Tag Archives: PUB

CGTN: On climate change, we’re running out of time, not options

BEIJING, Dec. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Beijing, the strong, fast-beating heart of Chinese prosperity, has been known as a safe and stable city free from natural calamities. But not the summer of 2023. Throughout the season, the mercury soared, with daily highs consistently hitting over 40°C. Then as the capital had a relative respite from sweltering heat, there came the heavy rain, flooding and displacing thousands of people.

As Beijing recovered, some horrible but similar trend is echoing all around the globe: the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century scorched Lahaina, Hawaii; the devastating floods that destroyed a quarter of the city of Derna, Lybia; extreme heat and worsen drought in Chile and the Horn of Africa; rising sea level for island countries… “Humanity has opened the gates of hell,” as the UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted, “we are heading towards a dangerous and unstable world.”

Although the alarm bell keeps ringing, we should not lose hope and give up. But rather, it’s high time to take actions. China and the United States, as the world’s two largest economies, have shown their political will by the milestone Sunnylands Statement. And looking back a bit further, from the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement, binding targets to limit emission and temperature increase have been set through joint efforts.

And China has walked the talk for achieving its goal of carbon peaking and neutrality. From transforming deserts to cleaning up the air, to developing new technology, shifting energy structure, and raising public awareness on a healthier lifestyle. China is doing everything to cultivate a more sustainable cycle of nature, to pay off previous ecological debts, avoid new debts, and strive to save our planet in more creative ways.

If climate change is a global concern, the burden is not equally shared. On the one hand, developed countries are responsible for most of the heat-trapping emissions since the Industrial Revolution. On the other, developing countries have lower emissions, but are bearing the brunt of a hotter climate. Promises from some of the world’s biggest economies haven’t been panning out, delayed by political deadlock, bureaucratic hurdles and debates over new rules to expedite aid from development banks and private donors.

An injustice burns at the heart of the climate crisis and its flame is scorching hopes and possibilities, as world leaders are warning. “We cannot continue,” Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados called, “to put the interest of a few before the lives of many.”

How to make sure the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, with all pulling in the same direction? It needs leadership, vision, and multilateralism. China, along with the rest of the world, is taking the lead to give its best shot, bringing down the price of renewable energy, sharing knowhow for deploying sustainable projects, and transitioning to a low-carbon era. With climate change being a global issue, only in a global approach and by joint efforts can we translate the will into concrete outcomes, and mitigate the climate we changed.

Shanghai prioritizes efforts to improve people’s livelihood

BEIJING, Dec. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A report from People’s Daily: Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected a government-subsidized rental housing community and learned about the city’s efforts in constructing government-subsidized rental housing projects in Shanghai on Nov. 29.

It is reported that the rental housing community provides affordable rental accommodation for new urban residents and young people.

The rental pricing takes into account both market prices and the income levels of the targeted group. Each apartment in the community is equipped with independent cabinets, a bathroom, and a kitchen. Public spaces such as shared kitchens, laundry rooms, recreational areas, and book corners are also provided.

Shanghai is a megacity. It attracts frontline workers and managers across the country engaging in its urban construction and function. They are important contributors to the city’s development and orderly operation.

In recent years, Shanghai has actively explored the provision of more rental housing with good location, high quality and low rent for frontline laborers, thus better satisfying their actual demands. It has implemented precise supply to ensure their life and work in Shanghai with more safety, comfort and dignity, which have been welcomed by the targeted group.

Adhering to the principle that “cities are built by the people and for the people,” Shanghai has been working to promote high-quality development, improving people’s living quality, and pursuing high-efficiency governance, to make urban management more science-based, refined and intelligent, and to make people’s life more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable.

In the construction of the city, Shanghai always puts the people’s needs in the first place. It has expedited efforts to revitalize and transform old buildings and urban villages.

This year, the city has renovated 85,200 square meters of lower-grade, scattered, old housing and refurbished 247,700 square meters of aging residential properties. Ten urban village renovation projects have been launched.

Shanghai is actively exploring sustainable development models for urban renewal, while establishing and improving relevant policy systems and mechanisms.

Remarkable progress has been made in key urban renewal projects, such as the Fangua Long in Jing’an District, the ancient Panlong Town in Qingpu District, and Wukang Building in Xuhui District. Meanwhile, an additional 68,000 affordable rental apartments have been constructed.

With an aim to build an urban space that is not only livable but also enjoyable and engaging, Shanghai has worked to ensure coordinated development, management, and quality enhancement of the Huangpu River and the Suzhou Creek.

The Suhe Bay Green Space, a maritime park in the North Bund, and the Dongjiadu Road Skywalk have become popular destinations for citizens and visitors. Furthermore, eight kilometers of riverside paths in Pudong and Minhang have been connected and opened to the public.

Shanghai is accelerating the construction of sponge city demonstration areas and pilot zones for green and low-carbon development, to enhance the overall quality of the city. This year, it has built 75 “beautiful blocks.”

To build a green, smart, and resilient metropolis, Shanghai has reinforced the management of green building projects, and advanced the development of green urban spaces.

This year, approximately 2.6 million square meters of ultra-low energy-consuming buildings are underway, complemented by energy-saving renovations in 5.3 million square meters of existing public structures.

Shanghai has been solidifying the digital infrastructure of urban governance, pursuing digital transformation in all areas of urban construction and management. Particular attention has been focused on gas supply safety, while the control and emergency response to major risk sources are fortified, to forge a robust security line for this megacity.

These explorations and practices of Shanghai are the epitome of China’s commitment to sustainable development and the promotion of new urbanization.

In recent years, China has been continuously advancing a people-centered approach to new urbanization, strengthening the construction of major projects to ensure people’s livelihood, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

It has accelerated the renovation and upgrading of urban pipelines, increased the availability of inclusive elderly care and medical services, improved urban ecology through the construction of “pocket parks,” and continuously enhanced public fitness facilities.

In the first seven months of this year, investment in the production and supply of electricity, heat, gas, and water in China increased by 25.4 percent. During the same period, renovation was launched for a total of 46,600 old urban residential communities nationwide, benefiting 7.95 million households.

Knocking the Door Open

BEIJING, Dec. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China.org.cn on mysteries behind Nixon’s 1972 China Visit:

Knocking the Door Open
https://youtu.be/6OGZS2rGEO4

Tang Wensheng is the interpreter for Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai during Nixon’s visit and the previous visits of Henry Kissinger.

She can tell us stories behind Nixon’s 1972 China visit and help us understand how the past may inform our future.

By 1971, after more than two decades of  isolation and  hostility across the Pacific Ocean, the U.S. Table Tennis Team became the first American sports delegation to set foot on Chinese soil since 1949.

Normalization of relations between the two rival nations during the Cold War was gradually realized thanks to ping-pong, an unlikely diplomatic tool.

Before that, the U.S. government had managed to improve relations with China, which would be good for the U.S. to contend against the Soviet Union. For example, Nixon told a journalist of Time that if there was anything he wanted to do before he died, the thing was to visit China.

In August 1970, journalist Edgar Snow came to China. On the early morning of Dec. 18 1970, Mao Zedong invited Edgar Snow to have a conversation.

Tang Wensheng remembered, halfway between the seats and the door, Chairman Mao and Edgar Snow stopped and had a few more words. And the chairman said, no matter the changes, our relationship remains like this. And he said in English, “standing”.

“I was rather taken aback because he meant they had a standing relationship, and they were indeed standing there. But I didn’t know how he knew that the word ‘standing’ not only meant that they were standing there, but that there was a kind of relationship, standing relationship. That really took me aback. I thought that was also a sign he was learning English to converse with more people.”

As journalist Edgar Snow wrote in “A Conversation With Mao Zedong,” published in April 1971, Mao said he welcomed rightists such as Nixon to visit China because the problems between China and the U.S. would “have to be solved with Nixon”.

In July 1971, Kissinger, who served as National Security Advisor under the administration of the then U.S. president, visited China secretly, to pave the way for President Nixon’s visit to China in February 1972.

Tang Wenshegn said, “History will have its ups and downs. But eventually, it always goes forward. We just have to work for the better because that is in the interest of us all.”

The Cultural Sit-Down with Wang Xiaohui
http://cul.china.com.cn/node_1008104.htm
Mysteries behind Nixon’s 1972 China Visit
https://www.facebook.com/chinaorgcn/videos/1961657100867130/
https://twitter.com/chinaorgcn/status/1723927396318068917 

“Industrial Finance Empowerment, Cohesion and Win-win” – The Fourth China-Korea-Japan Asset Management Summit Forum Draws to a Successful Close

CHANGZHOU, China, Nov. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — To cope with the new economic changes in the world and create a new economic development pattern in the Asia Pacific region, the 4th China-Korea-Japan Asset Management Summit Forum was held on November 22 in Zhonglou District, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province. The forum convened under the theme “Industrial Finance Empowerment, Cohesion and Win-win”. Representatives of multiple institutions, business leaders, experts and scholars from China, South Korea, and Japan were invited. In-depth exchanges and discussions were held on topics of China-Korea-Japan economic and trade cooperation and cross-border investment under the new situation, further development of industries assisted by diversified capital, and new trends in the development of asset management industries. Sheng Lei, Mayor of Changzhou Municipal People’s Government, attended the event and witnessed the contract signing. Yuan Huaizhong, Chairman of Beijing ALAN Asset Management Co., Ltd. (ALAN AMC), Lee Seung Lyul, President of Hana Bank, and Takakura Toru, President of Mitsui Sumitomo Trust Holdings, delivered speeches. Zhou Chengtao, the Secretary General of Changzhou Municipal People’s Government; Liu Min, Director of Changzhou Municipal Local Financial Supervision and Administration Bureau; and leaders of Zhonglou District including Shen Dong, Li Chaokun, Wang Xufeng, and Wu Wei attended the event.

This forum is co-organized by the People’s Government of Zhonglou District, Changzhou Local Financial Supervision and Administration Bureau, and Beijing ALAN AMC, with the cooperation of Hana Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, and Changzhou Zhonglou Jinlong Holding Group Co., Ltd. The forum was simultaneously live-streamed online on multiple platforms, including Beijing Private Equity Association (BPEA), Yicai.com, IFENG.com, Sina.com, hexun.com, Chinese Venture, PEdaily.cn, Chinaventure.com.cn, and Ruisi China.

The forum started with an opening speech by Li Chaokun, the mayor of the People’s Government of Zhonglou District, Changzhou City. Li stated that Zhonglou District was implementing the city’s “532” development strategy, focusing on the overall layout of the city’s “double-city” and “double-capital” construction. It is fully implementing the “dual-core linkage” strategic deployment of the “two lakes” innovation zone and the old downtown area and promoting the construction of first-class modern urban areas in the Yangtze River Delta with high quality to contribute to the entire region. He said that Zhonglou District would always adhere to the main theme of open cooperation, focus on the overall goal of financial services for the real economy, firmly adhere to the good practice of combining industry and finance, and strive to create a “Zhonglou model” of industry-finance combination, to help the “Trillion GDP city” become more convincing and efficient.

Yuan Huaizhong, Chairman of Beijing ALAN AMC, said in his speech that in the future, they would continue to actively leverage their international advantages, follow the strategic requirements of China’s high-quality economic development, actively invest in cutting-edge fields such as technological innovation, green transformation, industrial upgrading, and ESG, and play a guiding role in resource allocation with funds. “Changzhou, located in the core area of the Yangtze River Delta, has unique geographical advantages, a friendly business environment, and a complete industrial cluster. In the future, we hope to integrate more resources from South Korea and Japan and high-quality domestic financial resources into Changzhou and Zhonglou District, empowering industrial development.”

Lee Seung Lyul, President of Hana Bank, talked about Hana Finance’s global business. Together with ALAN AMC, they particularly regard China as the core country in the global market and work with Chinese partners such as ALAN AMC to gain success and profits in the Chinese market. He stated that the theme of this forum – “Industrial Finance Empowerment, Cohesion and Win-win” – perfectly matches the core vision of asset management industry development. He hoped that in the future, the cooperation between China, South Korea, and Japan in the financial field could be further strengthened, thus providing important support for the economic development in Asia.

Takakura Toru, President of Mitsui Sumitomo Trust Holdings, said in his speech that the “Era of 100-year life” was a social problem that all countries in Asia will face, also an area where trusts can play the added value. The scale of Japan’s real estate investment market (including REIT and private equity funds) is currently over JPY55 trillion (approximately CNY 2.7 trillion), which is continuously expanding, providing abundant investment opportunities. There are also challenges in the transformation. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings hoped to promote global common prosperity by solving social issues and striving to contribute to further developing asset management markets in China and Asia.

At the opening ceremony, the People’s Government of Zhonglou District signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with ALAN AMC, pledging to make the investment more free and convenient, attract more foreign investment, help put more high-quality funds in science and technology innovation, green, and digital industries, and promote the high-quality development of the real economy.

Experts from China, South Korea, and Japan shared exciting information on the economy, society, and population in the forum. The three round-table forums held in-depth and high-quality discussions on topics of China-Korea-Japan economic and trade cooperation and cross-border investment under the new situation, the in-depth development of industries assisted by diversified capital, and new trends in the development of asset management industries, respectively. The forum actively explored investment opportunities of “Industrial Finance Empowerment, Cohesion and Win-win” to jointly create a new pattern of economic development in the Asia Pacific region. So far, the 4th China-Korea-Japan Asset Management Summit Forum has reached a successful conclusion!

The economic pattern has experienced great changes over the unprecedented transition in the last century, affecting the process of globalization. It has been a long and arduous journey for China, South Korea, and Japan to work together for a common destiny and promote joint development. We hope this forum can build a bridge for further exchanges and cooperation between China, South Korea, and Japan in the future. The three countries can enhance understanding, strengthen exchanges, and promote exchanges and cooperation in higher levels and broader fields.

Source: Beijing ALAN Asset Management Co.ltd.

Abu Dhabi Finance Week Charts the Rise of the Falcon Economy with the Launch of Abu Dhabi Economic Forum


  • The Chairman & CEO of JP Morgan Chase & Co praised the economic transformation agendas of Abu Dhabi, whilst announcing plans to expand the bank’s operations in ADGM.
  • Global finance leaders assembled to analyse ADFW’s main theme, ‘Investing in the transition era.

ABU DHABI, UAE, Nov. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) commenced its four-day series of over 46 sub-events with a spectacular opening ceremony hosted under a specially designed event dome in the South Plaza of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and followed the launch of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Economic Forum (ADEF).

The first day of ADFW brought together distinguished and high-level leaders from over 100+ countries under one roof to witness a range of high-level focused range of sessions, discussing Abu Dhabi’s rise as a global financial centre including keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and presentations.

One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was a thought-provoking keynote speech by the legendary investor Ray Dalio, who delved into the complexities of the Changing World Order, drawing insights from his recent book. The participation of influential leaders and prominent figures such as Mr. Dalio, emphasised the international significance of ADFW and its objective to explore new paradigms in finance and economics.

In his address at the opening ceremony of ADFW, His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Member of Abu Dhabi’s Executive Council and Chairman of ADDED and ADGM welcomed the esteemed crowd to Abu Dhabi, the ‘Capital of Capital’ and the ‘Falcon’s Playground’ and shared his thoughts on the momentous occasion, saying, “Abu Dhabi Finance Week is a testament to our commitment to positioning Abu Dhabi as a global financial hub. The opening ceremony was a remarkable start to a week that promises to be filled with insightful discussions and meaningful partnerships. The ADEF, in particular, symbolises our dedication to fostering economic growth and innovation, in alignment with the changing world order and the rising Falcon Economy of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”

The inaugural edition of ADEF was conducted in partnership with ADQ. The high-level event engaged in comprehensive discussions surrounding Abu Dhabi’s evolving economy within the changing global context.

The event witnessed the participation of a distinguished group of leaders, including CEOs of Sovereign Wealth Funds such as ADQ and Mubadala and Ministers of Economy and Climate. These discussions provided an international perspective on strategies to foster regional monetary cooperation in support of the Falcon Economy.

ADFW’s theme, ‘Investing in the Transition Era,’ was explored in a dedicated session, featuring prominent leaders from across the globe and deep-dived into the economic consequences and investment opportunities in a transitioning era.

A highlight of ADEF was the appearance of Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Chase & co, who praised Abu Dhabi’s economic growth planning, whilst announcing a major expansion of the bank’s operations in the Emirate. He stated ”The determination of the emirate that is forging ahead with its reform agendas is extremely impressive, be it their economic, financial and social agendas. These are not easy changes but there is clear progress on all fronts towards the goal to create a safe and secure society and a dynamic Falcon Economy. We’ve continued to add to the team this year and have submitted an application to upgrade our operating licence to a full category one banking entity, signalling our intent and commitment to the size of the opportunity here.”

In her keynote address at the ADEF, Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change & Environment, Government of UAE highlighted the event’s significance as a premier platform for connecting and problem-solving within the finance and business community in the MENA region. Her Excellency addressed the global challenge of climate change, praising the UAE’s proactive stance and advocating for a pro-climate, pro-growth strategy, and underscored the pivotal role of climate finance in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, expressing the UAE’s commitment to kickstarting transformative change at COP28 and making climate financing more accessible, available, and affordable for the world.

ADQ unveiled during ADEF the SWF’s fiver year progress along with a deep-dive into the company’s vision, journey and investment approach.

ADGM also made a milestone announcement, committing to extending the facilities arrangement with the World Bank’s office for an additional five years, signifying a continued collaboration on opportunities, in areas such as research, knowledge exchange, events and policymaking.

Abu Dhabi Finance Week is now in full swing, with its upcoming events Asset Abu Dhabi, Fintech Abu Dhabi, and the R.A.C.E Sustainability Summit scheduled for November 28th, 29th, and 30th, respectively.

China Matters’ Features: Is China getting greener?

BEIJING, Nov. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — China Matters releases a talk show on China’s green development.

China aims to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060. Harmony between humanity and nature has been defined as one of the five major features of Chinese modernization.

In this episode of The Talk, a talk show series under the video brand China Matters, we invite two environmental conservationists to share with us their stories in China.

Matt Grager, Climate Program Director of WildAid, believes Chinese people’s attitude shift towards environmental protection is related to certain governmental policies.

“It started with ecological civilization and people starting to understand harmony with nature,” said Matt Grager. “And then the dual carbon goal has come out, which really puts a numerical goal on that idea of ecological civilization.”

Paul Holt, a birdwatcher and environmental conservationist based in Beijing, pointed out that most Chinese have no interest or knowledge of wildlife based on his observation in China.

“I think it’s important to encourage an interest in wildlife and birds,” said Paul Holt. “The best way to do that is to start with young kids.”

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXJfdgzZdag&t=295s

5th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (Cangzhou) Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Cooperation Forum Launched in N.China Province

CANGZHOU, China, Nov. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The 5th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) (Cangzhou) Small and Medium-Sized (SME) Cooperation Forum initiated on November 13th in Cangzhou, north China’s Hebei Province, announced the Cangzhou municipal government.

Signing ceremony of key cooperation projects at the 5th China-CEEC (Cangzhou) SME Cooperation Forum
Signing ceremony of key cooperation projects at the 5th China-CEEC (Cangzhou) SME Cooperation Forum

With the theme of “Expanding openness and cooperation for win-win development”, the forum was jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of PRC (MIIT) and the People’s Government of Hebei Province, supported by the CEEC Secretariat and the Cangzhou Municipal People’s Government.

“Since establishing the China-Central and Eastern European countries cooperation mechanism in 2012, the economic and trade cooperation between the two sides has made positive progress, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1% and a two-way investment of nearly US$ 20 billion. The economic and trade cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries has shown great vitality and strong resilience.” Xu Xiaolan, Vice Minister of MIIT, addressed in her speech.

At the event site, 277 Chinese and foreign merchants from 10 countries came to look for business opportunities. The enterprises involved in automobile manufacturing, clean energy, intelligent equipment, laser industry and other fields.

“This forum is an important platform for exchanges between small and medium-sized enterprises in China and Central and Eastern European countries, which has promoted the economic development of all countries, made great contributions to the global market, and will bring more cooperation opportunities to Serbia.” Sinisa Mali, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Serbia, said.

It is reported that through the previous docking negotiations, this forum has reached 109 cooperation results with a total investment of 63.636 billion yuan.

In recent years, Cangzhou has developed into a critical modern port city in North China, the new industrial city in the Circum-Bohai Sea Area and an important node city in the urban agglomerations of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province. For three consecutive years, Cangzhou has been named by Forbes China among the Top 100 Best Commercial Cities in Mainland China.

The China-CEEC (Cangzhou) SME Cooperation Forum was established in 2018, becoming China’s first cooperation zone for Central and Eastern European countries. For five years, the forum has served as an essential platform for strengthening exchanges and cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries.

2023 ELLE STYLE AWARDS ended perfectly in Hangzhou, China

SHANGHAI, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Nov.3, The 2023 ELLE Style Awards was held with the theme of “REUNION and TRIBUTE” by ELLE China at Hangzhou Future Sci-tech City. Nearly 100 celebrities and models gathered to celebrate ELLE China’s 35th anniversary, to pay tribute to the fashion styles and women’s spirits that have been witnessed and led by China over the past 35 years. The evening served as an opportunity to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future of China’s fashion industry, as a new chapter was collectively written.


Daisy Wang, CEO of Hearst Greater China, Valéria, International director of ELLE, and Sun Zhe, Editor-in-chief of ELLE China, opened the ceremony with their speeches. Several representatives from the fashion industry were awarded at the event. Maria Grazia Chiuri, the first female creative director of Dior, was given the “Fashion Designer of the Year” award. The iconic Red Sole Shoe creator Christian Louboutin was presented with the “ELLE Legend Award”. Supermodel Zhang Lina, who graced the cover of ELLE China 35th anniversary, won the “Supermodel of the Year “, whereas Wang Wenqin, the first supermodel to feature on the ELLE China’s cover, won the ” Iconic Supermodel of the Year”. Makeup artist Xin Miao awarded the “Makeup Artist of the Year”, artist Cao Fei won the “Artist of the Year” and swimming athlete Ye Shiwen,who recently achieved great feats at the Hangzhou Asian Game, was distinguished as the “Athlete of the Year.” In addition, the “Rising Supermodel of the Year” and “Rising Photographer” were bestowed upon supermodel Ouyang Ying and photographer Ren Haihua respectively, and the “Stylish Rising Award” was presented to Shanghai Haruki Murakami series.

It is worth mentioning that in this grand ceremony, Hearst China also held a strategic cooperation memorandum exchange ceremony with Hangzhou Future Sci-tech City, which will usher in more in-depth cooperation in the future. Another highlight of the ceremony is the announcement of HEARST WONDER CLUB, and the appearance of the first vice president unit and the first president of city.

2023 ELLE STYLE AWARDS thanks to our strategic partners Tmall, Taobao Live, ROBOCAR JiYue 01, RAPIDO, Ulike, Hennessy V.S.O.P , and Dolby Labs as technology support partner. Also thanks to the special partners Estee Lauder, Lancôme, Liby, Samsung, SkinCeuticals. Special thanks to T9tea.

CIIE leads global development to new, bright prospects

BEIJING, Nov. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A report from People’s Daily: The sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from Nov. 5 to 10.

The CIIE, a pioneering event in the history of international trade development, has become a showcase of China’s new development pattern, a platform for high-level opening-up, and a public good shared by the whole world.

This year’s CIIE fully resumes offline activities, and is expected to welcome guests from 154 countries, regions, and international organizations. So far, 69 countries and three international organizations have confirmed their participation in the Country Exhibition. Over 3,400 exhibitors and nearly 410,000 professional visitors have registered for the event, with a record number of Global Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders in attendance.

Since the first CIIE, many participating companies have expressed similar sentiments, speaking of the tremendous appeal of the event. Some said they would bring their best and latest products to the event, and some promised to introduce their countries’ specialties. For them, the CIIE brings not just orders, but also the future and hopes.

The achievements of the past five editions of the CIIE have been remarkable: 131 countries and international organizations participated in the Country Exhibition; over 15,000 exhibitors joined the Business Exhibition; the cumulative number of registered visitors exceeded 2 million; the cumulative intended turnover amounted to $350 billion.

The CIIE not only attracts multinational companies, but also gathers upstream and downstream enterprises, providing opportunities for cooperation for various industries to reorganize and optimize themselves on a global scale. Many exhibitors said that at the CIIE, they can deepen exchanges with companies and partners in the same industry or even across industries, and discuss cooperation prospects together.

The previous five sessions of the CIIE have seen debuts of around 2,000 new and innovative products, technologies and services, including intelligent mobile hospitals, hydrogen-fueled concept cars, direct-injection digital printers, and vertical farms. It has become an incubator for technological innovation with global impact.

The CIIE also provides free standard booths and fee reduction measures for the least developed countries. It has been joined by enterprises from 43 least developed countries in the previous five sessions.

With the help of the CIIE, products such as coffee from Timor-Leste, pine nuts from Afghanistan, and cashews from Cambodia have achieved unprecedented sales in the Chinese market.

The “CIIE effect” continues to amplify. The Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trading Center provides a permanent exhibition and sales platform for small and medium-sized enterprises participating in the CIIE. Since the first CIIE, Shanghai has recognized a total of 60 “6+365” trading platforms and introduced nearly 270,000 types of exhibits, with a cumulative import value of over 323 billion yuan ($44.22 billion).

German multinational glass company Schott AG said the CIIE presents a vivid and lively representation of the entire Chinese market. The company participated in the first CIIE with a “give it a try” attitude. From then on, it attended the expo every year, increased its investment and even established new factories in China.

The head of Schott China stated that with the expo, the company has achieved unparalleled growth, and continuing to invest in the Chinese market is a strategic choice for the future.

Thanks to the CIIE, exhibits have turned into commodities and exhibitors have become investors. An increasing number of multinational corporations are deeply integrated into China’s industrial and innovation networks.

Since the beginning of this year, multinational companies have continued to increase investment and expand production in China, with projects progressing at a faster pace. Global refrigeration industry giant Danfoss has put into operation a global refrigeration R&D testing center, German chemical giant BASF’s integrated base has started construction on its syngas facility in Zhanjiang, south China’s Guangdong province, and Airbus has begun construction on its second final assembly line for the A320 series aircraft in Tianjin.

In the first nine months of this year, China has established 37,814 new foreign-invested enterprises, with a year-on-year increase of 32.4 percent.

The CIIE mirrors the resilience and vitality of the Chinese economy, to deepen reform and pursue high-quality development through greater openness.

For some time now, the global economic recovery has faced headwinds, but China has withstood the pressures and continued its rebound, with its economic growth among the highest in major economies worldwide.

China is steadfastly pushing for higher-level opening up, and actively expanding imports. It has remained the world’s second-largest import market for 14 consecutive years. With a population of over 1.4 billion and a middle-income group of over 400 million people, China constitutes the world’s second-largest consumer market and the largest online retail market.

Kenneth Jarrett, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, noted that many companies with global markets need to achieve economies of scale, and if they don’t come to China, they won’t be able to reach the economic scale needed to maintain global competitiveness.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said that opening up is the hallmark of contemporary China. In his keynote speeches and addresses delivered at the previous five sessions of the CIIE, the word “openness” was mentioned over 100 times. The measures he announced at the CIIE to expand opening up have been gradually implemented, effectively promoting new progress in high-level opening-up.

China has established the Lingang new area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, implemented an integrated development strategy in the Yangtze River Delta region, released an overall plan for the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, further expanded reform and opening up in Shenzhen, continuously improved business environment, and strengthened intellectual property protection.

China has deepened reform by opening up, and conversely, pursued deeper reforms to enable greater openness. This benefits not only China’s own development but also the world.

The CIIE belongs not just to China, but to the world. Looking ahead, China is willing to work together with all countries to practice true multilateralism, build a greater consensus of openness, jointly overcome the difficulties and challenges facing global economic development, and usher in a brighter future for development worldwide through opening up.

CCTV+: Enamored by Jiangxi — Elegant Tea

BEIJING, Oct. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As a drink and a food, tea plays an important role in the life of the people of Jiangxi. With profound tea culture, Jiangxi Province is a famous tea-producing area in history. The superb, exquisite and unique tea-making skills reflect the craftsmanship of generations of tea makers. The long history of tea making has also nurtured the profound tea culture in Jiangxi.