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Cambodia’s economy grew 5.6 per cent in 2023 and is projected to rise to 5.8 per cent in 2024, driven by garment, footwear, and tourism exports. In June, the World Bank admired Cambodia’s economic activity, which peaked in the first quarter of 2024, driven by a revival of services and goods exports despite subdued domestic demand. The country’s economic growth has been 5.6 per cent in 2023, which is expected to improve marginally to 5.8 per cent in 2024, strengthen to 6.1 per cent in 2025 and reach 6.4 per cent in 2026. The projections are based on a revival in garment, travel goods, footwear exports, and tourism expected to propel the ongoing recovery. While the international tourist arrivals improved in the first quarter to 84 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, the exports of garments, travel goods, and footwear rebounded with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region emerging as Cambodia’s second largest export market after the US. Rising foreign investment in manufacturing and agriculture also contributed to the recovery. Inflation also declined to zero in March with deceleration in food prices. Later in October, IMF (International Monetary Fund) projected economic growth in 2024 at 5.5 per cent. However, the growth drivers – strong rebound in garment and tourism as also observed by the World Bank, remained common in both projections. The inflation projection is around 1.5 per cent prior to an expected convergence to the long-term trend of 3 per cent. In the first half, the inflation moderated to an average of 1.6 per cent, y-o-y. IMF recommended structural reforms to diversify growth drivers and improve productivity. January-September trade The international sales (exports) of various articles of apparel and clothing accessories – both knitted and non-knitted, footwear gaiters, leather and fur goods, as well as some processed textiles, reached $966.98 million in the month of January, accounting for 49.16 per cent of Cambodia’s total export value of $1,967 million. This was 21.64 per cent up from January 2023 and attributed to the global recovery towards the end of 2023, a decrease in the stock levels of textile products at overseas companies, and revitalisation of global tourism, which boosted the demand for GFT products in key markets of the US, EU, Japan, Canada and the UK. By February end, Cambodia cumulatively exported more than $1.6 billion worth of textile products to international markets, surging by nearly a quarter compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in exports was also due to an increase in shipments to member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Between January and May 2024, Cambodia exported $4.969 billion worth of garments, footwear and travel goods (GFT), growing by 20% y-o-y. In this, combined exports of apparel and textiles accounted for $3.628 billion, rising 22 per cent y-o-y. The positive trend marked a turnaround after 18 months of continuous decline. The GFT sector comprises around 1,680 factories and branches, employing nearly 918,000 workers, mostly female. Export of footwear was worth $615 million—up by 10 per cent YoY, while the figure for travel goods was $726 million—up by 18.8 per cent y-o-y. During the five-month period, the country’s total trade volume increased 12.5 per cent over $19.2 billion during the same period last year. Combining all three quarters from January to September, Cambodia exported textile products, encompassing knitted articles of apparel and clothing accessories (HS Code 61), non-knitted articles (Code 62), other textiles (Code 63), and footwear and gaiters (Code 64), worth $8.758 billion which reflected a 24.51 per cent increase over $7.034 billion (2023). This represented 44.16 per cent of the country’s total export revenue of $19.833 billion. Code 61 products generated revenue of $5.034 billion (up 21.5 per cent), Code 62 amounted to $2.353 billion (up 31.9 per cent), Code 63 accounted for $155.69 million (up 37.7 per cent), and Code 64 brought in $1.214 billion (up 22.4 per cent). The growth in exports over 2023 was largely attributed to Cambodia’s political stability within ASEAN, especially in comparison to Bangladesh and Myanmar. The country’s favourable investment laws, the efficiency of its workers and the availability of skilled labour, the quality and quantity of production, improved transportation infrastructure, and a growing number of international buyers were other major growth drivers. The country also attracted many foreign financiers who are currently investing in textile manufacturing. In terms of country (not region), Canada remained the fourth largest market, after the top three of the US, Japan and Spain, for Cambodian apparel exports during the first six months of 2024. Cambodia’s total apparel exports totalled $5.548 billion, and Canada accounted for 8.29 per cent of the total. During the period, Canada was supplied with apparel worth $452.916 million, with trousers and shorts having the largest share of 36.06 per cent and valued at $163.392 million. Among other apparel categories, jerseys, valued at $74.217 million, had a 16.39 per cent share in total apparel exports; T-shirts amounted to $38.560 million, contributing 8.51 per cent; shirts were worth $31.012 million, had a 6.85 per cent share; and coats, valued at $20.969 million, contributed 4.63 per cent share. EU-switch garment project The four-year tenure of the EU-Switch Garment Project, which promoted sustainable energy practices in the Cambodian garment sector, ended in May. The European Union SWITCH-Asia Grants Programme funded the project. It jointly implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), TAFTAC (Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association), and Geres in partnership with the MoE (Ministry of Environment) and MISTI (Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation). The event was attended by over 100 participants and featured the project’s detailed achievements, and networking opportunities to discuss the future of sustainable garment production in Cambodia. The EU-Switch Garment project aimed to improve the environmental sustainability of the country’s garment industries by offering technical assistance in the form of energy audits, capacity building, technical guidelines, and improved financing access. During the tenure, the Model Green Factory Program—a voluntary tool to become a greener factory—was developed, acknowledged by MoE and MISTI, and adopted by TAFTAC for implementation. The project also contributed to bringing sector stakeholders together to enhance better access to finance. The National Steering Committee held its first meeting on June 20, 2024 in Phnom Penh, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of State, MoE. At the meeting, the Committee members listed work streams for 2024-2025 and decided to focus on two priority work streams that are expected to have a significant impact on Cambodia’s green economic transaction efforts: Enhancing the Government’s technical capacity in economic foresight and fiscal policy: This work stream would support policymakers in using data to make informed decisions and in systematically assessing the economic, social, and environmental impacts of fiscal and economic decisions. Additionally, integrated planning, modelling, and sustainable budgeting would help the Cambodian Government optimise resources, attract new financing, and align with development priorities. Promoting a circular economy with a focus on reducing single-use plastics and implementing the 4R principles within the garment industry: This work stream would aim to decarbonise the garment sector by reducing carbon emissions through technological innovation, aligning with the UNFCCC Fashion Charter principles. It focuses on reducing fabric waste, promoting circular fashion, and supporting the government’s target to reduce plastic use and promote the 4R principles as part of the Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028. On the occasion, PAGE (Partnership for Action on Green Economy) also presented a summary brief, developed based on the last year’s policy scoping study conducted in collaboration with the Cambodian Development Resource Institute, outlining five priorities that serve as a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders to identify the obstacles and opportunities for fostering a green economic transition in Cambodia. Workshop on green initiatives A workshop ‘Reporting on Human Rights Due Diligence (HREDD) and Sustainability Requirements for International Buyers’ was organised on September 19, 2024, by GOPA Consulting Group’s team leading the GIZ-funded project “Services to strengthen capacities for sustainable management in the textile sector” in association with TAFTAC. The workshop marked the end of the project. Held in the headquarters of TAFTAC, the workshop lauded the efforts of 45 TAFTAC member factories for the successful completion of the Model Green Factory Program. The training at the workshop had three main objectives – environmental data management, energy efficiency, and job and data management, which are integral to international sustainability standards. Minimum wages revised The National Council on Minimum Wage (NCMW) – a tripartite body comprising equal representation of labour unions, employer’s associations, and the government, increased the minimum wage for the textile, garment, footwear and travel product industries for 2025, through Prakas 211 which will come into force with effect from January 1, 2025. The new minimum wages will be $208 pm (per month) and $206 pm for regular and probationary workers, respectively. Earlier wages were $204 pm and $202 pm. Prakas 211 also outlined the minimum wage provisions for piece rate workers, who are compensated based on their level of output. These workers have the potential to earn more than the minimum wage if their production yields a higher pay rate. However, if their production results in earnings lower than the minimum wage, their pay is adjusted to meet the minimum wage threshold of $208 pm for regular workers or $206 pm for probationary workers. In addition to the minimum wage, workers will also receive the attendance bonus of $10 pm; travel and accommodation expenses of $7 pm; meal allowances of $0.50 per day; and overtime and seniority bonus of $2 to $11 pm for those between their second to the eleventh year of work. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SB – WE)Westchester Soccer Club Debuts New Home Kit to Kick Off Upcoming SeasonNew ’48-hour warning’ issued as cases of violent diarrhoea bug explode – and common ‘protection’ WON’T workIn recent years, the historical drama "Ming Dynasty" has captured the hearts of audiences around the world with its gripping storyline, compelling characters, and impressive production quality. Now, the show is taking its success to new heights with a series of exciting overseas promotions that showcase the best of what it has to offer.
The victory was a testament to the hard work and dedication of Udinese's players and coaching staff, who had clearly put in the effort to address the issues that had been holding the team back in recent matches. The result not only lifted the team's morale but also sent a strong message to their rivals that Udinese are serious contenders in the Serie A title race.The rapid development of the HarmonyOS ecosystem in Fujian can be attributed to a combination of factors, including strong government support, proactive industry partnerships, and a vibrant developer community. Local authorities have been actively promoting the adoption of HarmonyOS in various sectors, recognizing its potential to drive innovation and economic growth. This has created a favorable environment for developers and tech companies to explore new opportunities and unleash their creativity on the HarmonyOS platform.
In addition to the growing number of native applications, the HarmonyOS ecosystem in Fujian is also supported by a thriving developer community that is actively engaged in creating and optimizing apps for the platform. Huawei has been organizing various developer events, hackathons, and workshops to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among developers, enabling them to enhance their skills and leverage the full potential of the HarmonyOS platform.
A study by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has explored optimal albedo and tilt angles for bifacial perovskite solar cells. They have discovered that a rear-side albedo of 0.5 combined with a 20-degree tilt angle delivers maximum efficiency. Lambertian reflection and albedo key to boosting performance Bifacial perovskite solar cells (Bi-PSCs) have gained significant attention in the photovoltaic (PV) community for their potential to boost power generation, suitability for integration into building structures, and application in multijunction PV systems. The new study explores the fabrication of efficient bifacial perovskite solar cells and examines their unique properties through various characterization techniques, including Lambertian reflection effects from tilt angle adjustments and bottom albedo illumination, according to lead author Paul Ananta. The scientists identified the transparent back contact, made of indium zinc oxide (IZO), as the core component of their bifacial solar cells. They highlighted its excellent conductivity, high mobility, and optimal transparency. The device features an active area of 0.175 cm2 when illuminated from the front and 0.14 cm2 from the rear. The cell features a transparent fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate, an electron transport layer (ETL) made of tin oxide (SnO2), a perovskite absorber, a hole transport layer (HTL) composed of spiro-OMeTAD and molybdenum oxide (MoOx), and an indium zinc oxide (IZO) layer. The control device achieved a maximum power conversion efficiency of 17.46% under front-side 1 Sun AM1.5G illumination. A significant impact of ground Lambertian reflection was observed with tilt angle variations, increasing efficiency from 17.46% to 18.82% as the tilt angle reached 20 degrees. The researchers also found that increasing the rear-side albedo to 0.5 Sun resulted in a maximum efficiency of 26% and a bifaciality factor of 89.3% at a 20-degree tilt angle. SCAPS-1D simulations confirm experimental results The synergistic effect of 0.5 Sun albedo and a 20-degree tilt angle resulted in bifacial perovskite solar cells with an efficiency of 26.46%. SCAPS-1D simulations were also used to validate the experimental Lambertian reflection effects. The researchers also found that the cells demonstrated intrinsic self-encapsulation and chemical durability. Moreover, the study predicts that cost-effective and highly efficient bifacial perovskite solar cells will become a leading photovoltaic technology for electricity generation in both single-junction and tandem configurations in the near future. Perovskite solar cells, developed by Tsutomu Miyasaka in 2009, marked a breakthrough in photovoltaics and offer a promising alternative to traditional solar technologies. Now, leading research labs worldwide are exploring these next-gen cells, which can absorb a wider spectrum of sunlight. Furthermore, innovations like perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells enhance the technology by merging the strengths of perovskite and crystalline silicon, enabling the capture of a broader spectrum of sunlight and boosting overall efficiency.
As the day of the match approached, the excitement in the village was palpable. The streets were adorned with banners and decorations in the team's colors, and the villagers came together to show their support. The entire community rallied behind their team, united in their hope for a miracle on the football field.Elon Musk vows 'war' over H-1B visa program amid rift with some Trump supporters
Seann Walsh fumes ‘I’m unfollowing all of you’ as he’s voted off by celebs on The Weakest Link specialXiang Zuo was greeted warmly by the salon's owner, Xiao Hua, a renowned hairstylist known for his creative vision and attention to detail. The two shared a quick exchange before Xiang Zuo settled into the stylist's chair, ready for his transformation to begin.
In the bustling realm of dreams, where fantasies and realities intertwine, there exists a magical place known as the Dreamwood. It is here that dreams are nurtured and protected, where they take on a life of their own and shape the world of the dreamers. And in the heart of the Dreamwood, resides a guardian spirit named Sora.
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In conclusion, the price of a down jacket can vary widely depending on factors such as brand, quality, materials, and features. When evaluating how much to spend on a down jacket, it's essential to consider the intended use, durability, and performance of the jacket. Investing in a high-quality down jacket within the $200 to $500 range is recommended for those seeking a reliable and long-lasting option for outdoor activities in cold weather. Remember, a good down jacket is an investment that should provide warmth, comfort, and protection for years to come.
Linq Blue Automates and Personalizes iMessage Outreach to Boost Engagement and Efficiency BIRMINGHAM, Ala. , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Linq, the world's leading mobile CRM and lead capture platform, announces Linq Blue — an iMessage automation tool designed to revolutionize sales communication. This breakthrough feature empowers businesses to automate and personalize customer outreach via iMessage—without requiring an iPhone. Launching January 2025 , Linq Blue offers seamless messaging capabilities that drive higher response rates and unlock new levels of sales efficiency. Why Linq Blue is a Game-Changer Reserve Your Spot Today Linq Blue is now open for early access reservations to a closed beta. Learn more and reserve your spot at https://linqapp.com/s/imessage-automation/ About Linq: Founded in Birmingham, AL , Linq is a rapidly growing tech company that transforms the way businesses manage contacts, relationships, and workflows. With a focus on mobile-first solutions, Linq integrates seamlessly with existing CRM platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot, offering an easy-to-use interface that enables teams to work effectively, no matter where they are. For more information, visit www.linqapp.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/linq-launches-blue-messages-for-sales-302314658.html SOURCE LinqAs the saying goes, “You don't know what you've got till it's gone.” This couldn't ring truer for the “Lady of the Fountain,” an iconic piece of Johnson City's history that, at one point, sat in a foul-smelling dump ready to be cut up and shipped off as scrap metal for World War II. Much of what is known about the artwork — a six-foot solid bronze and aluminum statue — is thanks to former Johnson City Press columnist Bob Cox, whose fascination with local history led to several articles detailing the piece's storied past. There were — and perhaps still are — some elaborate theories and rumors about the origins of the Lady, perhaps the most popular fiction being that the work was commissioned by a European monarch for his young daughter. The true history of the Lady is something far more personal and involving. She was, in fact, saved from destruction and witnessed years of transformation around her, whether it be technological advancements like the arrival of the automobile or watching over a private garden while the family who possessed it grew up over the years. The Lady was commissioned by former Johnson City Mayor James A. Summers in 1904 or 1905, in honor of Congressman Walter P. Brownlow, who helped to establish a National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers branch in the city. The Lady was crafted in a New York City foundry, J. L. Mott Iron Works, and delivered to Johnson City. The statue was originally named “Greek Water Carrier” when it was made. According to the Smithsonian Institution, only three statues are known to be in existence. She was placed over a fountain in Johnson City's bustling Fountain Square in 1905, facing southeast toward the Unaka National Bank building on Main Street. Several small pans were positioned around the base of the fountain, supplying water for horses and small animals. Humans also used the fountain for refreshment, with the Lady “gifting” water to passersby. She remained in Fountain Square until 1938, when the fountain was discarded, and the statue was removed for the widening of Buffalo Street. She was relocated to the entrance of Roosevelt Stadium (later known as Memorial Stadium), which has since been demolished. In 1943, city officials decided to replace her with a World War I doughboy statue. Off to the dump she went. As Cox wrote in 2005, keeping the statue at a dump “was no way to treat a lady.” But the Lady was soon rescued by the widow of former Mayor Summers — Alice Mountcastle Summers — once she learned of the city's plans for the statue. According to John H. Zollicoffer, grandson to Alice, she saved the Lady “just in the nick of time as the Lady was already proceeding to be cut up into scrap metal.” John said his grandmother had to have a portion of the statue fused back together around the Lady's leg where it had already been cut. Concrete was placed in that area by the prefabricators to stabilize the repair. The statue was temporarily placed in Alice's garage on Watauga Avenue until 1950, when it was retrieved by Helen Summers Zollicoffer, John's mother. “My mother married and moved 300 miles to Henderson (in North Carolina),” said John in 2005. “(She) was building a home and the fountain was put into operating condition so that water flowed out of the vase on the Lady's shoulders, and it became the centerpiece of her home garden.” The statue was also renamed “Madam.” The statue became a part of their family's story and remained a constant presence for years. City officials learned of Madame Zollicoffer's existence and made several inquiries to have it returned to Johnson City. However, Helen loved Madam, and the statue remained at the house. In 1979, the Zollicoffer heirs sold their home and estate to Charles Peete Rose, the father of journalist Charlie Rose. In the estate sale, the Zollicoffer family requested that the statue be returned to Johnson City due to its historical significance. After three weeks of repair work made to the Lady by teacher Mike Rose and his students at Cloudland High School in Roan Mountain, she made a triumphant return to Johnson City with a homecoming celebration on Sept. 20, 1983. Upon her return, the Lady presided in the offices of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce, where it remained until the Johnson City Commission voted to move the statue to the Johnson City Public Library. In the late 1990s, Johnson City Public Library Director Mark Thomas deemed the statue to be too big for the new public library that would soon be opening. After she was moved to the Municipal & Safety Building, it was decided that the statue would be better suited for the Carnegie Hotel. However, the statue never came to call the Carnegie Hotel home, and she has ultimately remained at the Municipal & Safety Building since 1998. In 2007, she was briefly put on display at the Hands On! Regional Museum during an interactive exhibit showcasing 150 years of Johnson City history. In 2008, the Johnson City Development Authority asked its brand-new director, Suzanne Kuehn, to seek out grant funding for a project to bring the Lady back to its former downtown spot. This began a series of events that ultimately led to the city deciding to create a replica for Fountain Square. In 2010, David Spence of Abingdon, Virginia, made the replica. A dedication ceremony was held at Fountain Square, where it remains to this day atop a fountain. The original Lady is located on the lower level of the Municipal & Safety Building. She continues to be a witness to the changes that unfold around her.Manmohan Singh funeral: Congress claims ‘mismanagement’; BJP alleges ‘cheap politics’NEW YORK — Dylan Raiola took the shotgun snap and saw the Boston College defensive end crash in hard. Time to improvise. On the day Raiola set a new Nebraska freshman passing record for a season, perhaps his most crucial sequence came on a rare run. With the Huskers leaking momentum after a blocked punt helped whittle their lead to 20-15 late in the fourth quarter, the quarterback pulled the ball from Rahmir Johnson and took off to his left on a first-and-10 play from the NU 36. Raiola picked up five yards and slid late as defensive back Carter Davis crashed into him. Officials flagged Davis for a late-hit personal foul — Eagles coach Bill O’Brien vehemently disagreed in the moment and declined to discuss it afterward — as Raiola rolled to his feet and got in the face of the defender to set off a brief on-field scuffle. “He tried to take me out which is why I came up and kind of reacted,” Raiola said. “But I guess it was just kind of the fire in me. Game’s on the line, I’m going to lay it on the line for my team. I got up, I knew I wasn’t going to do anything but my linemen came in and kind of cleaned up for me.” Raiola finished 23-of-31 passing for 228 yards, pushing his season passing total to 2,823 yards in 13 games. The previous school mark was 2,617 by Adrian Martinez in 2018. Get local news delivered to your inbox!