Latest news with #ministers
Bloomberg
5 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Irish Government to Reform Rent Cap in Bid to Boost Home Supply
Ireland 's senior government ministers are set to approve new rental control reforms as part of efforts to tackle the country's acute housing shortage by luring more apartment investors to the market. Government leaders agreed on Monday evening that newly built apartments will be exempt from a 2% annual cap in rents in place in urban areas, known as rent pressure zones, according to a person familiar.
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Savings, shares, houses and inheritance... this is how Rachel Reeves plans to mount a series of damaging tax raids on Middle England: DANIEL HANNAN
We are reduced to eating the seed corn. There is no other way to describe hiking taxes when they are already at a 70-year high, when the economy is flatlining and when the Government is adding more than £100 billion a year to our national debt. Raising taxes even further is an act of desperation. It is a way for ministers to get their hands on a chunk of revenue at the expense of maiming the private sector and, in due course, getting less revenue while impoverishing ordinary workers.
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Ministers shouldn't have to fake it till they make it, says KJ
Former minister Khairy Jamaluddin said people appointed to the Cabinet need time to settle in and cannot be expected to know everything about their jobs from day one. PETALING JAYA : Newly-appointed ministers should be given more time to settle into their jobs after being appointed to the Cabinet, says former minister Khairy Jamaluddin. The ex-health minister said that members of the Cabinet were expected to know everything related to their portfolio from day one, adding that this was unrealistic. 'The moment a minister is announced and appointed, almost the very next day, they see the press, and the press asks them, 'What are your priorities? This guy doesn't even know what day it is. They have to pretend. I mean, fake it till you make it, right?' he said in an episode of the Game of Impossible podcast with former minister Idris Jala and his son, Leon. Khairy said ministers need at least two or three weeks to understand their ministries. The former Rembau MP recounted how he took matters into his own hands when appointed as health minister in 2021, a portfolio which he admitted he was not very familiar with at the time. 'I had some goodwill with one of the big consulting companies because they did work for me before. So I asked them, can you help onboard me; that was my own initiative,' he said. Khairy said the firm then arranged virtual briefings with health experts from around the world as he learned about the portfolio. 'They brought in their partners from all over the world, from healthcare financing, public health, health economics, looking at how other countries transform their hospitals.' Since Malaysia's political system does not appoint specialists to such posts, Khairy said ministers must make the effort to understand their roles. 'You want somebody who's considered, somebody who's measured, somebody who knows what's realistic, rather than somebody just spewing absolute nonsense on day one,' he said. Revamp ministry offices Khairy, who has also served as minister for science, technology and innovation as well as youth and sports, also criticised the way ministerial offices were structured in Putrajaya, saying the layout often separated the minister from key staff. 'You walk into the office and you know this room is the private secretary, this room is the press secretary… That's not being in the trenches with the troops,' he said. The former Umno man said he changed this in the health ministry at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, opting instead to work side-by-side with his officers. He said his room was the same size as that of the ministry's secretary-general, 'same size as the directors of the task force'. 'When the troops see the generals there together, decision-making is easier,' said Khairy.
Mail & Guardian
23-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Iran Expo 2025 is breaking records
Global markets: The Iran Expo held in the capital Tehran has attracted more than 3 000 traders from 111 countries, including South Africa, who are interested in importing non-oil products and investing in the country. Photos: Supplied The 7th edition of the Iran Expo 2025 in Tehran was attended by 3 100 traders from 111 countries, presenting a different image of Iran to the world. This event went beyond being just a trade exhibition; it symbolised real synergy between the government and the private sector for the development of non-oil exports. Last year, 2 400 traders and merchants from 94 countries participated in the exhibition, and domestic companies had the opportunity to secure their spots in the lead-up to the event. For the 2025 Expo, which ran from 27 April to 2 May, because of unprecedented interest from domestic companies starting in late last year, more than 1 200 top export-oriented firms registered to participate across six product categories. But space constraints meant only about 800 companies were accommodated, leaving roughly 400 export companies unable to attend. On the other hand, more than 4 300 traders and merchants confirmed their registration to attend the exhibition. Given the limited hotel capacity in Tehran, invitations were sent to more than 3 000 traders and merchants, the majority of whom arrived in Tehran, making traders from 111 countries guests of this exhibition. The confirmed participation of 36 ministers — including those of trade, commerce and industry — alongside 24 deputy ministers, 30 presidents of chambers of commerce, and 98 heads of specialised trade associations, all leading high-ranking delegations to Tehran, is itself a testament to the significance and credibility of this exhibition. Many of these delegations arrived with the goal of signing contracts. The nature and scale of this year's reception, compared to the previous year, and the keen interest shown in collaborating with Iran, indicates a growing demand for Iranian goods in the global trade arena. Despite the international threats and negative propaganda aimed at portraying the Islamic Republic as insecure and instilling fear of Iran, they are witnessing an overwhelming response from international traders — traders who have come specifically to sign commercial agreements with Iran. This clearly demonstrates that Iranian products are not only competitive but also in demand on a global scale. The volume of export contracts signed during the Iran Expo has increased significantly, highlighting the pivotal role this event plays in facilitating export processes and creating new avenues for cooperation. Additionally, the presence of international traders has provided a platform for attracting foreign investment and transferring technology to the country. For example, a few months ago, the chief executive of Zamzam Company announced the opening of its factory in Oman — an outcome of a contract signed with an Omani trader during Iran Expo 2023. This project was completed and launched in less than 20 months, showing what sustainable export truly means: not merely shipping a container of goods, but establishing a continuous commercial flow. Furthermore, in various sectors such as food products and machinery, mining, steel, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and knowledge-based products, numerous promising contracts have been signed. Many of these agreements have already moved beyond the memorandum of understanding stage and entered into execution Two years ago, there were 10 product categories, but following assessments by experts from the Trade Promotion Organisation, the Expo organising committee and domestic trade specialists — as well as customs data and export infrastructure — the number of categories was reduced to six last year. This decision was based on factors such as market reception, export quality, export volume and financial turnover. All these elements were closely monitored to arrive at this new structure. As in the previous edition, international traders were given the opportunity to visit production facilities. In addition, more than 300 commercial interpreters were recruited in six international languages — English, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish and French — to ensure smooth communication between parties. The reduction in the number of product categories was solely because of space limitations at the Tehran International Exhibition Centre. Although it remains the country's largest exhibition venue, even this facility is facing capacity constraints. This year's Iran Expo was more organised than the previous edition — both in terms of the opening ceremony and the execution of various sessions including B2B (business-to-business), G2G (government-to-government), and B2G (business-to-government) meetings. These sessions were conducted with greater order and efficiency. The improved organisation of this year's Iran Expo was evident from the moment a visitor entered the exhibition. While the energy and hustle of the crowd was palpable, everything appeared structured and well coordinated. Planning for this year's Iran Expo was more precise and goal-oriented compared with previous editions. Participant registration began in the middle of last year, and the selection of foreign traders was carried out with greater care. The main objective was to enhance the quality of attendees and focus on attracting genuine buyers who are truly interested in Iranian products — ultimately aiming to strengthen the country's non-oil exports. The first vice-president, who chairs the event's policymaking council, has emphasised the need for comprehensive government support for the exhibition. Without a doubt, Iran Expo 2025 stands out as one of the most prominent examples of effective collaboration between the government and the private sector. Iran Expo is not merely a trade-focused exhibition, it is a comprehensive platform for cultural, economic and industrial exchange between Iran and other countries. By showcasing Iran's latest capabilities and technologies, this event provides domestic companies with an exceptional opportunity to introduce their brands on a global scale and enhance their position in international markets. At the same time, foreign businesses attending Iran Expo gained access to new trade opportunities, potential Iranian partners, contract signings and even investment in economic projects. Under the 13th administration, the Iran Expo received full support, and now with the first vice-president chairing its policymaking council, all state institutions have aligned with this national project. Every entity was mobilised to transform Iran Expo 2025 into a symbol of synergy between the government and the private sector. The Iran Expo has played a pivotal role in advancing the country's non-oil exports. By fostering healthy competition among domestic producers, it has driven them to elevate the quality of their products and services. The exhibition has not only diversified Iran's export commodities but also significantly boosted the nation's foreign currency earnings. Beyond its economic impact, the Iran Expo carries profound cultural significance. The participation of artists, artisans and cultural figures creates an ideal platform to introduce foreign visitors to Iran's rich heritage and authentic civilisation. The Iran Expo presents the world with a compelling and realistic image of Iran — a secure, beautiful, progressive and hospitable nation. Moreover, the concurrent hosting of the Africa Summit alongside the Iran Expo 2025 offered a golden opportunity to expand Iran's economic ties with the African continent. African business leaders could directly engage with Iranian products and capabilities, while Iranian companies gained a strategic gateway to African markets. A delegation of 81 business leaders from various parts of South Africa including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Mpumalanga participated in the expo, with many returning after successful interactions in previous years. There were 132 businesses that registered initially, a sharp increase from 2024 where only 25 South African business leaders and the president of the South African Chamber of Commerce participated. The areas of particular interest for South Africa included mining, petrochemicals and petroleum, food industries, tourism, agriculture, energy and construction. South Africa is also looking to enhance its relationship with Iran in the area of pharmaceutical and medical equipment as well as exploring the collaboration in medical education and research to improve the quality of healthcare services. With the slogan 'Safe and beautiful Iran', Iran Expo 2025 presented a fresh image of the country's economic potential with the hope of strengthening Iran's foreign trade.
Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Starmer won't win pensioners back with the winter fuel U-turn
As policy U-turns go, this was quite something. The Prime Minister now says he wants ' to ensure that, as we go forward, more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payments '. Well, better late than never, but he gave no detail, no timescale, plus a warning that it had to be 'affordable', so millions of pensioners are still in the dark (some of them perhaps literally) about whether they will get any help. Last year's disgraceful announcement to cancel expected winter fuel payments, meant millions of older citizens lost hundreds of pounds that so many had relied on to help with winter heating costs since 1997. Despite massive protest, ministers ploughed on regardless, giving just a few weeks' notice, without any proper impact assessment of the effects on the most vulnerable and as energy bills were about to rise ten per cent. The Government's three-line whip forced Labour parliamentarians to back the measure, even though many of them were doubtless horrified, but this also scuppered my attempt to get the House of Lords to block it. Could the Government's recent election drubbings, when the winter fuel payment debacle featured hugely on the doorsteps, have caused today's U-turn? Does it now recognise that this decision horrified most voters? While removing tax-free handouts from millionaire pensioners is uncontentious, if this also necessitates withholding payments from the poorest too, it is wrong. Or perhaps ministers realise that the assumed £1.5 billion annual saving to the Treasury is a significant over-estimate. Did they factor in more pensioners becoming ill due to inadequate winter warmth, higher NHS costs for GPs and hospitals and greater social care strains? Older people often live in energy inefficient homes, they need to keep extra warm for their health, spend most time at home, and were already struggling to choose between a warm room and a warm meal in past winters. Sadly, today's news does not give much cause for rejoicing, but at least it is a step in the right direction. We do not know what is now under consideration but there were always other money-saving options that would have been less cruel and fairer than restricting payments only to those eligible for pension credit. One option would be taxing the payments, rather than axing them. Or only taking the money away from those paying higher rate tax, like the restrictions on child benefit. At the very least, eligibility should have been much wider to protect poorer pensioners – those who are eligible but not receiving pension credit, and those just above the extremely low means-test cut off. Pension credit helps pensioners living on under £173-75 a week. It gives over £50 a week additional income, and on average entitles recipients to over £75 a week in extra benefits such as for housing, health, cold weather and of course the winter fuel payment. Millions of pensioners with incomes only slightly above the pension credit cut-off, lost the winter heating help. The Government spent more money urging low income pensioners to apply. It proudly announced about 178,000 applications have been approved, however around 100,000 applicants were rejected in the first few months. These pensioners, presumably with incomes close to the £173.75 a week threshold, were left living on possibly thousands of pounds less than those who qualified. The Government must find a way of ensuring these pensioners do not have to endure another winter of hardship and health issues due to lack of warmth.
