Arabian Post Staff -Dubai National Properties has unveiled plans for a 26-storey Grade A commercial tower in Barsha Heights, marking a significant addition to Dubai’s expanding office real estate market and signalling sustained investor confidence in the emirate’s commercial property sector. The development, announced by the real estate arm of National Bonds, is positioned to cater to rising demand for premium office space in Dubai, where occupancy […]
South Africa’s long-term inflation expectations have fallen to their lowest level on record, signalling a shift in sentiment among households, businesses and financial analysts as price pressures ease and monetary policy credibility strengthens. The Bureau for Economic Research’s latest quarterly inflation expectations survey, covering the first three months of the year, shows average expectations for inflation over the next five years declining notably compared with previous readings. […]
Supply chains across the Gulf are under mounting strain as escalating conflict in the Middle East disrupts shipping lanes and drives a sharp rise in insurance premiums, with business leaders warning of wider economic fallout and higher consumer prices. The Federation of GCC Chambers said companies across member states were facing severe logistical bottlenecks after maritime risks intensified in key transit routes, including the Strait of Hormuz […]
Escalating hostilities involving Iran have entered a third week, prompting growing unease across financial markets in the Gulf as investors recalibrate risk exposure amid fears of a prolonged conflict and wider regional spillover. Equity markets in the UAE have shown heightened volatility over the past several trading sessions, reflecting a cautious shift in sentiment as geopolitical uncertainty intensifies. Analysts say the sustained confrontation is beginning to influence […]
Zimbabwe’s abrupt ban on the export of unprocessed lithium has sent ripples through global battery supply chains, triggering uncertainty among miners, refiners and manufacturers while intensifying competition for alternative sources of the critical mineral. The government’s move, aimed at forcing local beneficiation and boosting domestic value addition, has effectively halted shipments of lithium ore to key overseas buyers. The policy has disrupted established trade flows, particularly those […]
Greenlogue/AP Escalating conflict involving Iran has triggered sharp volatility across global energy markets, prompting a stark warning from the United Nations’ climate leadership that the turmoil exposes structural dependence on fossil fuels and reinforces the urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy systems. Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, described the disruption as a clear demonstration of how geopolitical shocks tied […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Aramco Stadium has been named Strategic Partner for the 2026 edition of the Sports Investment Forum, a move that underscores the growing alignment between Saudi Arabia’s large-scale sports infrastructure projects and global investment platforms. The event is scheduled to take place from April 20 to 22 at The Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, drawing policymakers, investors and industry executives as the Kingdom accelerates its push […]
PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2026 – CARSOME Group Inc (CARSOME or the Group), Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, today announced a strategic investment round of more than USD 30 million from a set of new and existing investors including the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), Gobi Partners, and Asia Partners. This fundraise underscores the investors’ confidence in CARSOME’s journey to profitability and long-term vision across the region, as demonstrated by the recent record FY25 results. These funds will further accelerate its profitable growth in the region for the coming years.
CARSOME Group Inc (CARSOME or the Group), Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, today announced a strategic investment round of more than USD 30 million from a set of new and existing investors including the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), Gobi Partners, and Asia Partners.
This investment and partnership reflect a shared ambition to strengthen connections between Southeast Asia and Greater China, leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a regional gateway for advanced automotive capabilities, technology development, and global talent. With the support from the HKIC, CARSOME will drive initiatives across areas such as supply chain sourcing and technology collaboration, accelerating the application of data and artificial intelligence (AI) in the automotive sector, which further empowers CARSOME for its regional expansion.
“CARSOME has spent the last several years focused on building a resilient, profitable business with strong fundamentals,” said Eric Cheng, CARSOME Group Co-founder and CEO. “This strategic collaboration and fundraise is a vote of confidence in our continued momentum and long-term vision. This partnership gives us crucial access to innovation capabilities, cross-border networks, and world-class talent that will support our work in AI, data, and next-generation mobility services across Southeast Asia.”
Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer of the HKIC, said, “We are pleased to support CARSOME as part of our continued effort to harness technology to drive industry transformation, contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term economic development and resilience. With Hong Kong’s unique position as a gateway connecting global innovation and investment opportunities, CARSOME exemplifies the type of high-conviction, technology-driven enterprise that aligns with the HKIC’s mandate to foster scalable innovation across our strategic sectors. We look forward to supporting forward-thinking companies like CARSOME in creating tangible value for the future of Hong Kong.”
Chibo Tang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners, said, “CARSOME is a leading example of how Southeast Asian startups are well-positioned to create close ties with partners in Greater China, leveraging each region’s unique strengths. We are pleased to be a returning investor in CARSOME, having supported them for almost a decade. Gobi was an early believer in CARSOME’s ability to scale across international borders, and we are happy to see their early potential come to fruition as they reimagine the way consumers across Asia purchase vehicles.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CARSOME
CARSOME is Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform. With operations across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, CARSOME aims to digitize the region’s used car industry by reshaping and elevating the car transaction and ownership experience.
Together with subsidiary brands iCar Asia, WapCar, and CarTimes, CARSOME Academy, and CARSOME Capital, CARSOME provides end-to-end solutions to consumers and used car dealers across the decision funnel, from car content consumption, car inspection, and ownership transfer to financing and other ancillary services, as well as an automotive training institution, promising to bring trust, transparency, and choice to our customers. For more information, please visit www.carsome.com.
About Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC)
The HKIC was established in 2022 as the Patient Capital institution wholly owned by and representing the HKSAR Government. It adopts an “Investment +” approach, seeking reasonable financial return in the medium to long term and at the same time creating and supporting growth impetus with a view to contributing to Hong Kong’s economy and society.
The HKIC currently manages the “Hong Kong Growth Portfolio”, “Greater Bay Area Investment Fund”, “Strategic Tech Fund”, and “Co-Investment Fund”. At this stage, it is focusing on three key sectors, namely Hard and Core Technology, Biotech, and New Energy and Green Technology, as well as the relevant applications.
As of January 2026, the HKIC has invested in over 170 projects. Every Hong Kong dollar invested by the HKIC has attracted over 6 Hong Kong dollars from long-term capital for investment. Visit the website for more information: https://www.hkic.org.hk/
About Gobi Partners
Founded in 2002, Gobi Partners is a leading pan-Asian investment firm specialising in bespoke capital solutions for family offices, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions and corporate investors. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, Gobi manages US$1.7 billion across 20 funds, investing in early to growth-stage companies with the potential for generational and global impact.
The firm’s team of over 90 investment professionals operates from 17 locations, curating a diversified portfolio of more than 400 companies, with 75 exits achieved to date. Gobi is recognised for its long-term, values-aligned approach, building ecosystems at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and inclusion. From pioneering TaqwaTech for two billion Muslims, to advancing the circular economy, to promoting gender-diverse leadership, Gobi backs the trends that are reshaping societies.
Gobi’s edge lies in identifying structural and demographic shifts, forging partnerships with universities and institutions of higher education; bridging world-class research with private capital and bringing deep technology breakthroughs to commercialisation.
Asia Partners is a growth equity firm focused on the next generation of high-growth technology and technology-enabled companies that will transform the Southeast Asia economy. Its mission is to empower founders to build a new generation of tech giants, through deploying capital that directly addresses the region’s ‘Series C/D Gap’, and expertise in operating skills, drawing upon its collective experience of growing eight multi-billion dollar companies, including three in Southeast Asia.
By Nantoo Banerjee Notwithstanding the assurance given in Parliament last week by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on India’s ‘robust’ energy supplies, fuel and gas prices in the country are expected to shoot up soon in keeping with the global trend. The minister’s statement appears to be substantially political having little […]
Arabian Post Special Missile and drone strikes linked to the widening confrontation around Iran have forced Gulf governments to confront a reality long considered unlikely: the region’s economic hubs, energy infrastructure and aviation networks can no longer assume insulation from large-scale conflict. Airports, oil terminals and urban centres across the Gulf have experienced disruptions as Iranian projectiles and drones targeted sites tied to military or logistical support […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today officially launched its 35th Anniversary celebrations with a vibrant ceremony, bringing together distinguished government officials, industry leaders, and members of the university community to reflect on an extraordinary journey of excellence.
The Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government Mr. CHAN Kwok-ki (middle), Deputy Director of LOCPG Mr. LUO Yonggang (third right), Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government Dr. Christine CHOI Yuk-lin (third left) and members of the HKUST leadership team, including Pro-Chancellor Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak (first right), Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM (second right), Court Chairman Dr. the Honorable Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing (first left), and President Prof. Nancy IP (second left) inaugurate a series of commemorative initiatives for the HKUST 35th anniversary.
Themed “Where Miracles Happen,” the milestone event honors the pioneering spirit that has propelled generations of HKUST members to achieve remarkable feats. Officiating at the ceremony were Mr. CHAN Kwok-Ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Mr. LUO Yonggang, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG); and Dr. CHOI Yuk-Lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government. They were joined by HKUST Pro-Chancellor Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak, Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM, Court Chairman Dr. the Honorable Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing, and President Prof. Nancy IP to inaugurate a year of commemorative activities.
A Journey Forged with Vision and Purpose
In her welcome address, President Ip, who joined HKUST in 1993, offered a personal reflection on the University’s remarkable ascent. She witnessed its evolution into a world-class institution; a success built on academic excellence and a vibrant innovation ecosystem created from the ground up. She credited this profound transformation to the extraordinary foresight of the University’s Founding President, Prof. Chia-Wei Woo.
“From its very inception, HKUST was built on a bold and unprecedented vision: to become Hong Kong’s first research-intensive university,” President Ip shared. “Long before the Greater Bay Area concept existed, our founders, led by Prof. Woo, understood that Hong Kong’s future was inextricably linked with the region. This visionary courage saw them forge vital connections with the Chinese Mainland, laying the groundwork for what would become HKUST (Guangzhou) in 2022. Their courage, dedication, and tenacity built the unshakeable foundation on which we stand today.”
President Ip emphasized that the University’s success is measured not by rankings alone, but by its tangible impact on society. This founding DNA—to anticipate and meet societal needs with excellence—is now driving HKUST’s most ambitious chapter yet: the establishment of a new School of Medicine. “This is a transformative milestone, fulfilling a dream pursued for over three decades,” she stated. “We are deeply grateful to the HKSAR Government for its trust and partnership. Together, we will build a technologically advanced, humanistic medical school that ushers in a new era for healthcare in Hong Kong. Let us honor those who walked before us by carrying their courageous legacy into a new era of excellence.”
A Cornerstone of Hong Kong’s Global Leadership
Mr. Chan Kwok-Ki commended HKUST’s profound impact on Hong Kong’s development. “Over the past 35 years, HKUST has evolved from a bold new institution into a globally respected university, driven by visionary leadership, dedicated faculty, a continuing flow of talented students, and an enduring spirit of innovation. Its strong international rankings, vibrant start-up ecosystem, and diverse global student body demonstrate how research and education can deliver tangible societal impact,” he stated. “As Hong Kong advances its role as an international education hub, HKUST stands as a shining example of how universities can nurture global talent while supporting national development priorities. With strengths spanning artificial intelligence, science, and its planned School of Medicine, HKUST is exceptionally well-positioned to shape the future of innovation and talent development.”
Carrying a Pioneering Spirit into the Next Chapter
Prof. Harry Shum reflected on the University’s unique position. “Thirty-five years is a fascinating milestone. In human terms, it is the age of maturity, the point where youthful energy meets seasoned wisdom. And I see the same spirit alive in this institution. We still possess the curiosity and drive of our early years. But now we have the strength, the reputation, and the alumni network that only decades can build. The world is changing faster than ever before. If we are to serve the next generation as well as we have served the past, we must lead, we must innovate, and we must redefine what education can be. In this regard, HKUST is ready to open a new chapter.
“The HKSAR Government has appointed HKUST with the trust to build the third medical school in Hong Kong. We envision the University’s medical school that will bridge traditional medical curriculum with the latest technology and AI breakthroughs, will gradually revolutionize the entire medical spectrum—from diagnosis to treatment to recovery, prevention and personalized medicine. I am confident that this future-oriented medical school, which will admit its first cohort in 2028, will play an important role in educating and training a new generation of scientists and clinicians in the next 35 years and beyond.”
A Celebration of Innovation and Heritage
Reflecting the theme “Where Miracles Happen,” the ceremony showcased HKUST’s leadership in technology in a truly spectacular fashion. In a breathtaking fusion of tradition and innovation, the university’s Guangzhou campus team presented a robotic lion dance. This remarkable creation brought the classic folk art to life through advanced robotics, embodying the spirit of cultural heritage reimagined through cutting-edge engineering.
For the grand officiating ceremony, HKUST turned into an unexpected source of inspiration: humanity’s best friends. But there were no ordinary dogs. A team of robotic dogs—developed by Direct Drive Technology (an HKUST-nurtured startup), the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute—took center stage. Engineered to navigate complex, uneven terrain and perform dangerous industrial inspections, these four-legged helpers were given a far more meaningful mission for the day: carrying the ceremonial “Miracle Balls” to the officiating guests. As robotic dogs trotted majestically onto stage bearing their precious cargo, they symbolized the University’s commitment to channeling cutting-edge research into real-world applications—and its penchant for making miracles happen.
The ceremony reached its pinnacle with a dramatic display of innovation. In a symbolic gesture of bridging past and future, a drone—generously donated by distinguished alumnus Mr. WANG Tao, Founder of DJI—soared into the venue carrying the commemorative “35th Symbol Key.” As the drone gracefully descended to deliver the key to the officiating party on stage, it signaled the formal inauguration of the anniversary celebrations.
HKUST expressed its deep gratitude to Mr. Wang for his generous donation of two of the latest drone solutions to the university. These state-of-the-art drones will serve as an inspiration for faculty and students to explore and address new challenges in the rapidly evolving low-altitude economy.
The campus itself has been transformed with a “Circle of Time” visual theme, inspired by the iconic Sundial sculpture—a symbol of the University’s enduring legacy and its continuous measurement of progress in education, research, and knowledge transfer.
A Legacy of Excellence and National Trust
Since its founding in 1991, HKUST has risen to rank among the world’s top 50 universities. This commitment to excellence is underscored by the deep trust the nation has placed in the University. Following the reorganization of two existing State Key Laboratories, HKUST has secured approval from the Ministry of Science and Technology to establish a new one, further strengthening its role in advancing cutting-edge research critical to national development.
In a major national space endeavor, HKUST is developing a multi-functional robot for the historic Chang’E-8 lunar mission, designed to operate on the lunar surface and contribute to China’s advancing space exploration capabilities. The University is also leading the development of a high-precision, point-source greenhouse gas detection instrument. This groundbreaking project is set to make history as it will become HKSAR’s first payload to China’s Tiangong Space Station aboard the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft for research and application.
Celebratory Events
A full year of celebratory activities is planned, including co-hosting Asia Universities Summit with Times Higher Education, an AI Film Festival, and joint celebrations with HKUST (Guangzhou).
Global Thought Leadership
Following the symposium held earlier this year, where multiple Nobel laureates and world-leading scholars were invited to engage with HKUST faculty, students and alumni, the University will co-host the THE Asia Universities Summit 2026 with Times Higher Education (THE) this April. The event will draw university presidents and industry leaders from around the world to Hong Kong to explore Asia’s leadership role in driving global change. HKUST will also host the China Association of Higher Education’s flagship “World University Presidents Forum” for the first time in Hong Kong.
AI and Innovation Thematic Events
HKUST will organize a series of events focused on AI, technology governance and creative culture—including an AI Film Festival—to highlight the University’s leadership and societal impact in AI.
Building the HKUST Community
The University will host joint celebrations across its Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses, including a year-long blood donation drive, a marathon, a “Mixed Reality x AI” art exhibition, and more, to foster closer interaction between faculty and students from the two campuses. HKUST will also organize a grand anniversary gala dinner to celebrate with faculty, students, alumni and community leaders, alongside a digital commemorative booklet that recounts the University’s 35 years of outstanding achievements with society.
Hashtag: #HKUST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings 2025. Thirteen HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” coming in 17th worldwide and first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of January 2026, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 21 exits (IPO or M&A).
Laboratory experiments have produced a cement composite capable of withstanding stress far beyond that tolerated by conventional concrete, marking a development that could influence how future buildings, bridges and other structures respond to cracking and failure. Engineers report that the newly designed material can be up to seventeen times tougher than traditional cement-based composites and behaves in a way that deliberately alters how cracks travel through a […]
Hong Kong–based K‑Tech and Calgary’s Aurora AZ Energy form joint venture to power large‑scale AI, HPC and crypto mining operations in Alberta with low‑cost wellhead natural gas.
K-TECH SOLUTIONS COMPANY LIMITED (NASDAQ: KMRK) ANNOUNCES JOINT VENTURE WITH AURORA AZ ENERGY LTD. TO DEVELOP UP TO 500 MW OF AI AND HPC INFRASTUCTURE IN CANADA
HONG KONG SAR & NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – K‑Tech Solutions Company Limited (Nasdaq: KMRK) (“K‑Tech” or the “Company”), a technology firm specializing in high-performance computing infrastructure, today announced that its subsidiary has entered a joint venture agreement, as supplemented, with Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. (“Aurora”), a developer of wellhead natural gas power solutions, to develop large-scale crypto mining, artificial intelligence (AI) and high‑performance computing (HPC) infrastructure in Alberta, Canada.
The Joint Venture plans to develop an initial 100 megawatts (MW) of IT capacity at Aurora’s flagship site in Alberta. Expansion beyond this level, potentially up to 500 MW over time, would be subject to securing additional power supply, land and capital. Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. is a specialist in wellhead energy solutions.
By integrating natural gas resources directly at the wellhead with advanced power generation technologies, Aurora intends to utilize natural gas resources to sustainably support high‑density computing operations. The Joint Venture expects wellhead-sourced power to deliver energy costs meaningfully below prevailing grid rates in North America, positioning the partnership’s facilities as a cost-efficient platform for data center environments on the continent. Additionally, the Joint Venture intends to convert natural gas that might otherwise be flared to generate power for computing operations, reducing waste.
Under the terms of the Joint Venture, Aurora will supply power‑rich data center sites sourced from its wellhead energy portfolio, while K‑Tech will lead the design, development, and operations of the computing facilities. Together, the parties will deploy purpose‑built, high‑density data centers optimized for crypto mining, AI training/inference, and other compute‑intensive workloads. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, including applicable provincial energy and environmental permits in Alberta.
Development Roadmap
The partnership is structured across several phases that together establish a roadmap to deploy over 100 MW and up to 500 MW of IT capacity:
Initial Deployment: The Joint Venture will launch at Aurora‘s flagship site in Alberta, where the parties plan to develop an initial 100 MW of IT capacity supported by dedicated, wellhead‑sourced power infrastructure. Site preparation and infrastructure buildout are expected to commence in September 2026, with initial computing capacity projected to come online in Q2, 2027
Capacity Expansion: Subject to securing additional power and land at existing Aurora locations, the joint venture may expand total IT capacity at those sites toward the 500 MW target. The parties expect to evaluate expansion opportunities upon successful deployment of the Phase 1 facility.
Portfolio Scale-out: K‑Tech and Aurora intend to evaluate and may develop additional sites across Aurora‘s broader wellhead energy portfolio, which currently encompasses over 20 active wellhead locations across Alberta. This creates an opportunity to further scale high‑density AI and HPC capacity beyond the initial development plan.
“As AI models and HPC workloads become increasingly power‑intensive, scalable and cost‑effective infrastructure is critical. By partnering with Aurora, we are combining wellhead energy solutions with high‑performance chip design and data center expertise to support next‑generation AI and HPC applications,” said Kenneth Kwok, CEO of K‑Tech Solutions Company Ltd.
“Aurora was built to unlock the full value of natural gas at the wellhead,” said Jim Zhou, CEO of Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. “Working with K‑Tech allows us to apply that capability to high‑density computing infrastructure. We believe this collaboration will support the integration of energy and digital infrastructure at scale.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About K-Tech Solutions Company Limited (NASDAQ: KMRK)
Founded in 2016, Hong Kong-based K-Tech Solutions is principally engaged in the design, development, testing and sale of a diverse portfolio of toy products ranging from simple plastic toy products to more complex electromechanical toy products. Our solution services span across the entire development stage of toy products from design, prototype testing, production management, quality control to after-sales services. We specialize in the development of infant and pre-school educational toys and learning kits.
About Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. is a Calgary-based energy infrastructure company focused on wellhead natural gas power solutions. The company develops systems that convert natural gas resources into electricity to support high-density computing applications, including artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and digital infrastructure. Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. was incorporated in Canada in 2023.
Certain statements contained in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
For more information, please contact:
K-Tech Solutions Company Limited Johnny Kwok Unit A, 7/F Mai On Industrial Building 17-21 Kung Yip Street, Kwai Chung New Territories, Hong Kong Phone: (+852) 2741 3165 Email: [email protected]
Investor Relation Jean-Pierre Noel Straight Limited Creative Hub, Shaw Studio 201 Wan Po Road, Tseung Kwan O, HK Phone: (+852) 2577 8001 Email: [email protected]
VinFast plans to restart construction of its electric vehicle manufacturing complex in North Carolina this year, even as the Vietnamese automaker reported a deeper quarterly loss driven by rising costs tied to expansion, marketing and production ramp-ups.
The company said the project in Chatham County will move forward after earlier delays tied to supply-chain adjustments and financing decisions. The facility, once completed, is expected to anchor VinFast’s ambitions in the United States market, producing electric sport utility vehicles and battery packs aimed at competing with established global manufacturers.
The announcement came alongside financial results that showed losses widening in the final quarter of the year as the company continued investing heavily in overseas manufacturing capacity and global sales networks. VinFast, part of Vietnam’s conglomerate Vingroup, has been expanding aggressively beyond Southeast Asia in a bid to gain a foothold in one of the world’s largest electric-vehicle markets.
Chief executive Le Thi Thu Thuy said the company remained committed to its strategy of building a manufacturing presence close to customers in key markets. Executives argue that local production in the United States will help VinFast reduce logistics costs, navigate tariff regimes and qualify for incentives tied to domestic manufacturing under US clean-energy policies.
The North Carolina facility represents one of the most significant foreign manufacturing investments announced by a Vietnamese company. Plans call for an initial production capacity of around 150,000 vehicles annually once the site becomes operational. The project also includes battery production facilities and a supplier ecosystem expected to attract component manufacturers to the region.
Construction began after the project was announced with strong backing from state authorities, who offered incentive packages to attract the investment. Delays followed as the company reviewed construction schedules and adjusted financing strategies while global demand for electric vehicles experienced uneven growth. VinFast has now indicated work will restart this year as preparations move into the next phase.
The company’s financial statements showed that aggressive expansion continued to weigh on profitability. VinFast has been spending heavily on vehicle development, dealer networks, charging infrastructure partnerships and marketing campaigns in North America and Europe. These investments have expanded operating losses even as vehicle deliveries increased.
VinFast’s product portfolio currently includes several electric SUVs, including the VF 6, VF 7, VF 8 and VF 9 models, which target different segments of the global market. Early deliveries in the United States began with the VF 8, while additional models are being introduced gradually as the company builds service and distribution networks.
Industry analysts say VinFast’s strategy mirrors that of other emerging electric-vehicle manufacturers that are prioritising market share and brand recognition over short-term profitability. Building manufacturing capacity in major markets is seen as essential for competing with established automakers and benefiting from incentives tied to local production.
Global demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, though the pace has moderated in some markets as higher interest rates and infrastructure challenges influence consumer purchasing decisions. Established manufacturers including Tesla, General Motors and Ford have adjusted production plans in response to evolving market conditions, while new entrants continue pushing forward with long-term investments.
VinFast’s push into the United States comes as competition intensifies across the electric-vehicle sector. Chinese manufacturers have rapidly expanded production capacity and export volumes, while European and North American automakers are investing billions of dollars in battery technology and electric platforms.
Executives at VinFast argue that the company’s vertically integrated model, which includes battery development and vehicle production within the broader Vingroup ecosystem, gives it flexibility to adapt to changes in supply chains and technology. The company has also explored partnerships with technology firms and battery specialists as it scales manufacturing.
North Carolina officials have described the planned factory as a potential economic catalyst for the region, with expectations of thousands of jobs and the development of an automotive supply chain around the plant. Infrastructure upgrades and workforce training programmes are being planned alongside the project as authorities prepare for construction to accelerate.
VinFast’s global expansion forms part of Vietnam’s broader push to develop advanced manufacturing industries capable of competing internationally. The country has emerged as a major hub for electronics production, and policymakers have encouraged the growth of domestic companies capable of expanding into high-technology sectors such as electric mobility.
Financial markets have watched VinFast closely since its public listing in the United States, where its share price has experienced sharp swings amid changing investor expectations about the pace of growth in the electric-vehicle sector. Investors have been assessing the company’s ability to scale production, expand deliveries and narrow losses as global competition intensifies.
Meta Platforms has agreed to spend as much as $27 billion over five years to secure access to high-performance artificial intelligence infrastructure from Nebius Group NV, a move that underscores the escalating race among technology companies to expand computing capacity for advanced AI systems. The agreement gives Meta long-term access to specialised cloud infrastructure built around high-performance graphics processing units designed for training and running large-scale artificial […]
Luxury property developer Ohana Development has reported AED6 billion in sales within 72 hours for its Manchester City Yas Residences project on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, marking one of the most rapid sales performances recorded in the emirate’s residential market. Demand for the branded residential development surged immediately after its launch, with buyers from across the Gulf region, Europe and Asia securing units in what is […]
Chicago soybean futures retreated on Monday as traders reassessed market optimism that had lifted prices to near two-year highs the previous week, with uncertainty over a possible delay in talks between United States President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping prompting fresh caution in agricultural markets. The decline in soybean prices followed strong gains driven by expectations that renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Beijing could […]
President Donald Trump’s call for China to deploy naval forces to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has stirred a sensitive strategic debate in Beijing, drawing attention to the question of whether the world’s second-largest economy should assume a greater military role in safeguarding global trade routes. Trump argued that China, as one of the largest importers of Gulf energy supplies, should contribute naval assets to […]
Gulf Cooperation Council countries are reinforcing their role as a pivotal force in the global energy system, with new data showing that the region’s strategic mix of natural resources, advanced infrastructure and expanding energy investments continues to shape international markets. Figures compiled by the GCC Statistical Centre point to sustained energy output across the six-member bloc — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and […]
Dubai’s real estate market has begun to show signs of renewed activity even as equity investors continue to retreat from property-linked shares, highlighting a widening divide between the city’s physical property transactions and the performance of listed real estate companies on the Dubai Financial Market. Data from early March trading and transaction records point to a sharp recovery in property deals during the second week of the […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai National Human Rights Institution has issued a strong condemnation of Iranian military attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates, describing the strikes as a grave violation of sovereignty and a direct threat to civilian safety and fundamental human rights. The institution said the attacks, which have involved missiles and drones striking or attempting to strike locations across the country since late February, amount to […]
Manchester United secured a 3–1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, strengthening their hold on third place in the Premier League table after a composed performance that underlined the club’s push for Champions League qualification. Goals at key moments and sustained pressure in the second half allowed the home side to overcome a determined Villa team and extend their advantage in the race for European places. […]
Britain’s counter-drone and air-defence units have shot down multiple Iranian drones across the Gulf theatre as London expands what it describes as a strictly defensive military posture, with ministers arguing the operations are aimed at protecting British personnel, allied states and vital regional infrastructure rather than joining any offensive campaign against Tehran. The latest intercepts come as tensions around the Gulf and the wider Middle East continue […]
China’s industrial sector expanded at a faster pace during the opening months of 2026, offering a lift to the world’s second-largest economy as policymakers balance external uncertainties and fragile domestic demand.
Official data released by the National Bureau of Statistics showed value-added industrial output rose 6.3 per cent year on year during January and February combined. The figure marked an acceleration from the 5.2 per cent growth recorded in December and exceeded forecasts by economists who had anticipated a more modest rise of around five per cent.
Authorities combine the first two months of the year when reporting major economic indicators to smooth distortions created by the Lunar New Year holiday, which shifts between January and February and can disrupt production schedules and consumer spending patterns.
The latest figures indicate that industrial activity remains one of the more resilient pillars of China’s economic performance. Manufacturing, mining and utilities production all contributed to the increase, with higher-value sectors linked to technology and advanced equipment manufacturing continuing to expand.
Stronger factory output came alongside moderate improvement in other key indicators. Retail sales, a broad measure of consumption, climbed 2.8 per cent during the same period, signalling some recovery in household spending after a subdued end to the previous year. Fixed-asset investment, which tracks spending on infrastructure, property and equipment, rose 1.8 per cent after contracting during 2025.
Analysts view the combination of rising industrial production and steady investment as evidence that state-backed infrastructure projects and export-oriented manufacturing are helping stabilise growth, even as other sectors continue to face pressure.
Manufacturing linked to high-technology and green industries has been a central driver of output gains. Production of computers, communications equipment and advanced machinery has expanded more rapidly than traditional heavy industries, reflecting Beijing’s push to upgrade the country’s industrial base and strengthen technological self-reliance. Data on industrial structure show that more than thirty of the country’s forty-one major manufacturing categories recorded growth during the past year, underlining the breadth of activity across sectors.
Exports have also provided support. Overseas shipments from China surged at the start of the year, led by electronics, semiconductors and equipment associated with artificial intelligence infrastructure. Robust global demand for solar panels, electric vehicles and lithium batteries has further reinforced factory activity, with these sectors often described as part of China’s emerging “new three” export engines.
Despite the stronger industrial figures, economists caution that the broader economic outlook remains uneven. Domestic consumption has not fully regained momentum, and households continue to show caution in discretionary spending. Retail sales growth, although improving, still lags behind pre-pandemic levels, highlighting lingering uncertainty among consumers.
A prolonged downturn in the property sector remains one of the most significant drags on economic confidence. Investment in real estate development has declined sharply over the past several years, and housing sales have contracted as developers grapple with high debt levels and weak buyer demand. The downturn has had ripple effects across construction, steel, cement and household goods industries, sectors traditionally linked to housing activity.
Labour market conditions also present a mixed picture. Urban unemployment rates have edged higher, with the jobless rate reaching slightly above five per cent early in the year. Rising employment pressure, particularly among younger workers and graduates, has become a focus of policy discussions as authorities seek to sustain economic stability.
Manufacturing sentiment indicators underscore these challenges. Official purchasing managers’ surveys have slipped below the expansion threshold of 50, suggesting some factories are experiencing slower order growth and cautious business expectations. Analysts note that while export-oriented companies continue to benefit from global demand, firms dependent on domestic consumption face more subdued conditions.
Beijing has set a national economic growth target of around 4.5 to 5 per cent for 2026, the lowest range in decades and a signal that policymakers are preparing for a more moderate expansion phase as structural adjustments reshape the economy. The leadership has repeatedly emphasised the need to strengthen domestic demand while maintaining technological advancement and industrial upgrading.
Infrastructure spending remains a key policy lever. Local governments have accelerated projects in transportation networks, energy systems and digital infrastructure, helping sustain industrial demand for materials and equipment. Investment in strategic industries, including renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, continues to receive policy support.
Global developments also weigh on the outlook. Geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in energy prices could affect trade flows and production costs, while shifting trade policies among major economies present another layer of uncertainty for exporters.
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