JAKARTA, Indonesia. April 02, 2026 Indonesia Crypto Exchange (ICEx) today officially launched its institutionalcrypto asset infrastructure platform, marking a significant milestone in advancing Indonesia’s rolewithin the global digital financial asset ecosystem and reinforcing the country’s ambition to build asecure, trusted, and future-ready digital asset market. ICEx has obtained official authorization as an Operator of a Digital Financial Asset Exchange,including crypto assets, from the Financial Services Authority (OJK) through Decree No.KEP-2/D.07/2026 dated 5 January 2026. ICEx’s infrastructure is now fully established following theissuance of licenses to International Crypto Custodian (ICC) under Decree No. KEP-11/D.07/2026and to Crypto Asset Clearing International (CACI) under Decree No. KEP-12/D.07/2026. With theseapprovals in place, ICEx Group is fully licensed and operational within an integrated regulatoryframework as part of a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO). Source Link: https://icex.id/indonesia-crypto-exchange-launches-as-institutional-crypto-market-infrastructure-in-southeast-asia/ Alexander Solomon Report is a socio-corporate media platform of highlights on company news and industry events. The ASR TV E xposé offers higher interests and wider readership in return for mileage. For postings and publicity, email to info@alexandersolomonreport.com

SAN FRANCISCO, United States of America. January 28, 2026 January 2026 Demo Day took place on January 28, 2026 in San Francisco. To see the companies on our Demo Day Investor Platform please visit: 👉🏻 https://demoday.joinef.com/january-2026/ 0:00:00  Fireside chat with Dwarkesh Patel and Matt Clifford 0:25:25  Alice Bentinck intro 0:28:49  Buckeye AI 0:31:38  Truvo 0:34:39  Allude 0:37:11  M11 0:39:36  Pharosyn 0:42:05  Sekkari 0:45:33  Orbi 0:48:19  Atlas 0:51:20  Catalon 0:54:04  Nerva AI 0:56:2 Odysser 0:58:51  Letty 1:01:19  Movable Voice 1:03:45  Rencom 1:06:08  Bluevia Health 1:08:17  Rama ----------------------- Entrepreneurs First Investment Manager LLP (LLP No. OC397263) (“EFIM”) with registered office address at International House, 64 Nile Street, London, N1 7SR, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with FRN:.807367 This communication is only intended for professional or accredited investors who have the experience, knowledge and competence to make their own investment decisions and properly assess the risks involved. Before investing in any product, you, as an investor, should fully understand the risks, including any market risk associated with the issuer, the financial merits and suitability of such products and consult your own legal, tax, financial and accounting advisors before making an investment decision. Investing involves risk of loss, including risk of losing substantially all of your investment, which you should be prepared to bear. The information provided on this Youtube channel is not intended as a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any shares or security or suggest that you pursue any investment style or strategy. Under no circumstances should anything herein be construed as an offer to sell or solicitation of interest to purchase any securities, including any securities of EFIM or any entities managed or advised by EFIM (together being, “Entrepreneurs First”) or any securities of Entrepreneurs First’s portfolio companies EFIM does not pronounce on the future performances of an investment. Generally, investments in new businesses entail substantial risks and should not be intended as a complete investment program. It is highly speculative and potential investors should be aware that no established market exists for the trading of shares in private companies. Therefore, past performance cannot be taken as an indication of future performance. The value of the invested capital as well as the incomes resulting from it are subject to fluctuations which can lead to losses, even reducing the invested capital to zero. The content on each Youtube video is owned by the respective company listed in the EF’s Demo Day page (the “Demo Day Companies”) and not by EFIM. Each Demo Day Company is solely responsible for the information provided. EFIM has not verified the information and nothing contained herein shall constitute any representation or warranty by EFIM and no responsibility or liability is accepted by EFIM as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided herein. Entrepreneurs First (USA) Operations LLC (EFOL US), an incubator and accelerator, is sponsor of January ‘26 Demo Day. Neither EFOL US nor its affiliates participate in any revenue generated by January ‘26 Demo Day. Source Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5KP9_fM85Q Alexander Solomon Report is a socio-corporate media platform of highlights on company news and industry events. The ASR TV E xposé offers higher interests and wider readership in return for mileage. For postings and publicity, email to info@alexandersolomonreport.com

HONG KONG. March 27, 2026 Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is pleased to announce today (Friday) it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia) to strengthen collaboration and enhance capital market connectivity between Hong Kong and Malaysia, including cooperation on dual listings, ETFs, joint development of indices and investment products, Shariah-compliant securities, and carbon markets. As part of the collaboration, the two exchanges announced the launch of the HKEX Bursa Malaysia Large Cap Index, a new co branded benchmark designed to enhance cross market access for investors. It measures the performance of the 60 largest companies listed in Hong Kong and Malaysia by market capitalisation, with 30 constituents drawn from each market and index weightings of approximately 60 per cent for Hong Kong-listed companies, and 40 per cent for Malaysian-listed companies. HKEX Chief Executive Officer, Bonnie Y Chan, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Bursa Malaysia to drive enhanced connectivity between our capital markets. Malaysia sits at the heart of Southeast Asia -- one of the world’s fastest growing regions -- known for exciting opportunities in sectors such as innovation, consumer and resources, while HKEX is home to Asia’s most vibrant international marketplace, offering exclusive connectivity to opportunities on the Chinese Mainland. “Expanding our engagement with the region is a key strategic priority as we continue our work to build a multi-asset product ecosystem, drawing global liquidity to Asia at a time of heightened macro uncertainties. The launch of the HKEX Bursa Malaysia Large Cap Index, together with the signing of this MOU, marks the latest step in our journey to advance regional connectivity through tangible outcomes that benefit our markets,” Ms Chan added. Bursa Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, said: “As global markets become more volatile and capital flows rotate dynamically across geographies, internationalisation is a vital growth enabler for exchanges. This collaboration with HKEX aligns with our efforts to boost market vibrancy, expand opportunities for PLCs and investors, and enhance Malaysia’s connectivity and visibility within the global investment landscape. “Malaysia’s market is underpinned by a strong base of domestic institutional investors alongside our leadership in Islamic capital market. These strengths position Bursa Malaysia as a platform that connects corporates and Shariah‑compliant investments with regional and global capital, while serving as a gateway for companies seeking access to ASEAN’s growth markets. The launch of the HKEX Bursa Malaysia Large Cap Index marks an important early milestone under this MOU, elevating the market presence of Malaysian PLCs among investors in the region and highlighting the diversity of our sectors,” he added. The launch of the HKEX Bursa Malaysia Large Cap Index is part of HKEX's commitment to building an exchange-led index ecosystem that will add vibrancy across the primary and secondary markets, whilst meeting growing demand for diversified regional investment opportunities. HKEX also hosts 30 Malaysian companies listed on its Exchange, part of a total of 103 issuers from Southeast Asia in Hong Kong. HKEX will continue to work closely with exchanges and partners across Asia to strengthen regional connectivity, broaden access to its products and support the long term development of global capital markets. (Left to right) Bursa Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed and HKEX Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Y Chan sign a Memorandum of Understanding at Bursa Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. (Left to right) Bursa Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed and HKEX Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Y Chan exchange Tokens of Appreciation About HKEX Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is a publicly-traded company (HKEX Stock Code:388) and one of the world’s leading global exchange groups, offering a range of equity, derivative, commodity, fixed income and other financial markets, products and services, including the London Metal Exchange. As a superconnector and gateway between East and West, HKEX facilitates the two-way flow of capital, ideas and dialogue between China and the rest of the world, through its pioneering Connect schemes, increasingly diversified product ecosystem and its deep, liquid and international markets. HKEX is a purpose-led organisation which, across its business and through the work of HKEX Foundation, seeks to connect, promote and progress its markets and the communities it supports for the prosperity of all. www.hkexgroup.com Source Link: https://www.hkex.com.hk/News/News-Release/2026/260327news?sc_lang=en Alexander Solomon Report is a socio-corporate media platform of highlights on company news and industry events. The ASR TV E xposé offers higher interests and wider readership in return for mileage. For postings and publicity, email to info@alexandersolomonreport.com

MUMBAI, India. April 3, 2026 The following State Governments have offered to sell stock by way of auction, for an aggregate amount of ₹18,159 Crore  (Face Value). The auction will be conducted on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on April 07, 2026 (Tuesday) . The Government Stock up to ten per cent of the notified amount of the sale of each stock will be allotted to eligible individuals and institutions, subject to a maximum limit of one per cent of its notified amount for a single bid per stock as per the ‘ Scheme for Non-competitive Bidding Facility ’. Individual investors can also place bids as per the non-competitive scheme through the Retail Direct portal ( https://rbiretaildirect.org.in ). Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on April 07, 2026 (Tuesday). The competitive bids should be submitted between 10:30 A.M. and 11:30 A.M. and non-competitive bids should be submitted between 10:30 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. In case of technical difficulties, Core Banking Operations Team may be contacted ( email ; Phone no: 022-69870466, 022-69870415). For other auction related difficulties, IDMD Auction Team can be contacted ( email ; Phone no: 022-22702431, 022-22705125). Only in the event of system failure, physical bids would be accepted. Such physical bids should be submitted to the Public Debt Office ( email ; Phone no: 022-22603456, 022-22603457, 022-22603190) in the prescribed form obtainable from RBI website ( https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_ViewForms.aspx ) before the auction timing ends. The yield per cent per annum or the price as the case may be, expected by the bidder should be expressed up to two decimal points. An investor can submit more than one competitive bid at same/different rates of yield or prices in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system. However, the aggregate amount of bids submitted by a bidder should not exceed the notified amount for each State. The Reserve Bank of India will determine the maximum yield / minimum price at which bids will be accepted. Stock will be issued for a minimum nominal amount of ₹10,000.00 and in multiples of ₹10,000.00 thereafter. The results of the auction will be announced on April 07, 2026 (Tuesday) and payment by successful bidders will be made during banking hours on April 08, 2026 (Wednesday) at Mumbai and at respective Regional Offices of RBI. The new State Government Stocks will bear interest at the rates determined by RBI at the auctions. For the new stock , interest will be paid half yearly on October 08 and April 08 of each year till maturity. For the re-issued Government Stock, interest will be paid at the rate as determined on the date of original issue of Government Stock and will be paid on half yearly basis till maturity. The Stocks will be governed by the provisions of the Government Securities Act, 2006 and the Government Securities Regulations, 2007. The investment in State Government Stocks will be reckoned as an eligible investment in Government Securities by banks for the purpose of Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) under Section 24 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The stocks will qualify for the ready forward facility. Ajit Prasad           Deputy General Manager(Communications)     Press Release: 2026-2027/19 Source Link: https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=62497 Alexander Solomon Report is a socio-corporate media platform of highlights on company news and industry events. The ASR TV E xposé offers higher interests and wider readership in return for mileage. For postings and publicity, email to info@alexandersolomonreport.com

LANGKAWI, Malaysia. November 23, 2025 A landmark event set to highlight Malaysia's maritime excellence in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi (LADA) and MYBOS Event Sdn. Bhd. today officially announced their partnership as co-organisers of the Malaysia International Boat Show 2026 (MYBOS'26) — a premier international marine and lifestyle event scheduled to take place in Royal Langkawi Yacht Club from 2 to 5 April 2026. Source Link: https://www.malaysiainternationalboatshow.com/pages/press-releases.php Alexander Solomon Report is a socio-corporate media platform of highlights on company news and industry events. The ASR TV E xposé offers higher interests and wider readership in return for mileage. For postings and publicity, email to info@alexandersolomonreport.com

BANGALORE, India. 26 February-02 March 2026 MACHINERY FOR WORKING WOOD AND SIMILAR MATERIALS CONTACTS ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION - TRADE PROMOTION OFFICE OF THE ITALIAN EMBASSY50-E, CHANDRAGUPTA MARG, CHANAKYAPURI, NEW DELHI 110 021Tel. 009111 24101272newdelhi@ice.it Source Link: https://www.ice.it/en/index.php/events-in-month Alexander Solomon Report is a socio-corporate media platform of highlights on company news and industry events. The ASR TV E xposé offers higher interests and wider readership in return for mileage. For postings and publicity, email to info@alexandersolomonreport.com

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Next Cohort: Oct 2025 - Jan 2026 THE PROGRAM ​ ​​ The MITdesignX Dubai (MDXB) accelerator is led by faculty from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, together with local partners Dubai Silicon Oasis (DTEC), Global Growth Hub (GGH), and MISTI - MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives.  ​ MITdesignX is a program for entrepreneurship and innovation in the Morningside Academy for Design at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  For over seven years, they have run a leading accelerator program at MIT, supporting students and faculty as they transform ideas and research into viable businesses and organizations.   In addition, together with global partners, MITdesignX has created a network of accelerator programs in key cities around the world.  Each accelerator focuses on an industry, theme or mission pertinent to the location it is in. Source Link: https://www.mdxb.mit.edu/ Alexander Solomon Report is a socio-corporate media platform of highlights on company news and industry events. The ASR TV E xposé offers higher interests and wider readership in return for mileage. For postings and publicity, email to info@alexandersolomonreport.com

TOKYO, Japan. March 30, 2026 Tokyo Stock Exchange, Inc. (TSE) launched the RFQ (Request For Quote) platform, CONNEQTOR, in February 2021 with the aim of improving liquidity in the ETF market. We are pleased to announce that Chibagin Securities Co., Ltd. will join as a broker to provide connectivity to CONNEQTOR from February 2026. This brings to 23 the number of brokers that offer CONNEQTOR to institutional investors. TSE will continue our efforts to develop a market that is highly convenient market environment that enables to execute smoothly and better price for investors. Source Link: https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/corporate/news/news-releases/1030/20260330-01.html Alexander Solomon Report is a socio-corporate media platform of highlights on company news and industry events. The ASR TV E xposé offers higher interests and wider readership in return for mileage. For postings and publicity, email to info@alexandersolomonreport.com

LONDON, UK. 23 Mar 2026 HSBC Holdings plc today announced David Rice will be appointed as HSBC’s first Chief AI Officer, effective 1 April. This new role provides clear enterprise leadership for AI adoption within HSBC in support of its ambition to build a bank designed for the future by embedding AI solutions that benefit colleagues and customers. The appointment comes as part of a wider focus on deploying AI at scale across HSBC by making generative AI tools available to all staff to simplify processes, procedures and policies, and equip customer-facing colleagues with the AI tools they need to deliver more personalised services. Georges Elhedery, Group CEO, HSBC said: “Our customers increasingly expect their bank to deliver services uniquely aligned to their specific needs, and fast. That’s why we’re building a bank that is designed for the future. “AI plays a key role in how we get there. “Our ambition here is simple – we will empower our colleagues to use AI to create a personalised experience for each customer, deliver it safely, in real time and at scale, while keeping human judgement, decision-making and accountability at the core. David will be instrumental in helping us realise our ambition in this area.” David Rice, HSBC’s new Chief AI Officer, said: “AI is going to play an ever-increasing role in HSBC’s future plans, so I am thrilled to take on this new role to help us drive forward our transformation agenda.” David Rice was previously the Chief Operating Officer for HSBC’s Corporate and Institutional Banking business. In addition to David’s appointment, HSBC also announced today it was expanding the remit of Mario Shamtani in his role as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to strengthen its technology foundations to deploy AI at scale. This includes modernising core platforms, building a central AI platform colleagues can use to access a range of models, and leading key strategic partnerships. Source Link: https://www.hsbc.com/news-and-views/news/media-releases/2026/david-rice-announced-as-chief-ai-officer Alexander Solomon Report is a socio-corporate media platform of highlights on company news and industry events. The ASR TV E xposé offers higher interests and wider readership in return for mileage. For postings and publicity, email to info@alexandersolomonreport.com

March 17, 2026 Novotel welcomes sleep expert, bestselling author and keynote speaker Olivia Arezzolo to the Novotel 37 Collective, a group of voices championing the idea that small, consistent improvements can transform everyday wellbeing.  Olivia Arezzolo, sleep expert, bestselling author and keynote speaker In a world that rarely slows down, sleep has quietly become one of modern life's greatest luxuries.Longer workdays, brighter screens, and endless to-do lists have turned rest into something many people chase but rarely master. Yet sleep remains the foundation of everything: how we think, how we feel, and how we move through the world.  Today, Novotel is placing sleep back where it belongs – at the centre of everyday wellbeing. As part of its newly revealed purpose-led platform, Longevity Everyday , the global hotel brand is exploring the four pillars it sees as central to everyday wellbeing: Eat, Sleep, Move and Meet. Starting in March 2026, Novotel turns its focus to its sleep experience, with a mission to help travellers experience better nights and brighter days.  Guiding the journey is Olivia Arezzolo , Australia's leading sleep expert, bestselling author and international keynote speaker, who joins the Novotel 37 Collective as the brand's Sleep Expert 1 . Together, they are setting out to make one idea beautifully simple: better sleep is achievable, one small step at a time.  The Power of Small Improvements Longevity Everyday reflects Novotel's belief that a longer, healthier life isn't built on dramatic change, but on small, intentional habits that compound over time. Built around the four pillars of Eat, Sleep, Move and Meet, the brand's new vision aims at encouraging guests worldwide to make everyday choices that support longer, fuller and happier lives, at home and in hotels. Sleep sits at the heart of this philosophy.    “Longevity Everyday is about progress over perfection,” says Jean-Yves Minet, Global Brand President, Novotel.   “Sleep is foundational. It is the most evidence-backed investment anyone can make in their health, and Olivia Arezzolo has spent a career proving what's possible when people get it right. Now she's bringing that expertise to Novotel, helping make better sleep simple and within everyone's reach.”  Launching globally in March, Novotel is unveiling a new sleep-focused chapter of its Longevity Everyday platform, bringing together expert guidance and practical experiences designed to support guests throughout their stay and beyond, reinforcing the brand's commitment to better sleep.  Meet Novotel's Sleep Expert To guide this journey, Novotel has partnered with Olivia Arezzolo, one of the world's most recognised voices in the sleep space. With more than 500 media appearances, hundreds of international keynote talks and a bestselling book published across multiple countries, Arezzolo has become a trusted voice for people seeking practical ways to improve their sleep. Her work blends deep academic expertise across psychology, sleep science, physiology and nutrition, with a grounded understanding of modern life's challenges: jet lag, digital overload, restless nights and packed schedules.But what sets her apart is her approachability . “My goal is to turn sleep science into simple steps that are actionable, achievable and accessible for all,” explains Olivia Arezzolo . "It's not about being perfect – rather, focusing on progression, just getting 1% better. Small consistent changes over time for meaningful, measurable improvements in sleep, energy, clarity and longevity. Sleep isn't a nice to have – it's a biological necessity, and when we get it right, we truly thrive.” “Together with Novotel, we're helping travellers build better habits so they can master their nights, and ultimately, master their days.” Novotel's Sleep Quest: A Year-Long Journey to Better Nights To kick off Novotel's focus on sleep, the brand is launching the Sleep Quest , an immersive storytelling journey guided by Arezzolo. Over the course of a year, three 'Sleep Apprentices', each representing a different type of traveller including a busy working parent, a frequent business traveller and an always-on adventurer, will work with Olivia to transform their sleep habits through small, practical changes. Their journeys will unfold across Novotel's global social media channels, offering a real-world look at how manageable shifts from evening wind-down rituals to circadian-friendly routines can create meaningful improvements over time.The series brings sleep science out of the laboratory and into everyday life.  Designing Hotels for Better Sleep For Novotel, sleep has always been central to the hotel experience. With this focus on the Sleep pillar of Longevity Everyday, the brand is taking that commitment further. Across Novotel hotels worldwide, guests will encounter thoughtfully designed touches that encourage restorative rest, including: new, elevated bedding with soft and firm options calming sleep ritual menus offering relaxation techniques and wind-down guidance in-room tips and digital content developed with Olivia Arezzolo guidance on light exposure and sound environments to support natural circadian rhythms  Together, these elements turn the hotel room into more than a place to sleep. It becomes a space intentionally designed to help guests reset, recharge and wake feeling restored. Beyond the stay itself, Novotel also aims to help guests carry these rituals, the habits and experiences beyond the hotel into everyday life.   For those who fall in love with the sleep experience, Novotel's curated retail collection allows guests to recreate it at home, with everything from bedding to the bed itself available via the Novotel Store .  The Growing Novotel 37 Collective Arezzolo joins the Novotel 37 Collective, a growing community of voices united by a shared belief: small improvements, repeated daily, create extraordinary long-term change. The number 37 reflects the mathematical principle that improving by just 1% each day leads to exponential growth over time – 37 times better by year's end.  The Collective includes: Kauli Vaast , Olympic surfing champion Alfie Steiner , plant-forward culinary creator Javier Pastore , Paris Saint-Germain football legend Olivia Arezzolo , Australia's leading sleep expert  Each represents one dimension of living well, from movement and nutrition to connection and rest.   The Future of Restful Travel As travellers increasingly seek experiences that help them recover and recharge, Novotel believes the future of hospitality lies not only in where we go, but in how we feel when we return home.Because while many wellness trends come and go, sleep remains universal. It is the quiet force behind our energy, our clarity, our resilience and our joy.And through Longevity Everyday , Novotel is inviting travellers everywhere to rediscover something simple, powerful and deeply human: a better night's sleep.  For more on Longevity Everyday, follow Novotel Hotels (@novotelhotels) • Instagram photos and videos    Images:  Click here   Notes to Editors: 1 Well-being tips shared for informational purposes only, should not be considered as medical advice. For sleep disorders or health issues, please consult a healthcare professional.

BRUSSELS, Belgium. March 19, 2026 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the European People’s Party. For half a century, faithful to our values, we have put our citizens at the centre of our political action. We have been the engine of European integration, for freedom, democracy and prosperity, and still today we are the strongest political force of the continent. We can count on the support of millions of Europeans. While we take stock of past achievements, we assume the responsibility to lead the way to address the geopolitical and socio-economic challenges we are facing today. In the current brutal global context, the EU must do everything it takes to establish itself as credible global actor to be able to shape the new international order. It must accelerate the push for European independence to ensure that its security, prosperity, democracy, and place in the world can withstand – and be strengthened. To achieve that, we have to speak with one European voice, and we want to use the full potential of the current Lisbon Treaty to make this happen. We are convinced that in foreign affairs matters we need new ways to decide to be more impactful. To move towards the Qualified Majority Voting (QMV) in foreign affairs and to overcome repeated blockades, we are ready to use more often flexibilities provided in the Treaties, including the enhanced cooperation mechanisms among willing Member States. Moreover, past and present threats to peace in Europe urge us to define further and to operationalise article 42(7) TEU, to create a dependable "Mutual Defence Clause", ensuring that it complements Article 5 of the NATO treaty. To establish credible deterrence, European solidarity must extend into the field of defence, while respecting the policy of military neutrality of certain member states. Against the backdrop of this ambition to take up the leadership responsibility, the conflict in the Middle East and the economic outlook are the most urgent items to address. Iran Developments in Iran are greatly concerning. The Iranian regime has inflicted immense suffering to its population and has posed long lasting threats to the world with its nuclear programme. Europe has long been calling for the dismantling of the regime’s instruments of repression and of its nuclear capabilities and has imposed strong sanctions. International humanitarian law must be respected in all conflicts. In the current volatile situation, any escalation of the conflict must be prevented, and civilians must be protected. We condemn the Iranian regime’s attacks to its neighbours. We reiterate European Union’s steady support to Cyprus, whose security is inseparable from EU security. In this respect, we commend the deployment of assets by five EU member states to enhance security in the Eastern Mediterranean region. We want to strengthen solidarity and deepen cooperation with our Southern Neighbourhood and Gulf partners, including through the Pact for the Mediterranean. These developments underline once more the importance of building a stronger European defence for 2030, and to speed up a European drone and missile defence shield to protect EU’s Member States. This is a regional conflict with global implications. The impact on Europe is already visible, whether on energy, supply chains, finance, security or other dimensions. In this context, we support exploring national and EU measures to mitigate rising energy costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East, as to stabilise the market and prevent further inflation. Rising energy prices once again underscore the need to continue our efforts to decarbonise and to reduce our dependency on imported fossil fuels. This should be framed within the urgent and ongoing work to address structural issues, which drive up the cost of energy for households and businesses alike. In addition, it is expected that this conflict will lead to significant displacement of people, either within the region or closer to Europe, for which we should be well prepared. It is essential to strengthen our common security and fully deploy our migration diplomacy, ensuring an orderly and rigorous management of flows. Lebanon We condemn Hezbollah’s actions to drag Lebanon into yet another war with Israel, in support of the Iranian Regime and the IRGC. Hezbollah’s attacks resulted once again in an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, affecting civilians, infrastructure and both economies. We call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and the total disarmament of Hezbollah, while we reiterate our support to the Lebanese army, including through financial assistance. Peace talks between Lebanon and Israel should not be delayed any further and EU should play its role to support this process. Ukraine We recognise Ukraine’s defence as vital for Europe’s freedom and security, and we reaffirm our unwavering support to Kyiv. Ukraine’s internal resilience requires political unity, pluralism and institutional balance, as defending the rule of law under war conditions remains essential. In this respect, we stress the need to safeguard media freedom and independent anti-corruption bodies in the country. We reaffirm our continued support for Ukraine’s path toward membership based on merit. Economic growth and competitiveness We reiterate our commitment to sustaining Europe’s economic growth and competitiveness by simplifying existing legislation and cutting red tape, strengthening supply chains, investing in innovation and digital technologies, relaunching our core industrial sectors, ensuring robust protection of our companies against unfair competition, and protecting our economic security. We support the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act. Furthermore, we call for a Permitting Omnibus that systematically addresses barriers in EU legislation, particularly in environmental legislation. It is a crucial EPP success that the European Commission proposes a Joint Roadmap with concrete proposals and a timeline to deepen the Single Market by 2028, including an ambitious Savings and Investments Union and a completed Energy Union. The Single Market is our greatest asset, and we need to be able to make full use of it for our economic prosperity. Europe can grow - if we lift our own barriers. Source Link: https://www.epp.eu/news/epp-enlarged-summit-statement Alexander Solomon Report is a socio-corporate media platform of highlights on company news and industry events. The ASR TV E xposé offers higher interests and wider readership in return for mileage. For postings and publicity, email to info@alexandersolomonreport.com

BANGKOK, Thailand. March 05, 2026 Opening Remarks by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva at the Asia in 2050 Conference in Bangkok, Thailand A very good morning to all. Governor Vitai, thank you for co-hosting this conference in the run-up to our Annual Meetings here in Bangkok later in the year. Having just seen the amazing location for the meetings and knowing the hospitality of the Thai people, I am very excited about coming back in October with all the delegations of our 191 member countries. At the outset of our proceedings, I also would like to express my gratitude to the government of South Korea for its financial support for this conference. We gather at a time of global transformations in technology, demographics, trade, and geopolitics; a time of shocks and uncertainty. This week, global economic resilience is tested yet again by the new conflict in the Middle East . As in all conflicts, I mourn the human suffering and loss of life. Let me stress that the IMF, as guardian of international economic and financial stability, is watching the events unfold very carefully. We are assessing and quantifying the regional and global economic ramifications, and you will find this reflected in our World Economic Outlook to be published next month. This conflict, if it proves to be more prolonged, has obvious potential to affect global energy prices , market sentiment, growth, and inflation, placing new demands on policymakers. For most of Asia, what is at stake is energy security and, through that, confidence. Stock markets are already reacting. But today let me not discuss this latest shock any further—it is still too soon. Let me simply note that it is emblematic of our new world. For some time now I have been warning our global membership that uncertainty is the new normal . We have not entered some neat global transition from State A to State B; we are in a potentially prolonged period of flux. In this new world, policymakers and private sector players alike need to have not only robust strategies and financial strength but—importantly—agility . New shocks in different shapes and sizes will keep coming. Most of the time we cannot predict them, but all of the time we must strive to be ready for them. For Asia, it means building on past successes, asking the right questions, preparing the answers, and then acting on them. No point lamenting forces outside your remit; much better to focus on what is under your own control . Let me start with Asia’s past successes . Few would dispute that the last quarter century has been Asia’s golden hour . A region that, back in the year 2000, was still shaking off the pain of a financial crisis and went on to build new policy frameworks; new systems of financial sector oversight; official reserves; and above all, trust. The result? Progress on a vast scale . Financial stability. Low inflation. FDI, technology upgrades, and trade. Record-breaking, private sector-led growth. Jobs. Poverty reduction as never seen before, with China and India in particular lifting hundreds of millions of people out of subsistence —just see this figure . Today, Asia generates two-thirds of global GDP growth and accounts for almost 40 percent of world trade — here two more charts . No longer is it possible to talk about the future of the global economy without talking about Asia. Looking back 25 years, Asia has every reason to be proud. And, looking forward 25 years to the year 2050—as this conference will do—we can agree that by and large Asia has created excellent initial conditions for continued success . So let me now turn to the future, sharing some thoughts on the transformative challenges as they pertain to Asia and how best to address them . I want to zoom in on three challenges : one, lifting productivity and competitiveness by harnessing AI; two, managing labor market pressures; and three, building resilience and preserving trade as an engine of growth through regional integration. First challenge: productivity and competitiveness . Across the globe, AI is creating great opportunity. In Asia, we estimate AI could boost annual GDP growth by up to 0.8 percentage points, depending on its productivity impact and how it interacts with labor in the production process . Harnessing the benefits calls for large-scale public and private investment to deliver the technology and, equally, to ensure economies are prepared to receive it—digital infrastructure, internet connectivity, skills enhancement, and more. This in turn requires good policies —to educate and train; to remove undue regulatory barriers; to let firms have a fresh start if appropriate; to deepen stock and bond markets in support of private risk-taking; and to put appropriate AI guardrails in place. Asia is making an excellent start . Singapore is at the top of our index of AI preparedness. China and Korea lead the way in AI adoption and model design. India is paving a path to democratizing AI at home and abroad. Japan is a seasoned user of AI in robotics. Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand have new out-of-court debt restructuring mechanisms to help struggling firms get back on their feet. My advice: keep it up! Second challenge: people . New IMF research shows that not everyone will benefit from AI: demand for high- and low-skilled jobs will increase, but many positions in the middle could take a beating. We are particularly concerned about the impact on entry-level jobs—those that often include routine, easy-to-automate tasks—and what it would mean for young people. Adaptable workforces will be key—Singapore’s efforts in this regard are at the heart of its AI preparedness. I like to say it’s about “learning to learn.” Demographics will compound the challenge, with Asia set to age faster than any other region as we see here . By 2050, the number of Asians aged 65 or more will have doubled. Yet conditions vary. In Japan, aging is well advanced. China, Korea, and some others are younger on average but aging rapidly. In contrast, India, Bangladesh, and several ASEAN member countries will still see rising young populations for some time. Policy responses need to differentiate accordingly: some must focus on labor force participation, others on job creation. The forces of technology and aging will come together to put more people in service sector jobs , ranging from AI-enhanced professions to old-age care. Simultaneously, more tasks could be performed virtually. One question that arises is what this will mean for urbanization. In the last 25 years, Asia has seen vast migrations to its cities, delivering positive agglomeration effects. Will these effects continue, or will Asia in 2050 see a more dispersed workforce? Third challenge: trade . The role of exports and imports as a growth engine for Asia dates back to the 1960s. Yes, it is true that in this multipolar world trade is now being hit by one policy shock after another. And yes, it is therefore also true that openness can be a vulnerability— please look here at the export-to-GDP ratios of a selection of Asian countries . But we also know from thousands of years of experience that trade is like water: try to obstruct it, and it finds a way to flow around the barrier. We see this in the reconfiguration of global trade today. In trade, I see an example of an area where Asia can take steps on its own to address the problem. How? By pressing forward with regional integration . IMF analysis suggests a push for closer trade links—focused on lowering nontariff barriers—could on average raise Asian GDP by 1.8 percent in the long run . Of course, longstanding national rivalries mean integration is not easy, but note that Europe—a continent once marred by war—has done it, building a union that supports domestic demand and delivers strength on the global stage. Let Asia’s vision for integration be equally ambitious , aspiring to go beyond trade agreements to building an internal market like the EU’s across many countries. It is possible. The shift to digital services could help advance this agenda. Asia leads the world in mobile broadband subscriptions, giving it a natural advantage in digital payments. Already, ASEAN has created one of the world’s most innovative and interconnected cross-border mobile payment networks. These are successes to build on. Circling back to where I began, we at the IMF plan to spotlight Asia’s leading role in digital payment innovations by featuring safe and inclusive digital finance as a key theme at our upcoming Annual Meetings. Let me wrap up. For the sake of Asia’s youth, I hope—I expect—that in 2050 we will see a vastly more interconnected region : energetic, dynamic, and prosperous. One where many more countries will have achieved advanced-economy status, overcoming the famous “middle-income trap.” I wish you all a very successful two days of discussion on what Asia has achieved, the challenges it faces, and how to overcome them. May your deliberations generate an ambitious vision for Asia in 2050 and a set of concrete policy priorities to get there. Asia: you have performed incredible feats in the last 25 years—please, focus on what is within your power to do, and achieve the same and much more in the next quarter century! The future is yours to take! Thank you! Source Link: https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2026/03/05/sp030526-shaping-asias-future Alexander Solomon Report is a socio-corporate media platform of highlights on company news and industry events. The ASR TV E xposé offers higher interests and wider readership in return for mileage. For postings and publicity, email to info@alexandersolomonreport.com