presence of the Orchestra shows how peace is a relevant part of the program of the Eurovillage, created by City of Turin and the Piedmont region on the occasion of Eurovision.

The village is open to citizens and free, with the exhibitions of over 200 artists, testimonials and activists. The idea was to represent in a closed space the rich environment of Torino and Piedmont made of culture and events, dealing with peace and human rights. The Eurovillage saw, on Europe Day, also the presence of the European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli.

Turin and the Piedmont Region proved again to be one of the most welcoming in the world, not only for Eurovision and not only for the many tourists. After the outbreak of the conflict, it welcomed 10 thousand Ukrainians and activated info centers giving detailed indications for families, individuals, or local authorities wishing to receive those fleeing the country.

For further info on the region, on its touristic and cultural initiatives: visitpiemonte.com.

For more information:
LaPresse SpA Communication and Press Office Director
Barbara Sanicola – barbara.sanicola@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2b0a5968-228f-4d29-9abd-f5dad1973a89

The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.

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1K1P Product Innovation Discussion Programme

Towards the development and progressing of 'Satu Kampung Satu Produk' or one village one product, 1K1P, the Tutong District Office, Tutong District Development and Creative Body and Tutong District Village Consultative Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs will hold a Product Innovation Discussion Programme 1K1P for four days, from the 25th to 30th of May 2022.

Participation is open to youths, Small and Medium Micro entrepreneurs, SMMEs as well as the public. Entry forms can be obtained via online and to be submit not later than Wednesday, the 18th of May 2022.

For more information contact 883 4343 or 865 4208 or visit 'www.tutong.click'.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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Customs Contraband Operation

7 individuals were detained in 3 operations and one Operasi Sepadu conducted by the Royal Customs and Excise Department, RCED through the Law Enforcement Division in Brunei Muara District, Belait District and Temburong District.

The first operation was carried out on 9th May, at a food stall in Kampong Rataie, Temburong District. The operation successfully arrested a 32-year-old Indonesian woman, who was found to be involved in selling cigarettes. A total of 14 packets of cigarettes of various brands were seized in the operation.

Meanwhile, in the second operation carried out at a staff house in the Kampung Katok area, two Indonesian men aged 27 and 30 were arrested. A total of 2 cartons, 4 packets and 26 sticks of cigarettes were confiscated during the inspection.

The third operation was carried out on 10th May in Kuala Belait. During the operation, RCED detained two Malaysian men aged 57 and 63 respectively. The operation also confiscated 18 sticks of cigarettes and cash amounting to $132,558, believed to be proceeds from the contraband sales.

Meanwhile, in the Operasi Sepadu carried out on 10th May with the Pharmacy Enforcement Division, Ministry of Health, a vehicle was detained and inspected at the business premises in Kampung Tungku. During the inspection, a 45-year-old local man was arrested for engaging in the sale of various types of medicines. Further inspection was carried out on a house in the Rimba Gadong Housing area, also managed to detain a 29-year-old permanent resident and confiscated 15 boxes, 3 packets and 79 small bottles of various types of prohibited medicines. All the individuals involved were taken to the Law Enforcement Office for further investigation.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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Reading of Surah Yasin and Doa Selamat

Face-to-face teaching and learning for students and pupils in Arabic and Religious schools nationwide will begin on 14th May. In this regard, The Department of Islamic Studies, Ministry of Religious Affairs held a reading of Surah Yasin and Doa Selamat Ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by staff of the Department of Islamic Studies, the Ministry of Education, teachers of Arabic and Religious schools and parents or guardians of students nationwide virtually, 12th May. Over 42,800 students of Arabic and Religious schools will start attending face to face learning for all levels including students aged 7 to 12 years regardless of their vaccination status who studied at the primary level from Year 5 to Pre U2 for Arabic schools and from Pre-class to Primary Six for Religious schools.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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Reinstatement of Services at Belait District Health Centre

Following the latest COVID-19 situation, Endemic Phase in the country, several services at Belait District health centres will be reinstated starting Monday, 16th May 2022.

The Ministry of Health in its press release informed that the services are the Primary Healthcare Services Division; Nurse-Led Clinic; National Health Screening Programme and Community Nutrition Services.

Meanwhile, after office hours services are moved from Seria Health Centre to Sungai Liang Health Centre, starting on 13th May.

For more information, call Talian Darussalam 123 or visit the website at 'www.moh.gov.bn'.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Situation (HFMD)

The number of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, HFMD cases reported in the country is at a low level with 14 cases reported, between 1st January 2022 to 12th May 2022. Of the total, 5 cases are among children aged 5 and below. According to the Ministry of Health, the results of continuous monitoring detected an increase in the number of HFMD cases in one of the neighbouring countries since the beginning of 2022. HFMD is a common infection suffered by children, especially those under 5 years old.

Symptoms of the disease include high fever, poor appetite, feeling unwell, skin rash and sore throat, sores and ulcers in the mouth are also frequently experienced. Babies are at higher risk of becoming infected and can lead to serious complications such as encephalitis and dehydration.

With the start of the school season, parents who take their children on holiday abroad are advised to take precautionary measures, prevention and reduce the risk of infection such as:

Always maintain personal hygiene by washing hands with hand sanitiser or soap after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food or after changing diapers; Maintain the cleanliness of the environment whether at home, childcare centre or school;

Do not send infected children to schools, public places such as supermarkets, shopping complexes, playgrounds and swimming pools; Disinfect contaminated surfaces including toys; AND Do not share personal items such as toothbrush, handkerchief, towel, spoon and fork.

Parents and guardians are advised to immediately take their children to nearby health centres and hospitals if there are any signs of HFMD.

For more information, call Talian Darussalam 123 or visit the Ministry of Health website at 'www.moh.gov.bn'.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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Adorning Oneself with Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a noble trait that is required in Islam and the main trait of the Prophet Rasulullah Sallalahu 'Alaihi Wassalam. Forgiving is not a weakness or surrender, but Allah SWT will raise the honour of those who are forgiving. This was among the matters outlined in yesterday's Friday Sermon titled, 'Adorning oneself with forgiveness'. The sermon also stressed that adorning oneself with a forgiving attitude is vital in building and developing religious, social and national harmony in life.

The imam or prayer leader said that it should be known that among the effects of being forgiving and letting go is firstly, encouraging an attitude of not retaliating to evil deeds with evil; Secondly, avoiding enmity and further strengthening good relations among members of the community; Thirdly, reflecting mercy and finally, bring peace to oneself and remove malice, envy and grudges that destroy the heart.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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Back to School Preparations

The excitement of all students to return to the school with face to face learning session including those aged 5 to 11 nationwide which starts on 14th May, can be seen when the busyness of parents and children shopping for school necessities. Although we are still in the Aidilfitri celebration, the excitement of the students to attend school is hoped to be more motivated by the strong support of their parents and teachers who also want to meets their students.

Some of the children's school necessities including text, work and texts books continue to be the main focus apart from the purchase of school uniforms. Bookstores also took an initiative to facilitate the parents to buy school necessities after busy with the Aidilfitri celebrations.

Regardless of vaccination status, face-to-face schooling sessions are all for government or private primary students under the Ministry of Education and religious and Arabic schools under the Ministry of Religious Affairs including special centres under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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Handing Back Belait Sixth Form Centre

The Ministry of Health handed back the Belait Sixth Form Centre, COVID-19 Holding Area Belait to the Ministry of Education, 12th May.

Present was Awang Haji Maswadi bin Haji Mohsin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health; and Doctor Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin, Permanent Secretary for Core Education at the Ministry of Education. The Belait Sixth Form Centre was used as a COVID-19 isolation facility from August 2021 to April 2022. This also includes several other school facilities such as Ma'had Islam Brunei which was recently handed back to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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5th ASEAN RDPE Leadership Awards

The Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei, TAIB and the Society for Community Outreach and Training, SCOT received the 5th Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Leadership Awards. The awards is a biennial routine activity for the Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Senior Officials Meeting under the Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Action Plan Framework. The trophy and e-certificate Presentation Ceremony was held virtually, 12th May.

Brunei Darussalam delegation was led by Dayang Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, Permanent Secretary for Community and Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. The Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei TAIB received the award for the Private Sector Category and the Society for Community Outreach and Training for the NGO Category. Award recipients from each ASEAN member states also had an opportunity to present their roles, achievements and contributions to the community through video broadcasts. The event was hosted by the Republic of the Philippines through the National Anti-Poverty Commission as the Chairman of the RDPE ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, also attended by ASEAN member states responsible for Rural Development Affairs and Poverty Eradication.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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