Category: Industry

ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates today observed the Professional Day of the Nuclear and Radiation Sector Workers, which was approved by the UAE Cabinet in January 2023 to mark the anniversary of the 16th of February 2020, when the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) issued the licence to operate unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.

The Professional day aims to shed light on the success stories, the achievements and tireless efforts made by the workers in both the nuclear and radiation sector in the UAE.

The Day also seeks to celebrate and recognise their contributions in the development of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme, which led the UAE to become a role model among nuclear newcomers globally.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, key senior officials and professionals from government, the private sector and academia, who contributed significantly to the advancement of the nuclear and radiation sector in the UAE.

Furthermore, distinguished professionals, from various s
ectors including health, industry, security, emergency preparedness, customs and others, were recognised for their remarkable achievements in the field of nuclear and radiation sector that supported the UAE’s vision.

During the ceremony, FANR officially launched the Emirates Nuclear and Radiation Academy (ENRA), a digital platform offering training and development programmes.

ENRA aims to disseminate scientific and technical knowledge in the nuclear and radiation sector, meet the manpower needs and contribute towards its knowledge-based economy. The launch of the academy on this day represents an important milestone towards the development of the workforce in the field of nuclear and radiation sector.

Source: Emirates News Agency

HONG KONG: The volume of Hong Kong’s total goods exports rose by 7.4 percent year-on-year in December, according to official data released on Thursday.

According to the city’s Census and Statistics Department, there was a 6.7 percent growth in the volume of goods imports for the month, in comparison to the corresponding period in 2022.

Prices of goods exports and imports also rose 3.2 percent and 4.6 percent year-on-year for the month, reported China Daily.

Comparing 2023 with 2022, the volume of the special administrative region’s total exports of goods and imports of goods decreased by 11.6 percent and 9.2 percent, respectively.

The prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 4.4 percent and 3.9 percent during the same period.

Comparing the fourth quarter of 2023 with the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis, the volume of total exports of goods rose 2.0 percent while imports of goods increased by 2.2 percent.

Source: Emirates News Agency

HANOI: Money sent from Asian countries made up 50.5% of the total overseas remittances to Ho Chi Minh City last year, Vietnam’s largest economic hub, a massive 143.8% spike year-on-year, according to the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV)’s branch in the city.

According to Vietnam News Agency (VNA), inward remittances to HCM City rose 43.3% year-on-year to US$9.46 billion in 2023, a record high over the past decade and accounting for more than half of the national total.

With approximately six million Vietnamese nationals living abroad, remittances sent to Vietnam from 1993 to 2022 have amounted to US$190 billion, according to the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In 2023, the World Bank estimated that Vietnam received approximately US$14 billion in remittances, while this figure reached a record number of US$19 billion in 2022.

Vietnam has been among the global top 10 recipients of remittances for many years, with overseas Vietnamese residing in more than 130 countries and territories, and around 600,000 o
f them with undergraduate or higher degrees.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The UAE celebrates over 20,000 trailblazers shaping the future in the nuclear and radiation sector. This is not just a number, it’s a testament to the country’s ambitious vision and dedication to empowering generations.

Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, UAE’s Permanent Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasised this commitment to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), while marking the annual Professional Day of Nuclear and Radiation Sector Workers.

February 16th holds even greater significance this year, commemorating the issuance of the first operating licence for Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) on 16th February, 2020.

Al Kaabi said that ’employing more than 20,000 people in the nuclear and radiation sector”, reflects the UAE’s pioneering efforts and the extensive investments that have been made over the past years to empower generations to serve the country.

He said that the celebration of this special day co
mes in appreciation of the qualitative contributions of workers in developing the sector that have consolidated the UAE’s position and leadership at all levels, stressing the importance of motivating workers in these vital sectors by introducing their achievements to the community.

Al Kaabi expressed his hope that they will continue to intensify work and efforts to ensure the continued growth of the sector by providing more scientific and technological achievements, as the nuclear and radiation sector relies primarily on science, technology, research and development. He stressed their continuous efforts to develop human resources and the infrastructure related to these fields.

He said, “It is very important to highlight the achievements of the workers in this sector, as they represent a large and important category in the development and progress of the country. The employees of the nuclear and radiation sector in the country fall into many sectors that aim to achieve sustainable development and the safety
and security of society.”

He explained that the diversity of the fields and uses of nuclear and radiation energy in various sectors reflects the importance of nuclear technology and its applications, which can be used in many fields such as health, diagnostics, industry, and agriculture, in addition to security and defence. He pointed to the energy sector represented by the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, which is a fundamental pillar in consolidating the UAE’s leadership in this vital sector regionally and globally.

The adoption of the Professional Day of the Nuclear and Radiation Sector Workers comes after the Cabinet approved in January 2023 to commemorate the anniversary of the issuance of the operating licence for Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant by the FANR, and in appreciation of the efforts of the workers made to develop the UAE’s Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: Since its launch in June 2022 through mid-February 2024, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s (ADJD) Auction App has generated over AED3.4 billion in sales.

In more detail, 333 properties worth AED3,401,835,871, have been sold in addition to 1013 vehicles valued at AED78,277,025, jewellery worth AED232,720, and 1,784 movable properties totalling AED129,429,625.

These statistics highlight the growing popularity and effectiveness of the ADJD Auction App as a platform for buying and selling various assets remotely.

Counselor Yousef Saeed Alabri, Undersecretary of the Judicial Department, said that the smart Auction App revolutionised the bidding process for seized property in judicial cases.

‘This aligns perfectly with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, for a more accomplished justice system, contributing to Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness,” he add
ed.

Alabri explained that the Auction App allows easy sign-up and deposit of funds by bidders inside and outside the UAE, as well as access to the details of the property seized in enforcement cases, be it real estate, vehicles, distinguished car number plates, and various movables, while offering innovative options to bid remotely and complete the procedures through easy steps according to the specified legal controls.

Supervised by Judicial Department professionals, the APP guarantees transparency, clarity, and neutrality throughout the process, protecting the rights of all parties involved.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Ministers of Trade of the Kingdom of Bahrain and New Zealand affirmed their countries’ keenness to continue working with the United Arab Emirates to achieve tangible results on the key issues discussed at the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), taking place from 26th to 29th February 2024 in Abu Dhabi.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), they said, “We look forward to actively participating in the discussions on the key issues addressed by the conference, including food security measures, fisheries support controls, the development dimension, and other vital areas.”

Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Kingdom of Bahrain, said that his country is committed to ensuring the success of this conference and the continuous growth of the WTO, as a founding member of the organisation and a strong supporter of open global trade.

He affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s readiness to make meaningful contributions to ensure that the
MC13 achieves tangible results, saying, “We look forward to actively participating in the discussions on key issues including food security measures, fisheries support controls, the development dimension, and other vital areas of interest.”

He pointed out that his country is particularly focused on promoting an environment that encourages the active participation of developing countries, while recognising the unique challenges and opportunities they face. He welcomed the developments and discussions in the field of investment facilitation, e-commerce, the digital economy, and small and medium-sized enterprises, as a prerequisite for creating an open and fair trading environment that puts development and inclusion at its core.

For his part, Todd McClay, Minister of Trade for New Zealand, one of the three Vice-Chairs of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference, said that the WTO will remain a guarantor of equal opportunities for all its members to access global markets, and this is at the heart of New Zealand’s tr
ade and economic priorities.

He affirmed his country’s desire to play a constructive role in the WTO, noting that a well-functioning and rules-based trading system allows for predictability for businesses and exporters.

He added that his country is committed to working with all WTO members to ensure progress on key issues, including positive outcomes on negotiations to support agriculture and fisheries in both developing and developed countries, and rebuilding an effective dispute settlement system. This will benefit the global trading system, strengthen the role of the WTO, and support better outcomes for all.

It is worth noting that the WTO Ministerial Conference, which is held every two years, is the highest decision-making body within the organisation.

Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference comes at a time when global trade is facing many challenges, which the conference seeks to mobilise international efforts to overcome by building global consensus on adopting the multilateral tr
ading system.

The conference is expected to make important decisions on the future work of the WTO and set a roadmap for the next steps and the 14th Ministerial Conference.

Source: Emirates News Agency