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Canadian foreign, finance ministers meet Trump's team on tariffsSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — In an era of rising authoritarianism, at the heels of a six-hour martial law decree that unfolded while many South Koreans slept, something noteworthy happened: Democracy held. The past week in Seoul, officials and academics warn, is what a threat to democracy looks like in 2024. It's a democratically-elected president declaring martial law over the nation he leads, asserting sweeping powers to prevent opposition demonstrations, ban political parties and control the media. It's members of the military attempting to block lawmakers from exercising their power to vote on cancelling the power grab. And here's what it took to defeat President Yoon Suk Yeol 's lurch toward government by force: Unified popular support for democracy. Legislators storming the National Assembly past midnight, live-streaming themselves climbing over fences. A politician grabbing at a soldier's rifle and yelling “Aren't you ashamed?” until he retreated. And finally, decisively, Parliament assembling a quorum and voting unanimously to cancel martial law. It was a victory for a hard-won democracy — and for the idea that checks and balances among branches of government must work to counteract each other's ambitions, as the American founders wrote in the Federalist Papers in 1788. But as the drama played out in Seoul, the scaffolding of democracy rattled around the world. In other countries, the grab for power might have worked. Other would-be authoritarians might have been better prepared than Yoon. In deeply polarized societies — the United States, for example, where Republicans are staunchly loyal to president-elect Donald Trump — there might not have been decisive support from the public or the opposition. The military might have used force. And the members of the legislature might not have voted as one to snuff out the attempted takeover. “President Yoon's attempt to declare martial law reveals the fragility of the rule of law in divided societies, especially those with governments in which the chief executive cannot be easily dismissed by the legislature," said Tom Pepinsky, a government professor at Cornell University who studies backsliding among democracies in Southeast Asia. Notably, he said in an email, “No members of President Yoon’s own party were willing to defend his actions in public." Nevertheless, Yoon’s surprise attempt to impose martial law revealed both the fragility and resilience of the country’s democratic system. Within three hours of his stunning announcement to impose military rule — claiming the opposition was “paralyzing” state affairs — 190 lawmakers voted to cancel his actions. In so doing, they demonstrated the strength of the country’s democratic checks and balances. Yoon’s authoritarian push, carried out by hundreds of heavily armed troops with Blackhawk helicopters and armored vehicles sent to the National Assembly, harked back to an era of dictatorial presidents. The country’s democratic transition in the late 1980s came after years of massive protests by millions that eventually overcame violent suppressions by military rulers. Civilian presence was again crucial in shaping the events following Yoon’s late night television announcement on Tuesday. Thousands of people flocked to the National Assembly, shouting slogans for martial law to be lifted and Yoon to step down from power. There were no reports of violent clashes as troops and police officers. “We restored democracy without having a single casualty this time,” said Seol Dong-hoon, a sociology professor at South Korea’s Jeonbuk National University. It’s virtually impossible for any leader of a democracy to pull off a transition toward martial law without a public willing to support it, or at least tolerate it. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, attracted millions of views as he began live-streaming his journey to the National Assembly, pleading for people to converge to the parliament to help lawmakers get inside. The shaky footage later shows him exiting his car climbing over a fence to get onto the grounds. The vote at the National Assembly was also broadcast live on the YouTube channel of Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik, who also had to scale a fence to get in. Yoon’s sense of crisis clearly wasn’t shared by the public, whose opinions, Seol said, were shaped predominantly by the shocking videos broadcast to their devices. “Ultimately, democracy is all about moving public opinion,” he said. “What was most crucial in this case was that everything was broadcast live on smartphones, YouTube and countless other media.” Opposition lawmakers are now pushing to remove Yoon from office, saying he failed to meet the constitutional requirement that martial law should only be considered in wartime or a comparable severe crisis — and that he unlawfully deployed troops to the National Assembly. On Saturday, an opposition-led impeachment motion failed after most lawmakers from Yoon’s party boycotted the vote. Yet the president’s troubles persist: The vote’s defeat is expected to intensify nationwide protests and deepen South Korea’s political turmoil, with opposition parties preparing to introduce another impeachment motion when parliament reconvenes next Wednesday. Han Sang-hie, a law professor at Seoul’s Konkuk University, said the martial law debacle highlights what he sees as the most crucial flaw of South Korea’s democracy: that it places too much power in the hands of the president, which is easily abused and often goes unchecked. Political scientists call what happened in South Korea an “autogolpe” — a “self-coup” — defined as one led by incumbent leaders themselves, in which an executive takes or sponsors illegal actions against others in the government. Yoon qualifies because he used troops to try to shut down South Korea's legislature. Self-coups are increasing, with a third of the 46 since 1945 occurring in the past decade, according to a study by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Penn State University. About 80% of self-coups succeed, they reported. In 2021, a power grab by Tunisian President Kais Saied raised similar concerns around the world after the country designed a democracy from scratch and won a Nobel Peace Prize after a largely bloodless revolution. In the United States, some have expresed worry about similar situations arising during the second administration of Donald Trump. He has vowed, after all, to shake some of democracy's pillars . He's mused that he would be justified if he decided to pursue “the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution.” That’s in contrast to the oath of office he took in 2017, and will again next year, to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution” as best he can. Nearly half of voters in the Nov. 5 election, which Trump won, said they were “very concerned” that another Trump presidency would bring the U.S. closer to authoritarianism, according to AP Votecast survey data. Asked before a live audience on Fox News Channel in 2023 to assure Americans that he would not abuse power or use the presidency to seek retribution against anyone, Trump replied, “except for day one," when he'll close the border and “drill, drill, drill.” After that, Trump said, "I'm not a dictator.” Kellman reported from London.
South Korea's democracy held after a 6-hour power play. What does it say for democracies elsewhere?Whether you're saving to move out of your parents' house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma. “Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year," Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.” If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they're attainable for your lifestyle. Here are some tips from experts: Think about how you currently deal with finances — what's good, what's bad, and what can improve. “Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app. If you feel like money is a chore, that there's shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it's time to change that mentality, Lapato said. To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there. Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation. When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it's important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app. “If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said. Whether you're saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website. “After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. "Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year." McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas. “Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said. “Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said. Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers. “You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.” A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well. You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points. When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma's Alev. “It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said. Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck. Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you'll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty. “You can't manage what you can't see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025," said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that's one of the best ways to boost your credit score.” Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers' credit scores. Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said. Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams . A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, vice president of security solutions at Mastercard. “You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure. Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money. Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves. “I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution," said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. "Your mental health with money should be a resolution.” To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said. —— The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.
The ongoing project will entail around Rs 20,000 crore on the fence and another Rs 11,000 crore on the construction of over 60 border roads. NEW DELHI: India has stepped-up work on fencing the 1,643-km porous border with Myanmar, which will be completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in phases over the next 10 years. The ongoing ambitious project will entail around Rs 20,000 crore being spent on the fence itself and another Rs 11,000 crore on construction of over 60 border roads. "As per the survey conducted by govt agencies, over 1,500-km of fencing - which includes 300-km of electric fencing - is required for effective management of the India-Myanmar border as well as ensuring security and stability of India's north-east region," Army sources told TOI. The fencing comes at a time when there are still no signs of normalcy returning to conflict-torn Manipur, where over 250 people have been killed in ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities since May last year. While over 60,000 people have been internally displaced, less than half of the around 6,000 weapons looted in the state have been recovered forces so far by security. The volatile situation in Myanmar amid the fighting between the military and armed opposition outfits over the last one year, subsequent to the coup in Feb 2021, has also led to over 31,000 people fleeing and seeking refuge in India. "Myanmar's ongoing instability has further aggravated the situation, with a surge in smuggling, human trafficking and movement of armed infiltrators. Drugs worth Rs 1,125 crore, for instance, have been seized along the border in the last six-seven months," a source said. Some communities in Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, all of which border Myanmar, have however strongly opposed the proposed fence as well as scrapping of the ' Free Movement Regime ', which allowed people residing along the border to venture 16-km into each other's territory without visas, earlier this year. Apex Kuki bodies, for instance, say the twin steps "threaten to infringe upon the cultural, traditional and historical rights of indigenous communities". Some experts have also criticised the "costly" move, stressing it will cause hardships to people who share ethnic ties across the border as well as disrupt closer connectivity, trade and people-to-people ties. The defence and security establishment, however, contends the fencing does not intend to restrict the movement of civilians or sever cultural and familial connections on either side of the border. "A network of gates with biometric systems along the fence is being planned to allow cross-border movement, while ensuring security. The locations of these entry and exit points will be decided through collaborative consultations with local residents," another source said. The fencing's primary objective is to curb "the movement of armed groups", as well as stem the smuggling of weapons, drugs, human trafficking and illegal immigration, he added. The "success" of the 10-km fencing completed in Moreh (Manipur) underlines the project's potential to improve both security and trade management. "The fencing will also regulate and boost legitimate trade, ensuring economic benefits for the local communities while eliminating the adverse impact of illegal trade," he said. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
QNA DOHA: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari affirmed that the State of Qatar is closely monitoring the rapid developments in Syria, expressing Qatar's welcome of the positive steps taken by the opposition forces, especially in maintaining the safety of civilians, stabilizing state institutions, and ensuring the continuity of public services. He viewed these steps as the beginning of a new phase that allows the Syrian people to achieve their legitimate aspirations for freedom, justice, and peace. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr Al Ansari emphasized that the Syrian people, who have made countless sacrifices for their freedom and have shown legendary steadfastness for over a decade against oppression and violence, deserve international recognition and support for their national project. He stressed the importance of building on the measures taken to enhance social peace and avoiding any political or security vacuum that could affect the country's stability. The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring their safety, urging all concerned parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and work towards a peaceful political transition that serves the interests of the Syrian people and enhances regional stability. Dr Al Ansari confirmed Qatar's continued intensive communications with Arab and international partners to support peace efforts in Syria and its readiness to contribute constructively to supporting the Syrian people's march towards a stable, secure, and prosperous future. Copy 09/12/2024 10CHARLESTON, S.C., Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to focus on winter wellness and thoughtful gifting ideas for health-conscious entertaining. Renowned Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Mia Syn shares her top recommendations to help people feel their best while enjoying all the season has to offer. COMBAT HOLIDAY CONGESTION “So many of us look forward to holiday parties and quality time with loved ones,” says Syn, “But we often find ourselves battling sinus congestion from dry air, cold weather, or seasonal allergies.” Her go-to solution? The NEW Mucinex® Sinus Saline Nasal Spray, the first-ever saline product featuring a 2-in-1 nozzle with customizable spray settings. Consumers can choose the ‘Power Jet’ to tackle tough nasal congestion or the ‘Gentle Mist’ to clear everyday congestion and soothe your nose. With its dual-nozzle technology, Mucinex® Sinus Saline Nasal Spray helps relieve congestion caused by allergens, irritants, and colds. Available at major retailers, pharmacies, and on Amazon, you can find your nearest store at Mucinex.com . Direct link: https://www.mucinex.com/ Social Media Handle: Facebook: @mucinex IG: @mucinex_us HOLIDAY TREATS WITH A HEALTHY TWIST Syn also encourages swapping ingredients in traditional holiday recipes with better-for-you alternatives. “One of my favorite holiday ingredients is Almond Breeze Almondmilk,” she shares. “Santa might even prefer Almond Breeze with his cookies this year!” jokes Syn. Direct link: www.AlmondBreeze.com Social Media Handle: Facebook: Almond Breeze Instagram: @AlmondBreeze Twitter: @AlmondBreeze SKINCARE MUST-HAVES FOR WINTER Cold, harsh air can wreak havoc on your skin, causing dryness and accentuating fine lines. "Nobody enjoys that itchy, uncomfortable feeling that winter brings," says Syn, a skincare enthusiast. "That’s why I turn to Mediheal—a trusted name in Korean skincare that’s been raising the bar for years." Mediheal’s toner pads have become a hit on social media, especially on TikTok, where users are swearing by their magic. Leading the charge are two fan-favorite products: "Mediheal’s toner pads are absolute game-changers," Syn adds. "They’re versatile, targeting multiple skin concerns, so there’s something for everyone." With a diverse lineup of toner pads and skincare products designed to tackle winter skin woes, Mediheal cements its place as the ultimate go-to for glowing, healthy skin—even in the harshest seasons. For a limited time, the Madecassoside Blemish Pad, Collagen Ampoule Pad and Vitamide Brightening Pad will be available in festive holiday packaging—perfect for gifting to loved ones or treating yourself this season! Direct link: Mediheal Amazon Website Social Media Handle: Facebook: @Mediheal US Instagram: @mediheal_us TikTok: @mediheal_us Twitter (X): @medihealus About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The video included and release was part of a media tour that was produced by D S Simon Media on behalf of Almond Breeze, Mediheal, and Mucinex. Media Contact: Michael O’Donnell D S Simon Media 212-736-2727 modonnell@dssimon.com A video accompanying this release is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/74283b19-564e-43c4-a467-440c7d109074
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The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Belgium look forward to strengthening bilateral relations and pushing them to wider horizons in the areas of trade, investment and cultural cooperation to serve the interests of the two countries and meet their peoples’ aspirations. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit to Belgium this Monday and his meeting with King Philippe Leopold Louis Marie of the Belgians will back the two countries’ endeavours in enhancing areas of cooperation. The leaders and officials of the two countries continued to exchange visits, as King Philippe visited the Sultanate of Oman in February 2022. The visit culminated in the opening of the Duqm Port project, a joint venture between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the management of the Belgian Port of Antwerp. In this context, the Hyport Duqm green hydrogen project, a joint venture between OQ Group and the Belgian Deme Group, seeks to establish an international alliance to produce and import green hydrogen for Belgium and its neighboring countries, and implement green certification standards for the electricity grid. During 2021, the project succeeded in obtaining a site for generating renewable energy extending over an area of 150sqkm in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. In the first phase, a green hydrogen production plant will be established with a capacity of 250 to 500 megawatts, and it is planned to start operating in 2026. The two countries also signed in Brussels in May 2023 the Joint Declaration of Intent Agreement in the field of green hydrogen and the Green Hydrogen Certificate Pilot Project Agreement for the “Duqm Hyport” project. On the other hand, Oman and Belgium discussed means of enhancing aspects of cooperation and coordination with the European Commission in the regulatory frameworks for clean hydrogen production and transportation projects. On the political side, thanks to Oman’s distinguished relations with many countries of the world, Omani efforts had resulted in an agreement between Belgium and Iran to settle the issue of detained citizens in both countries. Rua Issa al Zadjali, Ambassador of Oman to Belgium and Head of Oman’s Mission to the European Union, said that His Majesty’s upcoming state visit to Belgium reflects the two countries’ keenness on enhancing joint cooperation in various fields. She told ONA that this visit represents an opportunity to touch on topics of common interest and exchange views on global challenges and current issues. She pointed out that the visit would open new horizons for the strategic partnerships between the two countries and push the bilateral relations to higher levels and wider horizons by boosting cooperation in various fields including trade, investment and energy. The ambassador explained that relations between Oman and Belgium are witnessing remarkable development and close cooperation that have contributed to the creation of strategic partnerships based on trust and mutual respect between the two countries, noting that the history of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries dates back to 1978. She added that the volume of trade exchange between Oman and Belgium by the end of August 2024 amounted to RO148mn, as the volume of Omani exports to Belgium amounted to nearly RO10mn, while the volume of imports from Belgium to Oman reached about RO138mn. She further added that the most important Belgian exports to Oman are food and industrial products, bunker oil, and others, while the most prominent Omani exports to Belgium are polypropylene and its products, iron products, copper, and others. Ambassador Rua said the number of registered companies with Belgian participation until September 2024 reached 39, recording an increase of 50%, and the size of the invested capital increased from RO19,243,000 in 2023 to RO819,778,000 until September 2024. These figures, she affirmed, reflect the interest of the Belgians in setting up Omani companies. On his turn, Pascal H. Grégoire, Ambassador of Belgium to Oman, said that the upcoming state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham on December 3 and 4, marks a significant chapter in the enduring and multifaceted relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Belgium. He told ONA that this historic visit underscores the mutual respect and shared values that have long formed the foundation of bilateral relations, and signals a deepened commitment to forging a brighter, more interconnected future. The Belgian Ambassador pointed out that Oman and Belgium have consistently demonstrated a commitment to diplomacy and international law, sharing a vision of global stability and constructive engagement. Oman’s exemplary role as a mediator in regional conflicts resonates with Belgium’s emphasis on reconciliation and compromise, said the ambassador, noting that this mutual dedication to fostering peace underscores the strategic importance of their collaboration, as both nations reaffirm their roles as responsible actors on the global stage. He explained that the economic partnership between Oman and Belgium has evolved into a dynamic and fruitful relationship. He added that this partnership has further expanded into transformative projects such as and to just name a few of them: 1. Port of Duqm: A testament to Omani-Belgian collaboration, this joint venture, established in 2011, positions Duqm as a pivotal hub for maritime logistics and green energy initiatives. 2. Hyport Duqm: This groundbreaking partnership, led by Belgium’s DEME and Oman’s OQ, focuses on the production and export of green hydrogen, aiming to drive decarbonization in industries and support Europe’s renewable energy ambitions. The ambassador affirmed that these projects not only exemplify innovation and sustainability but also highlight the complementary expertise of both nations in maritime and renewable energysectors. “Recognizing the immense potential for bilateral investments, Oman and Belgium are exploring opportunities to deepen ties across emerging industries, including life sciences, technological innovation, and aerospace. The extension of the Port of Duqm concession would further symbolize this forward-looking partnership, enabling both countries to solidify their positions as global players in sustainable industries,” said the ambassador. He affirmed that His Majesty’s state visit would facilitate discussions on fostering investor-friendly policies and creating joint opportunities that promise lasting economic benefits for citizens and businesses alike. He further noted that cultural and academic ties form the backbone of people-to-people connections between Oman and Belgium. Both nations recognize the importance of collaborative research, academic exchanges, and joint initiatives that foster mutual understanding and innovation. By investing in knowledge-sharing and cultural dialogue, Oman and Belgium aim to inspire a new generation of global leaders and thinkers. He pointed out that the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham is poised to elevate Oman-Belgium relations to new heights. By focusing on sectors such as health, biopharmaceuticals, space, defense, and research, this visit lays the groundwork for diversified and sustainable growth. The mutual commitment to dialogue and innovation positions both nations as key players in shaping a peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected global future. The Belgian ambassador concluded his statement by saying: “Oman and Belgium’s collaboration is more than a bilateral relationship—it is a partnership rooted in shared aspirations for stability, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The upcoming state visit is a testament to the enduring friendship and the boundless potential for cooperation between these two nations. “As Oman and Belgium continue to deepen their ties, their joint efforts will serve as a beacon of what is possible when nations come together in the spirit of mutual respect and shared vision, setting an inspiring example for the world.” Meanwhile, Faisal Abdullah al Rowas, Board Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) said that this visit comes as an affirmation of the advanced bilateral relations and cooperation between Oman and Belgium, stressing the importance of the economic file as a major element in pushing these relations towards wider horizons. He explained that there are great opportunities and potentials provided by major sectors, most notably logistics services, port development, energy, tourism and information technology. He added that Duqm Port represents a model of successful partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Belgium as it is a major driver for many promising projects that enhance economic development in the Special Economic Zone of Duqm. The OCCI Board Chairman added that there is remarkable cooperation between the private sector in the two countries through the continuous communication between the OCCI and its Belgian counterpart with the aim of reviewing the investment opportunities available in Omani ports in addition to enhancing the private sector’s participation in green mobility initiatives and supporting areas of modern technologies. Reggy Vermeulen, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Sultanate of Oman, said that the visit of His Majesty the Sultan to Belgium serves as a testament to the robust bond between the two countries. He pointed out that one of the primary objectives of this visit is to highlight the significance of the opportunities available in Oman for Belgian investors. He explained that over the past several years, the economic relationship between Oman and Belgium has been steadily growing. He added, “The primary areas of collaboration between the two countries are in the mineral sector, particularly in the large limestone projects in Salalah. Additionally, there is significant collaboration in the hydrogen sector, with a major green hydrogen generation project underway in Duqm. The flagship project is the development of the port of Duqm, which is currently managed by a joint venture between the ASYAD group and the consortium Antwerp Port.” ONAWill the College Football Playoff just around the corner, this marks the first year that the bracket is expanding from just four teams to twelve. But it also means there are some changes being made regarding payouts to college conferences with schools competing in the playoff. The Football Bowl Division, commonly referred to as the FBS, is the highest level of college football in the United States and consists of over 100 teams in 10 conferences. But of those 100 teams, just 12 will advance into the College Football Playoff. RELATED STORY | NCAA, leagues sign off on $2.8 billion plan, setting stage for dramatic change across college sports Each conference will receive different payouts based on the number of teams in the conference that make the College Football Playoff. But those teams will be eligible to earn even more money for their conference the further they advance. For the 2024-2025 College Football Playoff: RELATED STORY | States sue NCAA, saying organization unfairly restricts players' sponsorship opportunities
10 tips from experts to help you change your relationship with money in 2025