PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 30, 2026 – Full Text

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 June 2026 – As the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) marked the six-month milestone since the launch of its full special customs operations, a Hainan provincial delegation wrapped up a three-day visit to Hong Kong. During the visit, the delegation signed deepened cooperation agreements with several major local chambers of commerce and promoted the latest policies introduced since the island-wide special customs operations took effect.

According to data released by Hainan Province during the visit, Hainan’s foreign trade has surged since the launch of special customs operations. As of June 17, the province’s total goods imports and exports reached RMB 173.98 billion (approximately US$24 billion), up 54.6% year on year. Imports of zero-tariff goods hit RMB 2.645 billion, a 120% jump that generated tariff savings of RMB 440 million. A total of 172,100 new market entities were registered—a 61% increase—including 1,240 foreign-invested enterprises. Zero-tariff items now account for 74% of all tariff lines, benefiting more than 12,000 market entities.

During the Hong Kong visit, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Hainan Provincial Committee (CCPIT Hainan) signed separate deepened cooperation MOUs with the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Under the MOUs, the parties will establish a regular liaison mechanism for the periodic exchange of economic and trade information, and will promote collaboration in areas including professional services, green finance, the digital economy, supply chain management, and cultural tourism. Mutual enterprise service desks will be set up to provide consulting services regarding policies and projects. The parties will leverage their complementary strengths to help Chinese mainland enterprises access overseas markets via Hong Kong, while facilitating Hong Kong companies’ entry into the Chinese mainland through Hainan.

The delegation also held talks with the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, exploring ways for British and American businesses to leverage Hainan’s value-added processing tariff exemptions and multifunctional free trade accounts to position themselves in regional supply chains and cross-border investment and financing. HSBC, De Beers, and other British firms are already active in Hainan, and the UK served as the Guest of Honor country at the 2025 China International Consumer Products Expo.

According to industry analysts, amid the shifting international trade landscape, Hainan is leveraging Hong Kong’s “super-connector” role to accelerate its integration with global capital and business networks, while simultaneously offering the Hong Kong business community a policy testing ground for entering the Chinese mainland market.

Hashtag: #CPITHainan

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 June 2026 – Space Economy Association (Hong Kong) Ltd, or “SEA”, officially formed in the midst of the space economy boom. It is an independent membership-based non-government organisation dedicated to connecting and facilitating space-related industries, businesses, investors, educators, experts, and governments worldwide in their pursuit for businesses and technology in commercial space. SEA helps establish Hong Kong as a super-connector hub in the international space ecosystem by capitalising on our professional services, led by finance.

The new renaissance is in the space economy. The US$630 billion global space economy is set to triple to US$1.8 trillion^[1] by 2035. With launch costs dropping 10-fold in the last 20 years, private and public sectors will soar with all humanity set to benefit. Space economy is ubiquitous and creating value beyond rocketry and satellites, everyone will flourish as the space economy grows 9% per annum. China is the world’s second largest player in space, highlighting it as one of the four emerging strategic industries in its 15th National Five-Year Plan. Its commercial space sector has already launched 81 rockets and 336 satellites into orbit, with over 100 space start-ups and companies raising around US$6.5 billion. Hong Kong, as a key international financial centre practicing Common Law with international arbitration system and robust insurance, data and intellectual property protection capabilities, uniquely stands to serve China and other countries to pursue capital, business, technology and talent in commercial space.

“From Hong Kong’s perspective, the NewSpace economy is not simply about rockets or satellites; it is about the commercial possibilities they create for our professional services community. As the nation advances its aerospace ambitions, Hong Kong’s strengths in finance, insurance, law and related fields equip the city to support activities ranging from project financing and initial public offerings to risk management and crossborder transactions. Our bankers, insurers, accountants and lawyers are ideally positioned to help turn space initiatives into viable enterprises — and to participate directly in the value they generate.” said the Honourable Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBM, GBS, JP. Patron of SEA.

“Hong Kong’s top-class professional services would facilitate the processes from research and innovation to startup, scale-up and successful space business. Besides a hub for IPOs, Hong Kong offers funding from seed and angel, to private equity, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, in debt, equity, and lease financing. This space economy would contribute plentiful job and business opportunities to become a key pillar of Hong Kong in terms of economy and quality opportunities for our young generation,” said Professor Richard Leung, Chairman of SEA. “SEA’s global network of partners grows beyond Asia, North America and Europe to include the UNOOSA ecosystem. SEA is a platform that empowers astropreneurs to launch towards humanity’s collective space dream.”

SEA is governed by a Board of 19 members and supported by nine committees. SEA is also strongly supported by a Patron and five Fellows who share the vision to position Hong Kong as a leading hub in the international space economy. The Honourable Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBM, GBS, JP is SEA’s Patron with Fellows Dr. Anthony Neoh, KC, SC, JP, Chairman, Asian Academy of International Law, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, BBS, JP, President, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Mr. Jimmy Tsang, General Manager, Goldlion, Mr. Roger Tong, Chief Executive Officer, AsiaSat, and Prof. Gregg Li, Adjunct Professor at the Laboratory for Space Research, The University of Hong Kong.

As this new economy requires education first, SEA began as the Orion Astropreneur Space Academy or OASA, with an aim to herald and teach this new economy. OASA was formed in 2020 to accelerate the awakening of young executives and professionals through action-learning and Artificial Intelligence, preparing them for the NewSpace economy. OASA has made important strides in advancing NewSpace awareness, talent development, and ecosystem building. It has engaged more than 200,000 visits, worked with over 50 partner organisations, and organised more than 60 courses and activities. As OASA evolves into SEA, the OASA remains the brand for school development programmes and youth-focused education.

SEA membership is a community of 100 co-founders, 150+ active members, 250+ student members, and 40+ industry partners shaping the future of NewSpace in the Greater Bay Area. Members connect with leading innovators, world-class institutions, global mentors, and industry leaders at the forefront of the commercial space. SEA provides a trusted platform for dialogue, collaboration, and engagement through events and direct connections. Members can access closed-door industry dialogues, international delegations, early opportunities for partnerships, and connect with an internationally respected network.

SEA’s membership framework has full, associate, and fellow membership options to serve this diverse community. All members benefit from preferential event rates, networking opportunities, curated market intelligence, professional development, and selected business support services. Full Members enjoy governance rights at general meetings, while higher-tier and charter members receive additional recognition and priority access.

Hashtag: #SpaceEconomyAssociation #SEA

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

A series of search warrants has been executed in Auckland, Christchurch, and Melbourne, Australia in relation to a joint law enforcement investigation into suspected breaches of the Russia Sanctions Act 2022 and Australian autonomous sanctions. 

Following a referral from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), a joint Police and Customs investigation began in New Zealand in December 2025 into the activities of three companies suspected of committing offences under the Act. 

The offending under investigation relates to the alleged export of prohibited assets, which is an offence under regulation 13 of the Russia Sanctions Regulations 2022.  

Following a referral from New Zealand Customs Service, Australian Border Force (ABF) commenced its own enquiries into the alleged unlawful export of sanctioned goods from Australia which imposes autonomous sanctions in relation to Russia. 

After search warrants were executed on Monday 22 June in Auckland and Christchurch, Police carried out further search warrants in Christchurch last Friday. 

Those warrants were executed in coordination with warrants carried out in Melbourne by Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police with support from the Australian Sanctions Office (DFAT). 

In addition to the criminal investigation, the Financial Crime Group’s Asset Recovery Unit has obtained a restraining order under the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act 2009 for a residential property in Christchurch. 

Detective Inspector Christiaan Barnard of the New Zealand Police Financial Crime Group says Police are reminding businesses that compliance with all sanctions, including those under the Russia Sanctions Act, is a legal requirement. 

“All New Zealand companies must understand their obligations, assess potential exposure to sanctioned activities, and implement robust due diligence processes to ensure they do not unlawfully export or deal in prohibited assets,” he says. 

“Resources and guidance are available on the websites for Police, Customs, and MFAT. While much of this guidance is directed at duty holders, it is also useful for all businesses to better understand the risks.” 

ABF Inspector Jessica Frezza says that as Australia’s frontline border agency, the ABF remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade, implementing a dedicated end-to-end sanctions enforcement function.  

“The ABF works closely with domestic and international agencies to detect, deter and disrupt the movement of illicit and sanctioned goods across the border,” Inspector Frezza says. 

“Through these close strategic partnerships, the ABF continues to target and investigate potential criminal activity, ensuring our community’s interests are protected and our global commitments on sanctioned goods are upheld.” 

New Zealand Police can confirm that no charges have been filed in relation to this matter at this stage, however enquiries are ongoing. Suppression orders remain in place under sections 200(2)(g) and 205(2)(e) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 in relation to a previous court proceeding that has since been withdrawn. 

Resources for businesses:

MFAT Guidance for Duty Holders – https://www.mfat.govt.nz/assets/Countries-and-Regions/Europe/Ukraine/Guidance-note_Duty-holder-reporting-under-the-Act_21-February-2023.pdf

MFAT Information for Importers & Exporters – https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/europe/ukraine/russian-invasion-of-ukraine/sanctions/information-for-importers-and-exporters

MFAT Russia Sanctions Register – https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/europe/ukraine/russian-invasion-of-ukraine/sanctions/russia-sanctions-register

NZ Customs Export Prohibitions and Restrictions – https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/export/export-prohibitions-and-restrictions

NZ Police Financial Intelligence Unit Alerts – https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/publication/financial-intelligence-unit-fiu-alerts

NZ Police National Risk Assessment – https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/publication/national-risk-assessment-nra

 ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/29/search-warrants-executed-in-relation-to-suspected-breached-of-russian-sanctions-act/

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 June 2026 – Connexus today unveils a new brand identity and launches an AI-powered suite of digital tools to reshape business travel.

Established in 1948 as Swire Travel, Connexus has supported corporate travellers’ needs for nearly 80 years. The update includes both a refreshed visual identity and adjustments to how the company operates, with increased emphasis on integrating technology with human service support.

Adapting to a Changing Business Travel Landscape
As corporates continue to look beyond transaction-based services to managing their companies’ travel requirements, seeking greater visibility, flexibility, and support, Connexus has upgraded its digital capabilities to serve their needs.

Corporate travel management today has become far more dynamic. Organisations require greater flexibility, convenience, and customisation. They want more options from more sources and to know that their travel manager is always looking for better alternatives. They also need access to 24-hour support from a live specialist, not just a chatbot,” notes Simon Hague, Managing Director of Connexus.

Introduction of Connex
Connexus has introduced Connex, a full suite of AI-powered digital tools built to simplify corporate travel management. From an enhanced online booking engine, ConnexBook, to an integrated customer service, workflow automation and performance tracking system, ConnexSVC, to a travel intelligence platform, ConnexIQ, transforming operational data into actionable management insights. The Connex suite of tools gives clients improved clarity and greater control over their travel programmes.

The Connexus Difference
Connexus combines this new technology suite with an in-house team of experienced travel consultants to cover the full spectrum of corporate travel management needs. From routine business trips to complex multi-destination and event itineraries, Connexus gives clients the breadth of choice and operational depth that today’s travel management programmes demand.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

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Source: Media Outreach

XI’AN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 June 2026 – The world’s first commercial multimodal large language model (LLM) for cultural tourism, called BoGuan, has entered broad application in Xi’an, China. This model generates commercial returns by supporting the creation of digital IP for intangible cultural heritage, the development of cultural tourism applications, and the improvement of short drama production. This is injecting new momentum into both China’s heritage preservation initiatives and the cultural tourism industry.

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