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By R. Suryamurthy The most consequential question arising from Washington’s latest sanctions legislation is not whether the United States can impose a 100 percent tariff on countries buying Russian oil. It is whether India can continue to conduct an independent energy policy when access to its largest export market is increasingly being linked, directly or […]

The article India’s Russian Oil Dilemma Is Bigger Than Just 100 Percent Tariff appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Founder Abhijeet Dipke said the movement would start its campaign in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti and then take demonstrations to cities across the country. The ultimatum follows allegations of serious internal disagreements within the Election Commission over decisions affecting electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision.

“If Gyanesh Kumar does not resign by tomorrow, CJP will begin its nationwide protest from Mumbai on 2 October, and take it to cities across India,” Dipke said on Friday. The organisation had initially given Kumar 48 hours to step down and threatened an indefinite sit-in in New Delhi if its demand was ignored.

The CJP has also launched an “Election Commission Thik Karo” campaign and called for the SIR process to be halted. Its leaders have demanded an independent investigation into electoral-roll decisions and questioned whether safeguards governing voter registration, deletion and data management were properly observed.

The dispute intensified after information emerged that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions and orders concerning electoral rolls. The objections reportedly covered registration of new voters, deletion and restoration of names, changes to Form 6 and control of the technology used to maintain voter data.

Some objections concerned decisions that Sandhu and Joshi said had been taken or communicated without their knowledge. The two commissioners also raised concerns about centralising access to electoral-roll systems in New Delhi and, in separate communications, approached the Cabinet Secretary over changes affecting oversight of the commission’s technology infrastructure.

The Election Commission has rejected suggestions that the exchanges demonstrate improper decision-making. It said differing views and observations were a normal part of institutional deliberation and maintained that its final decisions, including those governing the SIR, were unanimous and legally valid.

The commission said it functions under Article 324 of the Constitution, statutory rules and established conventions. Officials have maintained that questions raised while proposals or orders are being considered should not be equated with dissent from final decisions approved by the three-member body.

Opposition parties have nevertheless seized on the disclosures to renew accusations that the electoral-roll revision has been conducted unfairly. Congress organised marches towards election offices in several state capitals on Friday, demanding Kumar’s removal and an independent examination of decisions taken during the revision.

The opposition has alleged that names have been removed from voter lists without adequate safeguards while some additions have lacked sufficient verification, claims the Election Commission disputes. The Bharatiya Janata Party has defended the commission and rejected allegations that the institution has been manipulated to favour the governing party.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said internal deliberations demonstrated that the commission was functioning democratically. He said the final SIR decisions had been reached unanimously by all three commissioners and argued that disagreements during deliberations did not establish that the constitutional body was operating under one person’s control.

The controversy has given the CJP another national issue around which to mobilise young supporters. The organisation describes itself as a youth pressure group rather than a registered political party and emerged this year from an online protest campaign after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant used the words “cockroaches” and “parasites” while criticising a section of unemployed young people during a court hearing.

Its campaign subsequently expanded into street mobilisation over examination irregularities, education and public services. The group’s leaders have also organised inspections of government schools and used social media to highlight complaints about staffing and infrastructure.

The 2026 edition marked an important evolution of the MIHAS Awards, with a stronger emphasis on future-ready business practices, emerging technologies, digitalisation, sustainability and inclusive growth. The awards recognised companies not only for what they have achieved, but also for how they are innovating, adapting and creating sustainable value in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven global marketplace.

A total of 13 awards were presented across three core flagship categories, namely the Excellence Awards; Innovation, Sustainability & Digitalisation Awards; and, for the first time, the Women in Export (WiEX) Awards.

Introduced for the first time in 2026, the WiEX Awards recognise exceptional women-led businesses across the Excellence and Innovation, Sustainability & Digitalisation categories, reinforcing MIHAS’s commitment to promoting greater inclusivity and recognising the important contributions of women entrepreneurs and business leaders to the growth and internationalisation of the halal economy.

The 2026 awards placed greater emphasis on innovation, sustainability and digitalisation as drivers of competitiveness. In particular, the assessment recognised businesses that are leveraging digital solutions and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance products and services, improve business processes, strengthen market reach, and create new sources of value.

This broader approach reflects the changing nature of the global halal industry, where competitiveness increasingly extends beyond product quality and commercial performance to encompass technology adoption, responsible business practices, innovation capability and the ability to respond to rapidly changing market demands.

The MIHAS Awards 2026 were open to eligible Malaysian and international exhibitors participating in MIHAS 2026. Entries underwent a comprehensive and structured evaluation process, comprising pre-assessment and pitching sessions before an independent panel of judges. The pitching component provided applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their business achievements, innovation capabilities, sustainability initiatives and use of digital technologies and emerging solutions.

To further strengthen the integrity, transparency and credibility of the awards, an independent external auditor was appointed to observe and validate the evaluation process.

The winners were announced at the official MIHAS Awards 2026 ceremony under the following award categories:

• Product / Service Excellence Awards;
• Product / Service Emerging Star Awards;
• Product / Service Innovation, Sustainability and Digitalisation Awards;
• WiEX Product / Service Excellence Awards; and
• WiEX Product / Service Innovation, Sustainability and Digitalisation Awards.

Chairman of MATRADE, YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, said the evolution of the MIHAS Awards reflects the changing priorities of the global halal industry and the need for businesses to remain future-ready.

“The MIHAS Awards are no longer only about recognising excellence achieved today. They are also about recognising the capabilities that will shape the halal industry of tomorrow. This year, we have placed greater emphasis on innovation, sustainability, digitalisation and emerging technologies because these are increasingly important to how businesses compete and create value globally.

“The winners recognised today have demonstrated the resilience, creativity and forward-thinking capabilities needed to navigate a rapidly changing global marketplace. Through the MIHAS Awards, we hope to inspire more companies to innovate, embrace technology, compete internationally and contribute meaningfully to the continued growth of the global halal economy,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, YBhg. Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, said the quality and diversity of entries reflected the increasing sophistication and maturity of businesses within the halal ecosystem.

“The entries received this year demonstrate that businesses in the halal ecosystem are continuously evolving, innovating and adapting to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global market. What stood out this year was the increasing recognition of sustainability, digitalisation and emerging technologies as integral components of business competitiveness and long-term growth”.

“The introduction of the WiEX Awards and the strengthened assessment framework further broaden the scope of the MIHAS Awards, while the independent validation of the evaluation process by an external auditor, reinforces our commitment to credibility and transparency. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their outstanding achievements and for demonstrating the dynamism and diversity of the global halal industry,” he said.

Looking ahead, the MIHAS Awards will continue to evolve in line with developments across the global halal ecosystem, with greater recognition for businesses that demonstrate measurable impact, technological adoption, responsible and sustainable growth, innovation and international market potential.

The awards will continue to serve not only as a platform to celebrate achievement, but also as a catalyst for businesses to raise their standards, embrace new technologies, pursue sustainable growth and strengthen their global competitiveness.

The MIHAS Awards 2026 therefore marks more than a celebration of this year’s achievements. It represents a continued commitment to shaping a more innovative, sustainable, digitally enabled and inclusive halal economy – and to recognising the businesses that are helping to build it.

Hashtag: #MIHAS

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

Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026

Since it began in 2004, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) has grown into a major platform for halal trade and has helped strengthen the global industry’s position in halal standards, governance, and market access.

Recognised as the World’s Largest Halal Trade Exhibition and hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as organiser, MIHAS now covers 14 sectors, from food and beverages and pharmaceuticals to Islamic finance, modest fashion, personal care, technology, services and Muslim-friendly tourism. The 22nd edition of MIHAS, themed “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience”, focused on regulated-by-design governance and technology-enabled trade.

MATRADE

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is the national trade promotion agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), mandated to develop and promote Malaysia’s exports to the world. Through its network of domestic and overseas offices, MATRADE supports Malaysian companies in building export capabilities, accessing new markets, and strengthening Malaysia’s position in international trade.

Flagship Halal Showcase Connects Exporters Across 58 Countries, Unifying Global Sourcing, Sector MoUs, and Industry Knowledge Hubs

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 September 2026 – The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 which is organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) from 23 to 26 September 2026, moved into its third day on a high note today, as it sets to meet its target number of visitors. This year’s edition which features 2,000 booths alongside 1,700 exhibitors and 450 buyers representing 58 countries remains firmly on track to achieve its total target of 50,000 business visitors. As of day 2, the showcase has already drawn 30,000 visitors, demonstrating sustained local and international interest and poised to be the most attended Halal edition of MIHAS thus far.

Further cementing its role as a premier platform for tangible international partnerships, MIHAS 2026 witnessed the exchange of key strategic agreements, including a milestone Letter of Intent (LOI) between MATRADE and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). This strategic collaboration establishes the Halal Development Officer (HDO) Programme under the Malaysia Halal Global Nexus (MyHGN) initiative, empowering MATRADE officers stationed worldwide to guide global industries on Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem, strengthen international certification recognition, and drive Halal exports.

GhaS was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on behalf of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur today. The strategic and inclusive importance of this national platform was underscored by the distinguished presence of key government leaders, from the Ministries and Agencies relating to the Malaysian Halal ecosystem. Their joint attendance reflects the highest level of Government commitment to positioning Malaysia as the premier global Halal hub, seamlessly aligning robust Shariah governance with international trade promotion.

Hosted by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), GHaS serves as Malaysia’s flagship platform for global Halal diplomacy, governance, and capacity-building. GhaS brings together Government certification bodies, relevant Government agencies, Islamic scholars, policy makers, and global industry leaders, in one platform to build technical capacity, streamline international compliance, and facilitate seamless market access for Malaysian companies.

Beyond the showcase and business matchmaking, MIHAS 2026 offers a complete enablement ecosystem for Halal enterprises. MATRADE’s Knowledge Hub delivers actionable market intelligence featuring industry leaders from DHL Express Malaysia, UOB Malaysia, and Farm Fresh Malaysia, while the Women in Export (WiEX) initiative showcases 80 women-led booths. Celebrating excellence across the ecosystem, the prestigious MIHAS Awards honours standout industry innovators, recognising exceptional achievements in product innovation, sustainability, and global market expansion.

Since its inception in 2004, MIHAS has generated more than RM35.0 billion in export sales and drawn over half a million business visitors from around the world. Now in its 22nd edition, the showcase continues to chart new frontiers in positioning Malaysia at the heart of the global Halal economy.

Hashtag: #MIHAS

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

Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026

Since it began in 2004, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) has grown into a major platform for Halal trade and has helped strengthen the global industry’s position in Halal standards, governance, and market access.

Recognised as a Guinness World Records holder and hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as organiser, MIHAS now covers 14 sectors, from food and beverages and pharmaceuticals to Islamic finance, modest fashion, personal care, technology, services, and Muslim-friendly tourism. The 22nd edition of MIHAS, themed “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience”, will focus on regulated-by-design governance and technology-enabled trade.

MATRADE

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was established on 1 March 1993 as the national trade promotional arm under Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

MATRADE’s primary role is to assist Malaysian exporters in developing and expanding their export markets. Aligned with Malaysia’s commercial diplomacy efforts, MATRADE is the nation’s trade facilitator and champion of Malaysian-made products and services on the global stage.

By Nitya Chakraborty Donald Trump-Xi Jinping summit on September 24 in Washington has not led to a major breakthrough in resolving the issues of bilateral trade, AI’s future, West Asia wars and Taiwan’s fate, but the visible bonhomie between the two leaders has laid the ground for a firm understanding that the world’s two biggest […]

The article President Xi Dominates US-China Summit, But Trump Has His Winning Cards appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

As a global player in lotus root and aquatic vegetables, Huagui has established an international commercial network. The Honghu Lotus Root brand was valued at RMB 25.861 billion in 2025, reflecting its market position. Related products reach more than 50 countries and markets and are present in retail and food conglomerates channels including Costco and Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC and Pizza Hut. Co-headquartered in Beijing and Hubei, Huagui continues to expand sourcing, international distribution, private-label programs and cross-border supply-chain partnerships. The conference brought together the China Vegetables Association, representatives from Europe, the United States and South Korea, and international guests including a representative member from the Saudi royal family.

Alongside its commercial expansion, Huagui is strengthening its position in the biotech and superfood market. Honghu lotus root naturally contains dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium and polyphenols. According to a report by China Merchants Securities (CMS), Honghu lotus root ranks first among major lotus-root-producing regions in antioxidant content. The report also notes that the output value of Honghu’s lotus root industry is approximately five to six times that of Jiangsu, highlighting its nutritional profile and the scale of its commercial potential across plant-based nutrition, functional foods and health applications. Huagui is also establishing bio-extraction, functional ingredients and wellness products through its biotech business.

“Our strategy is creating a global ecosystem connecting aquatic plants, aquatic animals, food, biotech and longevity,” said Melody Zhao, Executive Vice President of Huagui Group. “From natural resources to R&D, and from brand building to global shelves, Huagui is connecting China’s aquatic industries with global consumers through products, supply chains and international channels.”

Supporting this strategy is a diversified business platform built around four core sectors. Huagui Food anchors food manufacturing and supply, while Huagui Health develops functional foods, wellness products and higher-value ingredients. Huagui’s e-commerce, commodities supply-chain finance and import-export operations connect digital channels, financing, global sourcing, international trade and private-label programs under its “Buy Global, Sell Global” approach. On the aquatic-animal side, Huagui’s Fishery Joint Venture with Hubei Agricultural Development Group, a China Top 500 enterprise group, extends the platform into fisheries and large-scale open-water operations, covering approximately 666.7 million square meters of fishing and aquaculture waters.

From global food channels to superfoods, Huagui is building an integrated platform across aquatic plants and animals, creating opportunities in international food, biotech and commerce.

Hashtag: #HuaguiGroup

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Empowering Brand Globalization Through Innovative Premium Consumer Experiences

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – ZJLD Group Inc. (“ZJLD” or the “Company”, together with the Company’s subsidiaries, collectively the “Group”) (SEHK stock code: 06979.HK), a flagship enterprise in China’s baijiu industry and the first baijiu company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is pleased to announce that its flagship brand, Kweichow Zhenjiu, has partnered with CDF (China Duty Free) Cruise to successfully host the themed event “Timeless Brew, Maritime Legend – Exclusive Zhenjiu Tasting on Adora Magic City” aboard China’s domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Magic City. This collaboration marks a key milestone in ZJLD’s “go‑global” strategy by leveraging the cruise as an international showcase, while deepening bilateral cooperation by upgrading from a traditional supply‑only model to an all‑round co‑creation model.

Held from September 12 to 16, the event targeted high-net-worth individuals and duty-free consumers aboard the cruise. Through a diverse array of activities—including exclusive tasting sessions, fashion shows, and thematic workshops—the event showcased the deep cultural heritage and exquisite brewing craftsmanship of Chinese sauce-aroma baijiu to global travelers. During the event, Zhenjiu’s star products, “Da Zhen · Zhenjiu” and “NEWS Oak-Aged Craft Beer“, made their international debut, further conveying the brand’s core values and commitment to a high-quality lifestyle.

The Head of International Business at ZJLD stated: “Cruise ships represent a premium cross-border spending scenario, serving as an innovative testing ground for the globalization of Chinese baijiu. This partnership not only achieves deep integration between brand heritage and distribution channels but also marks a significant exploration of the global strategy for Chinese sauce-aroma baijiu. Moving forward, Kweichow Zhenjiu will remain committed to artisanal craftsmanship while taking innovative consumer touchpoints as a breakthrough point to showcase the unique charm of Chinese baijiu to global markets, striving to establish an international benchmark for China’s premium sauce-aroma baijiu.”

Hashtag: #ZJLDGroup

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

About ZJLD Group Inc.

Zhen Jiu was established in 1975 in Zunyi, Kweichow, China’s primary production area of sauce-aroma baijiu. In 1988, it was honored with the National Quality Award at the 5th National Wine Appreciation Conference. In the same year, it was announced by the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Communication Department of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, and the Great Hall of the People Management Bureau to become one of the two sauce-aroma baijiu served at state banquets. It is also known as one of the “Three Representative Baijiu Brands in Kweichow”.

ZJLD Group Inc. is a leading baijiu group in China devoted to offering premium baijiu products, including sauce-aroma, mixed-aroma, and strong-aroma varieties. According to Frost & Sullivan statistics, the flagship brand Zhenjiu has maintained its position for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) as the fourth-largest sauce-aroma baijiu brand in China and the third-largest in Guizhou Province, by revenue. The Company operates four baijiu brands in China, including two national baijiu brands, Zhen Jiu and Li Du, and two regional brands, Xiangjiao and Kaikouxiao. ZJLD prides itself on inheriting the time-honored baijiu-brewing techniques and reinvigorating them to develop iconic products. It strives to create a wide variety of aromatic and mellow baijiu products to meet the diverse preferences of consumers, seize broader market opportunities, and promote traditional Chinese baijiu culture.

By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers NEW YORK: The second day of the 81st United Nations General Assembly saw diplomatic spotlight shifting from the opening-day clash of competing worldviews to the harder business of finding common ground — over Gaza, Ukraine, Iran, development, climate, artificial intelligence and the future of multilateral institutions. For India, this was an […]

The article UNGA 81: India Positions Itself As A Bridge Across A Fragmenting World appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Three-phase roadmap prioritizes photonics, power semiconductors, and sensors to advance the “Made in Thailand” chip initiative, targeting over 230,000 new jobs.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – Thailand has approved its first national strategy for the semiconductor and advanced electronics industry, establishing a long-term framework to build an integrated domestic ecosystem spanning chip research and design, front-end manufacturing, conventional and advanced assembly, packaging and testing, and high-value electronics applications.

Approved on Thursday by the National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy Board, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the strategy targets about $80 billion in cumulative investment and about $150 billion in annual industry revenue by 2050. It also aims to create more than 230,000 new jobs under Thailand’s long-term “Made in Thailand” chip initiative.

“This is Thailand’s first comprehensive national framework for building semiconductor capabilities and moving the country into higher-value activities across the global supply chain,” said Mr. Ekniti. “It gives investors a clear view of our technology priorities, infrastructure commitments and workforce-development plan through 2050.”

The roadmap will be implemented in three phases. By 2030, Thailand will reinforce its established assembly and testing base, scale advanced packaging capabilities and lay the foundations for front-end wafer production. By 2040, it will seek more anchor investors in upstream activities, including chip design, wafer fabrication and advanced-technology manufacturing, to fill gaps in the supply chain. By 2050, Thailand aims to have a complete domestic supply chain. Thai companies are expected to grow into local champions that co-develop innovation and hold key positions in the chain.

The strategy identifies three priority technology platforms aligned with Thailand’s industrial strengths and global demand: photonics for artificial intelligence, data centers and high-speed communications; power semiconductors for electric vehicles, energy-storage systems and power grids; and sensors, building on Thailand’s micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) capabilities, for connected devices, automation, automotive, smart devices and medical applications.

Implementation will be supported through five coordinated mechanisms: tax incentives, grants and low-interest financing; high-skilled workforce development with industry and academic partners; upgraded research and chip-design infrastructure and partnerships between foreign and Thai companies; investment-ready infrastructure, including cluster sites, reliable water and electricity, clean energy and disaster-resilience systems; and regulatory reform and business facilitation for foreign investors and Thai suppliers including a broader market access through FTAs.

The board also approved a workforce program under the national strategy coordinated by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation with universities, research institutes, industry and international partners. By 2030, the program aims to develop 86,600 people, including 84,900 highly skilled personnel and approximately 1,700 advanced researchers, through specialized curricula, industry placements, overseas training, and programs for faculty members, researchers and technical instructors.

The strategy builds on strong investment momentum. From 2023 through the first half of 2026, the BOI received investment-promotion applications for 879 semiconductor and advanced electronics projects worth about $27.2 billion (909 billion baht). The projects span chip production at various stages, printed circuit boards (PCBs), hard disk drives, AI servers, networking and power-management equipment, and electronic parts for vehicles and office equipment.

Infineon Technologies, the world’s largest maker of power semiconductors and automotive chips, will open its first Thai factory in Samut Prakan on Oct. 1. The facility will produce and package advanced power modules for electric vehicles, energy storage, clean energy and advanced electronics. Infineon also plans to establish an R&D center, develop joint curricula with Thai educational institutions and employ more than 5,000 people in Thailand at full operation.

Thailand’s expanding ecosystem also includes Foxsemicon Integrated Technology in semiconductor-equipment supply, Analog Devices in analog and mixed-signal chips, Zhen Ding Technology in printed circuit boards, Terahop in optical communications, and Malaysian Pacific Industries (MPI) in semiconductor assembly, packaging and testing.

“The ‘Made in Thailand’ chip initiative will bring together the country’s technology, infrastructure, investment and talent through a strong, coordinated and comprehensive national plan to turn this ambition into reality,” said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). “For semiconductor investors, specialized talent is as critical to site selection as infrastructure and incentives. The strategy is also designed to provide a dependable workforce pipeline for faster ramp-up and long-term expansion.”

Note: Investment, revenue and job figures are strategy targets. The U.S. dollar equivalent of 909 billion baht is based on an exchange rate of approximately 33.44 baht per dollar.

Hashtag: #Thailandboardofinvestment #BOI #FDI #Investment

https://www.boi.go.th/en/index/

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Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)

Established in 1966, the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) has continuously played an essential role for over 60 years in promoting value-adding investment for the country, from both foreign and Thai investors, to enhance national competitiveness and drive towards a new era of sustainable and balanced growth.

Investment Services Center- PR Section, The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI)

555 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Chatuchak Bangkok 10900 Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111, Fax: +66 (0) 2553 8222

The rocket launched at 9.32 pm Beijing time on Wednesday from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site in Wenchang and successfully delivered the 26th group of internet satellites into their designated orbit, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation said. Independent launch trackers identified the mission as carrying nine communications satellites for the SatNet constellation.

The mission used the Long March-8A, a two-and-a-half-stage liquid-fuel launch vehicle developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the state-owned aerospace group. The manufacturer said the rocket is designed for constellation deployment missions to low and medium Earth orbit and uses a 3.35-metre core first stage, a hydrogen-oxygen second stage, two liquid boosters and a 5.2-metre payload fairing.

Wednesday’s flight was the 669th launch of the Long March rocket family, according to the aerospace corporation. Launch tracking services recorded liftoff at 13.32 UTC and classified the mission as successful.

The launch followed another satellite-internet deployment from Hainan on September 17, when a Long March-12 rocket carried the 25th group of low-orbit internet satellites into space. That mission was also declared successful, putting the payloads into their planned orbit. The succession of launches underscores the accelerated cadence being used to assemble China’s large communications constellation.

The latest deployment also marks the third numbered internet-satellite group sent up in little more than five weeks. The 24th group flew on a Long March-12 from Hainan on August 16, followed by the 25th group on September 17 and Wednesday’s 26th group. Official launch announcements for those missions have not disclosed satellite counts, while independent orbital and launch databases identify nine spacecraft on the latest flight after successful deployment into orbit.

The satellites form part of a national low-Earth-orbit broadband system associated with China Satellite Network Group, the state-owned operator commonly linked with the SatNet programme. Specialist launch databases list the planned network at roughly 13,000 satellites, although Chinese authorities have disclosed limited technical and commercial detail about individual spacecraft and the timetable for completing the full constellation.

Low-Earth-orbit communications systems are designed to provide broadband links with lower latency than traditional geostationary satellites because they operate much closer to Earth. Large constellations require frequent launches to establish coverage, replace spacecraft and maintain orbital capacity, making launch rate and manufacturing scale central to deployment.

The Long March-8A has become one of the vehicles assigned to that role. Launch data show Wednesday’s mission was the rocket variant’s 11th flight and its fifth mission of 2026. The vehicle entered active service in 2025 and is rated by launch databases to carry up to about 9.8 tonnes to low Earth orbit, depending on mission profile.

The Hainan commercial launch facility is also playing a larger role in China’s launch programme. Its location near Wenchang gives launch vehicles access to trajectories over the sea and supports missions carrying larger payloads from a relatively low latitude. China has increasingly used the site for commercial and constellation missions alongside its established inland spaceports.

The Philippine Space Agency confirmed the Long March-8A launch and said expected debris was projected to fall in two designated zones, one within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and another within Philippine archipelagic waters. The agency said the zones were identified through a Notice to Airmen issued before the flight.

Philippine authorities said one projected debris area lay about 24 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and 46 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, while another was farther west near areas including Patag Island and Bajo de Masinloc. No debris was projected to fall on land or inhabited areas.

The government is considering an offering of about HK$15 billion to HK$20 billion across US dollar, Hong Kong dollar, euro and offshore renminbi tranches, according to people familiar with the planned transaction. Pricing could take place as early as Monday, after fixed-income investor meetings arranged this week.

The proposed deal would exceed the scale of Hong Kong’s previous digital green bond issues and underline its push to expand tokenised capital markets alongside conventional debt issuance. Digital bonds use distributed-ledger technology to record ownership and support parts of the issuance, settlement and post-trade process.

Hong Kong has steadily increased the size and complexity of its sovereign digital bond programme. Its third digital green bond offering, completed in November 2025, raised about HK$10 billion equivalent across four currencies and attracted subscriptions exceeding HK$130 billion, according to government figures.

That transaction was then the world’s largest digital bond sale. It also incorporated tokenised central bank money, including e-HKD and e-CNY, into the primary settlement process, while using the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Central Moneymarkets Unit and a digital assets platform to connect tokenised infrastructure with established settlement channels.

The planned new sale would come after the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation completed a HK$12 billion public digital bond issuance in June, setting another global size record for a digital bond at the time. The transaction included Hong Kong dollar and offshore renminbi tranches and used the same digital assets platform, demonstrating broader public-sector adoption of tokenised issuance.

Hong Kong authorities have made digital finance a central part of their capital-market strategy. Financial Services and the Treasury Secretary Christopher Hui said last week that digital bonds issued in Hong Kong accounted for about half of the global market between 2025 and the first half of 2026.

The government has also said it intends to make digital bond issuance a regular feature rather than an occasional pilot. Its 2026 policy agenda calls for further use of digital currencies in bond settlement and for tokenised money to be tested across additional stages of the bond lifecycle, including coupon payments and redemption.

Hong Kong Monetary Authority Chief Executive Eddie Yue said at the Treasury Markets Summit on Wednesday that the city was working to encourage more bond issuance, deepen offshore renminbi liquidity and modernise market infrastructure. He called for development of a more diversified, deep and digital-native bond market.

The proposed green bond would also extend Hong Kong’s sustainable-finance programme. Proceeds from government green bonds are allocated to eligible projects under its green bond framework, including areas such as green buildings, waste management, resource recovery, energy efficiency and conservation.

By the end of 2025, around US$32 billion equivalent of green bonds had been issued under the government’s sustainable bond programme in institutional, retail and tokenised formats, according to the monetary authority. The proceeds had been allocated to more than 110 green projects.

Hong Kong’s first tokenised government green bond was issued in February 2023. A second transaction in February 2024 became the world’s first multi-currency digital bond offering, raising about HK$6 billion equivalent in Hong Kong dollars, renminbi, US dollars and euros.

The 2024 transaction also broadened access by linking the Central Moneymarkets Unit with international settlement systems Euroclear and Clearstream, allowing investors to participate through familiar market infrastructure while the bonds themselves were digitally native.

For the proposed new offering, final size, tenor, pricing and tranche allocations will depend on investor demand and market conditions. The government has not yet announced final terms, and the people familiar with the discussions said the structure remained subject to change.

During the two-day event, more than 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral co-operation agreements were witnessed. The total value of these MoUs, together with new projects and deals finalised before and during the Summit, is over US$3.1 billion.

Hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government since 2016, the summit remains the premier business and investment platform for Hong Kong’s participation in and contribution to the BRI.

Noting that the BRI is a shared blueprint for the future, rooted in a rich history of cross-cultural collaboration, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said: “Hong Kong, as a place where East meets West, is where capital, talent, businesses and opportunities converge. In addition to strengthening our relations with traditional partners, Hong Kong continues to expand our network of friends along the Belt and Road.”

Under the theme “Advancing High-quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey”, business and government leaders discussed co-operation across trade and commerce, legal services, green technology, logistics, artificial intelligence and new quality productive forces.

The summit explored new co-operation landscapes and emerging opportunities in trade, investment and development across Belt & Road markets and other regions, with a special focus on ASEAN, Central Asia and the Middle East, underscoring Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”.

Mr Lee has led high-level business delegations to explore opportunities in 13 Belt and Road countries across ASEAN, the Middle East and Central Asia, delivering a total of over 250 MoUs and other agreements. These covered policy coordination, trade and investment, expanded connectivity and support for companies, underlining Hong Kong’s focus on opening new markets, forming new partnerships and advancing regional co-operation.

This year’s summit featured three newly-added special chapters – the GoGlobal Chapter, Central Asia Chapter and Middle East Chapter. The GoGlobal Chapter offered a one-stop platform for exchange and matchmaking for Chinese Mainland enterprises looking to tap new markets overseas, while the Central Asia and Middle East chapters invited local officials and business leaders to share investment opportunities.

“In light of the shifting geopolitics, rising trade protectionism and the reshaping of global supply chains, businesses going global is no longer simply an option; it is an increasingly important strategy for Chinese Mainland enterprises to diversify risks, strengthen resilience and pursue new growth opportunities,” said the HKSAR Government’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau.

A freshly integrated University Zone highlighted Hong Kong universities’ R&D strengths and their capabilities in technology commercialisation across the Belt & Road region, consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international education hub. The Summit also introduced a debut Dialogue for Future session, promoting think-tank exchanges on “The Belt and Road Initiative and Asia-Pacific Co-operation in a Changing Global Landscape”.

Through the Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones, this year’s event showcased over 300 investment projects, and arranged more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings, helping enterprises connect with potential partners.

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