VECCI is encouraging businesses affected by recent floods to seek assistance from the Business Advisor program it is offering in partnership with the State Government.

VECCI CEO Wayne Kayler-Thomson said thousands of businesses around the State have been affected by flooding, with the number likely to rise as flooding continues.

“Around 91 communities in Victoria have been affected by flooding or are likely to be affected, causing uncertainty amongst business owners amid huge disruptions to local economies,” says Mr Kayler-Thomson.

“In partnership with the State Government, VECCI is offering Victorian businesses affected by the floods the opportunity to discuss their situations with qualified business advisors and be provided with advice on the future of their business.

“The floods completely destroyed some businesses, while others may have been partially damaged or severely impacted by the recent floods.
“Some local economies have also been shattered, indirectly affecting some businesses who are missing out on custom from locals and tourists.

Source: http://www.vecci.org.au/news/Pages/Help_on_the_way_for_flood_affected_businesses.aspx

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The Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) Campaign is reminding Australians that now more than ever is the time to consciously buy locally made and grown products.

The devastating impact of Cyclone Yasi, floods and bushfires experienced across Australia is rapidly being felt with billions of dollars worth of damage to the nation’s agriculture, industry and export sales.

However, individuals can show their support to those adversely affected through a simple gesture, AMAG Chief Executive Ian Harrison says.

“As a nation we have a lot to be proud of. Our farmers, fishermen, manufacturers and processors make and grow goods which are renowned world-wide for their innovation, quality, high standards, and of course, in the case of food products, great taste,” Mr Harrison says.

“The impact that the floods are having on the nation’s East coast and the bushfires to the West, on top of the previous years of drought, is staggering.

“I really encourage all Australians to get behind our local businesses, producers and fellow workers by buying Australian made and grown products. You will not only be buying great products; you will be supporting our growers, manufacturers and the local economy in this time of recovery.”

Source: http://www.australianmade.com.au/buying-australian-integral-in-disaster-recovery-2/

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The national construction industry declined at a steeper rate in January with the recent flooding adding to the already weak conditions in the sector. The January Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®) in conjunction with the Housing Industry Association fell 3.6 points to 40.2. This is the eighth consecutive month the index has been below the 50 point level which indicates a contraction in activity.

All four sub-sectors declined in the month, with significant falls across the apartment building (down 15.2 points) and engineering construction (down 19.6 points) sub-sectors.

Australian Industry Group Director Public Policy, Dr Peter Burn, said: “While flooding and bad weather conditions have caused project delays and stoppages, higher interest rates, caution on the part of home buyers and businesses and tight credit conditions continue to hamper growth. The immediate outlook for the sector is not encouraging with new orders continuing to fall albeit at a slower rate than in December.

“As the post-flood rebuilding task takes hold over coming months, the sector is likely to see a pick-up in activity in some regions. However, the nation-wide pick-up in construction will be moderated by the recent announced deferral of some major infrastructure projects,” Dr Burn said.

Housing Industry Association Senior Economist, Andrew Harvey, said: “This is one of the weakest reports we have seen for some time and the broad-based nature of the weakness accentuates our concern. Hopefully, if we can believe last week’s building approvals numbers, we may see the apartment index improve, but housing has now contracted for eight consecutive months.

“New orders continue to fall in housing, apartments and non-residential construction. New home building activity is set to be considerably weaker in 2011 than was evident last year. In this environment, and given the considerable dwelling shortages that exist, it is unfortunate that policy support for housing is being wound back. Recent Federal Government amendments to housing policy, such as the capping of the National Rental Affordability Scheme are disappointing and represent a step in the wrong direction,” Andrew Harvey said.

Source: http://www.aigroup.com.au

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Smt. Sheela Thomas, IAS took over as Rubber Board Chairman today (07 February 2011). A 1985 batch IAS officer, Smt. Sheela Thomas is a native of Kollakadavu near Mavelikkara. She has served the Kerala Government as Director (Social Welfare), Kottayam District Collector, Managing Director (Civil Supplies Corporation), Director (Industries), Director (Census Operations), Special Secretary (Agriculture), Secretary (Transport), Secretary (NORKA) and Secretary (Information and Public Relations Department). It was while serving as the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Kerala that Smt. Sheela Thomas was appointed as Rubber Board Chairman.

Her family comprises husband Sri. K.J. Jacob of Karippaparambil, Kanjirappally and sons Sri. Renju and Sri. Deepu.

Smt. Sheela Thomas took over from Sri. V.J. Kurian, Chairman, Spices Board who has been holding additional charge of the Rubber Board since November 2010.

Source: http://rubberboard.org.in/news.asp?id=423

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The “Blue Peace” report was officially presented by Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey. The document assesses the principal challenges linked to the trans-border management of resources. At present a factor of division and tension, water harbours the potential of becoming an instrument of peace and cooperation. This emerges as the report’s central thesis. Subsequently, it compiles a list of ten recommendations, calculated in the short, medium, and long terms, which are aimed to lead to pragmatic solutions.

Water resources in the Middle East are subject to an unprecedented pressure which is threatening the populations of entire regions along with their economic activities. Population growth, migration, urbanization, and climate change are all exerting an enormous impact on these resources. In fact, over the last 50 years, the flow rate of numerous rivers in turkey, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan has plunged by 50 to 90 percent. And yet at the same time, the sustainable management of trans-border water resources is vital to provide for the requirements of agriculture, the need for clean drinking water, and for socio-economic development in general. It is key to avoiding human tragedy and to fostering the promotion of peace.

On 2009, a group of independent Indian experts, the Strategic Foresight Group (SFG), was mandated by Switzerland and Sweden to flank a process of reflection on this issue. A series of consultations and meetings took place in 2010, i.e., in Montreux (Switzerland), in Amman (Jordan), and in Sanliurfa (Turkey). The SFG then drew up the “Blue Peace” report based on these consultations, which in end effect brought together a good hundred of experts and leaders from the Middle East.

Source: http://www.sdc.admin.ch/en/Home/News/Close_up?itemID=198455

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In the lead up to the NEC Jewellery Show, you maybe interested in the following assistance provided by BJGF International

Inward Mission of buyers to Spring Fair – Meet the Buyer opportunity
British Jewellery & Giftware International, in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment and Emap, have again organised a visit by overseas buyers to Spring Fair 2011. The buyers, from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia and Turkey, will be accompanied by UK Trade & Investment officers based in various overseas markets, and will take part in a Meet the Buyer “speed-dating” event on Monday 7th February in the Piazza Suites. UK Exhibitors at Spring Fair wishing to meet buyers and UKTI representatives can visit Meetbuyers-springfair2011.com , where they can view profiles of visitors and register to book appointments.

Source: http://www.bja.org.uk/news.php?article=335

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British Jewellers’ Association chief executive Simon Rainer has been appointed a vice-president of the Association Executive Networking Commission part of the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO)

Working along side trade association commission executives from Canada, South Africa, Australia and France, the commission’s role is to develop networking strategies that will allow CIBJO trade association members to effectively communicate key industry issues.

“With over 40 worldwide trade associations having CIBJO membership, this represents a perfect opportunity to voice and discuss key UK jewellery and BJA membership issues on a world stage” said Simon

“I am looking forward to making my first presentation at the CIBJO Congress in mid March and in particular exploring the views and concerns of fellow members regarding the huge ethical debate” he added.

Source: http://www.bja.org.uk/news.php?article=334

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AFMA has urged ASIC to give priority to measures that will assist the early introduction of competition to equity markets in its submission in response to ASIC’s consultation paper (CP 145) on the structure of Australia’s equity market and proposed market integrity rules (MIR).

CP145 rightly takes a strategic and holistic approach to the evolution of equity markets in Australia. However, it is important that consideration of some of the longer term, whole-of-market issues does not impede the early introduction of competition.

AFMA’s members include all of the leading equities brokers in Australia.
AFMA has suggested to ASIC that it gives first priority to MIR that are necessary to facilitate a stable and effective multi-operator environment. These comprise practical measures including the people and products to which the rules will apply, best execution, reporting requirements and co-ordination
between market operators.

The next priority should be proposals that could enhance market integrity and efficiency. These include volatility controls for extreme market movements, minimum standards for direct electronic access and algorithmic trading and post-trade disclosures.

Source: http://www.afma.com.au/afmawr/_assets/main/lib90021/2011_01_31%20equity%20market%20structure.pdf

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On 17 January 2011, through prescribed procedure, member governments of the Kimberley Process gave their agreement to a document that would allow for the recommencement of exports from approved concessions in the Marange region of Zimbabwe. As outlined in the document, this approval is subject to agreement on continued oversight and monitoring.

Before exports can resume, however, the authorities in Zimbabwe need to complete a series on consultations with Mr. Mathieu Yamba, the Chair of the Kimberley Process, representing the Democratic Republic of Congo.

We believe these consultations are sensitive and ongoing. Mr Yamba has called for understanding and patience as efforts are made, in good faith, on all sides to reach a conclusion.

In the meantime, we continue to advise members of the diamond industry that until a conclusion is reached exports of stocks and production from the approved concessions in Marange do not carry the approval of the Kimberley Process.

Source: http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=8011

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The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has called on governments and the Business Taskforce which is meeting in Brisbane today to act on the findings of a survey detailing the economic impact of the floods on Queensland’s businesses.

A survey of flood affected Queensland businesses has found that nearly one quarter have been seriously affected by the flood disaster and that increased and better targeted support is necessary if many are to survive.

Conducted by the Queensland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIQ), a member of ACCI’s National Member Network, the survey provides a detailed snapshot of the economic consequences caused by the December 2010/January 2011floods.

ACCI’s Chief Executive Peter Anderson said, “this survey is a remarkable achievement by CCIQ on behalf of flood affected communities and businesses. It is the first detailed business assessment of the impact of the flood on Queensland businesses.”

Source: http://www.acci.asn.au/Research-and-Publications/Media-Centre/Media-Releases-and-Transcripts/Economics-Industry/Target-Assistance-Required-For-Queensland-Business

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