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Sunstone Metals hits gold and copper on edge of massive T2 target at El Palmar

Melbourne, Victoria – News Direct – 17 February 2023 – Sunstone Metals Ltd (ASX:STM) MD Malcolm Norris tells Proactive the company has received “extremely promising” gold and copper assays from drilling at the large T2 geophysical anomaly at El Palmar porphyry gold-copper discovery in northern Ecuador. The first three holes drilled at the new target have returned broad gold and copper intersections from the top and the edge of the target.

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Anson Resources welcomes substantial lithium exploration target at Green River

Melbourne, Victoria – News Direct – 17 February 2023 – Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) CEO Bruce Richardson tells Proactive the company has established a substantial exploration target at its recently staked Green River Lithium Project in the Paradox Basin in south-eastern Utah, USA. The target points to mineral resource potential in the same ballpark as Anson’s flagship asset, the nearby Paradox Lithium Project, and appears to host positive geological features similar to that asset, including rock units and stratigraphy.

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Türkiye earthquake: World Vision provides fuel and heaters in Northwest Syria

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 16 February 2023 – As the death toll from the Turkish and Syrian earthquake keeps rising, millions of people in northwestern Syria are in desperate need. World Vision says the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria has created need greater than any other natural disaster the organisation has responded to in over a decade.

Johan Mooij, World Vision Syria Response Director, said, “Hospitals and health clinics that survived the earthquake in Syria were already overstretched and underfunded – now they are unable to even keep the power on due to lack of fuel. Families who have been displaced multiple times already due to the Syrian conflict, have been displaced again. The amount of money and effort it will take to rebuild the structural damage could take a generation to get to pre-earthquake levels. This is especially the case in Northwest Syria where the humanitarian response plan has been consistently underfunded for most of the past 12 years. This is a humanitarian emergency that is catastrophic in historic terms, that requires an aid response that is historic in its generosity.”

After the earthquake, World Vision teams responded quickly to assess the most urgent needs on the ground and provided 17,000 litres of fuel to health facilities as well as search and rescue teams in Northwest Syria to enable them to keep running their operations transporting and treating the wounded. World Vision has also provided much needed heaters and fuel to more than 1,605 impacted households seeking refuge in collective shelters scattered across the Northwest. This will allow displaced families to stay warm until more temporary solutions are found.

Meanwhile, World Vision plans to distribute emergency relief items such as food, water, shelter and winterisation items, as well as medical supplies to several health facilities struggling to respond to growing needs.

A recent needs assessment conducted by World Vision in Northwest Syria showed that 94% of surveyed people’s homes and shelters had been affected by the earthquake, while 82% were sheltering in collective shelters as a result of these damages. In addition, 42% of respondents reported that education facilities had been damaged in their neighbourhoods, and 84% of them said the earthquake had impacted their children’s ability to access education services. So far, World Vision’s emergency assistance has reached more than 78,000 women, men and children in Northwest Syria with fuel, heaters, ready to eat meals and health care assistance.

World Vision said that already dire and spiralling humanitarian conditions in Northwest Syria due to conflict – combined with the damage, limited access, loss of life and injuries – have meant the suffering as a result of the earthquake and aftershocks has been uniquely devastating.

Johan Mooij added, “Entire streets and villages have been reduced to rubble, whole families killed, and millions left homeless. People already living in extreme poverty have lost what little they had. Prior to the quakes, 6 or 7 people were sharing tents due to the scale of displaced from the conflict. Now it’s 16 or 17 people in each tent. Children have been traumatised and will need psychosocial and physical support to deal with the impact of this disaster.

“We have not seen suffering and devastation of this scale in over a decade. The impact is so enormous that World Vision warns that it could take a generation for survivors to recover, and maybe longer in Northern Syria, where millions were already living on humanitarian aid.”

Learn more about World Vision’s Türkiye and Syria Earthquake Emergency Response:
https://bit.ly/wvhk-turkey-syria-eq-en

Hashtag: #WorldVision



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German President Steinmeier visits Infineon site in Kulim, Malaysia; New exhaust air purification system will significantly improve Infineon’s positive climate footprint

MUNICH, GERMANY & KULIM, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 16 February 2023 – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) in Kulim, Malaysia, as part of his trip to Asia. The visit focused on Infineon’s contribution to enabling the global energy transition with energy-saving semiconductor solutions, as well as by investing in solutions that further reduce the CO2 footprint in its chip manufacturing.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier Federal President of Republic of Germany signs on wafer
Frank-Walter Steinmeier Federal President of Republic of Germany signs on wafer

Infineon is currently building a new plant for two billion euros that will focus on so-called compound semiconductors. These semiconductors are based on new materials like silicon carbide and gallium nitrite that enable further energy-efficiency increases. Energy-saving semiconductor solutions play a central role in the energy transition. Among other things, these solutions are used in wind turbines, solar power systems, e-vehicles and charging infrastructures. Kulim 3 will be ready for equipment in summer 2024 and will create 900 high value jobs. Infineon confirmed that construction work is on schedule.

During Steinmeier’s visit, Ng Kok Tiong, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Infineon Technologies Kulim presented its investment in expanding the exhaust air purification system at the Kulim site. Avoiding CO2 emissions is a clear priority for Infineon in implementing its climate strategy. Modern exhaust-air purification systems offer the greatest leverage in this regard. The upgrade in Kulim is expected to result in an approximately eight percent reduction of global direct site-related emissions (Scope 1) by the end of the 2023 fiscal year, compared to the previous year. A planned new exhaust-air purification system in Austin, USA, will lead to further savings.

The company has also set the goal of operating 100 percent of its plants in Malaysia with green electricity in the future and is in close exchange with local suppliers and the government to this end. The initiative will help further improve Infineon’s positive climate contribution. Today, the company’s energy-efficient solutions help save 33 times the amount of CO2 emitted during their production.

“Infineon is fully aligned with the trends of decarbonization and digitalization,” said C.S. Chua, President and Managing Director of Infineon Asia Pacific. “The growing demand for renewable energy, e-vehicles as well as energy-efficient applications will lead to a strong increase in the demand for power semiconductors. Our investments in Kulim and beyond are laying the foundation for being able to serve this growing need as well.”

Hashtag: #InfineonTechnologiesAG

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About Infineon

Infineon Technologies AG is a global semiconductor leader in power systems and IoT. Infineon drives decarbonization and digitalization with its products and solutions. The company has around 56,200 employees worldwide and generated revenue of about €14.2 billion in the 2022 fiscal year (ending 30 September). Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the OTCQX International over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: IFNNY).

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Indonesia Welcomes Timor-Leste into ASEAN

Indonesia Welcomes Timor-Leste into ASEAN With Plans To Strengthen Economic Ties.
President Joko “Jokowi“ Widodo (right) greets Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak (left) on a state visit. ( Photo : The Jakarta Post/Kompas.com )

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo of Indonesia welcomed Timor-Leste as a member of ASEAN to enhance greater cooperation between the neighboring countries this week.

Bartra Wealth Advisors responds to the closure of the Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)

Bartra Wealth Advisors, the leading IIP fundraiser in Asia, recorded almost 230 IIP applications and repaid nearly €100 million to IIP investors in 2022

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 16 February 2023 – On Tuesday 14 February, the Irish government announced the closure of the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP), which was first introduced in 2012. The Programme has approved investment totaling more than €1 billion, which has benefitted Ireland and many enterprises, both economic and social, including community and sporting organisations.

The Minister of Justice said the decision to close the scheme had taken into account studies by international bodies such as the European Commission, which last year called on EU governments to end national programmes to sell citizenship to investors, which it has long considered a security risk.

Bartra Wealth Advisors, the immigration arm of Ireland’s most successful real estate developer Bartra Group which specialises in providing independent Irish immigration investment advisory services on investment in Ireland’s much-needed, purpose-built social housing and nursing home IIP projects, reported receiving over 100 phone calls following the announcement from clients in China, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea and the USA, asking about their applications and the impact of the IIP’s closure.

“The closure of the Programme will not affect existing projects that have been approved by the Government. For these, we can continue to source the investors required to complete funding and we will continue to be monitored by the Department of Justice in relation to the delivery of the projects and for compliance purposes,” said Daniel Hinds, COO of Bartra Wealth Advisors. “Investors who have already been approved by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) will not be affected by the closure of the Programme, and all future visa renewals will be granted as long as the requirements are fulfilled.”

James Hartshorn, CEO and Co-Founder of the company said: “Since last year, we have been advising our clients who were considering the IIP but had not yet made up their minds to take action and be proactive as policy changes could happen at any time. Ireland in particular offers a great quality of life and a strong economy, as well as world-class healthcare and educational systems making it an easy place for foreigners to immigrate to.”

“Since we established our business in China in 2016, we have been aggressively expanding our global footprint and offering IIP opportunities to more families looking for better education for their children as well as greater access to the EU and UK. As well as China, we have received approvals of applications for American, Vietnamese, Indian and Korean clients.

“Bartra’s IIP business is a win-win business. It brings capital from all over the world to fund much-needed local infrastructure, which was and remains undersupplied, and to support government initiatives such as the Housing for All policy. For Bartra, building new homes is a key part of our business. As well as providing much-needed housing, our construction programme helps to create jobs and training opportunities, regenerate neighbourhoods and support communities across Ireland. We plan to deliver at least 3,000 new homes between now and 2030, with our primary focus on the continued delivery of sustainable social housing.

“Bartra is also developing portfolios of nursing homes and care units to support this in-demand sector in Ireland. To ensure the success of the developments, we are one of few groups that integrate development, operation and management into our IIP projects.

“For our investors, their investment with us is very safe. Last year alone, we made repayments of nearly €100 million to about 100 IIP investors who had invested in our social housing and nursing home projects. Many of their repayments have also been reinvested in other development projects in Ireland and a large number of our clients are now living or plan to live in Ireland with their children who are or will be studying in Irish schools. We believe a diversified community with talent from around the world will only further strengthen Ireland’s future economic and social growth.”

Bartra Wealth Advisors also has been supporting Irish nationwide charities, sporting clubs and hospitals with significant investments into these sectors under the IIP Endowment option.

Organisations with IIP-approved projects are welcome to contact Bartra Wealth Advisors to leverage its global client base for raising funds.

Visit our website for interviews with some of our investors about their IIP investment journeys and their lives in Ireland.

Hashtag: #BartraWealthAdvisors #Immigration

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Bartra Wealth Advisors

Bartra Wealth Advisors (Bartra) is a subsidiary of Ireland’s most successful real estate developer Bartra Group, specialising in providing independent Irish immigration investment advisory services. With well-established business, extensive Irish immigration experience, expertise in the investment field, professional landing teams and strong business network support, Bartra Group has successfully carried out a significant number of social housing and nursing home IIP (Immigrant Investor Programme) projects and has helped hundreds of families successfully immigrate to Ireland.

Bartra Wealth Advisors prides itself on delivering streamlined, in-group, end-to-end services. Its unique business model supports clients throughout their investment and immigration journey, from immigration advisory and government backed IIP projects through to exit executions. It maintains a 100% application approval rate, a 100% renewal rate and a 100% repayment rate. For details, please visit to the company website .

Bartra Insights

For more insights about Ireland, visit Bartra Wealth Advisors’ blog:

KPMG China expects border reopening provides opportunity to turn around the Government’s deficit

KPMG China recommends measures to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness by attracting talent and foreign investment

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 16 February 2023 – KPMG China estimates Hong Kong’s deficit for the fiscal year would be doubled the original deficit estimate, however, as the borders reopen and anti-epidemic measures are relaxed, the situation would turn around. Despite the third deficit in four years, Hong Kong’s fiscal reserves remain healthy and can be used to assist local people and enterprises, while supporting ongoing targeted measures to maintain Hong Kong’s competitiveness in medium to long term.

KPMG China forecasts the Hong Kong SAR Government will record a HKD 120.9 billion deficit for the fiscal year 2022/23, compared to the Government’s original estimate of a HKD 56.3 billion deficit, driven by less than expected land related revenue and stamp duty revenue. KPMG China estimates the city’s fiscal reserve to stand at HKD 836.2 billion by the end of March 2023.

John Timpany, Partner, Head of Tax in Hong Kong, KPMG China, says: “The opening of the borders and the relaxation of anti-epidemic measures provide an opportunity for an economic turnaround. Short-term fiscal deficit due to relief measures to support citizens and businesses is acceptable. KPMG China believes that the Government should make the timely and right use of fiscal reserves to stimulate the economy, prepare for the turnaround, and maintain Hong Kong’s competitiveness.”

KPMG China suggests immediate measures such as the distribution of consumption vouchers worth HKD 5,000 to Hong Kong permanent residents and new arrivals, with a portion of vouchers designated to certain targeted sectors such as catering and entertainment. KPMG China also proposes that Hong Kong permanent residents aged 70 or above receive HKD 5,000 cash through the Old Age Allowance. With the launch of the global promotional campaign “Hello Hong Kong”, KPMG China recommends that the Government provide monthly work allowance of HK$3,000 to newly employed tourism workers during 2023/24 over a three-month period, at the same time extend the Tourism Industry Additional Support Scheme by providing each eligible licensed travel agent with a one-off cash subsidy.

In the short-to-medium term, KPMG China recommends the Government introduce new allowances to encourage stay-at-home parents to return to the workforce and revisit the tax bands and lower the progressive rates to attract talent to Hong Kong. In order to build the territory into a world class smart city, KPMG China suggests the Government refine the current tax incentives for research and development (R&D) expenditure, as well as take the lead in digitalizing its work flow and service delivery in order to leverage the ongoing technological advancement for Government’s operations.

Alice Leung, Tax Partner, KPMG China, says: “In order to attract talent and support business growth, the Government could introduce a tax concession where share-based remuneration offered by strategic enterprises to its Hong Kong employees would be exempt from Salaries Tax. Apart from this, the Government could provide immigration incentive by shortening the number of years required to obtain a Hong Kong permanent residency from 7 years to 4 years for successful applicants / employees under Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, Top Talent Pass Scheme and certain tax incentives to make it more attractive and comprehensive.”

Possible long-term measures from the Government include enhancing sustainable economic growth and Hong Kong’s competitiveness by attracting more foreign investment. When it comes to attracting businesses, including attracting companies to establish regional headquarters in Hong Kong, the Government should adopt 50% of the normal tax rate (i.e. 8.25%) for profits derived from regional headquarters in Hong Kong. KPMG China also suggests to enhance the tax system by providing clarity on the definition of non-taxable capital gains from the disposal of shares and other equity interests and relaxing the existing stringent conditions for tax deduction of interest expenses.

Stanley Ho, Tax Partner, KPMG China, says: “The Government should create a senior body to deal with tax policy issues, one that is responsible for enhancing Hong Kong’s overall tax competitiveness as well as formulating the tax policies and measures for specific industrial sectors in Hong Kong. Moreover, they must expand and optimize the treaty network to cover other principal trading partners’ jurisdictions and attract foreign investors to set up companies in Hong Kong, which in turn would promote economic development, enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the long run.”

As part of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) collaboration, KPMG China believes that the Government should extend the R&D tax deduction to cover R&D activities carried out in the GBA and provide accelerated tax depreciation allowance for fixed assets for set-ups in the Northern Metropolis.

Hashtag: #KPMGChina

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About KPMG China

KPMG China has offices located in 31 cities with over 15,000 partners and staff, in Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Dongguan, Foshan, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Jinan, Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wuhan, Wuxi, Xiamen, Xi’an, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. Working collaboratively across all these offices, KPMG China can deploy experienced professionals efficiently, wherever our client is located.

KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 143 countries and territories with more than 265,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

In 1992, KPMG became the first international accounting network to be granted a joint venture licence in the Chinese Mainland. KPMG was also the first among the Big Four in the Chinese Mainland to convert from a joint venture to a special general partnership, as of 1 August 2012. Additionally, the Hong Kong firm can trace its origins to 1945. This early commitment to this market, together with an unwavering focus on quality, has been the foundation for accumulated industry experience, and is reflected in KPMG’s appointment for multidisciplinary services (including audit, tax and advisory) by some of China’s most prestigious companies.

LWU and UNFPA Discuss Coordinated, Quality Response to Violence Against Women

LWU and UNFPA Discuss Coordinated, Quality Response to Violence Against Women
Mme. Thamma Phetvixay, Vice President of Lao Women's Union gives her speech

Lao Women’s Union (LWU), in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), held a National Consultation in Vientiane Capital, which brought together key government, international organizations, and civil society organizations to provide input to the Draft ASEAN Guidelines for Developing National Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for a Coordinated Response to Violence against Women.