PM Edition: Here are the top 10 business articles on LiveNews.co.nz for October 21, 2026 – Full Text
1. Election 2026 – BusinessNZ: They said it couldn’t be done – India trade deal opens doors for NZ
October 20, 2026
Source: BusinessNZ
New Zealand exporters gain better access to India from today, with BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich saying the new free trade agreement gives businesses more room to grow at a time of uncertainty in international trade.
Tariffs on sheep meat and wool are removed from today, October 20, and more than 95 per cent of existing forestry exports becomes duty-free. Further scheduled tariff reductions follow on January 1, 2027.
Ms Rich said implementation marks an important milestone after years of advocacy for closer economic ties with India.
Many had said a deal with India was impossible.
“It’s a great day for New Zealand exporters, with the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement coming into force today. It creates new opportunities for trade, investment and stronger economic ties between our nations.
“At a time when international trade is becoming less predictable, New Zealand needs more options, not fewer. A stronger relationship with India helps spread risk and gives our businesses another avenue for growth.”
Ms Rich said the deal was of strategic importance to New Zealand.
“India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. The agreement delivers improved access for New Zealand exporters, substantial tariff reductions across many of our exports, stronger footing for services, and clearer, faster trade processes into a market of 1.4 billion people.”
ExportNZ Executive Director Joshua Tan said those exporters that already had trade relationships in India would have been preparing for the deal coming into force – checking rules of origin and ensuring documentation processes were ready.
The ExportNZ DHL barometer survey showed a jump in exporters interested in doing business in India – but those who were not already in the market now needed to assess whether there were good commercial opportunities, and whether they were ready to make the necessary investment in time and resources in order to make a go of it and succeed.
“Building commercial relationships and establishing a presence in the market will still take time and resources from our export companies.”
Ms Rich said government agencies and business organisations had a continuing role in helping companies understand the requirements and resolve problems as they arise.
While the dairy outcome falls short of what New Zealand sought, Ms Rich said further progress should remain a priority alongside making use of the access already secured.
“We would have liked a more ambitious dairy outcome. That remains an area where we want further progress.
“But that does not diminish the value of the access secured for other sectors. The test is whether this agreement creates worthwhile opportunities and leaves New Zealand better placed than it would be without it. We believe it does.”
Today’s milestone was the beginning of the next stage of work.
“Getting the agreement into force is an important achievement. The next task is to turn that opportunity into lasting business.”
New Zealand-India FTA takes effect on 20 October: what changes for exporters
The New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement takes effect on October 20, 2026, cutting tariffs and opening opportunities. For existing exporters, some benefits begin immediately.
India is New Zealand’s ninth-largest goods-and-services export market, taking NZ$2.22 billion in the year ended June 2026. Two-way trade was about NZ$4 billion.
ExportNZ Executive Director Joshua Tan said businesses must assess whether India fits their strategy and whether they can commit the resources needed.
“The FTA helps address some of the barriers, but building commercial relationships and establishing a presence in the market will still take time and resources from our export companies.”
What the headline numbers mean
Based on 2024 goods trade values, including existing duty-free access:
- 57.3 per cent qualifies for duty-free access from entry into force, including access under quota.
- 82.2 per cent qualifies once scheduled tariff elimination is complete.
- Another 13.2 per cent receives reductions rather than elimination.
- 4.6 per cent remains excluded.
Together, 95.4 per cent receives elimination or reductions. These figures exclude services and do not describe all possible products. Core dairy products and beef remain excluded.
Estimated annual tariff savings are NZ$43 million initially, rising to NZ$62 million when fully implemented, based on 2024 trade.
The official assessment projects annual GDP NZ$401 million higher by 2037, in 2024 dollars, than without the agreement: about 0.07 per cent. By 2050, the modelled gain reaches approximately NZ$658 million, or 0.1 per cent.
Removing New Zealand’s remaining tariffs on qualifying Indian goods could lower costs for importers, businesses and consumers, although some domestic producers face greater competition.
Immediate gains
More than 95 per cent of existing forestry exports to India becomes duty-free immediately. Tariffs on almost all existing forestry trade are removed over seven implementation years.
India’s 33 per cent sheep meat tariff disappears immediately, alongside the tariff on wool. Better access improves competitiveness; sales still depend on demand, distribution and relationships.
Apples qualify from 1 April to 31 August; kiwifruit from 1 April to 15 October. The first practical quota opportunity is therefore 2027:
- Apples: 35,000 tonnes, rising to 45,000 from year six. The in-quota tariff falls from 50 to 25 per cent, subject to a minimum CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value of US$1.25/kg.
- Kiwifruit: 8,000 tonnes, rising to 15,000 from year six. In-quota access is duty-free, subject to a minimum CIF value of US$1.80/kg.
Outside quota, kiwifruit receives a 50 per cent reduction in the prevailing most-favoured-nation tariff where its CIF value is at least US$2.50/kg.
Export certificates, Indian quota authorisations, minimum values and import windows apply. Related market access can be suspended through the agreement’s consultation process if agricultural cooperation commitments are not fulfilled.
Wine receives substantial cuts, but some protection remains. Under the negotiated schedule, wine valued at US$5 to below US$15 per 750ml bottle, CIF, falls from a 150 per cent tariff to 100 per cent initially, ultimately reaching 50 per cent. Wine valued at US$15 or more falls to 75 per cent initially, ultimately reaching 25 per cent. Below US$5, the scheduled tariff remains 150 per cent.
For wine, India must provide treatment at least as favourable as that given to other trading partners, including minimum CIF thresholds.
Dairy’s limits, services’ opportunities
Milk powders, butter, cheese and other core dairy products remain excluded from tariff liberalisation. Gains are narrower: qualifying bulk infant formula, dairy-based preparations and peptones have tariffs phased out over seven implementation years; albumins receive reduced tariffs within quota.
A dedicated mechanism is intended to facilitate duty-free supply of New Zealand ingredients, including dairy, for manufacturing in India for subsequent export.
If India grants core dairy concessions to a comparable trading partner under a qualifying future agreement, New Zealand can request consultations on similar treatment during the agreement’s general review. Unlike wine’s provision, this does not guarantee matching access.
Mr Tan said officials must continue pursuing better dairy access. The commercial case is that gains for other exporters remain worth taking while that work continues.
India has made commitments across almost 100 additional services sectors beyond its WTO commitments, including engineering, environmental services, tertiary and adult education, and audiovisual services. Qualifying future improvements offered to other FTA partners can also flow through.
These provisions do not automatically recognise New Zealand qualifications, licences or registrations. They support further work on recognition.
Immigration: capped pathways, policy trade-offs
The agreement includes temporary employment, working-holiday and student commitments. It does not allow for unrestricted entry.
The agreement’s temporary-employment pathway is capped at 5,000 visa holders at any one time, not 5,000 additional arrivals annually: 4,400 places in specified skilled occupations and 600 in specified Indian occupations. Applicants must meet employment and eligibility requirements. A separate working-holiday scheme provides up to 1,000 places annually.
The skilled occupation list is reviewed every five years, with existing arrangements continuing unless changes are mutually agreed. This limits unilateral flexibility as labour-market conditions evolve.
The student annex prevents numerical limits on qualifying students’ admission and entry, while retaining immigration and institutional eligibility requirements. New Zealand already operated without a numerical cap, but a treaty commitment constrains future choices.
Commitments include permission to work at least 20 hours weekly during study and specified post-study work periods. The annex requires implementation within one year of entry into force, not necessarily immediately.
Investment: not a taxpayer cheque
New Zealand must promote foreign direct investment into India, aiming to increase investment by New Zealand investors by US$20 billion over 15 years. It does not require a government payment or compel businesses to invest.
Reviews occur no later than years five and ten, with a final review at year 15, unless different arrangements are mutually agreed.
If the objective is missed at the final review and India considers New Zealand has not fulfilled its promotion commitment, escalating government-to-government consultations can follow. If unresolved, any grace period granted has elapsed and India determines the promotion commitment remains unfulfilled, it can take proportionate measures to rebalance tariff concessions.
Mr Tan said businesses should invest on commercial merit.
The chapter does not provide investor-state dispute settlement; India’s domestic legal and regulatory environment still requires careful assessment.
Turning access into business
The next scheduled tariff cuts arrive on 1 January 2027. The general schedule’s first implementation year ends on 31 December 2026.
Lower tariffs do not remove licensing, labelling, biosecurity, documentation or intellectual property challenges. The agreement improves customs procedures, including advance rulings and electronic processing.
Its 48-hour release commitment requires necessary information and documentation by arrival and excludes goods subject to physical examination or inspection. For perishables and express shipments, the commitment is to endeavour to release goods within 24 hours, subject to conditions. It is not a clearance guarantee.
Mr Tan said implementation must be monitored as businesses begin using the agreement. ExportNZ can assist alongside MFAT, MPI and New Zealand Customs.
Existing exporters should confirm tariff classifications and reductions, rules of origin and documentation, quota eligibility, import windows and minimum values. They should also review approvals, logistics and contracts with importers, distributors and freight providers.
For newcomers, the first task is assessing market fit, commercial opportunity, local partnerships and the resources needed. Mr Tan said there had been positive interest, including well-attended events and 100 businesses and organisations backing the BusinessNZ campaign to sign the deal.
Australia’s experience shows the potential. Its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reports that agricultural exports to India more than doubled, from around A$1 billion in 2022 to A$2.3 billion in 2025. The Australia-India trade agreement entered into force on 29 December 2022. Those figures show growth, not how much was caused by the agreement or what New Zealand can expect.
“It is now up to our exporters, our business community to make the most of the opportunity.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
Back to index · Read original article
2. India FTA now open for business
October 20, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand exporters can start using the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement from today, with tariffs removed on more than half of New Zealand’s exports to India, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.
“We launched talks in March 2025 and, by working harder and faster, concluded them in just nine months. That’s a record for India on a comprehensive trade agreement, and it’s one of the highest quality deals they’ve signed. Today, just 19 months after we started, it’s in force and working for exporters,” Mr McClay says.
From today, almost 57 per cent of New Zealand exports to India are tariff-free. That rises to 82 per cent over time. In total, 95 per cent of current exports will have tariffs removed or cut.
Key outcomes from today include:
tariffs removed on sheep meat, wool and coal
tariffs removed on more than 95 per cent of forestry and wood exports
preferential quota access for apples, kiwifruit and milk albumins
A second round of tariff cuts follows on 1 January 2027.
“Our winemakers have been shut out of India by tariffs of 150 per cent. Those will now come down to 25 or 50 per cent over 10 years and we will also now get the better access negotiated by the EU,” Mr McClay says.
“India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and is forecast to reaIndia FTA now open for business
New Zealand exporters can start using the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement from today, with tariffs removed on more than half of New Zealand’s exports to India, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.
“We launched talks in March 2025 and, by working harder and faster, concluded them in just nine months. That’s a record for India on a comprehensive trade agreement, and it’s one of the highest quality deals they’ve signed. Today, just 19 months after we started, it’s in force and working for exporters,” Mr McClay says.
From today, almost 57 per cent of New Zealand exports to India are tariff-free. That rises to 82 per cent over time. In total, 95 per cent of current exports will have tariffs removed or cut.
Key outcomes from today include:
tariffs removed on sheep meat, wool and coal
tariffs removed on more than 95 per cent of forestry and wood exports
preferential quota access for apples, kiwifruit and milk albumins
A second round of tariff cuts follows on 1 January 2027.
“Our winemakers have been shut out of India by tariffs of 150 per cent. Those will now come down to 25 or 50 per cent over 10 years and we will also now get the better access negotiated by the EU,” Mr McClay says.
“India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and is forecast to reach NZ$12 trillion by 2030. Getting in early, on good terms, matters,” Mr McClay says.
“The gains go well beyond exports. They reach suppliers, local businesses and the towns that depend on them.
“With the world economy so uncertain, the India Free Trade Agreement helps our exporters diversify and grow. It’s a big step towards doubling the value of our exports in 10 years.”
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is running a programme to help exporters use the agreement, with advice, market insights and connections in India.
“I’d encourage any business with an eye on India to talk to NZTE and get started,” Mr McClay says.ch NZ$12 trillion by 2030. Getting in early, on good terms, matters,” Mr McClay says.
“The gains go well beyond exports. They reach suppliers, local businesses and the towns that depend on them.
“With the world economy so uncertain, the India Free Trade Agreement helps our exporters diversify and grow. It’s a big step towards doubling the value of our exports in 10 years.”
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is running a programme to help exporters use the agreement, with advice, market insights and connections in India.
“I’d encourage any business with an eye on India to talk to NZTE and get started,” Mr McClay says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/20/india-fta-now-open-for-business/
Back to index · Read original article
3. Malaysian Tech Firm CDC Highlights Responsible AI Adoption In Public Procurement
October 20, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
CDC shares Malaysia’s AI-driven procurement experience at ADB-organised regional conference, highlighting measurable efficiency gains and responsible technology adoption.
Participants and delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region gather in Bhutan for the 11th Conference of the Asia Pacific Public Electronic Procurement Network.
CDC was invited as an industry speaker and panellist at the 11th Asia Pacific Public Electronic Procurement Network (APPeN) Conference in Thimphu, Bhutan, where it shared practical insights into integrating AI into next-generation e-GP platforms.
Held on Oct 5 and 6, the conference, organised by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in collaboration with the Royal Government of Bhutan, brought together more than 70 participants from 28 countries, including public procurement officials and technology industry representatives.
CDC Executive Director Putri Nurul Ida Yahya said AI could help public institutions interpret complex information, automate routine tasks and generate insights to support procurement decision-making.
“The priority is to select applications that address real challenges and deliver measurable improvements. For example, a three-month conversational AI pilot project in Malaysia’s government procurement system successfully reduced call centre workload by 15 to 18 per cent,” she said in a statement.
Putri Nurul Ida said the successful pilot demonstrated how AI could facilitate users’ access to information, allowing support teams to focus on more complex enquiries.
Beyond operational efficiency, CDC also highlighted that the responsible use of AI required ethical practices, strict protection and confidentiality of government data, appropriate security and access controls, transparency, and continuous human oversight.
During the workshops and networking sessions throughout the conference, delegates engaged with CDC on key topics, including technology implementation strategies, change management, system deployment and approaches to sustaining user adoption.
The discussions provided an opportunity for CDC to share lessons from Malaysia’s e-GP experience with regional institutions exploring the use of AI in public procurement.
The exchange also highlighted how Malaysia’s experience in developing and operating e-GP systems could contribute to regional efforts to adopt AI in public procurement in a practical and responsible manner.
— BERNAMA
https://www.commercedc.com.my/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/commercedotcom/posts/
https://www.instagram.com/commercedotcomm/
Hashtag: #CommerceDotCom #ArtificialIntelligence #GovTech #DigitalProcurement #ResponsibleAI #Malaysia
Commerce Dot Com Sdn Bhd
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Back to index · Read original article
4. Canada, NZ agree to boost trade and investment
October 20, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand and Canada will set up an annual Trade and Investment Dialogue to grow trade and lift exports, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.
“Canada represents a market of nearly 42 million people with a GDP of close to NZ$4.5 trillion. Our trade and investment with Canada is growing but we can do much more,” Mr McClay says. “We already collaborate with Canada as members of the CPTPP and the WTO.
“This Dialogue is about boosting trade between us. It’s also a regular place to sit down with Canada and work through challenging international and domestic trade issues.”
Canada is a G7 economy and New Zealand’s tenth largest export market. Two-way trade between New Zealand and Canada totalled NZ$3.46 billion in the year ending June 2026. New Zealand exports to Canada were NZ$2.18 billion, with key exports including meat, travel services, beverages, fruit and dairy. Canadian exports to New Zealand were worth NZ$1.28 billion, including machinery, fertilisers, travel services, other business services and mineral substances.
The Dialogue will take place annually at senior officials’ level and lead to an annual meeting of trade ministers.
“Kiwi exporters are already doing well in Canada. This is about helping them do more, as we work towards doubling the value of our exports by 2034,” Mr McClay says.
More information is available at www.mfat.govt.nz.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/20/canada-nz-agree-to-boost-trade-and-investment/
Back to index · Read original article
5. Sovico and Hamburg Forge Partnership to Expand Vietnam-Germany Economic Ties
October 20, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Sovico Group and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, sign a Partnership Agreement on October 13 to expand cooperation in aviation, railways, finance, logistics, technology and education.
Earlier that day, Hamburg First Mayor and President of the Senate Peter Tschentscher met Sovico Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao at HDBank’s headquarters to discuss cooperation opportunities between businesses in the Sovico ecosystem and German partners.
At the Hamburg–Sovico Strategic Business & Partnership Forum 2026 on October 13, Thao proposed exploring direct air links between Vietnam and Germany and advancing discussions on airport infrastructure, logistics, urban rail, maritime transport and supporting industries. Hamburg highlighted its strengths in aviation, maritime transport, railways, technology research, public transport and sustainable urban development.
Potential areas for further discussion include the Long Thanh and Gia Binh airport projects, high-speed rail, urban rail development in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai and Hanoi, smart cities, green industries and technology. The agreement provides a framework for exploring opportunities; participation in individual projects will require further study and subsequent agreements.
Sovico and its partners have maintained ties with Germany for more than three decades, particularly in aviation and finance. Hamburg has hosted the handover of more than 100 Airbus aircraft to Vietjet, alongside aircraft-financing services. In finance, DEG, a member of Germany’s KfW Group, has invested in HDBank over the past five years. HDBank’s German Desk also helps connect Vietnamese and German businesses and support bilateral trade and investment.
Thao said Sovico was entering a new investment phase, emphasizing the need for long-term vision, practical investment plans and effective coordination. “I hope the ideas exchanged here today will be translated into cooperation programmes, feasible projects and measurable outcomes,” she said.
Hamburg State Secretary Liv Assmann said the visit aimed to deepen existing ties and explore new areas of cooperation. Agreements between universities in Hamburg and Vietnam are also expected to create opportunities for training, professional exchange and workforce development.
Hashtag: #HDBank
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Back to index · Read original article
6. International Organization for Mediation Hosts First Anniversary Celebration
October 21, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Inaugural Year Marked by Significant Progress in Case Administration, Capacity Building and International Engagement
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 October 2026 – The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) today hosted the IOMed 1st Anniversary Celebration at its headquarters in Hong Kong. The Hon John KC Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Professor Teresa Cheng, Secretary-General of IOMed, Mr Cui Jianchun, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, the Hon Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and more than 140 guests from Contracting States and Signatory States to the IOMed Convention, diplomatic missions, government agencies, the legal and dispute resolution community, and the business sector, celebrated the first anniversary of IOMed together, reflecting on its achievements in the inaugural year, and reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing peace, cooperation and common development through dialogue.
Celebrating an Important Milestone
Professor Teresa Cheng, the Hon John KC Lee, and Mr Cui Jianchun delivered remarks celebrating this memorable moment.
Chief Executive remarked that, “The IOMed is a vital platform for promoting global peace and prosperity. And the HKSAR Government will continue to support the IOMed, in keeping with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong, after all, is the world’s only Chinese‑English, bilingual common law jurisdiction. And our status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre is internationally recognised.”
Professor Cheng stated, “IOMed will continue to provide accessible, efficient, and effective mediation services, strengthen international partnerships, and promote mediation through capacity building and the exchange of experiences.”
Commissioner Cui Jianchun said in his speech that “Over the past year, we have witnessed the International Organization for Mediation transition from vision to reality through the ‘ACE’ framework—Accession, Cases, and Ecosystem. As the host country, China remains fully committed to supporting IOMed’s long-term goals, injecting positive legal energy into peaceful dispute settlement and contributing to a shared community for humanity.”
Since its inauguration one year ago, IOMed has continued to promote the peaceful settlement of international disputes through mediation. In an increasingly complex and evolving international environment, mediation plays an important role as an amicable, effective and flexible means of dispute resolution. By promoting dialogue and mutually beneficial solutions, mediation can help bridge differences, build trust, and strengthen international cooperation.
Successful Stories in IOMed-Administered Mediation
IOMed is the world’s first intergovernmental legal organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation. Since commencing operations, IOMed has received multiple cases and facilitated the successful settlement of more than one case, including its first case of international maritime dispute. The case involved enterprises from China, a Contracting State of IOMed, and Singapore, a non-signatory State. With the assistance of the mediator, the parties reached an amicable settlement efficiently through mediation, demonstrating the effectiveness of mediation as a means of resolving complex cross-border commercial disputes.
The case also reflects the openness and inclusiveness of IOMed as an independent international organization. Subject to the consent of the parties concerned, disputes involving non-Contracting States and their nationals may also be submitted to IOMed for mediation. A growing number of cases have since been submitted to IOMed, reflecting increasing confidence in its mediation mechanism and professional services.
Expanding Global Cooperation Network
Growing confidence in IOMed is also reflected in the continued expansion of its international cooperation network. To date, the number of Signatory and Acceding States has increased to 48, while the number of Contracting States has reached 18, spanning Asia, Africa, Latin America, Oceania and Europe. The Global Mediation Summit, hosted by IOMed in May 2026, brought together participants from more than 60 countries and regions, demonstrating broad international recognition of and support for mediation. In addition, IOMed delegations conducted outreach visits to 15 countries, attending international conferences and engaging government officials, local business community and legal professionals. At the same time, its Headquarters welcomed more than 2,500 visitors from around the world.
Through cooperation with other international organizations and partners, IOMed has delivered a range of training programmes on inter-State mediation and investor-State mediation for its member States. It has also launched platforms for intellectual exchanges, such as Dialogue with Mediators and the IOMed Global Dialogue Series, supporting sharing of knowledge and best practices with a view to promoting the use of mediation.
Contributing to Hong Kong’s Development as the “Global Capital of Mediation”
As the first intergovernmental organization headquartered in Hong Kong, IOMed’s achievements during its inaugural year also underscore the unique strengths of Hong Kong, the host city of the Organization, as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre and a bridge connecting different legal systems and cultures.
Based on the 2026 Policy Address and Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan, the Hong Kong SAR will continue to render full support to the work of the IOMed headquartered in Hong Kong, building a Global Capital of Mediation. IOMed welcomes this strategic direction and is confident that IOMed and Hong Kong will continue to make significant contribution to each other’s development and success.
Fostering a Global Mediation Ecosystem
Looking ahead, IOMed will continue its efforts to foster a global mediation ecosystem. Through international exchanges and cooperation, as well as training and capacity-building initiatives, IOMed will continue to promote the use of mediation among governments, the business community, the legal profession and other stakeholders, with a view to enhancing global awareness and understanding of mediation.
IOMed is preparing to launch the IOMed Moot, a mediation moot competition, to promote the culture of mediation among the youth and cultivate next-generation professionals. In addition, IOMed will continue to organize events under IOMed Global Series and Dialogue with Mediators, providing platforms for professional exchange and collaboration, and contributing to a more effective and inclusive framework for the resolution of international disputes.
Hosting IOMed Forum in December 2026
On 8 December 2026 (Tuesday), IOMed will host the inauguraledition of its signature event IOMed Forum under the theme “Mediation for Peace and Prosperity — The New Frontier” in Hong Kong. The Forum will bring together government officials, legal experts, business leaders and international stakeholders to exchange insights on the future of international mediation. Interested participants are invited to save the date and register via the link: https://bit.ly/IOMedForum.
Please click HERE to download the high-resolution press photos.
| Photo 1: The Hon John KC Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered remarks at the Reception. |
| Photo 2: Mr. Cui Jianchun, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered remarks at the Reception. |
| Photo 3: Professor Teresa Cheng, Secretary-General of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), delivered remarks at the Reception. |
| Photo 4: Group photo of Professor Teresa Cheng, CE, Commissioner CUI, representatives of IOMed Contracting States. |
For IOMed’s latest updates, key developments, and upcoming initiatives, please visit www.iomed.int and follow our official social media channels below.
Hashtag: #IOMed
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Back to index · Read original article
7. Asia Coach Group and OmniHub AI Launch Asia Masterclass
October 20, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
The Global Gateway to Asian Expertise
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 October 2026 – Asia Coach Group and artificial intelligence technology company OmniHub AI today announced a strategic partnership to launch Asia Masterclass, a new knowledge platform designed to bring the expertise, experience and perspectives of Asian mentors, entrepreneurs and industry professionals to a global audience.
Asia Masterclass
Positioned as “The Global Gateway to Asian Expertise,” Asia Masterclass will combine premium knowledge content, artificial intelligence and global distribution to help Asian expertise cross traditional language and geographical barriers.
Under its planned subscription model, members will be able to access a growing library of masterclasses through a single account, featuring experts from across Asia in areas including business and management, investment and finance, marketing, health and wellness, technology, arts and culture, and personal development.
OmniHub AI will provide the technology powering the learning experience, including multilingual subtitles and translation, personalized content recommendations, learning behavior analysis and a 24/7 AI learning assistant.
The platform is designed to make Asian expertise easier to discover, understand and apply for learners across different countries, languages and markets.
Bringing Asian Expertise Beyond Local Markets
Asia is home to generations of entrepreneurs, professionals, educators and practitioners with valuable real-world knowledge across business, investment, marketing, health, technology, culture and many other fields.
Yet much of this expertise remains concentrated within local markets.
Language barriers, content production requirements and limited international distribution channels can make it difficult for Asian knowledge creators to reach learners outside their home countries.
Asia Masterclass aims to address this gap through a combination of content, technology and global distribution.
Asia Coach Group will contribute its network of mentors and industry professionals, together with its experience in content curation and professional education. OmniHub AI will provide the technology and platform capabilities required to support multilingual content, digital learning experiences and personalized learning.
Together, the two organizations aim to create a platform where Asian knowledge creators can reach wider international audiences — while giving learners around the world greater access to practical expertise developed across Asia.
April Lo, Founder of Asia Coach Group, said:
“Asia has an extraordinary depth of business knowledge, professional expertise and real-world experience, yet much of it remains within local markets. Through Asia Masterclass, we want to give more Asian mentors and professionals the opportunity to bring their knowledge to a global stage — and help learners around the world discover expertise from Asia that deserves to be seen and heard.”
Nic Leung, Founder of OmniHub AI, said:
“We believe the real value of technology is its ability to remove barriers. Traditionally, a class created in Hong Kong may face multiple challenges before it can effectively reach learners in Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe or North America. Language, content accessibility and distribution all create friction. Through AI, we want to progressively reduce those barriers and make Asian expertise easier for the world to understand, access and apply.”
Initial Launch Across Four Asian Markets
Asia Masterclass is scheduled to launch initially in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia in Fall 2026, with plans to progressively expand into Japan, South Korea, the Middle East, Europe and North America.
The platform aims to bring together more than 100 Asian mentors and experts within three years, building a growing library of knowledge across business, wealth, health, technology, culture and personal development.
Asia Coach Group currently brings together more than 30 professional mentors and entrepreneurs across fields including business, investment, marketing, health, technology and personal development.
Through its partnership with OmniHub AI, the organization aims to provide Asian mentors and professionals with new ways to transform their expertise into digital content that can reach audiences beyond their home markets.
OmniHub AI focuses on the application of artificial intelligence to knowledge and education. Its technologies support areas including multilingual content processing, personalized learning experiences, learning behavior analysis and AI-powered assistants.
Together, Asia Coach Group and OmniHub AI envision Asia Masterclass as more than an online learning platform.
Their longer-term ambition is to build an ecosystem connecting Asian knowledge creators with learners around the world — helping practical experience, professional expertise and cultural knowledge from Asia become a greater part of the global knowledge economy.
https://asiamasterclass.ai/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-coach-group/
https://www.facebook.com/AsiaCoachGroup/
https://www.instagram.com/asiacoachgroup.official/
Xiaohongshu : https://xhslink.cn/m/6mY8XTikS0r
Douyin : https://v.douyin.com/hgf94t4Itt8/%209@1.com
Hashtag: #AsiaMasterclass #AsiaCoachGroup #OmniHubAI #EdTech #ArtificialIntelligence #ProfessionalDevelopment
About Asia Coach Group
The organization currently brings together more than 30 professional mentors and entrepreneurs across fields including business, investment, marketing, health, technology and personal development.
About OmniHub AI
OmniHub AI is an artificial intelligence technology company focused on the application of AI to knowledge creation, distribution and learning.
Its technologies and product development areas include multilingual content processing, personalized learning experiences, learning behavior analysis and AI-powered assistants, with the goal of making knowledge easier to create, distribute and access across languages and markets.
About Asia Masterclass
Positioned as “The Global Gateway to Asian Expertise,” the subscription-based platform brings together practical knowledge and real-world experience from mentors, entrepreneurs and industry professionals across Asia.
By combining premium educational content, artificial intelligence and multilingual technology, Asia Masterclass aims to make Asian expertise more accessible to learners around the world.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Back to index · Read original article
8. Consumer NZ – Record power earnings, shrinking scorched almonds and a $1,399 bad brew: Consumer calls out the year’s letdowns
October 20, 2026
Source: Consumer NZ
Consumer NZ Statement: 20 October 2026
A popular sweet treat hit by shrinkflation, a sector earning billions while its customers struggle, a $1,399 espresso machine that makes a bad-tasting brew and a health insurer with a pitiful net satisfaction score have been named in Consumer’s 2026 Yeah, Nah Awards.
Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy says the annual awards expose products, services and industries that have let New Zealand consumers down.
“Our whole purpose is to inform, advise and stand up for consumers. If we don’t call out the letdowns, who will?”
2026 Yeah, Nah Award “winners”
Scorched by Shrinkflation Award – Nestlé Scorched Almonds
For shrinking the “perfect little gift” by 25% but only dropping the price by 11%
A Consumer staff member noticed that Nestlé Scorched Almonds had shrunk, and a member of the public flagged the same thing. The pack has dropped from 240g to 180g, but the accompanying price cut doesn’t add up.
“Shrinkflation is a regular source of complaints, and this product stands out as one of the most significant examples we’ve seen,” Duffy says.
Nestlé told Consumer the product’s change in size, implemented in May 2026, was part of its broader efforts to manage cost pressures while continuing to offer consumers a quality product at a competitive price.
The RRP of the packet has decreased from $10.70 for a 240g box to $9.50 for a 180g box.
“We did the maths: the product has shrunk by 25%, while the recommended retail price has fallen by only 11%,” Duffy says.
“When you work out the unit price, it means Scorched Almonds now cost a whopping 18% more per 100g, which is nuts! An absolute shocker of a shrinkflation example.”
Power Trip Award – the electricity market
For raking in record earnings while people struggled with their power bills
While a quarter of households struggled to pay their power bills and satisfaction with the energy sector continued to slide, the combined annual earnings of Contact, Meridian, Mercury and Genesis reached a record $3.6 billion – more than $1 billion higher than in 2025. Their combined annual net profit was $959 million.
“Power bills have risen 20% in two years, and, in 2026, business is booming for the major players in the electricity sector,” Duffy says.
“When you’ve got the OECD finding that wholesale power prices in New Zealand are uncomfortably high, far higher than countries with similar renewable energy systems – at the same time that every consumer energy hardship indicator is moving in the wrong direction – there’s no question that the sector is broken.”
For the first time in over a decade, no electricity retailer won Consumer’s People’s Choice Award.
But the sector isn’t going entirely without Consumer’s recognition this year.
Customer satisfaction is falling, hardship is rising and gentailer earnings are soaring – making the electricity sector a clear winner of the “Power Trip” award.
Grounds for Divorce Award – Dr. Coffee H1 automatic coffee machine
For a home espresso machine whose coffee isn’t worth getting out of bed for
Consumer enlisted expert baristas to blind taste-test coffee from more than 100 espresso machines.
They gave the Dr. Coffee H1 a lowly 30 out of 100 for taste – the lowest score of any model tested – saying it was lacking in flavour, aroma and mouth-feel.
The coffee machine’s overall score of 53 also put it at the bottom of the table. Three other machines received the same score, but the Dr. Coffee model costs over $1,000 more than its equally lacklustre competitors.
“At $1,399, this is far too much to pay for a machine that produces a bad-tasting brew,” Duffy says.
Sick of it Award – nib health insurance
For a health insurer in need of a customer service check-up
nib recorded the lowest customer satisfaction rating of any service provider across every sector Consumer monitors. Its net satisfaction score (percentage of satisfied customers minus percentage of dissatisfied customers) was just +1, and more than a third of customers said they had experienced a problem with the health insurer in the past three years.
Consumer conducts customer satisfaction surveys across many sectors – banking, insurance, KiwiSaver, energy, mobile phones and internet service providers.
“We found that even the businesses with the unhappiest customers in other sectors scored significantly higher than nib health insurance,” Duffy says.
The next-lowest result came from Chubb/ANZ life insurance, with a net satisfaction score of +27, 26 points higher than nib’s score of 1.
nib’s customers noted several specific issues: low value for money, lack of clarity about policy cover and exclusions, lack of communication and unsatisfactory customer service.
“With satisfaction this low, we prescribe nib a healthy dose of customer-service training, along with a check-up of its pricing,” Duffy says.
From Yeah, Nah to Hell, Yeah: Past winners that changed course
Some previous poor performers have taken action since receiving a Consumer Yeah, Nah.
Westpac was one of the first Yeah, Nah Award winners, receiving the “Grave Disappointment” award in 2024 after its life-insurance product recorded the lowest customer satisfaction score across Consumer’s surveys.
“Westpac pledged to make improvements, and I am pleased to say that its customer satisfaction score has improved significantly,” Duffy says.
When Westpac received the Yeah, Nah, its life insurance product had a net satisfaction score of –3. The following year it jumped to +31, and it then climbed further to +34.
“This is great news for Westpac and its life-insurance customers.”
After receiving a Yeah, Nah in 2025 for its pricing practices, Harvey Norman undertook to improve some promotional labelling.
“Our team has been price-tracking for a Black Friday investigation, and we’ve noticed marked improvement in Harvey Norman’s promotional language,” Duffy says.
Barkers menswear also received an award last year for an online returns policy that risked misleading consumers about their rights. In response to Consumer’s findings, Barkers said it would fully review its returns policy.
“We are pleased to see Barkers’ online returns policy has had a significant overhaul,” Duffy says.
The nominations and awards process
To be a contender for a Yeah, Nah Award, a product, business or service must meet one or more of the following criteria.
- Failing a legal standard
- Stinging customers with hidden charges
- Using false claims or broken promises
- Selling products or services that are an absolute rip-off
- Using unclear messaging or design that causes consumers confusion, frustration or just plain outrage.
Some award winners have come from public nominations, and others we have come across in our team’s regular work programme of research and investigations.
See all the winners on Consumer’s website: Yeah, Nah Awards 2026.
https://campaigns.consumer.org.nz/yeah-nah-awards
About Consumer
Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to championing and empowering consumers in Aotearoa. Consumer NZ has a reputation for being fair, impartial and providing comprehensive consumer information and advice.
Back to index · Read original article
9. SCG Shares Perspectives on Innovation and AI at the Forbes Global CEO Conference 2026, Highlighting New Ways of Working for a Fast-Changing Business World
October 20, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
SCG Shares Perspectives on Innovation and AI at the Forbes Global CEO Conference 2026, Highlighting New Ways of Working for a Fast-Changing Business World
The Forbes Global CEO Conference is an annual gathering of business leaders, investors and thought leaders from around the world to exchange views on the economy, business trends and opportunities for international collaboration. This year’s conference was held in Singapore on 7–8 October 2026, with SCG among the representatives of the Thai business community in attendance.
Mr. Thammasak said, “The rapid pace of change in the business world requires organizations to adapt in terms of technology, mindset and ways of working. Innovation is not limited to adopting new technologies; it also means adjusting working models to suit the circumstances so that teams can think, decide and act together more quickly. One example is Low Carbon Cement, for which SCG has combined external knowledge with in-house research to accelerate development and scale-up to commercial production. This responds to customers’ demand for green products and enhances the competitiveness of the domestic cement industry. Development has also begun in Vietnam, with plans to expand to Indonesia.”
At the Forbes Global CEO Conference 2026, SCG exchanged views with business leaders from various industries in China and India who joined the panel on “Faster Turns, Breaking Limits.” The discussion covered innovation, AI and technology, as well as adapting mindsets and ways of working to keep pace with a changing business landscape and with competition across ASEAN.
Hashtag: #SCG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Back to index · Read original article
10. Asia-Pacific must overcome finance and technology gaps to unlock ocean climate potential
October 20, 2026
Source: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Bangkok, 20 October 2026
The ocean could provide up to 35% of the global emission reductions needed by 2050. Yet, turning this potential into action in Asia and the Pacific will require better access to finance, technology and technical expertise, according to a forthcoming regional report by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The report, Ocean-based Climate Action in Asia and the Pacific: Status and Ways Forward, will be launched during the opening plenary of the Asia-Pacific Ocean Week 2026, taking place in Bangkok from 26 to 30 October. It examines how countries can accelerate ocean-based climate action, from restoring carbon-storing mangroves and seagrass meadows to cutting shipping emissions and expanding offshore wind power.
While countries across the region are increasingly including ocean-based climate action in their national climate plans, the report highlights the need for stronger coordination across sectors, more coherent policies and improved access to climate finance to turn these commitments into measurable results.
These findings will inform discussions at Asia-Pacific Ocean Week, bringing together senior officials, researchers and civil society representatives to identify practical solutions and strengthen regional cooperation to scale up ocean-based climate action.
Key Speakers
- Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana
Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) - H.E. François Vandeville
Ambassador of France to the Kingdom of Thailand - H.E. Filimon Manoni
Pacific Ocean Commissioner, Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner
What: Asia-Pacific Ocean Week
When: 26 – 30 October 2026
Where: UN Conference Centre, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, 10200 Bangkok
In-person registration: https://indico.un.org/event/1024992/
Full programme: https://www.unescap.org/events/2026/asia-pacific-ocean-week
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region. The Commission promotes cooperation among its member States and associate members in pursuit of solutions to sustainable development challenges. ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations.
Back to index · Read original article