Latest news with #Public-PrivatePartnerships
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Watch: Christopher Luxon mouths off at ‘frickin' Chris Hipkins over lack of policy
But that has not stopped inflation becoming a political problem, with Hipkins and Edmonds rounding on the Government for high prices this week. Luxon said the Government cared about people on low and middle incomes and helped those people through tax relief using fiscal policy to help the Reserve Bank fight inflation. Annual inflation in the past full quarter before the change of government was 5.6%. Luxon said Labour's outrage over high prices was 'crocodile tears'. 'This is the party that didn't support tax relief - moving tax thresholds. That's not deeply ideological, it helps low and middle income New Zealanders.' Luxon listed his Government's cost of living measures. 'They didn't support FamilyBoost, they didn't support Working for Families credits, they don't talk about helping construction workers by getting on board and u-turning on Fast Track [which Labour opposed, although not for supermarkets], they've got a gazillion positions on PPPs [Public-Private Partnerships], they're all over the place. 'They have no idea what to do - they put us in this mess, we are cleaning up the mess,' Luxon said. Labour leader Chris Hipkins hit back. Photo / Mark Mitchell While Labour opposed these changes in Parliament, it took to the election its own early childhood education policy, extending 20 hours free care to children under 2 years old. It also proposed a more generous Working for Families policy. National copied that policy on the campaign trial, but watered it down during coalition negotiations, costing some families $38 a week. Changes made in the 2025 Budget reduced some of this loss. Hipkins hit back at Luxon, noting that figures obtained by Labour and published on Tuesday showed the full $75 FamilyBoost tax credit was only claimed by a tiny number of households. This means few, if any, households are getting the $252 a fortnight National promised some would get from its tax plan. The Government subsequently changed settings of the policy, meaning more people will start getting more money from it. Willis said about 16,000 more families will get the tax credit. Hipkins defends lack of policy Hipkins defended Labour's light policy slate saying 'we're not even close to an election at the moment'. 'Unlike [Luxon], when we go into an election next year, I will make sure the policies that we have add up and we can actually deliver on them. They didn't actually do that and now they are suffering - and New Zealanders are suffering as a result,' Hipkins said. He said one of the reasons Labour was waiting to unveil policy is the Government has one more budget to deliver. That budget will detail how much money Labour would have to spend if it took over in 2026. 'Before we come out with significant policies that are going to cost money for example, we want to see what the shape of the Government's books are,' Hipkins said. 'I want to know we can afford what we promise,' he said. Hipkins would not say whether the party would have any policy before the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election in September. He has promised a tax policy before the end of the year. Willis also attacked Labour's 'crocodile tears' on the cost of living. Finance Minister Nicola Willis attacked Labour for its lack of policy. Photo / Mark Mitchell Willis took to social media on Monday to note Edmonds was unable to list any cost of living policies. 'I thought it was the most telling thing ever when Barbara Edmonds came down here to do a stand-up lashing us for a 2.7% inflation rate... when asked what specific policy she had to address the cost of living she said 'none' - none, none, none. 'Now that is to me, the boy crying wolf,' Willis said. In the stand-up, Edmonds gave no policy suggestions, she did not literally answer 'none'. Willis said Labour was gripped by 'shallow attack politics which doesn't put bread on anyone's table'. She alleged Labour was 'bereft of ideas' and 'internally divided on what the way forward for New Zealanders is. How much policy is normal In December 2022, the Leader of the Opposition was asked about his own lack of policy and gave a very similar answer to the one Hipkins gave on Tuesday. 'Look, we are one year out from an election ... rest assured, we will have policy,' the leader said. The leader of the opposition back then was Luxon himself. As political campaigning shifts to embrace 'small target' strategies, releasing lots of policy before an election campaign has become less and less common. Assuming the current Parliament runs a roughly full term and there is an election at the end of next year, we are about halfway through the term. At this point in the last Parliament, National had released a tax policy - however, it was careful not to promise that this would be the policy it would take to the election. That policy, published just prior to the 2022 Budget - the middle-Budget in Labour's second term - called on the Government to increase tax thresholds to deliver tax cuts to people to compensate for the higher taxes they were paying because of inflation. Later that year, National confirmed that this particular policy was only a suggestion for the 2022 Budget, but the party committed that its final tax policy would deliver at least the same level of tax cuts as the earlier plan. The final tax package was not announced until the end of August 2023 - less than two months before the October election. National had a handful of policy promises by this stage in the last cycle, including lifting the super age and reintroducing boot camps. Labour has also made some promises, including repealing the Three Strikes law, the future Regulatory Standards Act and reinstating the old Pay Equity Scheme in some form. That last commitment will come with a roughly $13 billion price tag, which will need to be paid for with some kind of tax increase, spending cut, or borrowing. National is keen to pin Labour down on just what combination of those three things Labour is planning. The Simon Bridges-led National Party took a different approach. In its middle year, it released several 'discussion documents' to members and the public testing potential policy ideas and giving a sense of where the party was headed. These discussion documents were meant to form the basis of National's 2020 election policy platform, however, that changed when the party imploded. Hipkins said the party was working on policy internally, but he would not say anything more. 'We haven't released discussion documents but that is the work we have been doing,' Hipkins said. 'We've got to make sure all the pieces of our policy fit together,' he said.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Mahindra Industrial Park, Sumitomo Corp sign strategic deal with Osaka govt
In a significant step towards strengthening India–Japan industrial collaboration, Mahindra Industrial Park Chennai Limited (MIPCL), the developer and operator of Origins by Mahindra, along with its 40 per cent stakeholder and marketing arm in Japan, Sumitomo Corporation, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Osaka Prefecture and the Osaka Industrial Development Bureau (a public interest incorporated foundation that supports Japanese companies based in Osaka in expanding their footprint in India). This milestone partnership reinforces Mahindra's commitment to facilitating high-quality global investment into India's manufacturing sector and positions Tamil Nadu as a preferred destination for Japanese industry. Through this agreement, MIPCL and Sumitomo Corporation will work closely with public institutions to serve as local facilitators for Osaka-based companies exploring opportunities in India. As part of the collaboration, MIPCL and Sumitomo Corporation will support business visits, provide on-ground consultation, and participate in knowledge-sharing seminars hosted in Osaka. The Osaka authorities, in turn, will identify and recommend companies interested in expanding into India, ensuring necessary permissions are in place to facilitate a streamlined entry process for Japanese manufacturers. India, with its projected GDP growth of 6.3 per cent in FY2025 as forecast by the World Bank, remains a powerful draw for international business. As a rising leader in the Global South, India is increasingly seen as a long-term partner for global supply chains. Chennai, in particular, has become a hub of industrial activity due to its strong port connectivity, ease of access to Southeast Asia, and growing presence of automotive, electronics, and semiconductor companies. Origins by Mahindra, Chennai, already hosts six Japanese clients and offers world-class infrastructure and a stable policy environment. The collaboration in Chennai will further strengthen these efforts by enabling tailored support for businesses evaluating the Indian market. MIPCL, backed by Mahindra Lifespaces' deep knowledge of Indian industry, will play a key role in helping Japanese firms navigate regulatory frameworks, secure land and utilities, and scale up operations with confidence. Amit Kumar Sinha, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd., said, 'This partnership reflects our vision to build future-ready ecosystems that align with India's manufacturing ambitions. It also underscores our focus on setting new benchmarks through successful Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), enabling long-term, sustainable industrial progress. The expansion strengthens India's industrial ecosystem and supports economic growth.' Vikram Goel, Chief Business Officer (Industrial), Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd., said, 'This engagement with Osaka Prefecture marks a milestone in our efforts to enable global investments into India through our industrial ecosystems. Origins by Mahindra, Chennai, has been developed to meet the needs of international manufacturers, offering operational readiness, regulatory support, and integrated infrastructure. Through this collaboration, we are well-positioned to support the specific requirements of diverse companies while also deepening the socio-economic impact of our industrial cluster in Tamil Nadu.' The agreement underlines the spirit of cooperation and mutual interest shared by all parties. By aligning strategic intent with operational expertise, this partnership marks a new chapter in Mahindra's efforts to attract and enable world-class manufacturing in India.
Business Upturn
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
Mahindra Lifespaces and Sumitomo ink strategic pact with Osaka to support Japanese businesses in India
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on July 18, 2025, 17:15 IST Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd., through its subsidiary Mahindra Industrial Park Chennai Limited (MIPCL) and its joint venture partner Sumitomo Corporation, signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with the Osaka Government and the Osaka Industrial Development Bureau to facilitate the entry of Japanese companies into India. The agreement, announced on Friday, strengthens India–Japan industrial collaboration by positioning Chennai as a hub for Japanese investments, particularly in manufacturing. Key details of the agreement MIPCL, the developer and operator of Origins by Mahindra , together with Sumitomo, will act as facilitators for Osaka-based companies looking to establish operations in India. They will support business visits, consultations, and knowledge-sharing seminars in Osaka, while the Osaka authorities will identify and recommend potential investors from Japan. The collaboration aims to streamline the process for Japanese firms by offering regulatory guidance, on-ground support, and access to world-class infrastructure, ensuring their smooth entry and expansion into India. Comments from Mahindra Lifespaces leadership Amit Kumar Sinha , Managing Director & CEO, said: 'This partnership reflects our vision to build future-ready ecosystems that align with India's manufacturing ambitions. It underscores our focus on setting new benchmarks through successful Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), enabling sustainable industrial progress.' Vikram Goel, Chief Business Officer (Industrial), added: 'Our engagement with Osaka marks a milestone in enabling global investments through our industrial ecosystems. 'Origins by Mahindra' is tailored for international manufacturers, offering operational readiness, regulatory support, and integrated infrastructure.' Why Chennai? India's projected GDP growth of 6.3% in FY25, coupled with Chennai's strong port connectivity and industrial ecosystem, make it an attractive destination for Japanese companies. Origins by Mahindra in Chennai already hosts six Japanese clients and spans approximately 600 acres. About the stakeholders Origins by Mahindra, Chennai : A joint venture between Mahindra World City Developers (a PPP with Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation) and Sumitomo Corporation. The cluster is IGBC Platinum pre-certified and strategically located on NH-16, part of the Golden Quadrilateral. Mahindra Group: A multinational federation of companies with a presence in over 100 countries, focused on ESG leadership, rural prosperity, and urban living. This collaboration is expected to deepen India-Japan economic ties, enhance Tamil Nadu's role in global supply chains, and contribute to India's industrial growth story. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Amaravati's infra gets financial boost as APCRDA partners with NaBFID
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) for Transaction Advisory Services (TAS), in the presence of Andhra Pradesh chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Acting as a strategic advisor, the institution will help APCRDA design a high-impact financial blueprint for infrastructure projects in Amaravati, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. As part of the advisory support, the institution will assist in formulating financial strategies and evaluating various implementation models, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), for multiple infrastructure projects across the region. The institution will also help identify potential revenue sources and explore monetisation options for available land assets. Additionally, the institution will engage with APCRDA in formulating financial models and extend advisory support for engaging relevant stakeholders and potential investors. This partnership aims to craft an effective financial roadmap for Amaravati aligned with the city's long-term development goals and priorities. Speaking on the partnership, Rajkiran Rai G., managing director at National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, said, "We are pleased to collaborate with APCRDA in its mission to build world-class infrastructure for Amaravati. Through our Transaction Advisory Services, we aim to unlock innovative financing models for key infrastructure projects in the capital region. This engagement reflects our shared objective of enabling structured development and contributing to the creation of robust, service-oriented urban infrastructure. " CRDA commissioner K Kannababu said that the development of Amaravati as the capital city is a major initiative of the Andhra Pradesh government, and the MoU with NaBFID marks a significant step towards strengthening the financial ecosystem for the development of infrastructure assets in the greenfield capital city. With the institution's expertise in infrastructure advisory and financing, "APCRDA aims to implement well-structured development projects with optimised capital deployment," said Kannababu. Municipal administration Minister Dr. P. Narayana, principal secretary finance Peeyush Kumar were present.
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
AP charts inland waterways vision to drive sustainable growth
The AP Inland Waterways Authority (APIWA) organised a stakeholders' consultation meeting to chart the inland waterways vision in Vijayawada on Thursday. Addressing the gathering, the Infrastructure and Investment (I&I) Minister, BC Janardhan Reddy, said that in a major policy push towards sustainable transport and economic decentralisation, Andhra Pradesh has laid out an ambitious roadmap to make inland waterways a core component of its logistics infrastructure. With 978 kilometres of national waterways and 57 rivers, Andhra Pradesh is among India's most water-rich States. The Andhra Pradesh Inland Waterways Act, 2023, and the Central Inland Vessels Act, 2021, provide the regulatory foundation to enable safe and modern navigation practices. He said: 'The government aims to reduce dependency on road transport and cut carbon emissions by leveraging this natural advantage. Key corridors like National Waterway–4 (Krishna–Godavari canal system) and NW–79 (Penna River) already link industrial centres to major ports such as Kakinada, Machilipatnam, and Krishnapatnam. Barges operating on these waterways can carry up to 2,200 tonnes—nine times more fuel-efficient than trucks. Current cargo movement of 8 million tonnes per annum is projected to rise to 14 million tonnes with projects like the Bandar Canal and Krishna River Ro-Ro corridors.' APIWA Chairman Z. Siva Prasad emphasised the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to overcome fiscal limitations and accelerate development. Strategic initiatives include Ro-Ro freight services, cruise and temple tourism, and port connectivity enhancements. Over 50 industrial clusters are being planned along river corridors to promote regional growth. APIWA also announced its pioneering role as the first State authority to digitally integrate vessel data with the NAVIK national database, ensuring real-time governance and operational transparency. Calling for collaboration, the Chairman urged the Union and State governments to integrate inland waterways with road, rail, and port infrastructure for a seamless logistics grid. He said: 'This is more than an authority—it's a movement to revive our rivers as engines of prosperity,' aligning the vision with the State's long-term development goal—Swarna Andhra 2047.
