KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

LONDON, Nov. 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In 2021, the global business jet market was USD 25.87bn and is expected to reach USD 38.34bn by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.06 %. Business jets flew 3.3 million flights worldwide in 2021, the most on record for a single year and 7 % more than the previous high point in 2019. Private jet statistics show a global fleet of 21,929 registered aircraft.

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

To expand KlasJet’s products portfolio, an EU-based corporate charter and ACMI services provider is adding Boeing BBJ2, MSN 32971 jet to its fleet. The aircraft is set to begin operations in mid-April 2023 and will be based in Dubai. The general sales agent for this aircraft will be Chapman Freeborn UAE Dubai office.

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups. “While our other 56-68 seats VIP Boeing 737 uniquely designed jets are great for larger groups, such as sports teams, business and political delegations, the B737 BBJ2 will serve as an amazing choice for affluent families, government representatives, presidents, royal families, important business delegations. Currently, the aircraft is at Avia Solutions Group completion centre JetMS Completion, where the interior of the jet will be fully renewed,” explains Rita Domkute, CEO of KlasJet.

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

 

Corporate business jet charter services are in great demand all over the world, as big groups can travel enjoying all the perks of business aviation: flexible flight time, luxury service on board, special seats and price per seat similar to business class seats at regular airline companies. “We plan that the newly added B737 BBJ2 will allow us to strengthen our positions in the rapidly growing Middle East market as the jet is a perfect option for high-ranking individuals who are living in or visiting the region on regular basis,” she shares.

The 23-seat aircraft is a truly exquisite project, with a spacious lounge area, an on-board bedroom and a shower. “The jet is designed to meet even the most sophisticated needs of our clients. It is planned with convenience and comfort of passengers in mind, the design is created using high-quality materials,” KlasJet’s CEO shares.

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

Earlier this year, the airline added passenger ACMI services list, adding to its parent company Avia Solutions Group’s ever-growing line-up of capacity providers.

If you would like more information or would like to schedule an interview with one of our KlasJet representatives, please contact Vilma Vaitiekunaite at [email protected] or +37061112789

About KlasJet 
KlasJet is an exlusive private and corporate jet charter company, renowned as a leader in the provision of bespoke group flights worldwide. Operating a fleet of uniquely designed jets based in Vilnius, Lithuania, as well as airports across Western and Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, KlasJet provides comfort, safety, and attention to detail from the ground up.

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

KlasJet operates 7 corporate and BBJ Boeing 737 from 23 to 68 seats. Also offers ACMI lease services to airlines and tour operators around the world who face challenges with flight schedules, expansion plans, and the supply of backup aircraft. The company’s fleet available for ACMI lease services comprises 6 units of Boeing 737-800 — each with a capacity for 189 passengers.

KlasJet is a family member of Avia Solutions Group, leaders in end-to-end capacity solutions for passenger and cargo airlines worldwide. Its vast portfolio of services to clients includes ACMI, charter and cargo aviation, aircraft leasing and trading, MRO services, business aviation and VIP airline procurement, pilot and crew training, recruitment services, together with multiple complementary services spanning a wide range of associated operations. The Group manages over 100 offices and production facilities globally.

For more information, please visit: www.klasjet.aero and www.aviasg.com

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GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000768752

Tusk Innovation Announces New Products ‘Combo’

TUSK PRODUCT

TUSK PRODUCT ZEN

LONDON, Nov. 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tusk Inc. Limited (www.tusklimited.com) a company which started in 2012 as a capital management company in the United Kingdom and Kuala Lumpur with offices around the world, and now is one of the leading electrical solution companies which focus on producing for users of mining equipment, solar energy and adapters is announcing is k new products combo. The Product line is mainly for electrical purposes. For any miner bought, it comes with a solar panel, to reduce power consumption. See products here https://tusklimited.com/products

As one of the top Electrical solution companies, Tusk innovation has announced 30% discounts on its combo of mining equipment, which combines a solar panel with a bitcoin miner. With their recent movement from polycrystalline to photovoltaic materials, Tusk inc. has tested over time the efficiency of combining their solar products with cryptocurrency miners, and this has proven to be the most effective. Tusk inc. investors can now with ease, mine their coins without interruptions, lesser risks and maximum profit.

This is an effort to reduce the amount of electricity used when clients mine cryptocurrencies, and it was disclosed by the COO, John Walls, last week. According to Walls, “Reports going around made it evident that the quantity of electricity miners require may be too large to handle, therefore we obtained a plausible option.”

Mining Profits
Although it is admirable and highly profitable for many people to set up cryptocurrency mining farms, speculations are rife that they may incur significant costs, particularly in terms of electricity use. By providing you with a Solar Panel, which is unconnected to your electricity bills and a bitcoin mining device that can perform dual mining tasks, Tusk Inc. has created a long-lasting solution. You can simply mine your coins and not bother about the market’s volatility, while also ignoring power consumption.

Tusk Inc. has distinguished itself from others, in that customers can get crypto wallet development services as well as graphics processing units from the company, which has offices on three continents. It also has extensive experience in Blockchain development and bitcoin mining solutions, among other areas.

About Tusk
Established in 2012 by team of management experts, and later joined by a team of technology experts, Tusk Inc. is now one of the leading electrical solution providers. They pride themselves also in their ability to manage risk effectively, since they have been in the business of managing risks for over a decade. And through several advancements in technology, they have incorporated less risky ventures into the Risk Management system, one of which is cryptocurrency mining, using photovoltaic materials.

John Walls
PR Manager
[email protected]
(+44)7451214344

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/94500cd7-ba35-4ad9-8179-1f5f89263358

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000768596

Multimillion-dollar boost for small business as more African countries join MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme

Johannesburg, Nov. 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — November 2022 – Following the success of the MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme, which secured $16 million (USD) of funding for six emerging businesses last year, the programme has been expanded to eight more countries across Africa.

Many more small businesses in Africa’s technology sector now have the chance to benefit from the 2023 programme, which provides the skills and opportunities needed to attract transformative business funding.

“We’re really excited to be expanding the MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme to more African countries,” said Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice Group CEO, announcing the launch. “It’s part of our long-term commitment to growing and multiplying Africa’s technology potential, which is critical to our future growth.”

The MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme, which kicked off during Global Entrepreneurship Week,  is aimed at established start-ups and small enterprises in specific technology sectors – healthtech, agritech, fintech, edutech, the circular economy and the creative industries.

“There is such incredible business talent across Africa,” said Mawela. “MultiChoice Africa Accelerator is an opportunity for investors and small enterprise to collaborate to multiply the impact of this talent and scale it across Africa.”

Having started in South Africa in 2021, the MultiChoice Africa Accelerator is expanding to Ivory Coast, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Angola and Ethiopia. The initiative equips emerging entrepreneurs to secure funding and scale up their businesses, and also provides opportunities to pitch to international investors.

African Development Bank President Dr Akinwumi Adesina has previously noted that, “the private sector is Africa’s growth accelerator”, and several African nations have backed small-business development as part of their economic strategy. The MultiChoice Africa Accelerator dovetails with these development objectives.

The MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme is an initiative of the MultiChoice Innovation Fund, in collaboration with Dubai-based business incubator Companies Creating Change (C3), which gives entrepreneurs access to the tools, skills and financial support to grow their business. MultiChoice has also partnered with EOH, a tech services company who will bring their expertise to the table especially in terms of tech advisory, development sprint and technical support.

The first phase of the MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme sees public and private-sector partners in each country nominating businesses or entrepreneurs for the programme. From there, 29 of the start-ups embark on an intensive virtual training course. The initiative is aimed at established businesses that are already operating and looking to scale up by attracting further investment.

“Start-up founders get to learn everything from how to properly research your business sector and your market, to how to create a niche for your business,” says Boitumelo Monageng, of Swypa, one of last year’s finalists. “During the workshops we were encouraged to dig deeper and I realised that we have the potential to compete on a much larger scale.”

The virtual training course takes place over several weeks, teaching start-up owners media skills, how best to market their businesses to investors, how to create attractive business plans, and to know what investors are looking for.

Later, the entrepreneurs will come together at a finals event, where 11 start-ups will be selected for the final pitch phase. They will attend a dedicated C3 boot camp to learn how to shape their story for international investors, and to get “pitch ready” before their big presentations.

“We believe SMEs in the technology, sustainability and creative sectors will be fundamental to the next phase of Africa’s growth,” says Mawela. “The MultiChoice Africa Accelerator is geared to finding the most promising start-ups, and empowering them to play this critical role.”

Attachment

Elizabeth Ferreira
MultiChoice Group Ltd
0834825241
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8702451

Simplifying aircraft parts’ procurement – how Locatory.com runs a well-oiled online marketplace

VILNIUS, Lithuania, Nov. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With 12 years of market experience under its belt already, Locatory.com is not slowing down. The aviation marketplace for aircraft spare parts and repair capabilities and a family member of Avia Solutions Group, leaders in end-to-end capacity solutions for passenger and cargo airlines worldwide, is talking about its place in the aviation industry and growth plans.

Since its development in 2010, Locatory.com has become one of the leading premium aircraft parts marketplaces in the world, with the userbase growing 20% each month. “We have been seeing steady growth for a few years now,” shared Toma Matutyte, CEO of Locatory.com. “This increase in clientele interest has been driven by the continuous expansion of our spare parts database. Each month it grows by 15% allowing for a wider variety of parts available. And with cost optimization and sustainability on everyone’s mind, the secondary aviation parts market is becoming an increasingly attractive opportunity. In 2022, we have received 5 times more RFQs (Request for Quotes) when compared to last year and are expecting this trend to continue into the next year.”

As a tool for simplified procurement of spare parts, Locatory.com is deeply invested in the digitalisation of the process. “Our mission is to connect aircraft parts’ buyers and sellers, through seamless transactions via an innovative platform that enables our customers to find, buy, and sell aircraft parts or repair services in commercial, OEM, MRO, military, and general aviation segments across the globe,” she explained. “We are focusing on innovation and efficiency therefore we have already successfully introduced a range of innovative features to our marketplace. Amber, the A.I.-based assistant, being one of them.”

Running a well-oiled online marketplace is not an easy task, thus having a strong team behind you is a must. “We have a truly global team, with people from over 10 countries sharing ideas and expertise in improving the company. We have been steadily expanding by around 15 % each month and there are no plans of slowing down,” she said.

By keeping innovation and optimisation as the main driving factors, Locatory.com is constantly working on keeping up and surpassing the ever-changing aviation industry needs. “Improving spare aircraft parts procurement processes can positively impact the whole aviation industry thus we will continue creating tools to do so,” said Toma Matutyte.

Vilma Vaitiekunaite
Chief Communications Officer
Cell: +37061112789
E-mail: [email protected]


GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000768118

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ TITLE SET BY JETEX

The world’s favourite private aviation brand achieves a Guinness World Records™ title in celebration of football’s greatest show on Earth.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jetex, an award-winning global leader in executive aviation, sets a new Guinness World Records™ title at its private terminal in Dubai, where it unveiled the world’s largest fiberglass sculpture of a sphere (supported) which resembles a giant football.

The flagship Jetex VIP Terminal is buzzing with fans from all over the globe who use match day private jet shuttle service between Dubai and Doha. Seen from afar, the iconic 10-meter-high football structure welcomes international travelers as they drive up to the terminal.

“Together with fans from all over the world, we share the excitement and thrill of football. Over the past months, we witnessed tremendous demand for private jet travel between Dubai and Doha, which prompted us to go above and beyond to ensure that all fans enjoy a spectacular football-themed travel experience, which starts well in advance of the actual game,” said Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex.

 Jetex VIP Terminal also houses the world’s most fascinating pop-up football field right in the heart of the terminal, where all travelers can practice their skills and create unique memories with their families and friends. Customer experience has also been adjusted with football fans in mind, with Jetex brand ambassadors wearing distinctive football uniforms and surprising travelers with football-inspired souvenirs.

The record was validated by Guinness World Records officials at Jetex VIP Terminal, Dubai.

The giant football installation will remain at Jetex VIP Terminal until late December. After that, it will be either presented to one of the local football clubs or sustainably recycled.

About Jetex:

An award-winning global leader in executive aviation, Jetex is recognized for delivering flexible, best-in-class trip support solutions to customers worldwide. Jetex provides exceptional private terminals (FBOs), aircraft fueling, ground handling and global trip planning. The company caters to both owners and operators of business jets for corporate, commercial and personal air travel. To find out more about Jetex, visit www.jetex.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Press Enquiries:
Oleg Kafarov
Director of Portfolio Development & Corporate Communications
T: +971 4 212 4900   Email: [email protected]

Attachment

Oleg Kafarov - Director of Portfolio Development & Corporate Communications
Jetex
+971 4 212 4900
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8700252

Impulse Dynamics Announces 100th Implant Milestone in China for CCM® Therapy

Experience Continues to Show CCM Therapy Addresses Clinical Need in Treating Heart Failure

MARLTON, N.J., Nov. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Impulse Dynamics, a global medical device company dedicated to improving the lives of people with heart failure, announced the 100th implant in China, signifying the opportunity for its innovative Optimizer® system delivering CCM® therapy in markets around the world. Cardiologist Prof. Guo Tao, Executive Director of Internal Medicine, Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Yunnan Province, performed the 100th procedure and emphasized the role of this therapy in providing an option and hope to patients living with the debilitating reality of heart failure.

“It is quite a coincidental milestone for us that the 10th patient implanted in our center also happened to be the 100th patient treated in China. I have paid very close attention to CCM therapy for more than 20 years now, but it wasn’t until recently we could clinically apply this technology. Under close clinical observation, our 10 CCM patients have improved even more than we anticipated. All the CCM patients in our center improved both symptomatically and on various objective indicators, which made both us and our patients very happy. Therefore, it seems from our experience that CCM is performing exactly as described in the foreign research — specifically, by modulating the exchange of calcium ions and thereby enhancing contractility of the myocardium in the acute period, then normalizing the expression of contraction-related proteins, which leads to reverse remodeling of the heart. Based on these results, we are now planning to expand the application of CCM normatively and actively while continuing to closely follow our implanted patients to obtain more clinical evidence of CCM to optimize its application so more Chinese patients can benefit from this latest innovative treatment.”

Prof. Zhang Shu, Chief Physician of Fuwai Hospital of the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Honorary Chairman of the Electrocardiology and Pacing Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Director of the Cardiology Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and former President of the Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society further commented “Currently there are almost nine million patients with heart failure in China, and many of them have not been optimally treated. Heart failure has also become the leading cause of death among cardiovascular and other major chronic diseases in China. I believe CCM will bring good news to Chinese patients. These successful initial experiences provide our doctors with good prospects of bringing hope to the patients they care for.”

“We are proud to see the growing acceptance of this technology in markets around the world,” said Mateusz Zelewski, MD, Impulse Dynamics´ VP International. “In reaching this milestone, we have connected with physicians, patients, and their families. We are inspired by the benefits of this therapy to our patients and continue to reinforce our commitment to address the immense need for advanced heart failure options for patients around the world.”

CCM therapy was approved in China late last year, and the first implant in the country was announced on November 1, 2021. The Optimizer system delivers CCM therapy, which consists of electric pulses applied to the heart between heartbeats and serves to enhance the performance of cardiac muscular contraction, making the heart work more efficiently without increasing the heart rate or the oxygen consumption of the cardiac muscle.

To date, CCM therapy has been used to treat heart failure in more than 7,000 patients worldwide and is available in 44 countries across the globe. The therapy has been studied in almost 2,000 patients and has appeared in more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles. Ongoing studies are also underway to examine the safety and efficacy of CCM for patients suffering from heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction between 40 – 60 percent.

About Impulse Dynamics

Impulse Dynamics is dedicated to helping healthcare providers enhance the lives of people with heart failure by transforming how the condition is treated. The company is focused on delivering its proprietary CCM therapy, which is delivered by the company’s Optimizer device, the CE-marked, and FDA-approved treatment verified to improve the quality of life for heart failure patients. CCM therapy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option for many heart failure patients who otherwise have few effective options available to them.[1] To learn more, visit www.ImpulseDynamics.com, or follow the company on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘plan,’’ ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘could,’’ ‘‘intend,’’ ‘‘target,’’ ‘‘project,’’ ‘‘contemplate,’’ ‘‘believe,’’ ‘‘estimate,’’ ‘‘predict,’’ ‘‘potential’’ or ‘‘continue’’ or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning potential benefits of CCM therapy, and the absence of risks associated therewith; the ability for CCM therapy and our products to fill a significant unmet medical need for patients with heart failure; and the short-term and long-term benefits of the Optimizer and CCM therapy in patients with heart failure, as well as to the physicians treating those patients. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Other important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contemplated in this press release include, without limitation: the company’s future research and development costs, capital requirements and the company’s needs for additional financing; commercial success and market acceptance of CCM therapy; the company’s ability to achieve and maintain adequate levels of coverage or reimbursement for Optimizer systems or any future products the company may seek to commercialize; competitive companies and technologies in the industry; the company’s ability to expand its indications and develop and commercialize additional products and enhancements to its current products; the company’s business model and strategic plans for its products, technologies and business, including its implementation thereof; the company’s ability to expand, manage and maintain its direct sales and marketing organization; the company’s ability to commercialize or obtain regulatory approvals for CCM therapy and its products, or the effect of delays in commercializing or obtaining regulatory approvals; FDA or other U.S. or foreign regulatory actions affecting us or the healthcare industry generally, including healthcare reform measures in the United States and international markets; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals; and the company’s ability to establish and maintain intellectual property protection for CCM therapy and products or avoid claims of infringement. The company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements and expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5494150/

Attachments

Rohan More, Global VP of Marketing
Impulse Dynamics
856-642-9933
[email protected]

Harris Currie, Chief Financial Officer (Investor Relations)
Impulse Dynamics
856-642-9933
[email protected]

Ian Ségal, Public Relations
Impulse Dynamics
856-642-9933
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8698682

New government of St Kitts and Nevis ready to usher in new sense of cooperation and good governance, hints at changes to the country’s CBI programme

Basseterre, Nov. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — St Kitts and Nevis welcomed a new government in August and the new administration, led by Dr Terrance Drew, is ready and determined to usher in a new sense of cooperation, good governance, and transparency – starting with steps to improve the country’s long-standing citizenship by investment (CBI) programme.

In his address on Tuesday, 15 November, marking his first 100 days in office, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew provided insight into the focus areas for the CBI changes, which he gave to the citizens of St Kitts and Nevis at an event held earlier today in the country’s capital Basseterre.

Since winning the snap election on 5 August, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew has been working tirelessly for the overall development of St Kitts and Nevis and has undertaken various initiatives including the formation of a committee to combat corruption.

The new administration has presented plans for the advancement of the twin-island nation, outlining steps that will pave the way to improving the lives of its people. A large part of these plans is funded by the CBI programme which has secured foreign direct investment into the nation for nearly 40 years since it is independence.

“Our government has been relentless in our pursuit to strengthen and improve our Citizenship by Investment programme, for enhanced sustainability within a framework of integrity. We have held productive discussions with local developers and international investors alike,” said Prime Minister Drew.

“There will be much stronger oversight and leadership in the CBI Unit by a new CBI Board and Technical Committee. I will announce the detailed changes at our upcoming press conference, but I want to be absolutely clear, that our evolved CBI programme will be run with the utmost transparency.”

To help progress the economy, Prime Minister Drew highlighted that more oversight would ensure that the people of St Kitts and Nevis would also benefit from the CBI programme as it was intended. Plans are in place to support women in sectors like construction, to provide more support to small businesses, and to review opportunities for the development of the renewable energy sector, the processing of fish, as well as packaging and exports.

With promises to improve health care, provide more affordable housing and access to better education – Prime Minister Drew understands that all this will be underpinned by a stronger economy.

Speaking at the event Prime Minister Drew said that while the nation has been the benchmark of citizenship by investment value proposition, the new administration understands that in order to remain one of the most sought-after economic citizenship programmes in the world, it needs to evolve and forge a new path for itself and the industry as it responds to a changing demographic.

Through ongoing consultations with all stakeholders during the exploratory phase, the new government aims to have regular engagement with local and international stakeholders in the programme to ensure it meets their salient needs.

Prime Minister Drew also emphasised how his government is on a journey to bring clarity to locals and international investors through constant transparency and integrity. “Our ongoing work to strengthen this programme and the system must result in prosperity for all.”

Consultations with stakeholders have led to the development of committees to supervise the process and implement strengthened legislative and administrative structures to prevent “underselling” and ensure that real estate projects funded by the CBI programme are completed.

The government’s plan is to maintain a progressive programme that cements St Kitts and Nevis’ place as a leader in the CBI Industry.

The government is also seeking out reliable and trustworthy developers who are ready to put capital behind creative and strong projects that will enhance St Kitts and Nevis’ CBI offering.

St Kitts and Nevis holds the oldest citizenship by investment programme in the world – established in 1984, the programme currently allows investors to gain second citizenship by donating to a government fund or by investing in real estate.

The government fund channels investment to projects that will uplift the country and has enabled, in part, sectors such as health, education, tourism, business, and agriculture to flourish.

PR St Kitts and Nevis
Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
mildred.thabane@csglobalpartners.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8698419

New High-Yielding Perennial Rice Sees Sustainability Success Catalyzed by Global Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing Approach

Salina, Kansas, USA, Nov. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Over 70% of the food calories that feed humanity come from annual grain crops, which occupy 60–80% of global croplands. But annual grain dominance may be changing. A study in the journal Nature Sustainability reports that a new high-yielding, long-lived perennial rice with significant environmental, economic, and social sustainability impacts is now being grown in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa.

Researchers in China’s Yunnan Province developed perennial rice in a relatively short two-decade timeframe, achieving comparable yields to annual rice varieties. They were supported with scientific expertise and seed funding from Kansas-based nonprofit The Land Institute and a global network of researchers.

“I congratulate the authors for delivering one of the most important reports in modern agriculture,” says National Geographic Society Explorer Jerry Glover, whose work has focused on developing and using perennial crops. “I believe this report will catalyze a generation of new discoveries by scientists who have not yet been involved in pursuing perennial traits in staple grain crops. This research marks a distinct new line of possibilities for global food production from the nearly 10,000-year single-track reliance on annual grain crops.”

Rice feeds 4 billion people and is the grain most consumed by humans, and is the third largest cereal grain crop after corn and wheat worldwide in metric tons. But annual grain agriculture comes at an ecological and economic cost, compromising ecosystems and forcing ever-higher inputs of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fossil fuel energy, and labor to maintain yields. The growing perennial grain agriculture movement is shifting this paradigm to address some of the food system’s most pressing challenges.

“Since perennial rice can produce yields over eight consecutive harvests similar to annual rice, this is direct evidence that developing perennial versions of grain crops is feasible,” says Lee DeHaan, Director of Crop Improvement and Lead Scientist of the Kernza® Domestication Program at The Land Institute. “This evidence provides a clear reason to vastly increase research investment in ongoing work to develop perennial versions of crops like wheat and sorghum.”

Senior author Fengyi Hu and Dayun Tao began working with co-author Erik Sacks to develop perennial rice in 1999 in a collaboration between the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (YAAS) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Hearing of the IRRI project, The Land Institute invited Sacks to present his research in 2005. This connection eventually led to Hu and the YAAS team partnering with the perennial grain breeding experts at The Land Institute in 2007 to help jumpstart the development of a promising wide hybrid cross between annual, cultivated rice and a perennial rice cousin from Africa. Inspired by the potential for Hu’s research to develop upland perennial rice, given the catastrophic soil erosion in the hilly regions of Southeast Asia, The Land Institute provided critical funding, technical support, and mentoring and helped expand a network of global peer researchers. The University of Illinois, Yunnan University, and the University of Queensland soon joined the effort.

“The success of Dr. Hu’s group is a wonderful example of how an international network of researchers can help support, advise and advance an amazing and important achievement,” says co-author Tim Crews, The Land Institute’s Chief Scientist and International Program Director. “At The Land Institute, we are intent on working with more research groups worldwide to build on the successes of Hu and others in the perennialization of grain agriculture.”

“Almost yearly since 2009, we’ve held workshops in Yunnan, China, on perennial rice and perennial grain crops, inviting international experts, including African and U.S. rice breeders, sustainable ag researchers, international ag development leaders, and more. This sharing of ideas and building an international network of collaborators has proven invaluable for accelerating progress and achieving success on perennial grains,” says Sacks, professor in the Department of Crop Sciences, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois.

The research shows that perennial rice crops have advantages over annual rice crops:

  • Long-Lived Production: Perennial rice produced grain for eight consecutive harvests over four years from a single planting
  • Comparable High Yields: Average perennial rice yields were equivalent to annual rice, with 6.8 Mg ha-1 harvest-1 of perennial rice versus 6.7 Mg ha-1 harvest-1 of replanted annual rice for each perennial rice regrowth cycle
  • Significant Carbon Sequestration: By switching from annual to perennial rice, soils accumulated almost a ton of organic carbon per hectare per year, 0.81 Mg organic carbon ha-1 yr-1
  • Labor and Inputs Savings: Farmers used nearly 60% less labor and spent almost 50% less on seed, fertilizer, and other inputs for perennial rice than annual rice
  • Improved Farmer Livelihoods: Farmer profits from perennial rice ranged from 17% to 161% above annual rice

“Interest in developing and testing perennial grain cultivars has grown exponentially over the last ten years,” says Rachel Stroer, President of The Land Institute. “Besides perennial rice, our work on wide hybrid crosses of annual wheat and sorghum with their perennial relatives show promise. With intensified investment in perennial grain agriculture research from global funders and partners, we’re confident that these grains and more will reach high yields with robust ecological and social benefits and move onto the landscape in the coming decades.”

ABOUT THE LAND INSTITUTE

The Land Institute co-leads the global movement for perennial, diverse, regenerative grain agriculture at a scale that matches the enormity of the intertwined climate, water, and food security crises. An independent 501c3 nonprofit founded in 1976, the organization seeks to reconcile the human economy with nature’s economy, starting with food. Its transdisciplinary team of scientists and global partners are developing new perennial grain crops, like Kernza®, and diverse cropping systems that function within nature’s limits and researching the social transformation required for a just, perennial human future.

Attachments

Tammy Kimbler
The Land Institute
612-991-4747
[email protected]

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