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The training, announced on July 6, brings together the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, known as Mawhiba, and Huawei as Saudi Arabia expands its pipeline of students capable of working across artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data and telecommunications. The initiative forms part of a wider partnership that aims to train 500 beneficiaries in advanced technology fields.

Participants are being exposed to a mix of theoretical instruction and practical exercises, with the programme structured around real-world AI applications, global technology practices and workplace-based learning. The Shenzhen placement gives students direct access to one of Huawei’s main innovation centres, where they are expected to study how artificial intelligence tools are developed, deployed and integrated into digital infrastructure.

The programme covers core areas including AI fundamentals, machine learning, deep learning, foundation models and AI development tools. Its practical component is intended to help students move beyond classroom-level understanding into applied problem-solving, particularly in fields where AI systems are increasingly tied to business operations, public services and industrial automation.

Mawhiba’s role reflects its long-standing mandate to identify and support gifted students, while Huawei’s participation gives the programme an international industry dimension. The partnership is aimed at matching academic talent with technologies that are shaping labour-market demand, especially as Saudi Arabia increases investment in data centres, digital government, smart cities and automation.

The Shenzhen cohort follows the launch of the first joint Mawhiba-Huawei training track for Saudi university students in China. The programme is being presented as both a skills initiative and an international exposure opportunity, giving participants familiarity with advanced technology ecosystems outside the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has placed AI capacity-building at the centre of its digital transformation agenda. The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has been expanding training schemes for students, professionals and government leaders as part of efforts to create a national workforce capable of supporting data-driven economic diversification.

A separate programme at the authority’s headquarters in Riyadh began with 215 male and female students from 28 universities, giving participants training in data, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. That initiative was designed to connect academic knowledge with practical experience in computer science, data science and AI, while aligning university outcomes with labour-market needs.

The scale of national AI training has grown sharply. More than 779,000 citizens have been trained through data and AI initiatives, including 9,775 specialists and 260 scientists and experts. More than 80 government leaders have also received training focused on the design and implementation of data and AI strategies.

The Mawhiba-Huawei programme adds a private-sector and cross-border layer to that domestic training push. For students, the China placement offers exposure to applied AI in a corporate setting. For policymakers, it supports an effort to create a wider base of young specialists who can work with global platforms while contributing to local technology goals.

Saudi Arabia’s AI strategy has increasingly focused on building human capital alongside infrastructure. The country has moved to strengthen data governance, support Arabic AI models, expand cloud capacity and encourage the adoption of emerging technologies across education, healthcare, finance, energy and government services.

The emphasis on training also reflects a growing recognition that AI adoption depends on more than hardware and software. Surveys and academic studies on generative AI use in Saudi Arabia show strong public engagement with AI tools, but also uneven technical understanding and concerns over privacy, misinformation, trust and responsible use. Structured training is therefore being treated as a way to improve both competence and confidence.

For universities, the programme underlines the pressure to update curricula as AI changes entry-level skill expectations. Employers in technology, finance, logistics and energy are increasingly looking for graduates who understand data handling, model behaviour, automation workflows and ethical safeguards. Programmes that combine classroom instruction with industry exposure are seen as a route to narrowing that gap.

The Public Prosecution Service suspects the company of multiple criminal offences, including deliberately and unlawfully releasing harmful substances into the air with possible adverse consequences for public health. The case also covers alleged breaches of the company’s duty of care, insufficient maintenance, operating without the required permits and failure to report several incidents involving raw coke, a by-product linked to the steelmaking process.

A first procedural hearing has been scheduled for 20 November 2026 at the Amsterdam District Court, where prosecutors are expected to set out the precise charges. The investigation began after a criminal complaint filed on behalf of more than 800 residents and campaigners, who have for years linked emissions from the IJmuiden complex to health risks, nuisance and damage to quality of life.

The steelworks, located west of Amsterdam in Velsen, is among the Netherlands’ biggest industrial sites and one of its largest greenhouse gas emitters. Its blast furnaces, coke ovens and associated facilities have made it a strategic employer and export asset, but also a central target for environmental enforcement. Local concern intensified after pollution incidents, odour complaints and measurements showing deposits of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in nearby communities.

Prosecutors say the criminal investigation examined the steel production process and the operation of Tata Steel’s coke gas factories. The inquiry was carried out with input from environmental inspection and police units, including the investigative arm of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate and regional environmental enforcement agencies.

The company has rejected the accusations, saying it disagrees with the decision to prosecute and has already made major improvements to reduce emissions. Tata Steel Nederland has described the case as unnecessary, arguing that it relates to a limited number of incidents where corrective action had already been taken. The company maintains that its emissions comply with legal limits and that planned investments will cut pollution further.

The prosecution has not ruled out possible action against individuals. A separate part of the investigation is examining whether people in management roles could be held personally criminally liable. Prosecutors said that part of the inquiry may take more time, while the company summons has been issued now to keep the criminal case moving.

The summons comes against a broader legal and regulatory backdrop. Residents living near the plant and environmental groups have pursued civil and criminal routes to force faster reductions in pollution. A collective claim filed in the Netherlands seeks about €1.4 billion in compensation from Tata Steel’s Dutch subsidiaries, alleging health damage, stress, loss of enjoyment of life and property-related losses across the region. Tata Steel has dismissed those claims as speculative and unsupported.

Regulatory pressure has also mounted over the coke ovens, one of the most contentious parts of the IJmuiden operation. Authorities have previously warned that permits could be at risk if breaches continue, and financial penalties have been imposed over emissions violations. The coke-making process is crucial to conventional blast-furnace steel production, but it is also associated with pollutants that have drawn sustained scrutiny from residents and health experts.

Public health studies commissioned by Dutch authorities have strengthened demands for action. Research has identified the Tata Steel site as a significant source of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the IJmond area, while health assessments have pointed to higher exposure risks for communities around the plant. Campaigners argue that enforcement has been too slow, given the scale of the plant and the duration of residents’ complaints.

Tata Steel is attempting to balance the legal fight with negotiations over a cleaner production model. The company, the Dutch government and the province of North Holland signed a non-binding framework in 2025 aimed at cutting carbon emissions and improving the living environment around IJmuiden. The plan includes a shift towards lower-carbon steelmaking, with public support of up to €2 billion under discussion and additional funding sought from European programmes.

Wang’s 2-8 July visit to Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway came as Brussels and Beijing try to prevent a deepening dispute over industrial subsidies, electric vehicles, market access, export controls and critical minerals from turning into a broader trade confrontation. The trip placed trade, green technology, shipping, healthcare, tourism and scientific innovation at the centre of talks, while allowing Beijing to test whether northern Europe could support a less confrontational EU approach.

The diplomatic push followed high-level trade discussions in Brussels, where both sides agreed to establish a ministerial-level mechanism that would meet once or twice a year. Four negotiation tracks are expected to cover export controls, trade and investment balancing, market access, and supply-chain transparency, with October emerging as a key deadline for measurable progress.

The EU’s trade deficit with China stood at about €360 billion last year, driven by imports of electric vehicles, batteries, solar equipment, machinery and consumer goods. European officials have warned that subsidised Chinese production could put pressure on strategic industries, while Beijing argues that EU restrictions on technology exports and investment screening have politicised commerce.

Wang used the Nordic leg to frame China and Europe as partners rather than rivals. In Copenhagen, he urged Denmark to play a constructive role in stabilising EU-China relations and highlighted cooperation in green shipping, life sciences and tourism. Denmark holds political weight in Brussels through its support for open trade, but it has also backed a firmer European line on economic security and resilience.

The tour carried symbolic value. It was the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Denmark in 15 years and to Sweden in 22 years. Sweden is China’s largest trading partner in the Nordic region, but relations have faced strain over human rights, security policy and Europe’s concerns over dependence on Chinese technology. Wang met Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard in Stockholm, where the talks covered bilateral ties and the wider EU agenda.

Finland added a sharper security dimension to the visit. President Alexander Stubb and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen have supported a more cautious European posture towards Beijing, particularly since Russia’s war in Ukraine reshaped the security debate across northern Europe. Finland’s accession to NATO has also altered the regional balance, placing Helsinki firmly inside the transatlantic security framework. Trade dialogue with Beijing therefore sits alongside hard questions over Russia, technology transfer and strategic infrastructure.

Norway, the final stop, offered Beijing a more pragmatic opening. Oslo is outside the EU but closely tied to the single market through the European Economic Area. Its energy, maritime and seafood industries give it economic links with China, while Norway’s diplomatic tradition allows space for dialogue even during periods of political tension. Wang’s meeting with Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide was expected to focus on trade, green transition and international security.

Beijing’s message is that the EU should expand trade rather than restrict it. China has signalled willingness to increase imports from Europe and improve communication over trade frictions. It has also pressed Brussels to ease restrictions on high-tech exports and avoid measures that it views as protectionist. European negotiators, however, want more than general assurances. They are seeking concrete steps to narrow the trade gap, improve access for European firms, and curb state-backed overcapacity in sectors where Chinese exports have surged.

The most sensitive issue remains electric vehicles. The EU imposed duties on battery-powered cars made in China after concluding that state support had distorted competition. Chinese manufacturers have responded by looking more seriously at European production sites, including plants in Hungary and other markets, to maintain access to consumers while reducing tariff exposure. The dispute has become a test case for whether Brussels can defend industry without triggering retaliation that would hit exporters, luxury brands, agriculture and aviation.

Rare earths and critical inputs have become another pressure point. China dominates several stages of processing for materials used in clean energy, defence and advanced manufacturing. European officials are trying to reduce exposure without severing commercial links. Beijing retains leverage through licensing and supply-chain controls, while the EU is developing tools to diversify sourcing, screen investment and support domestic production.

Charging stations are becoming a key connection of smart energy systems

According to the ‘Technical White Paper’ by StarCharge, for years, EV charging infrastructure has mainly been seen as support for vehicle sales expansion: building more chargers, expanding coverage, and speeding up charging.

However, this role is starting to change.

As electrification scales up, charging networks are becoming a part of the energy system itself. They are no longer just places for vehicles to top up; they are evolving into smart energy nodes connecting vehicles, the grid, distributed energy, storage, and digital management.

This shift from charging infrastructure to charging network systems shows that the industry is moving from basic access to integrated value: from charging services to energy services, from standalone stations to PV-storage-charging systems, from equipment deployment to scenario-based infrastructure.

StarCharge believes that the future charging network ecosystem will go through four major turning points.

Four Key Points Reshaping the Ecosystem

1. Charging Networks Are Becoming Energy Infrastructure

Charging infrastructure is going beyond its original role as just a support for EVs. As EV adoption grows, charging networks are becoming strategic energy infrastructure: they connect mobility demand with the grid, distributed energy, storage, digital platforms, and future energy services.

2. Defining the Scenarios for the Network

The future charging network won’t be shaped by hardware alone. Policies determine whether infrastructure should be built, technology determines the speed of construction, but real-world scenarios determine what the charging network actually needs to look like.

Urban commuting, highway trips, ride-hailing, logistics fleets, county and rural coverage, holiday peak demand, heavy trucks, mining areas, ports, airports, and autonomous driving all create different charging needs. Therefore, a mature charging network can’t be ‘one-size-fits-all’; it has to be designed around different vehicle types, operating hours, power requirements, reliability needs, and grid conditions.

3. Digital platforms turn charging networks into operable assets

A large charging network only truly has value when it can be scaled, optimized, and managed. This is exactly the core role of cloud platforms. They turn millions of charging points, users, stations, transactions, and energy flows into a measurable, controllable, and continuously optimized operating system.

StarCharge’s platform capabilities cover site selection, pricing, marketing, station operations, smart maintenance, charging safety, station robots, AI-based smart charging, fleet management, energy optimization, and ESG reporting. In other words, digital platforms are the key to transforming charging infrastructure from a heavy-asset network into smart, operable, and scalable assets.

4. Charging stations are becoming grid-friendly energy resources

The next-generation charging infrastructure won’t be defined by any single technology. It will be built on a complete tech stack, combining high-power charging, liquid cooling, integrated PV-storage-charging, DC bus architecture, V2G, automated charging, and AI-driven operations. In other words, future charging stations shouldn’t just be passive electricity consumers that add stress to the grid. Through energy storage, renewable energy integration, V2G, smart scheduling, and AI-based energy optimization, charging stations can become grid-friendly energy resources.

This means that aside from charging vehicles, a charging station can absorb renewable energy, buffer peak loads, respond to demand-side signals, support peak shaving and valley filling, regulate frequency, and provide carbon-neutral ESG data for fleet operators. Its business model will also go beyond charging fees, creating new value through energy services, data services, carbon-related benefits, and grid interaction capabilities.

Microgrids Have Emerged at the Right Time

At the same time, with the continuous development of distributed energy and photovoltaic energy, microgrids have emerged at the right time. They are not just a product, but a local energy system built around real-world scenarios.

In the latest “White Paper” on scenario-based microgrid technology, StarCharge points out that microgrids are moving from customized engineering projects toward scalable, replicable energy systems.

A microgrid is a scenario-based local energy system

According to StarCharge, a microgrid is not a single device, nor is it just an energy storage product. It’s a local energy system designed around the needs of a specific scenario, coordinating local generation, loads, storage, control, and operational strategies within a defined electrical boundary.

Moreover, depending on the scenario—such as data centers, individual charging stations, zero-carbon industrial parks, or green mines—the energy challenges are completely different. The right microgrid is defined by the scenario it serves.

The white paper also highlights four high-value paths: electricity-computing synergy, independent power supply, zero-carbon parks, and green mines. In areas with weak grids or limited grid access, microgrids ensure the operation of critical loads. In emerging load scenarios like data centers and industrial parks, microgrids support renewable energy integration, energy resilience, and cost optimization. In high-tech-demand scenarios like mines, microgrids become the foundation for ensuring production continuity, energy transition, and ESG competitiveness.

The three-stage evolution of microgrids

As power sources and loads become increasingly DC, microgrid architectures are evolving from AC-dominated systems to AC-DC hybrid systems, and eventually toward microgrids with a higher proportion of DC.

Microgrid 1.0 — dominated by AC architecture. It integrates renewable energy into the existing AC grid framework, but its control heavily relies on grid-following management and support from the external grid.

Microgrid 2.0 — the AC-DC hybrid stage. AC and DC buses coexist, allowing PV, storage, and DC loads to connect more directly. Bidirectional power hubs, solid-state transformers (SST), and energy routers become important bridges between AC and DC systems. This stage balances strong AC compatibility with higher DC efficiency and is expected to remain mainstream in the next 10-15 years.

Microgrid 3.0—it’s the era of DC microgrids. As solar PV, wind power, battery storage, data centers, LED lighting, and EV charging increasingly move toward DC, DC microgrids can reduce repeated AC-DC conversion losses, simplify control, and support millisecond-level responses.

This evolution is closely linked to the mission of microgrids: breaking through energy access bottlenecks, enabling sustainable development, connecting technology, industry, policy, market, and community needs, and unlocking the integrated value of local energy systems.

In the future, StarCharge will steadily expand into the growing global markets for new EVs and renewable energy, building on its smart energy systems that have been widely validated in the Chinese market.

Hashtag: #StarCharge

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

By Satyaki Chakraborty Amidst Trump-Modi bonhomie and the continuation of India-US trade talks, former Indian intelligence chief Vikram Sood said on Sunday in an interview to a British network that the present U.S. deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau told Indian officials during his visit to India in March 2026 that Washington would use tariffs, […]

The article It Is Now Official: U.S. Will Do Everything To Curb India’s Economic Growth appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

• Formula E Season 12 accelerates global expansion and sustainability milestones as DHL delivers precision logistics behind one of the world’s most complex sporting championships
• Battery logistics takes center stage off track as electrification drives new supply chain demands

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – As the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to Shanghai for the 2025/2026 Season, the world’s premier all-electric racing Championship accelerates into its most ambitious chapter yet with a record 17 races across 11 global cities, including new circuits in Madrid and Miami.

Underscoring its commitment to sustainability and transparency, Formula E has also recently become the first global sport to achieve B Corp Certification, a globally recognised designation awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. “Achieving B Corp Certification is a defining milestone for Formula E and reinforces our mission to drive sustainable innovation both on and off the track,” said Barry Mortimer, Paddock and Logistics Director, Formula E. “It reflects our commitment to operating responsibly as we continue to push the boundaries of electric mobility and sustainable sport on a global stage.”

DHL Powers the Global Movement of Formula E

Behind the high-speed action lies a complex global logistics operation. DHL, the Official Founding and Official Logistics Partner of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship since 2013, plays a critical role in moving the Championship seamlessly across continents, ensuring that every race is delivered with precision, efficiency and sustainability.

Each race in this season requires the transport of approximately 400 metric tons of freight, including 21 electric race cars, charging infrastructure, broadcast equipment, and critical power systems, all orchestrated through tightly coordinated multimodal solutions spanning air, ocean, rail and road.

In the lead-up to the 2026 Shanghai E-Prix, DHL executed a three-day multimodal journey from Sanya, combining ferry and road transport. This required extensive planning and documentation to ensure full compliance across multiple transport regulations, highlighting the precision and intricate choreography required to meet unmovable race-day deadlines.

Battery Logistics at the Heart of Electrified Racing

Beyond motorsport, this partnership shines a spotlight on one of the fastest-growing and most complex areas of global trade: battery logistics. As electrification accelerates worldwide, the safe and compliant transport of lithium-ion batteries has become mission-critical and increasingly challenging.

Formula E offers a vivid real-world example. Each race involves transporting approximately 31 high-performance batteries, each weighing around 400kg—far exceeding typical consumer battery thresholds and classified as regulated dangerous goods. Their transport requires strict adherence to international regulations, including IATA and ICAO standards, covering specialized packaging, state-of-charge restrictions, certified handling procedures, and multiple layers of regulatory approvals from airlines and authorities.

The complexity is further amplified by varying customs requirements of different countries and cities, and stringent transport conditions across different modes. From certified aluminum containment units and non-stackable packaging to detailed documentation and risk classification requirements, every step demands precision and deep expertise.

“Every Formula E race may look seamless on track, but behind the scenes it is a highly complex logistics operation—especially when it comes to transporting lithium-ion batteries safely across borders,” said Federico Cavani, Head of Motorsports Italy, DHL Global Forwarding. “These are regulated dangerous goods that require meticulous planning, strict compliance with global standards, and specialized handling at every stage. Our partnership with Formula E showcases how advanced battery logistics can be executed safely at scale, and reflects the same challenges DHL customers face as electrification accelerates globally.”

China: The Engine Driving Global Battery Supply Chains

China has emerged as the undisputed hub of the global battery ecosystem, underpinning the rapid growth of electrification worldwide. In 2025, global electric vehicle battery deployment reached 1.2 terawatt-hours (TWh), with China accounting for around 60% of the total, reinforcing its position as the largest and most dynamic market. Beyond demand, China also leads across the manufacturing value chain. The country produces over 70% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries, with some estimates placing its share at more than three-quarters of global output in 2025.

The ability to move batteries safely, compliantly, and efficiently—both within China and across international markets—has thus become a critical differentiator.

“DHL Global Forwarding China partners with several of the world’s leading battery manufacturers, providing end-to-end battery transportation solutions across the entire logistics value chain. The company also supports the rapidly growing energy storage logistics sector, helping customers better manage and optimize their energy storage supply chains. Each year, we handle more than 10,000 TEUs of batteries and battery-related materials exported from China, with shipments destined for major markets such as the United States and Europe,” said Stephen Zhang, Vice President, Ocean Freight, Greater China, DHL Global Forwarding.

As global supply chains evolve alongside the energy transition, DHL’s role extends far beyond the racetrack. From supporting EV and battery ecosystems to enabling resilient, compliant and sustainable logistics solutions, the company continues to power the shift toward a low-carbon future—one race, and one shipment at a time.

DHL Group has made significant investments in its New Energy capabilities under its Strategy 2030: Accelerating Sustainable Growth. Through DHL New Energy Logistics, a sector brand driving electrification and the energy transition, the company delivers end-to-end solutions across the full value chain, spanning wind, solar, EVs and batteries, BESS, charging, grid infrastructure, alternative fuels, and hydrogen. Leveraging a global network covering more than 220 countries and territories and supported by over 20 DHL EV Centers of Excellence and a dedicated team of trained dangerous goods specialists, DHL ensures high-sensitivity cargo moves safely, compliantly, and on time.
Hashtag: #DHL

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

AG Company signed a strategic partnership with Akbar Investment Company of the Republic of Korea to study the establishment of a zone dedicated to Korean industries, with Al Ain identified as the proposed location. The initiative comes as the UAE and Korea deepen economic ties under a bilateral trade framework that entered into force on May 1, 2026, after being signed in Seoul on May 29, 2024.

The announcement coincided with the visit of a high-level Korean delegation to Abu Dhabi, led by Jung Min Kim, a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and member of its Committee on Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups. The delegation included representatives from government and semi-government entities, investors and industrial companies.

The agreement was accompanied by the signing of 15 memoranda of understanding with Korean companies and manufacturers across industrial sectors. The proposed zone is expected to focus on advanced manufacturing, technology-led production, artificial intelligence applications, healthcare technologies and related industries, although the final sector mix will depend on feasibility studies, regulatory approvals and investor commitments.

The project aligns with Abu Dhabi’s wider industrial strategy, which seeks to more than double the emirate’s manufacturing sector to AED172 billion by 2031, expand non-oil exports and create thousands of skilled jobs. Abu Dhabi has been positioning industrial growth as a pillar of diversification, combining ports, free zones, logistics networks and investment incentives to attract manufacturers serving the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

During the visit, the Korean delegation held meetings with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi to review the emirate’s investment environment, infrastructure and industrial services. The delegation also met business leaders and investors and carried out field visits to assess operational readiness, logistics capacity and production facilities.

Jung Min Kim said the UAE, and Abu Dhabi in particular, had established itself as one of the world’s most attractive and trusted investment destinations due to its economic vision, legislative environment and infrastructure. He said those advantages, along with stability and the capacity to attract quality investment, made the country an appropriate partner for expanding the presence of Korean industries across the region.

Dr Ahmed Abdullah, chief executive of AG Company, said the project reflected the UAE’s direction towards a more diversified and competitive economy based on knowledge, innovation and autonomous artificial intelligence capable of self-operation and execution. He said attracting Korean industries represented not only an economic investment but also an opportunity to transfer expertise, develop national competencies and strengthen the UAE’s position as a hub for industry and innovation.

The UAE–Korea trade agreement is expected to eliminate or reduce duties on more than 90 per cent of tariff lines over a period of up to 10 years. It also covers trade in goods and services, investment, customs procedures, digital trade, intellectual property, government procurement and cooperation in sectors including energy, healthcare and advanced industries.

The industrial zone proposal gives private-sector form to those commitments. Korean companies have strong global positions in electronics, automotive components, batteries, robotics, shipbuilding, healthcare equipment and advanced materials. Abu Dhabi offers access to capital, energy, transport infrastructure and regional markets, while Korean manufacturers bring production systems, export networks and technology capabilities.

The location of Al Ain carries added significance. The city has been seeking a larger role in Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification beyond its established strengths in agriculture, education, culture and tourism. A manufacturing cluster there could broaden industrial activity outside the coastal logistics corridor, although investors will assess connectivity, labour requirements, utilities, supply chains and access to ports before committing to factory sites.

Safwan Bals, board adviser at AG Company, said nominating Al Ain reflected a vision of expanding economic development and diversifying production hubs. He said the project could support the city’s economic and social development by attracting investments and creating direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The inaugural India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports was held in Bamako under the theme “Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships”, bringing together senior officials, export agencies and about 30 business leaders from India. The two-day initiative marks an attempt to move commercial engagement beyond commodity flows and towards sector-specific projects in cotton, mining, energy, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, health and education.

The forum was jointly organised by Mali’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Embassy of India in Bamako and the Malian Agency for the Promotion of Exports. It was presided over by Mali’s Transition Government Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, with the delegation from India led by Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary for FT-Africa in the Department of Commerce. Dr N. Nandakumar, Ambassador of India to Mali, represented the mission through the proceedings.

Bilateral trade crossed $326.61 million in 2025–26, a 55 per cent increase over the previous financial year. Mali’s exports to India include raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic and sesame. India’s exports to Mali include pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and bicycles. Officials see the current trade base as narrow but expandable, particularly because Mali’s global exports stand at about $4 billion and its untapped export potential in the market of India is estimated at nearly $3.96 billion.

The Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme has been a central driver of trade growth, offering least developed countries preferential access to the market of India. For Mali, the scheme provides a policy opening at a time when Bamako is seeking to diversify export destinations and reduce dependence on raw commodity shipments. For New Delhi, the forum fits a wider push to deepen commercial links with Africa through trade facilitation, capacity building and private-sector participation.

Business-to-business, business-to-government and government-to-government meetings formed the operational core of the forum. Exhibition stands featured products from both countries, including tractors and vehicles manufactured by Sonalika, Mahindra and Tata Motors. The format was designed to connect firms with regulators, identify bankable projects and address procedural bottlenecks that often slow trade between developing markets.

Mali presented ready-made business plans to potential investors and placed emphasis on agro-industry, shea processing, mining-linked services, renewable energy and social infrastructure. The country is seeking more value addition in cotton and agricultural commodities rather than relying mainly on exports of raw or semi-processed products. Cotton remains a significant sector for Mali, while shea, sesame, cashew and gum arabic offer scope for processing, branding and direct export partnerships.

Pharmaceuticals emerged as another key area. Mali sought quicker registration of approved products from India, a move that could expand access to affordable medicines and medical supplies. Health and education infrastructure were also discussed as areas where companies and institutions could provide services, equipment and training support.

The mining dimension is more complex. Mali is one of Africa’s leading gold producers and is working to tighten oversight of its precious metals trade after identifying large gaps between declared exports and import data reported by partner countries. A new state entity has been created to centralise and regulate precious-substances flows, reflecting Bamako’s effort to capture more value from gold and reduce informal trade. Industrial mines export about 60 tonnes of gold annually, while artisanal mining employs nearly 2 million people across hundreds of sites.

Security remains a central concern for investors. Mali has faced instability and militant violence, and economic assets have been among the risks flagged by foreign governments and companies. Earlier this year, security concerns stalled participation by government-backed firms from India in a Russian-backed lithium exploration project in Mali. That episode underlined the challenge of matching mineral ambitions with investor confidence.

The share sale, opened to institutional investors this week, drew bids of about ₹380 billion, or roughly 3.8 times the base offer. The indicative price was set at ₹2,883 a share, below the regulatory floor price of ₹3,034.68 and at a discount to the stock’s previous close, reflecting the typical pricing structure used to secure large-block institutional participation.

The enlarged issue marks one of Adani Enterprises’ biggest equity-raising exercises since the group was hit by a market rout in 2023 following allegations by US short-seller Hindenburg Research. The conglomerate denied wrongdoing, and group companies have since rebuilt access to capital through a mix of equity, debt, asset recycling and strategic partnerships.

The strong response to the placement signals that institutional investors are again willing to back the group’s growth strategy, even as they continue to price in governance, leverage and execution risks. The investor book included global funds and domestic asset managers, with demand high enough for the company to lift the deal size by 50 per cent.

Adani Enterprises is the incubator of the group’s newer businesses. Its portfolio spans airports, roads, data centres, green hydrogen, mining services, defence, solar manufacturing and other infrastructure-linked ventures. The company has been central to the group’s plan to build large operating platforms before eventually listing or separating mature units.

The latest fundraising comes as the group accelerates capital spending across transport, energy transition and materials. Its airports business operates eight airports and is preparing for the opening of Navi Mumbai International Airport, a project expected to strengthen the group’s presence in aviation infrastructure. Data centres and green hydrogen remain capital-intensive bets that require long gestation funding and steady access to institutional capital.

The timing also follows Adani Enterprises’ rights issue of about ₹250 billion completed in late 2025, which was oversubscribed. That offer was used to support capital expenditure, debt repayment and shareholder loan obligations. The new placement gives the company additional flexibility at a time when infrastructure companies are competing for long-duration capital amid rising demand for logistics, power, digital infrastructure and manufacturing capacity.

The share sale is also significant because it reduces reliance on borrowings for the next leg of expansion. Equity funding can ease pressure on balance sheets and improve investor perception of leverage, particularly for companies pursuing several projects at once. At the same time, the discounted pricing means some dilution for existing shareholders, a common trade-off in large institutional placements.

Market reaction was measured. Adani Enterprises shares initially faced pressure after pricing details emerged but later stabilised, suggesting investors had largely anticipated a discount. The stock has recovered substantially from its 2023 lows, though it remains closely watched because of the group’s debt profile, promoter holdings and regulatory scrutiny around past allegations.

The company’s investment cycle has broadened further with plans linked to a major aluminium project in Odisha in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company. The proposed project, valued at about $11.5 billion, is expected to include bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting and downstream capacity. The partnership underscores the group’s continuing effort to deepen industrial manufacturing alongside infrastructure.

IHC has been a notable backer of the group through periods of market volatility. Its involvement provides strategic weight to Adani’s expansion into metals, a sector that requires heavy upfront investment, access to raw materials, power security and strong execution discipline. Aluminium demand is being driven by transport, packaging, power transmission, construction and renewable energy infrastructure.

Adani Enterprises’ fundraising also fits a broader trend across the equity market, where companies have used qualified institutional placements to raise growth capital while valuations remain supportive. QIPs allow listed companies to place shares with large investors without the longer timelines associated with some other public offerings. For issuers, the format is faster; for institutions, it provides access to sizeable allocations in liquid companies.

Singapore-based companies have committed more than S$5.5 billion in Johor since the JS-SEZ memorandum of understanding, while IMFC-J reported 1,000 enquiries linked to RM73 billion in potential investment in March 2026.

JOHOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2026 – Forest City Special Financial Zone (Forest City SFZ) today issued a progress update on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), pointing to early implementation milestones in investment facilitation, financial-services incentives and cross-border connectivity.

The JS-SEZ agreement, signed on 7 January 2025, covers approximately 3,588 square kilometres across southern Johor. It comprises nine flagship areas and targets investment in 11 sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, financial services, the digital economy, tourism, education, healthcare and the green economy. Forest City is the designated financial-services flagship within the framework.

“The JS-SEZ has moved beyond framework design and into early-stage execution. Forest City has a defined role in financial services and family-office activity, while the wider zone is building a pipeline across multiple industries,” a Forest City SFZ spokesperson said.

Investment pipeline builds across the JS-SEZ

Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry said Singapore-based companies had committed more than S$5.5 billion in investments into Johor since the JS-SEZ memorandum of understanding was signed in January 2024. The figure was highlighted at the second JS-SEZ Joint Investment Forum in Singapore in October 2025.

On the Malaysian side, the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J) reported in March 2026 that it had received 1,000 investor enquiries and was facilitating RM73 billion in potential investment.

IMFC-J is a joint federal-state one-stop centre led by the Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Invest Johor and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

The figures represent investment commitments and potential project value rather than fully realised capital expenditure, but provide an early measure of the commercial pipeline forming around the economic corridor.

Forest City builds financial-services proposition

Malaysia announced the Forest City SFZ incentive package in September 2024, followed by the gazettement of the Single Family Office (SFO) tax rules in October 2025. Under the scheme, a qualifying SFO vehicle may receive a 0% tax rate on eligible investment income for an initial 10-year period, with a possible extension for a further 10 years, subject to asset, local investment, staffing and operating-expenditure requirements.

The initial phase requires at least RM30 million in assets under management. The wider Forest City incentive framework also includes a 5% corporate tax rate for qualifying global-services and selected relocation activities, while eligible knowledge workers in the JS-SEZ may qualify for a 15% personal income tax rate, subject to prevailing rules and approvals.

According to Forest City data, nine family offices had received approvals under the scheme by June 2026. The Securities Commission Malaysia had previously reported more than 30 expressions of interest and has set a target of RM2 billion in SFO assets under management by the end of 2026.

Separately, Forest City said 593 applicants were approved for the SFZ category of the Malaysia My Second Home programme between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2026, indicating demand from investors, professionals and long-stay residents alongside the financial-services push.

Cross-border measures support the dual-market model

The JS-SEZ framework is intended to combine Johor’s land, industrial capacity and cost base with Singapore’s capital, connectivity and business ecosystem. Measures under the bilateral framework include investor facilitation, automated immigration channels, paperless goods clearance and improved transport links.

Singapore has rolled out QR-code immigration clearance across travel modes at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Travellers should continue to carry their passports, which may still be required for verification and for clearance at the Malaysian border.

The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link is targeted to begin passenger service by the end of 2026. The four-kilometre line will connect Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North in about five minutes and is designed to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction during peak periods.

Execution and conversion remain the next test

The World Bank projects Malaysia’s economy to expand by 4.4% in 2026, supported by domestic demand, while warning that trade restrictions, global policy uncertainty and weaker external demand remain downside risks.

For the JS-SEZ, the next phase will be measured by the conversion of enquiries and commitments into approved projects, realised investment, skilled employment and operating businesses. Delivery of transport, utilities, talent development and regulatory coordination will also determine the pace at which companies adopt a cross-border operating model.

“The early indicators are encouraging, but the economic impact should be assessed over a multi-year horizon. The priority now is to convert the pipeline into sustainable business activity, jobs and a deeper professional-services ecosystem,” the spokesperson said.

Forest City SFZ said it will continue working with public agencies, financial institutions and professional-service providers to support family offices, international investors and companies evaluating Johor as part of their regional growth strategy.

Key figures

Hashtag: #ForestCity

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About Forest City Special Financial Zone

Located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ) is Malaysia’s pioneering special financial zone and the financial-services flagship within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. It is positioned to attract financial institutions, multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals and businesses operating in wealth management, financial technology and global business services.

Its incentive framework includes a 0% income tax rate for qualifying Single Family Office Vehicles for up to 20 years, a preferential 5% corporate tax rate for approved qualifying activities, and a special 15% personal income tax rate for eligible knowledge workers, subject to the applicable conditions, regulatory approvals and prevailing legislation. Forest City also holds duty-free island status, further strengthening its appeal as a regional investment, business and wealth-management destination near Singapore.

By Satyaki Chakraborty The U.S.-China high tech battle for supremacy has reached a new peak after the China manufactured Supercomputer LineShine was adjudged the best among the Top 500 supercomputers made by various nations including the USA, at the International Supercomputing Conference in Hamburg, Germany held on June 23.China got this top slot recognition after […]

The article China-US Tech War Reaches Its Peak As Chinese Supercomputer Gets Top Slot In 2026 appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Distinguished guests from both sides of the Taiwan Strait attended the opening ceremony and noted in their remarks that Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a revered national pioneer shared by compatriots on both sides of the Strait. His vision of rejuvenating China remains a common spiritual legacy, and people across the Strait should carry forward his ideals and work hand in hand toward national rejuvenation. During the opening ceremony, Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government and the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland signed the Strategic Framework Agreement on Deepening Zhongshan–Taiwan Economic and Trade Cooperation to Promote Integrated Development, laying a solid institutional foundation for long-term industrial cooperation across the Strait.

A series of cultural exchange activities also took place throughout the forum. Participants enjoyed an evening tour of the century-old Sunwen West Road Arcade Pedestrian Street, immersing themselves in Zhongshan’s rich historical heritage and the vibrant cultural and tourism scene of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. They also visited the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, where they studied revolutionary historical archives, bowed before Dr. Sun’s bronze statue to pay homage, and gained a deeper appreciation of his enduring ideals of “All Under Heaven Belong to the People” and “Revitalize China”. Many participants remarked that these activities provided an excellent platform for sustained exchanges among young people across the Strait and that their shared cultural roots and common heritage form a solid foundation for advancing cross-strait spiritual integration.

To further strengthen cross-strait economic cooperation and advance industrial integration between Shenzhen and Zhongshan, the forum also featured the “Taiwan Businesses Gather in Zhongshan, Industries Glow in the Greater Bay Area” 2026 Guangdong-Taiwan Economic and Trade Exchange Conference and Investment Promotion Event Celebrating the Second Anniversary of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. A total of 19 industrial projects were signed during the event. The first group comprised seven Taiwan-invested projects spanning semiconductor supporting industries, electronic components, smart home products, high-end fitness equipment, and medical devices. The second and third groups included 12 Shenzhen-Zhongshan collaborative projects covering new energy vehicle components, industrial robotics, memory chip packaging, advanced specialty materials, and integrated cultural, tourism, and commercial developments.

During the investment promotion event, Taiwan business representatives spoke highly of Zhongshan’s business environment. Zhang Congyuan, Chairman of Huali Industrial Group, which has operated in Zhongshan for more than two decades, praised the city’s enterprise service philosophy of “staying out of businesses’ way when everything runs smoothly while providing prompt support whenever needed”. He noted that this business-friendly environment has helped the company grow into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of athletic footwear.

Guo Wenhai, secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee, extended a sincere invitation to Taiwan businesses and entrepreneurs to invest and establish operations in Zhongshan. He emphasized that the city offers not only strong industrial infrastructure but also high-quality government services. Zhongshan will continue to provide proactive, efficient, and dedicated support for businesses while continuously improving both its hard and soft investment environment. Leveraging the opportunities created by the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the city aims to create broader prospects for cooperation and shared growth for enterprises from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Participants and Taiwan business representatives agreed that, taking the 160th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth as an important milestone, this year’s forum created new channels for both cultural exchanges and industrial cooperation across the Strait. Looking ahead, Zhongshan will continue to organize regular initiatives, including entrepreneurship support programs for young people from Taiwan, youth exchange activities, and Guangdong-Taiwan industrial matchmaking events. By carrying forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s spirit, embracing the opportunities of the Greater Bay Area, and strengthening both economic cooperation and people-to-people ties, the city will continue to contribute to a new chapter of integrated cross-strait development.

Hashtag: #CrossStraitSunYatSenForum #Zhongshan #Guangdong

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