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GWM Day: Trailblazing in Middle East and Driving Worldwide

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TANK 700

Through the appearance of TANK 700 and second Gen H9 at the Jeddah Motor Show, GWM officially opened the curtain of its’ 3.0 strategic development Era in the Middle East

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, November 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Great Wall Motor (GWM) (www.GWM-Global.com), as the leading Chinese automotive brand in Middle East Region as well as other major global regions, released its newest initiative for the Middle East –the HOME+CARE strategy and plan a series of core activities with the theme of GWM DAY. Through the appearance of TANK 700 and second Gen H9 at the Jeddah Motor Show, GWM officially opened the curtain of its’ 3.0 strategic development Era in the Middle East, which is also a key step for GWM to deepen its global development and realize its ecological expansion overseas.

Facing the new era of strategic development, released the HOME+CARE strategy

Parker Shi, President of GWM International, emphasized that the Middle East feels like a “second home” for GWM, which have witnessed the company’s overseas growth over the 27 years from 0 to 1. This strategy is at the core of GWM’s long-term commitment dubbed “Four Globalizations”, to creating a brand experience that resonates with local users. “HOME” symbolizes GWM’s dedication to making the Middle East a part of the brand’s extended global family. Meanwhile, “CARE” represents GWM’s promise to deliver reliable, attentive service to its users alongside its rapid growth globally. Winning global trust with user love, GWM has always been on the road to practice.

HOME is an acronym that represents GWM’s spirit of taking root in the Middle East. Each letter has a different connotation. The first and perhaps most significant pillar of the HOME+CARE Plan is “H”-(Heart). This value has driven GWM over the past 34 years, and today, GWM serves over 14 million customers with more than 1,300 sales outlets across over 170 countries and regions globally, its commitment lead to its strong sales performance in 2023. In the first nine months, GWM sold over 850,000 vehicles, with more than 320,000 units sold outside of China, representing a 53% year-on-year growth.

“O” represents Outstanding product quality, which is the base for GWM success in Middle East. Since its first pickup trucks exported to Middle East in 1997, GWM has held the title of China’s top-selling pickup brand, setting a high standard with models like the DEER, Wingle series, and GWM POER. GWM is planning to launch a 2.4T pickup model in the Middle East in early 2024, designed to exceed users’ expectations with remarkable power, performance, and durability.

The third pillar of GWM’s strategy in the Middle East is “M”-(Multiformity), reflected in the company’s efforts to provide a full range of vehicles that meet diverse user needs across all powertrains, all categories and all levels. For GWM, understanding and meeting the unique needs of Middle Eastern users is paramount. The company’s off-road expertise, honed over 34 years, is highly compatible with the demands of the Local market, and GWM is committed to adapting its offerings to suit regional preferences, and focus on “creating experiential value” for users is integral to its brand.

“E “means Enjoyment through experience. GWM’s focus on “creating experiential value” for users is integral to its brand. In addition to GWM’s modification culture, it is also set to open its largest Middle Eastern flagship store in Riyadh on October 31, being the 7th directly operated GWM store by its local partner AMDC. This new facility, combined with the new parts warehouse in Jeddah, will significantly enhance GWM’s ability to serve local customers with top-notch service and convenience.

GWM Technology Day: GWM Off-road Trailblazing in Middle East

Middle East Region has got great potential and appetite for high-end models. In GWM’s 2030 vision, out of the 1,000,000 units sold overseas, 30% of models would be high-end models. Middle East will play a pivotal part in contributing to that target. Hence, GWM decides to roll out its flagship models in Middle East Region as one of the first batch regions overseas.

As the flagship models of GWM, the TANK 700 and GWM HAVAL H9 have got global attention since its debut in China. At the Jeddah Motor Show, the 2 models boasting top notch electrification and off-road technology, i.e. the Hi4-T. It enables the TANK 700 to output 385kW power and 850N.m torque like the king of beast. Thanks to the class-leading 3.0 litre turbo-charged V6 engine coupled with the unique 9HAT electrified powertrain. The TANK 700 looks rugged outside but the refined interior including largely-covered by soft premium materials, 15mm thick seat leather surface, 1000-watt 16 speakers, ANC features and so many features that will sure won the mind and hearts for the audience.

The GWM TANK Alliance has been one of the largest off-road enthusiast carnival in this region and globally for GWM

The second Gen GWM HAVAL H9 pictures another scenario for family users as an all-Terrain 7-seater  vehicle for Middle East with extended families. Equipped with the latest generation of high-performance of the 2.0T gasoline+8AT golden power combination for the petrol version,TOD Intelligent 4WD and mechanical locking are standard option, realizing seamless switching from 0-100% torque and easy extrication from special terrain. The new generation of HAVAL H9 comes with its super solid body frame, which is made up of for 99% high-strength steel, including 83% of super high-strength steel in the body skeleton, making the whole vehicle more reliable and safe The long list of safety features make it a perfect tool to guard families who love outdoor life.

GWM Partner Day: Deepen local presence and consolidate distribution partnerships

GWM’s service initiative, GWM CARE, is central to the company’s commitment to after-sales excellence in the Middle East and North Africa. GWM is the first Chinese automotive brand to establish a comprehensive parts center for the Middle East and North Africa (GLOBAL) region. Located in Dubai, this center spans a service radius covering 55 countries across GCC, Iraq and Iran, North Africa, and Central and West Africa, leading the market in coverage. Known for its industry-leading efficiency, GWM’s Middle East warehouse achieves a 92% parts fulfillment rate, setting a high benchmark in availability and operational excellence. The warehouse stocks over 20,000 types of parts across more than 7,000 square meters, supporting GWM’s five main series: HAVAL, TANK, POER, WEY, and ORA. Additionally, local markets maintain a fulfillment rate above 95%, with Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah facility—the largest of any Chinese brand in the region—covering over 11,000 square meters with around 13,000 parts. All components are genuine GWM parts, sourced from certified suppliers like Bosch and ZF, and are quality-validated by GWM or third-party certifications. Efficient staffing supports same-day warehouse processing with near-zero discrepancy rates, ensuring reliable, timely service for GWM’s customers.

In just less than 3 years, by 2025, GWM will further expand its global parts warehouse by 30,000 square meters, increasing parts inventory by 1,000 types and achieving a parts fill rate of 97%. The company is also intensifying its training efforts to ensure that all of its service staff are 100% certified by 2025, enabling them to deliver high-quality, reliable service to users across the region. GWM’s local expansion strategy, in partnership with ADMC, continues to provide value-added customer experience. ADMC currently operates 7 GWM direct stores in Saudi Arabia, with GWM CARE ensuring that customers have easy access to necessary repairs and maintenance.

GWM Family Day: Providing a home-like feel for global users

GWM is also set to open its largest Middle Eastern flagship store in Riyadh on October 31, being the 7th directly operated GWM store by its local partner AMDC. Middle Eastern communities traditionally value family life. To meet their potential psychological needs, in the coming months, GWM plans to launch the “GWM Family Day” at its Riyadh flagship store, inviting GWM users and families to come together to share their experiences and celebrate the journeys they’ve taken with GWM vehicles.

At the opening ceremony, Parker Shi said, “the GWM TANK Alliance has been one of the largest off-road enthusiast carnival in this region and globally for GWM. These gatherings are part of GWM’s commitment to creating a more personal brand experience for Middle Eastern users, ensuring that each user feels part of the GWM family.” Welcoming they become the family of GWM and many happy kilometers to drive, Parker emphasized.

GWM has always been user-oriented. The logic behind it is to keep communicating with users continuously, and deepen users’ understanding of the brand so that users can gradually “know”, “be interested” and “like”. Pushing the highest-level relationship of “trust” and eventually towards global trust is not easy but it is what GWM has been pursuing.

GWM Moving Forward Together With Middle East

GWM DAY comprehensively demonstrates the strength of GWM from the dimensions of technology, partnership, TOC thought, and family-oriented business culture. That’s all the series themes of GWM DAYs conveyed. After years of accumulation and development in the Middle East market, GWM now has covered almost all countries in the Middle East Region with the most comprehensive products lineup, the comprehensive after-sale service system, the reinforced regional office, and most importantly the loyal and engaged owner communities. Since GWM understands that the brand isn’t just about cutting-edge technology, award-winning design, it’s more about people and their aspirations. At GWM, everything starts with, and evolves around people. The brand spirit tagline “Go With More” is the best interpretation of GWM’s vision for ever-pursuing for perfection.

As GWM continues to grow its footprint in the Middle East, it remains dedicated to the mission of “With the Middle East, for the Middle East.” Through its innovative products, dedication to service, and commitment to creating an enjoyable driving experience, GWM is well-positioned to become a leader in the Middle Eastern automotive market as a leading global brand. By cultivating strong relationships with users, partners, and communities, GWM is not just building a brand – it is building a community that is going with more tech, more style, more experience and more love for its 14 million users worldwide, with more generations to come.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GWM.

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African Development Bank Partners with Interpol to Combat Financial Crime and Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts in Africa

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African Development Bank

According to Interpol’s 2024 Global Financial Fraud Assessment, business email compromise, romance baiting, phishing, and other online frauds pose growing threats to Africa’s digitalized economy

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, February 21, 2025/APO Group/ –The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has taken a significant step forward in its fight against corruption and financial crime by signing a Letter of Intent with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) today. The Bank Group is the first multilateral development bank to establish such a collaboration with Interpol.

The Letter of Intent was signed on Wednesday by African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza, who visited the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan.

The partnership will enhance collaboration between the Bank’s Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption (https://apo-opa.co/3QrB4ku) and Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre. It will focus on sharing expertise, enhancing investigative capabilities, and developing preventive measures against emerging financial crime threats, including cybercrime, anti-corruption measures, and counter-terrorism financing.

This initiative comes as Africa faces significant challenges of illicit financial flows, estimated at nearly $90 billion annually—a loss of resources that could otherwise be invested in critical development needs including water, sanitation, health, food, and energy infrastructure.

As an institution that deploys approximately $10 billion annually in development financing, with the majority going to government projects, the African Development Bank Group brings crucial insight into regional financial flows and development challenges, Adesina said.

Corruption and financial crime are among the biggest obstacles to economic and social development in Africa and around the world

“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to protecting development resources and ensuring they reach their intended beneficiaries,” said Adesina. “As the world’s most transparent financial institution for two consecutive editions (https://apo-opa.co/41o3TVt) [according to Publish What You Fund’s assessment of sovereign portfolios], we maintain zero tolerance for corruption and terrorism financing. By joining forces with Interpol, we are strengthening our capacity to help African countries build robust systems against money laundering and financial crime.”

Rapid advancements in digital technology have also led to an increase in internet-enabled financial crimes. According to Interpol’s 2024 Global Financial Fraud Assessment, business email compromise, romance baiting, phishing, and other online frauds pose growing threats to Africa’s digitalized economy.

Secretary General Urquiza, who was elected to his position in November 2024, said, “Corruption and financial crime are among the biggest obstacles to economic and social development in Africa and around the world. The evolving nature of financial crime, particularly in the digital environment, requires strong partnerships between law enforcement and financial institutions. Interpol’s closer relationship with the African Development Bank Group will help law enforcement agencies and financial institutions across Africa tackle increasingly sophisticated financial crime threats.”

Adesina said the Bank will continue to tackle these challenges by:

  • Building capacity and supporting African countries in strengthening transparent and accountable governance and strong institutions capable of driving inclusive and sustainable growth and resilient economies.
  • Strengthening Know Your Customer and Due Diligence systems to prevent and to fight fraud and corruption.
  • Ensure that the Bank’s resources are used for their intended purposes in a transparent and accountable manner, a practice that has led to the Bank being recognized for two consecutive editions as the most transparent multilateral development bank in the world by Publish What You Fund.

The high-level Interpol delegation that accompanied Secretary General Urquiza included Mr. Silvino Schlickmann, Director of Governance and Ms. Paule Ouedraogo, Head of Interpol’s Regional Bureau.

The African Development Bank Group was represented by members of President Adesina’s senior management team including the director of the Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption, Ms. Paula da Costa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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World-leading Crypto Event Launches APAC’s Largest Debut with Consensus Hong Kong 2025

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Blockchain

Over 350 side events transformed mega digital assets event to mega festivities
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – Regarded as the “Super Bowl of Blockchain” and “the World Cup of Web3”, Consensus, the most influential and longest-running event of the crypto world, picked Hong Kong as a destination to expand beyond North America, with a record-setting debut of nearly 10,000 from over 100 countries and regions converging at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18-20 February.

Phoebe Shing, Director, Business Development Team Lead, MICE • MICE-Business Development of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said, “The tremendous success of Consensus’s Hong Kong debut marked the city as one of the most conducive destinations to expand the global footprint of proven events. More than a world’s meeting place, Hong Kong is also a super-connector in the world of finance, innovation and technology (I&T) and global cultures. This mega crypto event also puts Hong Kong on the forefront of accelerating the region’s advancement, while generating high-yield tourism spending and business activities to fuel Hong Kong’s economy.”

A convergence of who’s who in the world of blockchain, digital assets and web3

Asia’s top financial policymakers, crypto thought-leaders and investors shared the main stage with Mainland and world pioneers in blockchain, digital assets and web3 fields, defining what’s next and mapping the way forward for greater impact. The cast of stellar speakers notably included Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, the largest crypto exchange by trading volume; Adam Back, CEO and co-founder of Blockstream, a global leader in Bitcoin and blockchain technologies; Yat Siu, Co-Founder & Chairman Animoca Brands, a global leader in blockchain and gaming; Hong Fang, President of OKX, a leading Web3 technology company and leading crypto exchange, and many more.

Sara Stratoberdha, CEO of CoinDesk said, “Consensus has been running for over 10 years and is one of the longest-running and comprehensive digital assets events in the world. Hong Kong, a Fintech hub in Asia serves as a global center for crypto and web3 technologies, with favourable policies and a large pool of talent for blockchain, digital assets and web3 to thrive. We are thrilled to see that over 75% of attendees are coming from outside Hong Kong. A truly international event! The city has proven the ideal choice for expanding Consensus beyond North America.”

A strong line-up of over 350 side events, delivering huge commercial value

Consensus Hong Kong 2025 was embellished with more than 350 side events, giving the energetic global crypto community diverse opportunities to showcase their expertise, create and renew partnerships and party to the heart’s content.

Michael Lau, Chairman of Consensus Hong Kong, added, “The scale of the inaugural Hong Kong event has surpassed our expectations, with nearly 10,000 attendees and what truly surprised us is that the community and industry were eager to participate and the fact that we ended up hosting over 350 side events is a strong testament to Hong Kong as a leading global FinTech hub where we have a vibrant ecosystem, entrepreneurial spirits, innovative cultures that nowhere else can replicate. I am also appreciative of the support from the HKTB in securing the event for the city I call home.”

Transforming business events into mega festivals

Consensus Hong Kong also spectacularly transformed a leading business event into a mega festival, kicking off with its Opening Party – Rooftop Revelry, held at Cloud 39, the ultra-luxury rooftop ballroom of iconic landmark in Central The Henderson that set the tone for the event’s sophisticated networking occasions. Action continued all the way to its long-established tradition of Music Festival and Crypto Fight Night, extending to Hong Kong’s unique horse-racing and night party at Lan Kwai Fong. The conference concluded with a bang with the Consensus Closing Party in Lan Kwai Fong, where participants were treated to an open bar, live music and fun networking.

Brad Spies, Vice President of Consensus, said, “Hong Kong has a long legacy of finance, banking and some of the deepest capital markets in the world; but it’s also such a vibrant and diverse city with the best restaurants, fantastic venues and unique experiences. The city simply fulfilled the promises of delivering the best of business and fun. Hong Kong is such a world-class city for people to come and transform business events into mega festivals.”

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Saudi Arabia Expands Energy Ties with Africa: A Look at Key Investments, Partnerships

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Following Saudi Arabia’s latest energy efficiency cooperation agreement with Egypt, the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference will provide a vital platform to accelerate partnerships and secure new deals between Saudi Arabia and African countries

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 21, 2025/APO Group/ –Earlier this week, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud signed an agreement to develop an executive plan for energy efficiency cooperation, strengthening bilateral ties in the energy sector and fostering sustainable development. This follows another significant development in September, in which Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly secured a $5 billion pledge from Saudi Arabia’s PIF, representing the “first phase” of a larger investment strategy.

As a leading global energy giant, Saudi Arabia has been actively investing in Africa’s energy sector, aiming to expand its energy reserves, advance energy diplomacy and compete with other global superpowers. This strategic push not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s influence in the region, but also paves the way for deeper economic and political ties with African nations.

To date, the lion’s share of investment in Africa’s energy sector has focused on clean energy advancements. With total project costs reaching $7 billion across the continent, Saudi developer ACWA Power stands as the leading private-sector investor in African renewable energy. In October 2024, the company announced that its Redstone solar plant in South Africa was set to achieve its full 100 MW capacity, while its Kom Ombo solar PV plant in Egypt successfully reached its full capacity of 200 MW. ACWA Power is also leading Project DAO, South Africa’s largest hybrid renewable power plant, with an $800 million investment. The project is expected to come online by 2026 and aligns with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals.

In addition to renewable energy, Saudi Arabia is diversifying its investments to secure critical minerals for clean energy technologies. In October, Saudi Arabia’s Manara Minerals, a joint venture between Ma’aden and the Public Investment Fund (PIF), entered advanced talks to acquire a minority stake in First Quantum Minerals’ Zambian copper and nickel assets. The potential investment, valued between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategy to secure critical minerals that are vital for the global clean energy transition.

Turning to broader regional commitments, Saudi Arabia’s financial support for Africa’s energy infrastructure has grown. In October, the Kingdom announced a major funding initiative, pledging at least $41 billion for sub-Saharan African nations. This includes $1 billion for development, $5 billion for startups, $10 billion in financing from the Saudi Export-Import Bank and $25 billion in private sector investments over the next decade.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Energy has established the “Empowering Africa” initiative as part of its broader commitment to supporting sustainable development across the continent. In collaboration with the Ministries of Communications and Information Technology and Health, the initiative aims to deliver clean energy, connectivity, e-health and e-learning solutions to enhance lives and promote long-term growth in Africa. Building upon the Clean Fuel Solutions for Cooking Program, it focuses on providing cleaner cooking solutions to vulnerable populations, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional biomass fuels and improve health outcomes for millions of households. Minister bin Salman Al Saud has emphasized energy as a fundamental human right and is spearheading efforts to improve access to clean cooking technologies across the continent.

Additionally, state-owned petroleum company Saudi Aramco is strengthening its partnerships with African nations to support energy investments and mobilization. These collaborations are expected to drive infrastructure development, enhance oil and gas production capacity and facilitate knowledge transfer between Saudi and African energy stakeholders, while aligning with broader energy security and sustainability goals.

In the multilateral arena, the African Energy Chamber is working with Saudi Arabia to support South Africa’s G20 energy investments and mobilization. This partnership is set to facilitate greater financing and policy coordination, ensuring Africa’s energy priorities are well-represented in global energy discussions. The upcoming African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies conference in Cape Town serves as a key platform to facilitate and support these investments, bringing together Saudi stakeholders, African governments and global energy leaders to advance new projects, strengthen partnerships and accelerate the continent’s energy transition. These collaborations are essential in addressing energy challenges, driving economic growth and fostering long-term sustainability. As Saudi investments expand – alongside those of other G20 nations – their impact on Africa’s energy landscape will only deepen.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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