Trump has a tweet for everything, but none yet for Olympics
President Donald Trump is greeted by Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, left, and Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, right, as he arrives for an infrastructure meeting in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Feb. 12, 2018. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has a tweet for just about everything, but he’s got nothing so far for Team USA a few days into the 2018 Olympic Games.Since the competition began on Friday, Trump has tweeted about the massive budget deal he signed into law, his desire to have more Republican legislators in Congress and offered condolences for two Ohio police officers who were killed in the line of duty. He tweeted about jobless claims dropping, his decision to block release of a Democratic memo on the Russia investigation and the downfall of a top aide accused of domestic abuse.ADVERTISEMENT Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award MOST READ LATEST STORIES Nonito Donaire vs Naoya Inoue is BWAA 2019 Fight of the Year View comments North Korea leader impressed with South’s delegation welcome Michael Porter Jr. stays patient as playing time increases Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Missing from the series? Any mention of Team USA or words of encouragement for the athletes competing in the games that opened Friday in Pyeongchang, South Korea.Trump did send a pair of tweets last week complimenting the host country for the games.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folk“Best wishes to the Republic of Korea on hosting the @Olympics! What a wonderful opportunity to show everyone that you are a truly GREAT NATION!” he tweeted last Wednesday, two days before the opening ceremony. He followed up with: “Congratulations to the Republic of Korea on what will be a MAGNIFICENT Winter Olympics! What the South Korean people have built is truly an inspiration!”Congratulations to the Republic of Korea on what will be a MAGNIFICENT Winter Olympics! What the South Korean people have built is truly an inspiration! pic.twitter.com/giN2B1h6Ph — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 7, 2018The United States had won four medals as of Monday, including gold in men’s and ladies’ slopestyle.White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Monday congratulated the U.S. Olympic team on a “great start.”“We especially look forward to snowboarders Jamie Anderson and Red Gerard bringing their gold medals back home with them very soon,” she said.Vice President Mike Pence returned to Washington late Saturday after leading the U.S. delegation to Friday’s opening ceremony. Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, who serves in the White House as an unpaid adviser to her father, will lead a delegation to the closing ceremony.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Trump’s silence on the Pyeongchang Games mirrors his relative lack of comment during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.He sent one tweet that August. “Good luck #TeamUSA #OpeningCeremony #Rio2016,” Trump wrote as a caption to a photo of himself, with both thumbs up, standing in front of an American flag. Superimposed on the photo was the phrase “Big League Good Luck Team USA.”And that was it.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Almazan vows to comeback stronger after finals heartbreak Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Newsome sets focus on helping Bolts open new PBA season on right track
MOST READ PBA semis: Bolts win again, topple Aces in Game 1 Navarro then, played considerably shorter in the second half, just six minutes after staying on the court for 11 during the first two quarters, but that was due to the return of Kouame, Go, and Verrano.Kouame had the best production of the three players who got into foul trouble when he finished with 11 points and 10 boards.“William did a great job for us and even though he plays power forward we had him play center,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga. “He gave us quality minutes and that enabled us to preserve Ange and George [Go] so they won’t be in foul trouble in the second half.”Navarro, who averaged just 2.4 points and 3.4 rebounds prior to the game against La Salle, said he never thought of the hype behind the Blue Eagles’ rivalry with the Green Archers and that he just delivered for Ateneo when called upon.“You can’t choose when the opportunity comes,” said Navarro. “I just know that I will do my best if I’m given the chance.”ADVERTISEMENT For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. Call it pure coincidence or just a spur of the moment but substitute William Navarro delivered big time for Ateneo in its second round matchup against De La Salle in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.ADVERTISEMENT The Blue Eagles ran into a tough predicament in the first half of their second meeting wit the Green Archers after big men Angelo Kouame, Raffy Verano, and Isaac Go combined for six fouls even before the game went into the break.Without the usual big men patrolling the Blue Eagles’ paint, the lanky Navarro had no choice but to hold down the fort and try to hold off La Salle’s troops made up of Justine Baltazar, Santi Santillan, Brandon Bates, and the returning Taane Samuels.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSJapeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for GinebraSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissVerrano did as much as he could and his seven-point, five-rebound performance may not jump out of the page but his mere presence alone did enough for the Blue Eagles to take a 71-62 win.“Honestly, it was difficult because I had to guard big guys like Samuel, but this is an opportunity that came to me,” said Navarro in Filipino. “My teammates were in foul trouble so I just had to step my game up and contribute as much as I can.” Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES Gov’t to employ 6,000 displaced by Taal Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil
Japeth Aguilar embraces role, gets rewarded with Finals MVP plum Allen Durham still determined to help Meralco win 1st PBA title Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments
Shola Ameobi could make his debut for Crystal Palace against Arsenal this weekend.The former Newcastle striker moved to Selhurst Park on January 29, arriving on a free transfer until the end of the season.The 33-year-old is yet to make his debut for the Eagles as he continues to work himself up to match fitness.But manager Alan Pardew has revealed the Nigerian could make his bow against Arsenal this weekend.Pardew said: “Shola is getting close and he has worked hard this week in training – his experience is going to be important for us and I’m looking forward to seeing him in a red and blue shirt – he has got a chance for this game [against Arsenal].” 1 Shola Ameobi 
1 Kevin De Bruyne Manchester City have been drawn against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.The Premier League side reached the last four of the competition for the first time in their history with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Paris Saint-Germain.They now face a formidable task to progress to the final at the San Siro, with ten-time winners Real Madrid standing in their way.The Spanish giants booked their place in the semi-finals by overcoming a first-leg deficit to beat Wolfsburg 3-2 on aggregate, thanks to a hat-trick from former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.City will be at home in the first leg on April 26/27 before heading to the Bernabeu a week later.Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid will meet in the other semi-final tie.The draw throws up the possibility of Pep Guardiola facing future employers Manchester City in the final.Guardiola announced in February that he will leave Bayern at the end of the season to take charge of City.His current side reached the semi-finals by beating Benfica, while opponents Atletico stunned holders Barcelona.
Donegal County Library Services, in conjunction with Libraries NI in Derry and Tyrone, have just launched the Irish Language community reading project “Léigh agus Pléigh 1916” (Read and Discuss).Individuals, reading groups and Irish language speakers are invited to take part in the project which is commencing in April with the first book ‘Seachtar na Cásca’ by Irish language author Aindrias Ó Cathasaigh.The scheme is also supported by Irish Language Development Officers in Tyrone, Derry and Donegal. Speaking at the joint launch in Letterkenny Central Library, Maura Craig from Libraries NI stated that she was delighted to be promoting this co-operative project between the library services and the community across the three counties in the northwest.“Given the growth of Irish-medium education and Irish language communities in Tyrone and Derry, and given the natural affinity of these communities with the Donegal Gaeltacht where the language is still spoken as a native language, Libraries NI is delighted to seek to promote greater connections between these communities through this Irish language reading project” stated Maura.Although the project is aimed at readers over 16 years of age, Maura welcomed two young pupils from Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh in Strabane, Co. Tyrone to the event, both of whom read extracts from the first book ‘Seachtar na Cásca’, a combined biography of the lives of the seven signatories of the Proclamation in 1916.The materials that will be read as part of this project will all be connected with the history of the island of Ireland and its people in the year of 1916. Some of it will relate to the Easter Rising of 1916 and key participants in that. Some of it will relate to the ongoing First World War during that period. Some of it will relate to the ordinary lives of the people at that time. Given that the reading material will include historical writings, novels and significant extracts, the scheme is aimed at those people who have either fairly fluent Irish, or who have a medium level of Irish. Those who had reasonably good Irish in their school days, and who’d like to re-engage with the language, are also welcome to register with the reading scheme.Seán Ó Daimhín, Irish Language Development Officer with Donegal County Council, talked about the importance of reading in the Irish language.“Speaking a language gives it life. And many of our citizens, young and old, are now speaking the language on a daily basis. But reading a language gives it depth, increases your grasp of the language, widens your knowledge, and enriches your life in a deeper way. As a person who learnt Irish in later life myself, I am very aware of how reading Irish language books really strengthened that learning process. I am delighted that the library services are encouraging Irish language speakers across all three counties here in the north-west, and perhaps wider afield, to get involved in this scheme”.Individual readers and reading groups, are invited to read one title in Irish each month. At the end of the month, there will be an event held in a selected library in one of the three counties involved, which will involve a short talk by a guest speaker, a discussion group on the material read, and a short social event afterwards involving conversation, music, singing and informal networking between Irish speakers from the region.Readers who don’t already possess the relevant books can access them in one of three ways. Firstly, some of them, including the first title, are available for purchase online at Irish language book websites such as www.udar.ie, www.litriocht.com, www.cic.ie, and www.cnagsiopa.com.Secondly, some of the titles may be available in local libraries, and this source should be checked. This will also make library staff aware that there is a demand for reading material in Irish or thirdly, a limited number of the books are available on loan from Donegal County Council Irish Language Office.Any individuals or groups who wish to take part in this reading project should register online at www.donegalcoco.ie or email Sean O’Daimhin at sdaimhin@donegalcoco.ie or call 074 91 72496.Léigh agus Pléigh 1916Tá Seirbhísí Leabharlainne Chontae Dhún na nGall, i gcomhar le Leabharlanna TÉ i nDoire agus i dTír Eoghain, i ndiaidh togra léitheoireachta pobail a sheoladh dar teideal ‘Léigh agus Pléigh 1916’, agus táthar ag iarraidh ar dhaoine aonaracha, clubanna leabhar, agus ar ghrúpaí Gaeilge páirt a ghlacadh sa togra a bheas ag toiseacht i mí Aibreáin leis an chéad leabhar ‘Seachtar na Cásca’, a scríobh an t-údar Aindrias Ó Cathasaigh. Tá tacaíocht á tabhairt don scéim ag Oifigigh Forbartha Gaeilge i dTír Eoghain, i nDoire agus i nDún na nGall. Is féidir sonraí maidir le clárú don togra a fháil ag bun an phreas-ráitis seo. Agus í ag caint ag an chomh-sheoladh i Lárleabharlann Leitir Ceanainn an tseachtain seo caite, dúirt Maura Craig ó Leabharlanna TÉ go bhfuil lúcháir uirthi tacú leis an togra comhoibritheach seo idir na seirbhísí leabharlainne agus i measc an phobail sna trí chontae san iarthuaisceart.“De bharr an fás atá tagtha ar an ghaelscolaíocht agus ar phobail Ghaeilge i dTír Eoghain agus i nDoire, agus ós rud é go bhfuil dáimh nádúrtha ag na pobail seo le Gaeltacht Thír Chonaill, mar a labhraítear an teanga mar theanga dhúchais an phobail go fóill, tá lúcháir ar Leabharlanna TÉ nascanna a chothú idir na pobail seo tríd an togra léitheoireachta seo’ arsa Maura.Cé go bhfuil an togra dírithe ar dhaoine atá os cionn 16 bliana d’aois, d’fháiltigh Maura roimh bheirt dhaltaí óga ó Ghaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh ar an tSrath Bán, Co. Thír Eoghain, chuig an ócáid. Léigh an bheirt acu sleachta as an chéad leabhar ‘Seachtar na Cásca’, leabhar ina dtugtar cuntas gairid ar shaol agus ar shaothar an tseachtair a shínigh Forógra na Poblachta in 1916. An t-ábhar ar fad a léifear mar chuid den togra seo beidh baint aige le stair agus scéal na hÉireann agus na ndaoine sa bhliain 1916. Bainfidh cuid de leis an Éirí Amach in 1916 agus na príomh-rannpháirtithe a bhí ann. Bainfidh cuid de leis an Chéad Chogadh Domhanda a bhí ag leanstan ag an am. Bainfidh cuid de le saol na ngnáthdhaoine ag an am sin chomh maith.Ós rud é gur scríbhinní stairiúla, úrscéalta agus sleachta suntasacha a bheas san ábhar léitheoireachta, tá an scéim dírithe orthu siúd a bhfuil Gaeilge réasúnta líofa acu, nó a bhfuil a gcuid Gaeilge go measartha maith. Má bhí Gaeilge measartha maith agat ar scoil, agus dá mba mhaith leat pilleadh ar an teanga arís, tá fáilte romhat clárú leis an togra léitheoireachta.Labhair Seán Ó Daimhín, Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge le Comhairle Contae Dhún na nGall, faoin tábhacht a bhaineann leis an léitheoireacht sa Ghaeilge. ‘Beatha teanga í a labhairt, agus tá cuid mhór saoránach, idir óg agus aosta, ag caint Gaeilge go laethúil anois. Ach buanú agus doimhniú teanga í a léamh, bíonn tuiscint níos fearr agat ar an teanga, faigheann tú léargas úr ar chúrsaí an tsaoil, agus déantar do shaol a shaibhriú. Mar dhuine mé féin a d’fhoghlaim an Ghaeilge níos moille i mo shaol, tuigim go han-mhaith an dóigh ar chuidigh leabhair Ghaeilge go mór leis an phróiseas foghlamtha. Tá lúcháir orm go bhfuil na seirbhísí leabharlainne ag spreagadh cainteoirí Gaeilge ar fud na dtrí chontae anseo san iarthuaisceart, agus b’fhéidir níos faide anonn, le páirt a ghlacadh sa scéim seo’.Go bunúsach, is é atá i gceist go dtugtar cuireadh do dhaoine aonaracha, nó do chlubanna leabhar, leabhar amháin a léamh i nGaeilge gach mí. Ag deireadh na míosa beidh ócáid ar siúl i leabharlann amháin i gceann amháin de na trí chontae atá páirteach, agus bí aoichainteoir, díospóireacht tábla agus ócáid shóisialta ina dhiaidh, ina mbeidh comhrá, ceol, amhránaíocht agus comhluadar idir chainteoirí Gaeilge ón réigiún.Mura bhfuil an leabhar agat cheana féin, is féidir leat é a fháil ar chúpla dóigh.Ar dtús, tá cuid acu, an chéad leabhar ina measc, ar fáil le ceannach ar líne ar an idirlíon, ar shuíomhanna ar nós www.udar.ie, www.litriocht.com, www.cic.ie, agus www.cnagsiopa.com.Chomh maith leis sin, is féidir go bhfuil cuid de na leabhar ar fáil i leabharlanna áitiúla, agus ba chóir duit seiceáil ansin.Nó, sa bhreis air sin, tá líon áirithe leabhar ar fáil ó Oifig Forbartha Gaeilge Chomhairle Contae Dhún na nGall, agus is féidir dul i dteagmháil leis an oifig sin ag na sonraí teagmhála ar an fhoirm chláraithe.Aon duine nó aon ghrúpa atá ag iarraidh a bheith páirteach sa togra léitheoireachta seo, ba chóir an Fhoirm Chláraithe ag an nasc thíos a líonadh isteach, agus í a sheoladh ar ais chuig an seoladh poist nó chuig sdaimhin@donegalcoco.ie.NEW CROSS-BORDER IRISH READING LANGUAGE PROJECT LAUNCHED was last modified: April 12th, 2016 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)
The driver of one of the cars involved in a crash near Clonmany in which eight men died has been sent for trial after a hearing Buncrana District Court today.Shaun Kelly, 23, with an address at Hillroad, Ballymagan, Buncrana, has been charged with causing the death of the seven passengers travelling in his car and another man, Hugh Friel, who was driving the other vehicle, on July 11 2010. The book of evidence on Kelly was served on him at the courthouse in Buncrana at 10.28am this morning, Garda Carol Doherty told the court.Inspector David Murphy said the DPP had said that Mr Kelly be sent forward to trial at the next criminal sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court on May 1.Ciaran MacLochlainn defending said he was still waiting on two exhibits for the case – video and photographic evidence from the scene of the crash.The case was adjourned until March 8.At HearingMAN SENT FOR TRIAL IN INISHOWEN CRASH CASE was last modified: February 9th, 2012 by BrendaShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)
The hugely-popular Martello Adventure Race will again take place once again in the scenic village of Maghery – four miles south-west of Dungloe.The waters around Maghery will be a challenge for the Martello Adventure Race.This is the third annual event which is part of the 2013 Mary from Dungloe International Festival.Coordinated by Dungloe GAA Club with the support of Donegal Sports Partnership, the event has become a popular event with local and visiting adventure athletes along the country roads of the Rosses area. The event which includes in this order a 5k run, 20k cycle and a 350 meter water obstacle on Maghery beach will cater for swimmers and non swimmers.This years event is sponsored by Top Shop, Dungloe and Bike It Bike Hire, Dungloe and will provide a physical and mental challenge for all abilities of athlete and will be run over some of the most scenic areas in west Donegal taking in along the route Clendra Hill (famous for the Mass Rock) Traigh Eanach Bay, Meenacross and Maghery Bay.This fun event is open to all abilities and will include age categories for adult men and women senior and over 40’s and is also open to teams of two or three participants to get together for the challenge.Preceding the Martello event will be the Mini Martello for under 12 and 16 boys and girls. In addition to the category prizes each finisher will also receive a specially designed medal and be provided with post event refreshments. Changing facilities are also availableRegistration will take place at Maghery Community Centre on the day from 12 pm for Mini event with the adult event due to commence at 2.30pm, pre registration can also be completed on the Run Ireland website, further info on our Facebook page ONLY THE BRAVE SIGN UP FOR MARTELLO ADVENTURE RACE! was last modified: July 31st, 2013 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:dungloeMartello Adventure Race
MILFORD native Hugo Duggan will be inducted into the Donegal Athletics Hall Of Fame at the annual County Board dinner at the Finn Valley Centre on Saturday evening at 8pm.A versatile international athlete, who also excelled at soccer, can claim to have won seven national senior long jump titles and a world masters in far off Melbourne in 1987 in addition to numerous other plaudits.He was a founder member of Milford AC. Born in October 1946, he joined the Cranford AC in 1964 and won a series of Defence Forces Championships, four-in-a-row long jump titles from 1966-69 and a 100m crown in ’66.Duggan won the National Senior Long Jump titles seven times, in ’67 with Cranford; in 1970, ’71, ’72, ’74 with Clonliffe; in 1980 with Lifford and in 1984 in the singlet of Finn Valley AC.He was a senior silver medallist in 1969, 1973, 1976 and 1988 in the long jump and in 1969 he was the bronze medallist in the triple jump.The previous award winner in 2016 was the Glenswilly legend Cyril O’Boyle. Tickets available from Tom Thompson 0873412655.Milford native to be inducted into Donegal Athletics Hall of Fame was last modified: January 9th, 2017 by Chris McNultyShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)
With his team playing so well, Kyle Shanahan may not be eager to dive into his ugly past as an offensive coordinator in Washington, where the unbeaten 49ers play on Sunday.But, make no mistake, the 49ers coach would love to deliver a knockout punch to the franchise that made him and his father Mike scapegoats while firing them after the 2013 season.“One thing about Kyle Shanahan, if he gets a chance to, he will embarrass you, because that’s one of the things that we did when he was here,” …
20 February 2014The designation of special economic zones (SEZs) will support a broader-based industrialisation growth path in South Africa, while helping the country achieve the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP), says Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies.Speaking at the tabling of the Special Economic Zones Bill before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town on Tuesday, Davies said the Bill aimed to support balanced regional industrial growth by fostering the development of more competitive and productive regional economies in South Africa.Special economic zones are defined as geographically designated areas of the country that are set aside for specifically targeted economic activities, and supported through special arrangements and systems that are often different from those that apply to the rest of the country.To date, South Africa has five designated industrial development zones (IDZs), namely Coega, East London, Richards Bay, OR Tambo and the recently designated Saldanha Bay.“Honourable speaker, I can confidently indicate to this house that there are already eight investors in the oil and gas sector that are signing to invest at Saldanha Bay IDZ,” Davies told the NCOP on Tuesday. “Three of the five IDZs, in Coega, East London and Richards Bay, are fully operational.“Whilst these have achieved some major successes – for example, 42 operational investments worth R4-billion – some weaknesses on the implementation were identified,” Davies said.These included weak governance, lack of IDZ incentives, and poor stakeholder co-ordination. The criteria for IDZ designation were also biased towards the development of coastal regions and ignored economic potential existing in inland regions.Davies said the SEZ Bill sought to boost private investment, both domestic and foreign, in labour-intensive areas in order to increase job creation, competitiveness, skills and technology transfer, and exports of beneficiated products.To cater for various socio-economic and regional planning considerations, the Bill provides for the designation of the following types of SEZ:Free ports: duty-free areas adjacent to a port of entry where imported goods may be unloaded for value-adding activities, repackaging, storage and subsequent re-export, subject to special customs procedures. Free trade zones: duty-free areas offering storage and distribution facilities for value-adding activities within a special economic zone. Industrial development zones: purpose-built industrial estates that leverage domestic and foreign fixed direct investment in value-added and export-oriented manufacturing industries and services. Sector development zones: zones focused on the development of specific sectors or industries through the facilitation of general or specific industrial infrastructure, incentives, technical and business services primarily for the export market. The Department of Trade and Industry is busy preparing for the implementation of the SEZ Bill by consulting with all the provinces in identifying potential SEZs.“As a result, together we have commissioned pre-feasibility and feasibilities studies in the various provinces,” Davies said. “The designation of new SEZs will take place once the new SEZ Act and regulations are in place.“It is thus imperative that the SEZ Bill is expediently considered in order to take advantage of this huge imminent interest and opportunity. This house’s support for the SEZ Bill would be greatly welcomed.”Source: SAnews.gov.za