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Beijing E-Town Creates a Hub for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing Industries

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Beijing E-Town

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 August 2024 – On August 21, the highly anticipated World Robot Conference 2024 (WRC 2024) grandly opened at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition & Convention Center, once again drawing global attention to the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Beijing E-Town). As the main hub for high-end industries in the capital, Beijing E-Town has fully utilized the platform of WRC to promote the integration of production and conferences, meticulously planning industry connections and project promotions, and conducting in-depth industry forums, visits, exchanges, and project roadshows to facilitate more technological innovation achievements in the development area.

By the second day of the conference, Beijing E-Town had signed a total of 22 key projects, primarily covering two major sectors: the embodied intelligence ecosystem and components + intelligent manufacturing, further enhancing its role as a gravitational field for the robotics and intelligent manufacturing industries.

As the permanent venue of the World Robot Conference, Beijing E-Town has taken this opportunity to deeply engage in the conference, fully showcasing its strength and appeal as the primary hub for high-end industries in the capital. Zhang Qiang, Secretary of the Party Working Committee of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), and Kong Lei, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee and Director of the Administrative Committee of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), led teams to meet face-to-face with over ten well-known robot manufacturing companies, international organizations, investment institutions, and scientists from various countries and regions. They listened attentively, investigated the development status of the artificial intelligence industry, and introduced in detail the development and policy situation of Beijing and Beijing E-Town’s AI industry, aligning resource needs, demonstrating sincerity, and seeking cooperation.

Zhang Qiang introduced to the enterprises that Beijing, as the region with the highest density of AI talent, the best innovation foundation, the most complete key links, the largest industry scale, and the strongest competitiveness in the country, has achieved a series of nationally and globally pioneering technological achievements. As a trailblazer for high-quality development in the new era and a “ballast stone” for the capital’s real economy, Beijing E-Town is deeply implementing the national “AI+” strategy and the decisions and deployments of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government. It positions artificial intelligence as a key engine to vigorously advance the development of new-quality productive forces, fully leveraging its innovative resource advantages to plan and cultivate an AI industry aligned with the industrial system, strongly supporting the construction of Beijing as an international center for technological innovation and the innovative development of future industries.

Kong Lei explained that Beijing E-Town is vigorously building an innovative system that spans from algorithm breakthroughs and model development to scenario creation and industrial transformation, constructing a city of artificial intelligence for the future. The first batch of ten benchmark application scenarios, including “AI + humanoid robots,” is under construction. Here, centered around “large models + big data + massive computing power,” support is provided for building the Beijing Artificial Intelligence Data Training Base to solidify the foundation of the AI industry. Currently, 5000P high-performance intelligent computing power has been put into use, with a planned computing power scale exceeding 10,000P. Relying on the data aggregation platform, a high-quality data zone is being constructed, implementing a “regulatory sandbox” mechanism for data compliance and scenario application for large model training, providing a secure and trustworthy application training environment. Additionally, the Beijing Artificial Intelligence Data Training Base has been established to help large models develop the “strongest brain.”

At the “Embodied Intelligence Industry Trends and Future Development Forum” held on August 22 during the WRC 2024, Beijing E-Town signed agreements with eight companies, including the Beijing Embodied Intelligence Robot Innovation Center, Beijing Chietcom Transmission Technology Co., Ltd., and Beijing Ant Non-standard Technology Co., Ltd., for projects involving a “national-level” embodied intelligence innovation platform that addresses common industry issues, a domestically leading flexible and agile manufacturing service for industrial components to supplement the synergy of high-end manufacturing industries, and the independently developed high-precision reducers that achieve domestic substitution. With this, Beijing E-Town has signed a total of 22 key projects during this year’s robot conference.

With its official renaming from “Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center” to “Beijing Embodied Intelligence Robot Innovation Center” (referred to as the Innovation Center), the national-level embodied intelligence innovation platform will accelerate its development in Beijing E-Town. “In November 2023, with support from the Beijing Municipal Government and attraction from Beijing E-Town, as the first innovation center in China focusing on the core technologies, product development, and application ecosystem of humanoid robots, we registered and settled in E-Town. In April this year, we also launched China’s first general-purpose robot platform, ‘Tiangong,’ achieving the world’s first humanoid running with a full-sized pure electric humanoid robot,” said Xiong Youjun, General Manager of the Innovation Center. “Next, we will focus on tackling major projects in response to the urgent needs of national strategic priorities, creating the world’s first general humanoid robot ‘hardware mother platform’ and the first large model + open-source motion control system ‘software mother platform.’ This will support the development of bodies for multiple application fields, solve ‘bottleneck’ problems that restrict industrial development, lead the high-quality development of China’s robotics industry, and enhance its global competitiveness.”

Seizing the opportunities in the development of embodied intelligent robots, Beijing E-Town has also attracted a number of embodied intelligence ecosystem enterprises, including projects like IAT’s AI.X Lab. Additionally, in the components + intelligent manufacturing sector, Beijing E-Town shows a high-end layout in cutting-edge fields, whether by promoting investment expansion or introducing new partners. Chietcom, which has been established in Beijing E-Town for six years, plans to invest 300 million yuan to build its headquarters, an industrial and humanoid robot high-precision reducer technology research and development center, and an intelligent manufacturing production line. The aim is to establish a globally leading engineering test platform and comprehensive testing platform, aspiring to become a leading R&D and manufacturing center and innovation hub for high-precision reducers for industrial and humanoid robots in China. The Ant Factory, a leading domestic provider of flexible and agile manufacturing services for industrial components, will invest in building a 40,000-square-meter advanced manufacturing base in Beijing E-Town. By 2025, it is expected to establish local service capabilities, significantly reducing the time for local enterprises to process component designs.

Meanwhile, leveraging its spatial carrying advantages, Beijing E-Town Robot Technology Industry Development Co., Ltd., as a platform company, has signed five projects on-site, including the Ti5 humanoid robot project and the Neurocean’s “Dexterous Hand” project, which will be located in the Beijing Robot Industry Park at Courtyard 3, Jinghai 5th Road, Beijing E-Town.

As the permanent venue for the World Robot Conference, Beijing E-Town has formed the “44637” development system, which is guided by four national strategies, consolidates and strengthens four leading industries, comprehensively deploys six future industries, enhances three integrated empowerments, and builds seven supporting systems. Among these, the output value of the robotics and intelligent manufacturing industries is nearly 100 billion yuan. An official from the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area stated, “With the landing of a new batch of key projects, innovation resources and industry chain support have been further improved, accelerating the gathering of international talents, technology, capital, and other industrial cluster elements. Using the conference as a medium, Beijing E-Town will accelerate the breakthrough development of the robotics and intelligent manufacturing industries, positioning more new-quality productive forces for future industrial layouts.”

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Business

Africa’s Lithium Pipeline Gains Momentum as Global Supply Deficits Loom

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6 hours ago

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April 9, 2026

By

Energy Capital

The upcoming African Mining Week 2026 – taking place from October 14-16 in Cape Town – will connect global investors with prospects within the lithium industry amidst an anticipated resource supply deficit by 2028

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 9, 2026/APO Group/ –Rising demand for lithium is positioning Africa to attract foreign investment, accelerate local beneficiation and strengthen its role in securing the global battery supply chain. A recent forecast by Wood Mackenzie projects that global lithium demand could exceed 13 million tons by 2050 under an accelerated energy transition scenario. This surge is expected to place significant pressure on supply, with deficits emerging as early as 2028. Without substantial new investments, existing lithium projects will struggle to meet demand beyond the mid-2030s.

 

Against this backdrop, Africa’s growing pipeline of greenfield and development-stage lithium projects positions the continent as an increasingly important contributor to global supply security. In 2025, Africa ranked as the largest source of new lithium supply globally, with new output from the region exceeding that of the rest of the world combined. This milestone underscores the continent’s potential to scale production and strengthen its role in the global battery minerals market.

Emerging Lithium Producers Strengthen Africa’s Supply Pipeline

Even under a slower energy transition scenario, Wood Mackenzie projects that lithium markets will remain adequately supplied until 2037, before entering deficit. This outlook reinforces Africa’s strategic role as new projects across Mali, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Namibia advance toward production.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zijin Mining, AVZ Minerals and KoBold Metals are expected to begin operations at the Manono lithium project in mid-to-late 2026, marking the country’s first lithium output. Ranked among the world’s largest hard-rock lithium deposits, Manono is expected to begin exports shortly after commissioning, diversifying DRC’s mineral output while strengthening the continent`s contribution to the global electric vehicles and battery supply chain.

Mali Emerges as a Regional Lithium Hub

Mali is also rapidly positioning itself as a key lithium producer. The Bougouni Lithium Project, commissioned in 2025, currently produces approximately 125,000 tons per annum of concentrate, with Phase Two expansion plans underway that could nearly double production capacity.

Meanwhile, the Goulamina Lithium Project, one of the largest spodumene deposits globally, is producing around 506,000 tons of spodumene concentrate annually, with expansion plans targeting one million tons per year. Together, these projects are expected to significantly strengthen Mali and Africa’s position within the global lithium market.

Ghana and Zimbabwe Expand Lithium Production and Value Addition

In Ghana, the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, developed by Atlantic Lithium, is set to become the country’s first lithium-producing mine, with production targeted for late 2027. The project is expected to produce 3.58 million tons of spodumene concentrate grading 6% and 5.5%, alongside approximately 4.7 million tons of secondary product, further strengthening Africa’s contribution to global lithium supply.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe – currently Africa’s largest lithium producer – is accelerating efforts to move up the value chain. Government policies restricting the export of raw lithium are encouraging investment in local processing and beneficiation facilities, supporting the production of higher-value lithium products and positioning the country as a key supplier to the global battery materials market.

Investment Momentum Builds Ahead of African Mining Week

With an estimated $276 billion in new investment required to avoid the forecast supply deficits beginning in 2028, Africa’s lithium-rich countries are well positioned to attract the capital needed to expand production and downstream processing.

In this context, African Mining Week 2026 – scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town – will serve as a key platform for global investors, project developers and policymakers to engage on opportunities within Africa’s lithium sector. As the continent’s premier mining investment event, the conference will feature high-level discussions, project showcases and strategic networking sessions aimed at accelerating partnerships across the lithium value chain.

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

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Business

Afreximbank delivers strong FY2025 results; with a total assets and contingencies base of US$48.5 billion

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6 hours ago

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April 9, 2026

By

Afreximbank

Total assets and contingencies rose by 21% to US$48.5 billion, up from US$40.1 billion as at 31 December 2024, underscoring the Bank’s consistent growth trajectory

The Group’s balance sheet is at its strongest level ever, with liquidity levels and capitalisation well above target and good asset quality

CAIRO, Egypt, April 9, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank” or the “Bank”) (www.Afreximbank.com) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) has announced strong results for the year ended 31 December 2025, underscoring sustained financial resilience, increased market confidence and strategic execution.

 

Total assets and contingencies rose by 21% to US$48.5 billion, up from US$40.1 billion as at 31 December 2024, underscoring the Bank’s consistent growth trajectory.

Net loans and advances for the Group closed the year at US$33.5 billion (FY’2024: US$29.0 billion), an increase of 16%, supported by continued disbursements across the continent and the Caribbean through various product offerings. The Group funded strategic priorities areas such as manufacturing, infrastructure, food security and climate adaptation.

The Group’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remained stable at 2.43% (FY’2024: 2.33%), demonstrating consistent portfolio quality.

The Group’s liquidity position remained robust, with cash and cash equivalents at US$6.0 billion (FY’2024: US$4.6 billion). Liquid assets accounted for 14% of total assets, above the Bank’s strategic minimum level of 10%. Shareholders’ funds grew by 17% to US$8.4 billion as at 31 December 2025, driven by net income of US$1.2 billion, and new equity inflows of US$299.4 million raised under the General Capital Increase II.

Gross Income increased by 6.06% reaching US$3.5 billion in FY’2025 from US$3.3 billion achieved in FY’2024.

Operating expenses increased to US$459.2 million (FY’2024: US$367.7 million), reflecting strategic staff expansion, and inflationary pressures with the Group maintained strong cost efficiency resulting in a cost-to-income ratio of 21% (FY’2024: 18%) well below the strategic ceiling of 30%.

Contrary to concerns raised by some rating agencies during the year, the Bank accessed international bond markets by successfully raising over US$800 million from Japan and China, courtesy of the Samurai and Panda bonds in 2025. This demonstrated the Group’s fund-raising capabilities and the solid nature of the Bank’s DNA as a pan-African multilateral financial institution committed to ensuring that Africa’s full and sustainable self-reliance remain firm.

Net income increased by 19% to US$1.2 billion in 2025, up from US$973.5 million in the prior year. These results were achieved through the expanded delivery of tailored financial and advisory solutions that supported trade, fostered industrialisation and enhanced economic self-reliance.

Highlights of the results for Afreximbank Group are shown below:

Financial Performance Metrics

FY’2025

FY’2024
Gross Income (US$ billion)

3.5

3.3
Net Income (US$ million)

1,156.8

973.5
Return on average equity (ROAE)

15%

15%
Return on average assets (ROAA)

3.04%

2.96%
Cost-to-income ratio

21%

18%

 

Financial Position Metrics

FY’2025

9M’2024
Total Assets (US$ billion)

42.3

35.3
Total Liabilities (US$ billion)

33.9

28.1
Shareholders’ Funds (US$ billion)

8.4

7.2
Non-performing loans ratio (NPL)

  2.43%

2.33%
Cash/Total assets

14%

13%
Capital Adequacy ratio (Basel II)                                                                         23%

24%

 

Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, commented:

 

“Despite continuing global geopolitical challenges and disruptions caused by some rating actions, the Group delivered excellent financial performance in 2025, a fitting tribute to a decade of consequential leadership under Professor Oramah, with total assets and contingencies reaching $49 billion. Pleasingly, the Group is way ahead on most of it targets in delivery on its 6th Strategic plan that ends on 31 December 2026. With recently established subsidiaries such as FEDA and AfrexInsure becoming profitable, Net income grew by 19% to stand at US$1.2 billion, underpinned by a strong capital base of US$8.4 billion. The Group’s balance sheet is at its strongest level ever, with liquidity levels and capitalisation well above target and good asset quality. These results are a testament to the unwavering execution by the Group’s hard working human capital. We entered 2026 financial year with significant momentum, ready to scale the Group’s impact, accelerate trade integration and value addition across Global Africa, and deliver greater value to our shareholders.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Events

Chinese Mainland’s Largest Conference on Chest Pain Centres Goes Global in Hong Kong

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10 hours ago

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April 9, 2026

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Hong Kong

With robust lineup of medical conventions in 2026

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2026 – Marking yet another milestone as the World’s Meeting Place, Hong Kong became the first city outside Chinese Mainland to host the nation’s largest conference on chest pain centres – the 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress (CCPCC 2026), thanks to the effort of Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) appointed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).
Together with two other high-profile and hugely successful medical congresses – the 41st Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress in February and the 17th Asian Congress of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in March, Hong Kong’s medical science events space was off to a strong start in 2026.

Ms Marilyn Tham, General Manager of Mega Events, MICE & Cruise of the HKTB said, “Hong Kong’s leading edge in medical sciences coupled with the city’s world-class venues and destination appeal have enabled notable success for internationally significant medical events. CCPCC 2026 is one of the large-scale medical conventions confirmed for 2026. Such robust lineup reflects event organisers’ confidence in Hong Kong as a premier hub for advancing global exchanges on medical sciences.”

Over 10 medical conventions have secured a spot in Hong Kong this year, spanning diverse disciplines, from cytology to oncology, antimicrobial resistance and more (see full list below). The breadth and depth of the events reflects Hong Kong’s growing appeal as the premier convention hub where global medical minds meet.

Globalising Chest Pain Leadership from Hong Kong

Held on 3-4 April 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with a concurrent venue in Shenzhen, CCPCC 2026 converged 3,000 healthcare leaders, physicians, nurses, researchers, policymakers and industry experts from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, the Belt and Road countries and beyond. The rich topics explored across two days encompassed cutting-edge healthcare innovations, AI-assisted clinical decision-making, intelligent emergency response systems and international accreditation standards.

Co-organised by Hospital Authority (HA) of Hong Kong, the National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, the Guangdong Chest Pain Centers Association, the Chinese Cardiovascular Association (CCA) and Oriental Huaxia Cardiovascular Health Research Institute (OHCHRI), Suzhou Industrial Park, CCPCC 2026 showcased conducive partnership.

Mr. Wenming Zeng, Secretary-General of OHCHRI, remarked, “The global influence of CCPCC has been growing over the years. Thanks to Hong Kong’s strategic location, leading medical standing and its unique role bridging Chinese Mainland and the world, this year’s congress has drawn even wider global participation, giving the event greater international significance. Hong Kong has helped showcase our event to the world, taking cardiovascular emergency intervention to a new height globally.”

A Launchpad for Mainland-spearheaded International Standards

Capitalising on Hong Kong’s strengths as a super-connector for fostering globalisation, CCPCC 2026 released for the first time the “International Standards on Chest Pain Center Construction and Accreditation”, marking Mainland’s global leadership in cutting-edge cardiovascular emergency intervention. Leveraging Hong Kong’s internationalisation, the efforts to foster global policy support and implementation of the standards will contribute to fair, accessible and timely intervention for cardiovascular emergencies around the world.

Another Significant Win for HKCA Programme on its 5th Anniversary

As a HKTB-appointed HKCA, Prof Lu Shi-Juan, who is a Member of Hainan Medical Association Cardiovascular Professional Committee, played an instrumental role in bringing CCPCC 2026 to Hong Kong. This marked the latest success story of the HKCA programme, as HKTB celebrated the programme’s milestone 5th anniversary with a HKCA Networking Cocktail Event on 31 March, 2026.

Prof Lu noted, “As a Hong Kong International Convention Ambassador, I have worked closely with the HKTB to bring CCPCC to Hong Kong, which is a gateway to the global stage. Hosting the conference here showcases how Hong Kong can elevate Mainland conferences internationally, foster cross‑border knowledge exchange and help shape the future development of the broader medical and professional community.”
The HKCA programme bands together over 170 local and mainland sector leaders of 13 industries and academics to champion Hong Kong as the World’s Meeting Place. Their initiative and connections have helped Hong Kong secure 50 convention wins that have brought in nearly 100,000 high-value overnight MICE visitors.

Strong Medical Events Lineup in 2026

Over 10 medical conventions will be held in 2026 across various disciplines, including ophthalmology, oncology, antimicrobial resistance and cytology.

Event

(*first-ever in Hong Kong)

 Date / Venue Highlights
The 41st Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress 2026 5-8 Feb,

HKCEC

 The largest and most authoritative ophthalmology congress in APAC, returning to HK for the fifth time, with record-breakingattendance of 11,000+ participants from 111 countries and regions.
The 17th Asian Congress on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2026 27-29 Mar,

HKCEC

 Held in Hong Kong for the second time, bringing together internationally acclaimed speakers, globally renowned experts and young surgeons to foster academic exchange and professional development.
The 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress 3-4 Apr,

HKCEC

 Chinese Mainland’s largest conference on chest pain centres, hosted for the first time outside Chinese Mainland.
*Asian Federation of Cytology Societies Conference 2026 8-10 May,

Postgraduate Education Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital

 First edition in Hong Kong, bringing together regional and international cytology experts for academic exchange and collaboration.
International Symposium on Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance 2026 12-14 Jun,

HKCEC

 A key international platform for academic exchange on infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
European Society of Medical Oncology Targeted Anticancer Therapies Asia 2026 12-14 Jun,

Kerry Hotel

 A key Asia-Pacific platform for showcasing the latest advances in early-phase oncology drug development, targeted therapies and precision oncology.
Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists Conference 2026 10-13 Aug,

Cheung Kung Hai Conference Centre, The University of Hong Kong

 A major regional scientific meeting in biochemistry and molecular biology, bringing together researchers, educators and professionals from across Asia and Oceania for academic exchange and collaboration.
* 2026 World Cancer Congress 24-26 Sep,

HKCEC

 A leading global forum advancing cancer control and research.
2026 Asia-Pacific Longevity Medicine International Summit 1-4 Oct,

TBC

 A leading international platform and regional collaborative hub dedicated to longevity medicine and innovation, attracting top longevity scientists, medical experts, cross-industry entrepreneurs and investors from over 50 countries.
10th Asia Cornea Society Scientific Meeting 2026 11-13 Dec,

TBC

 A key regional forum for cornea specialists to exchange the latest clinical insights, diagnostics and treatments, and to strengthen collaboration across the Asia-Pacific ophthalmology community.
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Global Health Conference 2026 7-9 Dec,

Henry Cheng International Conference Centre, CUHK

 Third time in Hong Kong, convening leading academics, policymakers and practitioners to address critical global health challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

 

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