Events
Cross-Border E-Commerce Offers a New Platform for Sino-Foreign Economic and Trade Cooperation
Published
11 months agoon
ZHUHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 September 2025 – On September 27, the opening ceremony of the 2025 Cross-Border E-Commerce Annual Meeting (Zhuhai-Hengqin), themed “New Start, New Space, New Opportunities”, was held at the Zhuhai International Convention & Exhibition Center. The guests present shared insights into topics such as air logistics and cross-border supply chains, while further exploring new ideas, models, and opportunities for the development of cross-border e-commerce from the perspective of business practices.
At the Hengqin Cross-Border E-Commerce (Huafa) Innovation Industrial Park located in the northeastern part of Hengqin Island, more than 30 Chinese and international live streamers conducted store visits. As they moved between booths featuring beauty products, home goods, electronics, and other merchandise, they held up their phones to showcase these products to the online audience.
China is stepping up efforts to strengthen its infrastructure and logistics systems. Proactive measures have been adopted to accelerate the development of cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones, eliminate the registration requirement for overseas warehouses operated by cross-border e-commerce exporters, and further simplify related customs clearance procedures. Driven by these favorable policies, cross-border e-commerce platforms, enterprises, and service providers have experienced rapid growth in business. In the first half of this year, China’s cross-border e-commerce import and export volume reached approximately RMB 1.3 trillion, setting a new historical record.
Industry experts believe that the global cross-border e-commerce industry will usher in a new round of rapid expansion by seizing the opportunities presented by the internet and digital economy and riding the wave of China’s economic growth. As new markets and development spaces emerge in the field of cross-border e-commerce, China and other countries can leverage their complementary strengths to seize new opportunities, explore new forms of cooperation, and develop new business formats.
As of September 2025, the number of China’s “Silk Road E-commerce” partner countries had increased to 36. Since 2024, China has significantly promoted the diversification and systematic upgrading of overseas expansion models for Chinese private enterprises—including cross-border e-commerce—through measures such as signing memorandum of understanding (MoU) on e-commerce cooperation with other countries, assisting in hosting e-commerce exhibitions, and conducting overseas roadshows.
Russia is an important partner country in “Silk Road E-commerce” cooperation, and the industry has high expectations for the new development opportunities in cross-border e-commerce between the two countries. Chen Hailin, Director of the China Business Service Center for Wildberries, emphasized that there is huge potential for Chinese brands to enter the Russian market. At the end of 2024, the platform officially opened registration to Chinese sellers. In addition to establishing 5 branch centers and 4 incubation bases in China last year, the platform also plans to continue expanding its presence in the Chinese market in 2025.
Cross-border e-commerce has injected new momentum into economic and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries. Products from these countries, such as Chilean cherries, Mexican avocados and Brazilian nuts, have sold well in the Chinese market through e-commerce platforms.
Wang Ying, Executive Vice Dean of the Academy of China Open Economy Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, believes that the solid foundation for e-commerce development in Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries, trade facilitation measures between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as the new industrial chain integrating the manufacturing sector of the Chinese mainland, Macao’s service sector, and Portuguese-speaking markets, will greatly boost the cross-border e-commerce cooperation between both sides.
As the cross-border e-commerce industry ecosystem becomes increasingly mature, different players along the chain are beginning to offer more specialized services, help cross-border e-commerce enterprises expand overseas steadily and continuously broaden the space for economic and trade cooperation.
Logistics is vital to the efficient operation of cross-border e-commerce. Along the maritime extension of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), logistics hubs such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Logistics Park, the Airport International Smart Logistics Park, and the Gaolan Port Comprehensive Bonded Zone are functioning efficiently. Every day, 1.5 million parcels and goods worth over RMB 600 million are shipped to the world via the bridge. “Macao, Hengqin, and Zhuhai have formed an economic pattern of ‘gateway, hub and hinterland’. From Hengqin, it takes just 20 minutes to reach Macao International Airport, 30 minutes to Zhuhai Airport, 45 minutes to Hong Kong International Airport, and one hour to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. The area is well-connected by expressways, intercity rail, and high-speed rail under planning, making the five major ports of the Greater Bay Area easily accessible,” said Nie Xinping, Deputy Secretary of the Hengqin Working Committee of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, Director of the Hengqin Office of the Guangdong Provincial People’s Government, and Deputy Director of the Executive Committee of the Cooperation Zone.
According to Gong Weiguo, General Manager of China Southern Air Logistics Co., Ltd., the company has transported more than 700 million cross-border e-commerce parcels since 2022, with a total cargo volume of 590,000 tons and an average annual growth rate of 85%. In alignment with national strategies and the development of cross-border e-commerce, the company will focus on strengthening its transport capacity and operational capabilities in the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Central and West Asia, and other countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, to build a broader and more reliable “Silk Road in the Air”.
Zhuhai and Hengqin are becoming important forces in promoting the innovative development of cross-border e-commerce. Plans are underway to establish the China-Portuguese (Spanish) Speaking Countries Economic and Trade Service Center in Hengqin, which will help enterprises expand into overseas markets, with a particular focus on Portuguese-speaking countries.
“Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries represent a vast blue ocean market. For example, the bulk commodities and biotechnology industries in Brazil are highly complementary to the electronics and new energy vehicle sectors in the Chinese mainland,” said Wu Yanxiang, Deputy Head of the Interdepartmental Preparatory Working Group for the Center. “We adopt a government-led, market-oriented approach to addressing the pain points of industries such as cross-border e-commerce, high-end manufacturing, and digital economy and thus providing one-stop comprehensive solutions,” Wu added.
Looking ahead, Wu Zetong, Mayor of Zhuhai, said that the city will continue to fully support the development of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. In order to promote the high-quality development of the cross-border e-commerce industry, the city will continuously explore new models, cultivate new brands and build new platforms. Further efforts will be made to empower new drivers for foreign trade and facilitate the innovative development of foreign trade.
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Energy
Transnet Freight Rail Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Spotlight South Africa’s Rail Reform at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026
Published
1 week agoon
August 20, 2026
As South Africa accelerates freight rail reforms and private sector participation to unlock mining investment, Transnet Freight Rail CEO Russell Baatjies will outline the company’s infrastructure modernization strategy and opportunities for investors at African Mining Week 2026
Baatjies will participate in the Regional Connectivity: Financing Africa’s Mineral Infrastructure panel, where he is expected to discuss Transnet’s strategy to modernize South Africa’s freight rail network, expand private sector participation and strengthen regional logistics corridors to support mining growth and cross-border trade.
His participation comes as South Africa accelerates sweeping logistics reforms aimed at removing infrastructure bottlenecks and unlocking greater investment across its mining sector. As the country seeks to mobilize R2 trillion to develop its critical minerals industry – including an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore resources – expanding rail and port capacity has become central to increasing exports of coal, platinum group metals, manganese, chrome and iron ore while improving regional trade connectivity.
In May 2026, Transnet signed rail access agreements with 11 Train Operating Companies (TOCs) serving the coal, manganese, container, fuel and general freight sectors, marking a major step toward opening the national freight rail network to private operators. The agreements are expected to add 24 million tons of annual freight capacity, with the potential to increase to 52 million tons over the next five years, supporting South Africa’s goal of increasing annual rail volumes from approximately 180 million tons to 250 million tons by 2030.
Building on these reforms, Transnet launched the procurement process in June 2026 for The Leasing Company, a rolling stock leasing platform designed to improve access to locomotives and wagons for both established and emerging TOCs. The initiative is expected to increase asset utilization, strengthen freight capacity and attract greater private investment into Southern Africa’s rail sector.
The company is also reinforcing its financial position to accelerate infrastructure modernization through major financing agreements, including a €300 million loan from Agence Française de Développement, a €350 million loan from the European Investment Bank, a $278 million facility from the New Development Bank, a $1 billion loan from the African Development Bank and a R94.8 billion government guarantee package supporting its long-term recovery and investment program.
Alongside infrastructure investment, Transnet is strengthening collaboration with the mining industry to improve export capacity through strategic agreements with Exxaro Resources, United Manganese of Kalahari, Hotazel Manganese Mines and Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining, reinforcing efforts to support higher mining production through more efficient logistics.
At AMW 2026, Baatjies is expected to examine how rail modernization, private sector participation and regional logistics integration can unlock new mining investment while strengthening Africa’s mineral value chains and improving access to global markets.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Energy
Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG) and VUKA Group announce joint EIUG Conference and C&I Energy + Storage Summit
Published
2 weeks agoon
August 18, 2026
The EIUG Conference will provide a platform for open dialogue on electricity industry challenges and opportunities
The EIUG Conference is more than a gathering – it is a platform to shape South Africa’s industrial energy future
The EIUG Conference will provide a platform for open dialogue on electricity industry challenges and opportunities. It will bring together government, industry leaders, energy‑intensive consumers, and service providers to exchange perspectives, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and explore solutions for South Africa’s energy future.
The two‑day programme features ministerial and industry keynotes, panel discussions on tariff escalation, carbon tax, CBAM, and electricity market reforms, as well as masterclasses on financing, digitalisation, grid security, and hydrogen development.
Delegates will also benefit from networking functions, case study presentations, and practical workshops designed to accelerate the just energy transition.
“The EIUG Conference is more than a gathering – it is a platform to shape South Africa’s industrial energy future,” says Fanele Mondi, EIUG CEO. “ By bringing together government, industry, and service providers, we aim to foster open dialogue and practical solutions that support competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience.”
For more information, visit EIUG Conference (https://apo-opa.co/4x0Wzwd).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.
Business
JSCCIB Joins Forces with Public Sector and World Bank to Launch “The Bangkok Business Summit 2026: Reinvent Thailand, Resilient ASEAN”
Published
2 weeks agoon
August 18, 2026
Driving the Thai Economy and Charting New Strategic Pathways for the Future of ASEAN
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), comprising the Thai Bankers’ Association, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Federation of Thai Industries, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), and the World Bank, has announced its readiness to convene a high-level leadership conference, ‘The Bangkok Business Summit 2026,’ under the theme ‘Reinvent Thailand, Resilient ASEAN.’
To be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), the summit will showcase the vision of public-private sector collaboration aimed at restructuring Thailand’s economy. This event serves as a milestone paving the way toward the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026, which Thailand will proudly host in Bangkok in October 2026, as well as Thailand’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.
A key highlight of The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 includes a keynote address entitled ‘Thailand’s Offer to the World’ by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand. The address will declare Thailand’s readiness as a global investment hub, shifting the nation from cost-based competition to enhancing capabilities, innovation, and digital infrastructure. Furthermore, Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, will deliver a policy address on ‘Unlocking the Next Growth Engines for Thailand & ASEAN,’ revealing policy reform steps designed to unlock private sector investment and drive the country’s new economic engines. Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, will address positioning Thailand as a regional investment platform for high-tech industries.
Mr. Payong Srivanich, Chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), stated that this event aims to answer a critical question: How can Thailand transform global shifts and its central location in ASEAN into new opportunities for investment, job creation, and sustainable growth?
“The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 is not merely a platform for exchanging perspectives, but a venue where Thailand presents its concrete strengths, opportunities, and development directions to the global business community—bridging the government’s vision, recommendations from international organizations, and the practical expertise of the private sector,” Mr. Payong stated.”Thailand’s challenge today is not just growth, but building competitive growth in a rapidly changing world. We need a platform for collaborative efforts to ‘Reinvent Thailand’ by creating new economic engines and elevating our competitiveness so Thailand can capture new opportunities and become an integral part of a ‘Resilient ASEAN’ capable of adapting to global dynamics.”
Key Highlights & Session Overview
Special Keynote: Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand, will present on ‘Thailand’s New Horizons: From Ambition to Delivery.’
Global Insights Panel: Featuring in-depth discussions with Mr. Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific, Mr. Sarvesh Suri, Regional Vice President for Asia and Pacific, The International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Mr. John W.H. Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) exchanging views on economic trends, investments, and business opportunities.
Report Launch: Launch of the World Bank’s latest report, ‘Building Thailand’s Future Today: The Investment and Growth Playbook.’ The report proposes a roadmap for Thailand to achieve high-income country status through investment and reforms that create jobs, boost productivity, and lay the foundation for long-term growth, highlighting potential industries such as advanced manufacturing, sustainable & wellness tourism, digital services, agriculture & food, and the creative economy.
Luncheon Discussion: Thai Beverage Public Company Limited will host a special session entitled ‘Growth Reaches Communities: Sufficiency Economy Philosophy,’ presenting the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy as a framework that creates balance, strength, and sustainability from local communities to the business sector and macroeconomy.
Afternoon Tracks
Track 1: Building Resilience (Infrastructure, Energy, and Digital Finance): Led by Mr. Piti Disyatat, Deputy Governor for Monetary Stability, Bank of Thailand, in building competitiveness and the ability to attract future industries to the country. The session will include discussions on the topics of ‘Efficient Energy & Low-Carbon Infrastructure’ and ‘Policy Architecture and Low-Carbon Cities in Action’ focusing on investing in key infrastructure that will drive the industrial transition to a low-carbon society, with leaders from various sectors, including the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, PTT Public Company Limited, Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, Siam Cement Public Company Limited, Thai Airways Public Company Limited, and Google LLC and the topic of ‘Building Thailand’s Trusted Economy: Digital Public Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth,’ focusing on digital public infrastructure in the financial sector for sustainable growth, and safe and inclusive digital finance, with senior executives from Bangkok Bank, Krungsri Bank, TMBThanachart Bank, and Ascend Money.
Track 2: New Horizons (Future Industries, Agri-Food, and Human-Centric Economy): Led by Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, focusing on developing high-potential talent within organizations and positioning Thailand as a regional investment platform for high-tech industries, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and advanced R&D.
Additionally, the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 will feature a panel discussion titled ‘The Future of Agrifood Business.’ Under the concept of Elevating to a Regional Strategic Asset, leaders from top companies including Sea Value PCL and Olam Agri (Singapore) will share their perspectives on how Thailand’s agrifood industry is evolving beyond its traditional role as the ‘Kitchen of the World’ to become a vital strategic asset for regional food security, and another discussion on ‘The Future of the Human-Centric Economy,’ integrating health, wellness, tourism, and the creative economy centered around people rather than isolated sectors. Panelists include Minor International, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), and Cerecin.
Closing & Actions
To conclude the summit, leaders from the three JSCCIB member organizations will summarize actionable proposals to transform insights into concrete practices. These encompass enhancing competitiveness, building investment ecosystems, and developing future industries. The event will culminate in the signing of a Letter of Intent for Cooperation on the Digital & AI Compact between Thailand’s economic agencies and the World Bank.
