DP World has announced the Dubai Food District, a major expansion and rebranding of the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market, signalling an ambitious push to strengthen Dubai’s role in global food trade and logistics. The project, outlined in a company statement issued on Thursday, is positioned as a comprehensive wholesale and distribution hub that broadens the market’s scope well beyond its traditional focus on fresh […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi lenders are expected to extend between $65 billion and $75 billion in new corporate loans in 2026, underpinned by sustained investment flows into real estate and utilities and a broad pipeline of state-backed projects, according to an assessment by S&P Global. The projection points to another year of robust balance-sheet expansion as banks continue to finance the kingdom’s economic transformation agenda. […]
China’s yuan strengthened against the U. S. dollar after the central bank set its daily trading midpoint on the stronger side of 7 per dollar for the first time since 2023, a move widely read by markets as a calibrated signal of policy confidence amid shifting global currency dynamics. In onshore trading, the yuan edged towards a level not seen in nearly 32 months, while the […]
Apple is confronting a shareholder campaign seeking a comprehensive audit of the company’s exposure to China, sharpening a debate over supply-chain concentration, intellectual property protection and geopolitical risk as ties between Washington and Beijing remain strained. The proposal, scheduled for consideration at Apple’s annual meeting set for February 2026, has been filed by a coalition led by the National Legal and Policy Center, which argues that the […]
Global internet traffic surged to unprecedented levels during 2025, underlining how live sport, high-definition streaming and expanding artificial intelligence workloads are reshaping the world’s digital infrastructure. Network operators and exchange operators recorded sharp spikes during major live events, with a Champions League match night in December emerging as one of the heaviest traffic moments ever observed on public internet exchanges. Data collated from large internet exchange platforms […]
YouTube is preparing to allow creators to appear in Shorts through AI-generated likenesses, a move that expands the platform’s generative toolkit while sharpening its rules against deception, spam and misuse. The initiative, aimed at short-form video makers, will let creators blend real footage with synthetic representations of themselves, opening new ways to scale production and localise content without physically filming every clip. The plan centres on authorised […]
South Africa’s currency advanced to its strongest level in roughly three years as a softer US dollar, firm commodity prices and cautious optimism about domestic reforms combined to lift investor appetite for emerging-market assets. The rand strengthened through the week against the greenback and traded at levels last seen before the global tightening cycle gathered pace, reflecting both external tailwinds and renewed focus on policy signals from […]
Mozambique has secured a fresh boost for its offshore gas ambitions after the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank approved a $150 million senior loan for the Coral North floating liquefied natural gas project. The decision, taken on January 14, signals renewed momentum for the country’s flagship gas developments and underlines lender confidence in large-scale energy infrastructure anchored in the Rovuma Basin. The financing is […]
3,500 Companies Recognized; Support for Working Caregivers Emerges as New Benchmark for Friendly Workplaces
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2026 – 22 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) held the 2024/25 Caring Company Scheme Recognition Ceremony today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Mr. Chris SUN Yuk-han, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, attended as the Guest of Honour. This year, a total of 3,500 caring companies and organisations were recognised.
The Caring Company Scheme Recognition Ceremony cum Release of the Caring Business Achievements Overiview concluded successfully today, Mr. Chris SUN, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare (centre), joined HKCSS management for a group photo. From left:Hon Grace CHAN Man-yee, Chief Executive Of HKCSS Mr. CHAN Tsz Ming, Director, Analysts at Level 1, Department of Social Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Mr. Chris SUN, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Revd Canon Hon Peter Douglas KOON Ho Ming, SBS, JP, Chairperson of HKCSS Mr. CHAN Charnwut, Bernard, GBM, GBS, JP, Vice-chairperson of HKCSS Ms. CHAK Tung Ching, Yvonne, Vice-chairperson of HKCSS
For the first time, HKCSS released the major findings from the Caring Business Achievements Overview, providing an in-depth look at corporate trends in addressing social issues such as population ageing, workforce challenges, and climate change across four key pillars: Partnership, Social, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability.
Mr. Chris SUN Yuk-han, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, congratulated the businesses and organizations recognized by the Caring Company Scheme. He emphasized that building a compassionate society requires collaboration with the business community, which plays a vital role alongside government and non-governmental efforts. By prioritizing employee welfare, employers not only uplift families but also drive growth, attract talent, and foster mutual benefits. Mr. SUN called upon the business sector to engage more proactively in this initiative, fostering a collective commitment to building a more caring society for all.
3,500 companies were commended today; top performers were awarded logos representing leading levels of performance.
24 Years of Deep-Rooted Partnership: 28% of Collaborations Last 10 Years or More The Caring Company Scheme has been running for 24 years. The Revd Canon the Hon. Peter Douglas KOON, SBS, JP, Chairman of HKCSS, stated in his speech: “The Scheme underwent a significant revamp recently to localise international sustainability frameworks. Through our inaugural data analysis, we can observe the business sector’s overall performance in tackling challenges like population ageing and climate change. We hope these trends will guide companies to transform a culture of care into concrete business decisions.”
Data indicates that business-social partnerships have built a solid foundation. Over 70% of companies have maintained partnerships with community partners for three years or more, while 28% have sustained collaborations for over a decade, reflecting a commitment to long-term stability in cross-sectoral collaboration.
104 companies were recognised as Caregiver-Friendly for their outstanding support measures.
New Frontier in the Workplace: Support for Working Caregivers Emerges as a Key Focus Corporate performance in supporting caregivers has become a focal point. Data reveals that over 80% of companiess have popularised flexible work arrangements, and 104 companies received special “Caregiver-Friendly” commendations for their outstanding support measures this year.
Hon Grace CHAN Man-yee, Chief Executive of HKCSS, observed several innovative cases: “Some companies have implemented eight weeks of fully paid adoption leave, five days of leave for only-child caregivers, and even ‘Grandchild Leave’. Others provide patient companion service. Supporting caregivers does not necessarily require massive financial investment; as long as it starts from the employees’ needs, the possibilities for caring business are endless.”
Five Key Recommendations: From “Ad Hoc Actions” to “Policy Integration” While companies excel in charitable donations and active participation, there is room for improvement in environmental data tracking (currently at approximately 30%) and workplace diversity. Consequently, HKCSS proposes five key recommendations:
Deepen Caring Standards: Treat the Caring Company Scheme indicators as operational benchmarks to establish a systematic socially responsible business model.
Promote Professional Sharing and Responsible Procurement: Encourage management to join NGO boards as volunteers to provide professional support and integrate NGO products into corporate procurement supply chains.
Build Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces: Actively employ disadvantaged groups to tap into new talent pools and implement flexible work to support working caregivers.
Sustain Investment in Talent Development: Recognize talent as a driver of economic growth, enhance staff training, and strengthen mental health support.
Initiate Data-Driven Management: We recommend that companies immediately start tracking data related to sustainability performance to ensure that social initiatives are measurable and sustainable.
In 2024/25, the Caring Company Scheme received over 4,300 applications. Ultimately, 3,500 companies and organisations were recognised the Caring Company and Caring Organisation logos, comprising large corporations (42%), SMEs (51%), and organisations (7%). HKCSS emphasised that the data release aims to establish a long-term mechanism to guide the business sector in finding room for improvement and addressing future social challenges through collaboration.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2026 – This news release is made by Johnson Electric Holdings Limited (“Johnson Electric” or the “Company” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) for the business operations and selected unaudited financial information of the Group for the nine months ended 31 December 2025.
The Group’s sales for the nine months ended 31 December 2025 were US$2,726 million compared to US$2,730 million for the same period in the previous financial year, a decrease of approximately US$4 million. Exchange rate movements had a favourable impact of US$40 million on the Group’s sales during the period.
Sales of Automotive Products Group (“APG”)
APG’s sales for the nine months ended 31 December 2025 were US$2,301 million, a decrease of US$14 million or 1% compared to the same period in financial year 24/25. Excluding currency effects, APG’s sales decreased by US$49 million or 2%.
The division’s sales changes by region, excluding currency effects, were as follows:
Nine months ended 31 December 2025
Asia-Pacific
6%
Decrease
Europe, the Middle East and Africa
1%
Decrease
Americas
1%
Increase
Total
2%
Decrease
In Asia-Pacific, sales decreased by 6%, driven by pricing adjustments implemented to remain competitive and weaker demand for non-domestic car brands in China, which has historically been a strong market for APG. This was partially offset by growth in sales to domestic car brands. Sales of products for thermal management, steering and closure applications, together with oil pumps decreased, partially offset by increased sales of products for braking, vision and transmission applications.
In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), sales decreased by 1%. Sales of products for closure, vision and thermal management applications decreased, mitigated by increased sales of oil pumps, powder metal components and other products for transmission applications.
In the Americas, sales increased by 1%. Sales of powder metal components, oil pumps and products for thermal management applications increased, largely offset by decreased sales of products for braking and engine and fuel management applications due to the phasing out of certain programs.
Sales of Industry Products Group (“IPG”)
IPG’s sales for the nine months ended 31 December 2025 were US$425 million, an increase of US$10 million or 2% compared to the same period in the previous financial year. Excluding currency effects, IPG’s sales increased by US$5 million or 1%. The overall performance reflects a mixed regional picture, shaped by varying market and customer dynamics.
The division’s sales changes by region, excluding currency effects, were as follows:
Nine months ended 31 December 2025
Asia-Pacific
1%
Decrease
Europe, the Middle East and Africa
6%
Increase
Americas
2%
Decrease
Total
1%
Increase
In Asia-Pacific, sales decreased by 1%, primarily due to significant price competition affecting both IPG and some of its customers in certain product segments. Consequently, sales of products for food and beverage, floor care and printer applications decreased. This was largely offset by increased sales for lawn and garden, medical and data centre cooling applications.
In EMEA, sales increased by 6%, driven by a combination of inventory replenishment by certain customers following their consumption of previous inventory surpluses, as well as the launch of new products. This resulted in increased sales of products for lawn and garden, and heating applications and flexible printed circuits. This was partially offset by a decrease in sales of products for beverage applications.
In the Americas, sales decreased by 2% mainly due to the combined effects of reduced demand from certain customers and some programs reaching end of life. This resulted in decreased sales of products for ventilation and surgical applications. This was partially offset by stronger sales of piezo motors and piezo motion subsystems, which benefited from strong demand for high-precision equipment for semiconductor manufacturing and medical drug-dosing systems.
Chairman’s Comments on Sales Performance and Outlook
Commenting on the Group’s sales performance and near-term outlook, Dr. Patrick Shui-Chung Wang, Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “Johnson Electric’s sales for the financial year to date have remained stable, reflecting generally subdued macroeconomic conditions and high levels of uncertainty related to geopolitics and US trade policies. Based on current trading conditions and customer orders, full-year Group sales are expected to be broadly similar to the prior year. In this environment, Johnson Electric remains focused on executing its strategy to deliver long-term value through innovation, operational excellence, and a resilient global supply chain.”
Cautionary Statement
Shareholders and potential investors in the Company are reminded that the information provided in this news release, including information related to the expected outlook for the full year, is based on the Group’s unaudited internal records and management accounts. This information has not been reviewed or audited by the Company’s auditors.
Shareholders and potential investors should exercise caution when dealing or investing in the shares of the Company.
Hashtag: #JohnsonElectric
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Johnson Electric Group
The Johnson Electric Group is a global leader in electric motors, actuators, motion subsystems and related electro-mechanical components. It serves a broad range of industries including Automotive, Liquid Cooling, Robotic Joints, Smart Metering, Business Equipment, Ventilation, Home Automation, Large Appliances, Power Tools, Medical Devices and Lawn & Garden Equipment. The Group is headquartered in Hong Kong and employs over 30,000 individuals in over 20 countries worldwide. Johnson Electric Holdings Limited is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 179). For further information, please visit: www.johnsonelectric.com.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2026 –DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of DHL Group, has recently launched TRUCKAIR, a new cost-efficient multimodal service designed to support large-volume and bulky shipments moving between China and Europe. This new service meets the growing demand for flexible and reliable logistics amid evolving global trade dynamics.
Connecting China and Europe-DHL’s TRUCKAIR offers speed and cost efficiency
The TRUCKAIR solution integrates road and air freight to strike an optimal balance between cost and speed. Following inland pickup in China, the goods are transported via truck to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where they are transferred via air freight for onward delivery to Istanbul, and thereafter onwards to other European destinations via various modes of transport. While costs may vary from shipment to shipment for this tailor-made solution, customers have reported six-digit figures in savings over the two months of adopting TRUCKAIR multimodal solution over airfreight solution. Additionally, with the TRUCKAIR multimodal service, the total transit time from China to Türkiye is approximately 9 to 11 days, only 4 to 5 days longer than usual transit time of 4 to 7 days by only air freight, making this service a prime choice for companies seeking a reliable and cost-effective solution for high-volume shipments.
“Demand for agile and cost-efficient logistics solutions continues to rise, backed by sustained growth in China–Europe and broader Asia–Europe trade. DHL’s latest market update points to tight capacity and rate increases into Chinese New Year, with a demand peak expected in early February 2026; TRUCKAIR helps customers avoid short term volatility while maintaining predictable lead times. China’s total imports and exports of goods grew 3.6% in the first eleven months of 2025, signaling a steady recovery in trade momentum. The European Union was also China’s second-largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade up 5.4% year-on-year to RMB 5.37 trillion,” said Aditi Rasquinha, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Greater China. “TRUCKAIR was developed to meet this growing demand for greater flexibility and predictability in cross-border shipments, enabling businesses to control costs without compromising speed.”
Designed for high-volume, general cargo shipments, the TRUCKAIR solution offers customers a cost-effective alternative to traditional air freight while maintaining delivery timelines suitable for retail and other time-sensitive and high-volume industries. Customers may also integrate TRUCKAIR with DHL’s broader portfolio of forwarding services to build customized, end-to-end supply chain solutions.
“The strategic design of the TRUCKAIR route reflects China’s pivotal role as a global trade hub,” Aditi added. “With its vast network, well-developed logistics infrastructure and rapid adoption of smart technologies and automation, the country is uniquely positioned to maintain strong connectivity with international markets. Leveraging these strengths, TRUCKAIR helps businesses to navigate supply chain challenges amid evolving global trade patterns and serves as a gateway for other Asia-Pacific markets to access Europe efficiently.
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 400,000 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 84.2 billion euros in 2024. 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.
GameStop is preparing to shut down nearly 30 outlets across New York State, a move that underscores the videogame retailer’s deepening retreat from bricks-and-mortar locations as it retools its business for a market reshaped by digital distribution and tighter consumer spending. The closures span dense urban neighbourhoods and smaller regional centres, signalling a broad reassessment rather than a targeted pullback. In New York City, multiple stores across […]
A shift towards paperless aviation credentials gathered pace as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation rolled out an Electronic Personnel Licence for commercial pilots, marking a structural change in how flight crew qualifications are issued, verified and carried. The initiative covers Airline Transport Pilot Licence holders and is designed to replace physical documents with a secure digital alternative accessible through the eGCA mobile application.
Officials said the Electronic Personnel Licence, or EPL, allows pilots to store and display their credentials on smartphones and tablets, reducing reliance on printed licences that can be lost, damaged or delayed during renewals. The digital licence is issued directly by the aviation regulator after validation of training records, medical certification and flight experience already housed within the eGCA system, which has been the central portal for licensing and examinations for several years.
The move aligns civil aviation oversight with global trends in digital identity management, particularly as airlines and regulators seek faster verification processes. Under the new system, the EPL carries a dynamically generated QR code that can be scanned by airlines, airport authorities and foreign regulators to confirm authenticity in real time. DGCA officials indicated that the licence is tamper-resistant and protected by multi-layer authentication linked to the pilot’s registered credentials.
Paper licences give way to secure digital credentials is how the regulator internally describes the transition, emphasising both operational efficiency and security gains. According to people familiar with the rollout, the digital format also shortens turnaround time for licence issuance and endorsements, which previously depended on manual checks and physical dispatch.
Pilots holding an Airline Transport Pilot Licence are the first group covered, reflecting the operational importance of captains and senior first officers in commercial aviation. DGCA plans to extend the framework to other categories, including Commercial Pilot Licence holders, aircraft maintenance engineers and cabin crew, once the system stabilises and feedback from initial users is assessed.
Airline operators have welcomed the development, noting that licence verification is a routine but critical compliance task. Flight operations departments often need to validate licences at short notice for roster changes, wet leases or overseas operations. A digital licence accessible through an official app reduces administrative friction and supports faster decision-making, particularly for international deployments where foreign authorities seek immediate confirmation of credentials.
The launch comes amid sustained growth in domestic and international air traffic, with fleet expansion and accelerated pilot hiring placing additional pressure on regulatory processes. Training organisations and airlines have repeatedly flagged delays in licence endorsements as a bottleneck, especially during aircraft type transitions. By integrating the EPL with existing digital records, the regulator aims to address those concerns without compromising oversight.
Security has been positioned as a central feature rather than an add-on. The EPL is designed to function both online and offline, allowing pilots to present credentials even in low-connectivity environments, while ensuring that any verification attempt flags expired or suspended privileges. DGCA officials said this feature was essential for remote airfields and international operations where network access may be inconsistent.
The initiative also responds to a broader push by governments and regulators to adopt digital public infrastructure. Within civil aviation, several jurisdictions have begun experimenting with electronic licences and medical certificates, though adoption has been uneven. Industry experts note that interoperability and trust between regulators remain key challenges, as foreign authorities must be confident in the issuing system’s integrity.
From a compliance perspective, the electronic licence does not alter the underlying regulatory requirements. Pilots must continue to meet medical, proficiency and recency standards, and enforcement actions remain unchanged. The EPL is a format change rather than a relaxation of rules, a point DGCA officials have stressed to avoid misinterpretation within the industry.
Training academies and pilot associations have sought clarity on transitional arrangements, particularly for pilots flying internationally. DGCA has indicated that the physical licence will remain valid during a defined transition period, allowing operators and foreign regulators time to familiarise themselves with the digital format. Guidance notes circulated to airlines outline verification procedures and recommend carrying both digital and physical copies during the initial phase.
Electric motorbike maker Matter has outlined a $150 million investment programme running through the 2028 calendar year, signalling a sharp acceleration in its manufacturing capacity, product development and market reach as competition intensifies in the electric two-wheeler segment. The company has set an annual sales target of between 1.50 lakh and 1.80 lakh electric motorbikes by 2028, positioning itself among the more aggressive growth players in the […]
Scientists have demonstrated a dependable method to generate large numbers of helper T cells from stem cells, removing a long-standing obstacle that has limited immune-based cancer treatments. The advance centres on mastering a developmental signal that decides which subtype of T cell emerges, allowing researchers to consistently produce the immune system’s key coordinators rather than a mixed and unpredictable population. Helper T cells do not usually kill […]
Africa’s fashion sector gathered fresh momentum in Nairobi as Core Fashion Kenya, working with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, convened designers, manufacturers, policymakers and investors during the Hub of Africa Fashion Week to map pathways for scaling an industry valued at about $31 billion. The discussions centred on moving beyond fragmented national markets to build continent-wide supply chains, strengthen manufacturing depth and unlock export growth […]
Wall Street trading desks are quietly reducing exposure to one of the most dependable strategies in the digital-asset universe, signalling a shift in how large financial players view risk and reward in crypto markets. The so-called bitcoin basis trade, long prized for delivering steady, low-volatility returns, is showing signs of strain as funding costs rise, spreads compress and market dynamics evolve. The basis trade involves exploiting the […]
BitGo set the price for its initial public offering at $18 a share, presenting itself to public-market investors as a steadier institutional infrastructure business rather than a bet on volatile crypto trading volumes. The pricing places the company at the lower end of expectations circulating among bankers and analysts, reflecting a cautious market for digital-asset listings even as broader equity indices show resilience. Founded in 2013, BitGo […]
Wall Street posted a powerful advance during the latest trading session, adding an estimated $700 billion to the combined value of listed companies as investors pushed major indices higher on a mix of easing inflation signals, resilient corporate earnings and renewed appetite for growth shares. The move underscored the scale at which US equity markets can reprice within hours when sentiment aligns across sectors. The benchmark S&P […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai EDGE, a specialised business unit operating under Trust’s industrial solutions portfolio, has signed a dealership agreement with Allison Transmission, marking a strategic step that broadens its footprint in high-performance propulsion systems and aftersales support across key regional markets. The agreement positions EDGE as an authorised dealer for Allison Transmission’s fully automatic transmissions, covering sales, service, genuine parts and technical support. The partnership […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), has joined about 3,000 world leaders attending the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland (January 19-23). During the WEF Annual Meeting 2026, themed “A Spirit of Dialogue”, Mr Chan attends, speaks and joins discussions at several keynote meetings, luncheons and dinners. He also meets with political, business and financial leaders to brief them on the latest situation in Hong Kong as well as the city’s new opportunities.
Mr Chan attended a breakfast reception hosted by virtual asset enterprise Animoca Brands, headquartered in Hong Kong, yesterday (January 20). Speaking at the meeting, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong adopts a proactive yet prudent approach to the development of digital assets guided by the principle of “same activity, same risk, same regulation” to promote responsible and sustainable market development. Since 2023, Hong Kong has issued licences to 11 virtual asset trading platforms, and a licensing regime for stablecoins is expected to be launched later this year. The Financial Secretary also noted the HKSAR Government’s leadership role in promoting tokenisation, including the issuance of three batches of tokenised green bonds amounting to around US$2.1 billion.
Mr Chan also engaged with a number of officials from different economies and regional organisations attending the WEF Annual Meeting, including Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance of Thailand, Mr Ekniti Nitithanprapas; the Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi; the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt, Mr Hassan El Khatib; and the State Secretary for International Finance at the Federal Department of Finance of Switzerland, Ms Daniela Stoffel. They exchanged views on the global political and economic landscape and issues of mutual concern, and explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration in areas such as trade, finance, industry development and digital transformation.
During a meeting with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mr Chan reiterated that Hong Kong, China firmly supports free trade and multilateralism, and expressed support for the WTO’s efforts to pursue reforms in response to current global challenges, with a view to enhancing its agility in addressing emerging issues in international trade.
HKSAR’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan (right) meets with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in Davos, Switzerland
On arriving Davos (January 19), Mr Chan began his visit programme by meeting with the Minister of Economy of the Sultanate of Oman, H.E. Dr Said Mohammed Al-Saqri. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as finance, trade, green transformation and industrial development.
Mr Chan said that Hong Kong’s advantages as a “super connector” could support Oman’s transitioning from an oil-driven growth model towards a more diversified economic structure. He said that Hong Kong could facilitate Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises to invest in Oman to support its infrastructure and industrial development. At the same time, Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre in Asia could provide Omani enterprises with an ideal platform for fundraising and financing, as well as offshore Renminbi investment and risk management products.
Mr Chan will continue his programme in Davos, including participating at the 2026 Davos-Caixin CEO Luncheon and the “How to Finance Decarbonization?” session of the WEF Annual Meeting, before returning to Hong Kong on January 24 morning.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia recorded a landmark year for tourism in 2025, welcoming more than 122 million domestic and international visitors and generating close to $80 billion in total spending, according to official estimates and sector-wide assessments. The figures underline the scale and pace of change in a country long associated with pilgrimage travel but now positioning itself as a diversified global tourism destination. Data […]
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – The Jollibee Group has formally inaugurated its newest – and its largest commissary in Visayas and Mindanao province – in Danao City, on January 8, 2026, a state-of-the-art facility designed to power the company’s expanding manufacturing and logistics footprint across the rapidly growing VisMin region and the wider Philippines.
Jollibee Group officially inaugurates its largest, state-of-the-art commissary in Cebu, Philippines, strengthening its Visayas and Mindanao operations, supporting multiple brands, creating jobs, and advancing sustainable growth across the country.
The inauguration was attended by national and local government leaders, including Cristina Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry; Pamela Baricuatro, Governor of Cebu Province; Ace Durano, Cebu Provincial Administrator; Nito Durano, Mayor of Danao City; and Carmen Durano, Vice Mayor of Danao City.
Milestone Facility for a High-Growth Region
The Danao facility is the fourth—and largest—Jollibee Group commissary in Cebu and its first multi-brand, state-of-the-art commissary in the Philippines. It comes at a time of accelerating economic momentum in VisMin, driven by a strong tourism rebound, the rise of BPO hubs, expanding agribusiness exports, and growing manufacturing clusters—factors that continue to drive employment, consumer spending, and demand across the region.
Outfitted with advanced automation and integrated systems, the commissary is designed to support increasing demand across multiple Jollibee Group brands while generating efficiencies by consolidating equipment and production capabilities. This allows the Group to scale responsibly while upholding its standards for food quality, consistency, and operational excellence.
Supporting Brand Expansion and Same-Store Growth
The Danao Commissary supplies key ingredients and products for the Group’s major brands, including Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, and Burger King. These brands continue to expand their store networks in VisMin while sustaining same-store sales growth.
The facility strengthens the Group’s supply chain by supporting distribution centers serving Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, as well as select areas in Luzon—ensuring reliability and scalability as the company accelerates its nationwide expansion.
Economic Impact
Speaking during the program, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque highlighted the broader economic impact of the investment.
“Every new commissary that the Jollibee Group opens represents more jobs, more security, and more growth for our local industries,” Roque said. “As we open more commissaries, we are also encouraging more investments in our country while strengthening our supply chain.”
Speaking at the inauguration, Joseph Tanbuntiong, Chief Executive Officer of Jollibee Group Philippines and Global Head of Jollibee Brand, underscored the strategic importance of the new facility to both the company’s domestic and global growth.
“The opening of the Danao Commissary is both a reflection of our journey and a new beginning,” Tanbuntiong said. “Accelerating our growth by building on the strong momentum in Visayas and Mindanao is critical to our Philippine business.”
The investment also highlights the Jollibee Group’s confidence in Cebu as a strategic hub for manufacturing and logistics.
“This commissary underscores our confidence in Cebu—its people, its capability, and its role in our growth today and in the long term,” he added.
Community Impact and Sustainability
Beyond strengthening operational capacity, the Danao Commissary is expected to deliver shared value for local communities, generating close to 500 jobs, with over 60% of the workforce coming from Danao City. At full capacity, the commissary will create 800 jobs.
Sustainability features were integrated into the facility’s design and operations in line with the Jollibee Group’s Joy for Tomorrow agenda. From Day 1 of commercial operation, the Danao Commissary operates on 99% renewable electricity from geothermal sources. It is also equipped with roof-mounted solar panels, rainwater-harvesting systems, energy-efficient equipment, and wastewater treatment systems—supporting responsible, future-ready growth.
Tanbuntiong said the inauguration marks the beginning of a shared journey among stakeholders involved in the project.
“The success of the Danao Commissary is a shared success—for Danao, for Cebu, and for the nation. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable future.”
Hashtag: #Jollibee
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Jollibee Group
Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) (the “Company”) is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. It manages and operates a portfolio that includes 19 brands (the “Jollibee Group”) with over 10,000 stores and cafés across 33 countries.
The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine (9) wholly-owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five (5) franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.
The Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The Company has been recognized as the Philippines’ Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia’s Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a four-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.
AD Ports Group has agreed to acquire full ownership of Balenciaga Astilleros Shipyard, one of Spain’s long-established shipbuilding and repair facilities, for a total consideration of €11.2 million, extending the Abu Dhabi-based group’s industrial footprint across the Mediterranean and reinforcing its push into offshore wind support services. The transaction is being executed through SAFEEN Drydocks, a subsidiary within Noatum Maritime, marking a further step in AD Ports […]