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AI innovation injects new momentum into China’s services trade

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CIFTIS

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 September 2025 – Amid the buzz of the ongoing 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), a robot dog is stealing the show. However, this remarkable machine is not just a playful performer; it carries a serious mission.

Equipped with a yellow methane detection probe, it sniffs out potential gas leaks, poised to become a “bodyguard” enhancing community safety.

Zhang Shenyan, a senior R&D engineer at Beijing Gas Group Co., Ltd., explained that this robotic inspector can be pre-programmed with specific routes and key inspection areas, allowing it to conduct regular patrols and safety checks within residential compounds.

The robot dog is just one example of how the new technological revolution, led by artificial intelligence (AI), is permeating every facet of daily life — a trend that has been constant throughout this year’s CIFTIS. Across various themed exhibition halls, AI applications are transforming multiple services trade sectors.

In the health services exhibition hall, Guang’anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences displayed an AI diagnostic robot. People can converse with the “AI doctor” in a consultation room.

Xue Chong, founder of the AI doctor company Trizen, noted that the AI system uses large-model technology and has been trained on a vast array of real case data. It is now capable of conducting traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis such as pulse reading, facial and tongue analysis.

“AI large-model technology has reached a stage focusing on deep integration with specific sectors, and healthcare is an ideal field for AI application,” said Xue.

Xue said they are also developing an AI terminal for home use, paving the way for home-based AI medical services.

The environmental services section also featured its own AI innovation. The company He Mu Ecology presented an eco-dredging robot, capable of performing remote-controlled dredging in urban rivers and underwater environments, as well as cleaning hazardous material from enclosed chemical tanks.

QuantaEye Technologies Co., Ltd. exhibited its “water environment scout,” a floating monitoring device that collects over 10 real-time water quality parameters. Integrated with Internet of Things and big data analysis, it enables dynamic water monitoring and early pollution alerts. The company said that the system is already deployed in several rivers and lakes across Beijing.

Throughout the CIFTIS exhibition halls, a dazzling array of AI applications has drawn large crowds of visitors, all eager to stop and experience the innovations firsthand. Experts across various fields are actively seeking ways to integrate the cutting-edge technology into their respective fields, turning innovative concepts into tangible productivity gains.

In the culture and tourism services zone, visitors lined up to try mixed reality (MR) experiences through wearable devices, immersing themselves in interactive virtual environments or embarking on digital tours of famous landmarks and heritage sites.

Meanwhile, over in the education services zone, exhibitors presented AI-powered support systems tailored for child development. These tools combine health monitoring, personalized tutoring, and physical activity tracking to create a complete growth solution for kids.

Ouyang Rihui, deputy director of the China Center for Internet Economy Research at the Central University of Finance and Economics, noted that in recent years, China’s application and promotion of digital intelligent technologies have led to a surge of new AI products, application scenarios, and service formats.

“These have greatly stimulated and expanded new potential in service consumption,” he added.

Liang Zheng, vice dean of the Institute for AI International Governance at Tsinghua University, said that AI innovation not only reduces the cost and barriers to trade in services through automation and digitalization, but also creates entirely new service formats and business models through intelligence and personalization.

“It is reshaping the present and future of global trade in services,” Liang said.

The theme of this year’s CIFTIS is “Embrace Intelligent Technologies, Empower Trade in Services.” With participation from 85 countries and international organizations, along with nearly 2,000 companies exhibiting on-site, the event will run for five days until Sept. 14.

Since its inception in 2012, CIFTIS has brought together enterprises from around the world to share opportunities stemming from China’s opening up and development of trade in services.

 

Energy

Makor Resources CEO to Speak at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 Amid $30M Copper Strategy and Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners Formalization Drive

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Brooke Bibeault’s participation at African Mining Week will highlight Makor Resources’ Zambia strategy, its approach to ASM formalization and the role of copper projects in supporting long-term critical minerals growth

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 9, 2026/APO Group/ –Brooke Bibeault, CEO of copper-focused exploration and development company Makor Resources, has been confirmed as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, taking place October 14–16 in Cape Town. The event brings together global mining investors, developers and policymakers to discuss opportunities shaping Africa’s next generation of critical minerals projects.

 

Bibeault will participate in a panel discussion on Accelerating the Formalization of Artisanal Miners, where industry stakeholders will explore pathways to integrate artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) into formal mining value chains while improving productivity, environmental standards and community development outcomes.

The discussion aligns with Makor Resources’ approach in Zambia, where the company is supporting ASMntegration through its MineHive program. The initiative provides funding and technical support to ASM operators, strengthening local participation in the copper sector while creating structured pathways into formal supply chains.

Alongside its ASM-focused initiatives, Makor Resources is advancing a district-scale copper exploration strategy across Zambia, supporting the country’s long-term ambition to significantly increase annual copper output. The company is progressing the Muli Copper Project in Central Zambia, while also advancing exploration at the Kangili Copper Project in the Mkushi District.

In early 2026, Makor Resources announced plans to invest up to $3 million by the end of the year to enhance geological understanding across its asset portfolio. The program includes integrated geophysical surveys, remote sensing and systematic sampling campaigns designed to support target definition and resource delineation. These activities form part of a broader investment framework estimated at between $20 million and $30 million over the medium term.

With global copper demand projected to rise significantly in the coming decades, attention is increasingly turning to new supply sources. At AMW 2026, Bibeault is expected to outline how Makor Resources’ Zambia portfolio is positioned to contribute to both national economic development and the broader global energy transition through expanded copper supply.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Events

Hong Kong Hosts Lions International Convention for the Third Time

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Over Ten Thousand International Delegates Gather in Hong Kong Confirming City’s Status as World’s Meeting Place
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 July 2026 – The Hong Kong Tourism Board is proud to support the 108th Lions International Convention 2026 in Hong Kong. Having previously hosted the convention in 1992 and 2005, Hong Kong has once again been chosen by Lions Clubs International as the venue for its flagship event, attracting around 17,000 delegates from across the globe. Hong Kong has thus become one of the very few cities among more than 200 Lions member countries and regions worldwide to have secured hosting rights three times. This underscores Hong Kong’s status and appeal as the Events Capital of Asia and the World’s Meeting Place.

Hosting Same High-Profile Event for the Third Time Cements Hong Kong’s Title as Asia’s World City

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, “HKTB is delighted to partner with the Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China, to bring this Convention to Hong Kong for the third time. Its return affirms Hong Kong’s position as the World’s Meeting Place and a top-of-mind destination for MICE tourism. It also showcases Hong Kong’s integrated strengths in world-class MICE infrastructure, global aviation connectivity, diverse and distinctive tourism offerings, and quality hospitality services. These are the key factors in attracting international MICE events and encouraging business travellers to return time and again. We extend our warmest welcome to Lions from around the world and, together with our industry partners, have curated exclusive itineraries and experiences to encourage delegates to stay longer and discover the unique appeal that can be found only in Hong Kong.”

Lions Clubs International is one of the world’s largest service organisations, with more than 1.4 million members and around 50,000 district clubs across over 200 countries and regions. Since 1917, the organisation has supported communities worldwide through a wide range of social service and community aid initiatives.

Lions International Convention 2026 Honorary Chairman and Past International President Dr Tam Wing-kun said, “Hong Kong is an international metropolis where Eastern and Western cultures converge. With its well-developed professional services and comprehensive MICE infrastructure, Hong Kong is an ideal host for this international mega event. I am delighted that the Convention has returned to Hong Kong. This year’s edition will provide Lions from all corners of the world with a broad and diverse platform to explore the future development of international services. Delegates will also be able to experience first-hand Hong Kong’s world-class cuisine and rich cultural appeal. I am confident they will be the best ambassadors possible when they return home, telling the good stories of Hong Kong to the world.”

Lions Attempt Tai Chai World Record in Hong Kong
The 108th Lions International Convention is being held for five consecutive days from 3 to 7 July at AsiaWorld-Expo. To celebrate its return to Hong Kong and promote traditional Chinese culture, the organiser will attempt to set a world record with thousands of international Lions practising Tai Chi simultaneously. The activity aims to promote exercise for all and deepen participants’ understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals, creating a meaningful finale to the convention.

HKTB Teams Up with the Trade to Offer Unforgettable Cultural Tourism Experiences
As a supporting organisation of the 108th Lions International Convention, HKTB has teamed up with the local travel trade and major attractions to curate a series of exclusive tourism itineraries and offerings for convention delegates. These include transport offers, attraction tickets and shopping mall discounts, gift redemptions, and theme park deals to encourage delegates to stay in Hong Kong after the convention and explore more of the city’s diverse culture, cuisine, and unique tourism appeal.
HKTB will continue to bring more influential large-scale international MICE events to Hong Kong, further strengthening the city’s competitiveness and appeal as world-class, top-of-mind destination for both business and leisure tourism.

 

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Energy

Gold Fields’ Benford Mokoatle to Shape Gold Investment Agenda at African Mining Week

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Gold Fields Executive Vice President Benford Mokoatle will contribute to African Mining Week’s program, bringing more than two decades of operational leadership to discussions on investment, production growth and value addition across Africa’s gold sector

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 8, 2026/APO Group/ –Benford Mokoatle, Executive Vice President at Gold Fields, has been appointed to the Advisory Board of African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s Most Influential Mining Conference.

 

Mokoatle’s appointment reinforces AMW’s commitment to bringing together leading industry figures to help shape discussions on the opportunities and challenges transforming Africa’s mining sector. It also comes at a pivotal time for the continent’s gold industry, as record gold prices and sustained central bank demand create favorable conditions for new project development and investment.

Benford Mokoatle brings more than two decades of operational and leadership experience in Africa’s gold mining industry

In his advisory role, Mokoatle will provide strategic guidance on the event’s gold-focused agenda, engage with industry stakeholders and support participation from mining executives, investors and government leaders. His expertise will help ensure AMW delivers practical insights into the trends shaping Africa’s gold industry while fostering partnerships that unlock new investment opportunities.

Taking place under the theme, “Mining the Future: Unearthing Africa’s Full Mineral Value Chain” from October 14–16 in Cape Town, AMW will feature a dedicated Gold Forum examining the key opportunities and challenges across Africa’s gold value chain. Discussions will focus on increasing production, advancing local beneficiation and supporting the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining.

With more than 21 years of mining experience, Mokoatle has held senior technical and operational leadership positions at Gold Fields, AngloGold Ashanti and De Beers. His expertise spans geology, mine management and operational excellence, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the operational and strategic priorities shaping Africa’s gold industry.

At Gold Fields, Mokoatle plays a leading role in advancing the South Deep Mine in South Africa – one of the world’s deepest and largest gold mines – as a cornerstone of the company’s long-term growth strategy. Current initiatives include the South of Wrench development and renewable energy projects designed to improve operational efficiency while supporting Gold Fields’ 2026 production guidance of 2.4 to 2.6 million ounces.

“Benford Mokoatle brings more than two decades of operational and leadership experience in Africa’s gold mining industry. His contribution will be instrumental in ensuring AMW 2026 delivers meaningful outcomes for the sector,” said Rachelle Kasongo, Event Director, AMW. “As African producers expand output to capitalize on strong global demand, his expertise will help shape the program and strengthen dialogue on the policies, partnerships and investment needed to support long-term growth.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

 

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