CoreWeave has expanded its artificial intelligence infrastructure relationship with Meta to $21 billion, extending a partnership that underlines how the biggest technology groups are leaning on specialist cloud providers to secure the computing power needed for the next phase of AI development. The enlarged agreement, announced on April 9, runs through December 2032 and builds on a prior deal valued at about $14 billion struck in September. […]
By Nitya Chakraborty All nations in the globe except perhaps Israel have welcomed the ceasefire agreement for two weeks between U.S. and Iran announced by President Donald Trump on April 7 evening US time and later endorsed by the Iranian government. The ceasefire is fragile – Israel has bombed Lebanon killing 254 persons on Wednesday […]
Greenlogue/AP Abu Dhabi’s 2PointZero Group has moved deeper into the renewable energy market in India through a new joint venture between its subsidiary ePointZero RSC and Adani Green Energy, extending a relationship between the two business groups and underscoring continued Gulf interest in large-scale clean power assets on the subcontinent. The venture will be executed through Minerva Holding, ePointZero’s renewable development platform in India, according to statements […]
DataBank and Goodman Group have formed a 50-50 joint venture to build a 32MW data centre in Vernon, California, betting that one of the most capacity-starved digital infrastructure markets in the United States will stay tight as demand from artificial intelligence, cloud and enterprise customers keeps rising. The project is due to begin operations in December 2026 with an initial 6MW, with the remaining capacity scheduled to […]
Lumen Technologies has used its latest letter from chief executive Kate Johnson to sharpen a message it has been building for more than a year: the company wants investors, customers and partners to see it less as a legacy telecom carrier and more as a high-capacity digital networking platform built for artificial intelligence workloads. In the letter, Johnson said 2025 was a “pivotal year”, set out plans […]
Google has begun rolling out vertical tabs and an upgraded reading mode to the desktop version of Chrome, adding two widely requested features aimed at users juggling large numbers of open pages and those seeking a cleaner full-screen reading experience. The company said the changes are arriving for Chrome on desktop platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS, with availability expanding gradually rather than landing for all […]
Anthropic has launched Project Glasswing, a controlled cybersecurity programme that gives a select group of large technology, finance and security organisations access to its unreleased Claude Mythos Preview model to identify and help fix serious software vulnerabilities in widely used systems. The company says the model has already uncovered thousands of significant flaws across operating systems, browsers and other foundational software, but has stopped short of making […]
By Asad Mirza It seems that President Trump’s Tuesday morning Truth Social post, which threatened “a whole civilisation will die tonight” and raised the spectre of nuclear war, has jolted the American lawmakers, and it has begun a chorus of calls either for Trump’s impeachment or for his removal via the invocation of the 25th […]
Fresh academic work is pushing back against some of the louder claims surrounding quantum computers and Bitcoin, arguing that one feared route of attack — using a quantum machine to dominate mining — remains so physically demanding that it would require energy on an astronomical scale. A separate paper has cast doubt on headline-grabbing “quantum factoring breakthroughs”, arguing with deliberate sarcasm that many such claims can be […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi University said an associate professor and a former student have been granted a patent for an artificial-intelligence application designed to translate between sign language and spoken or written language in real time, marking a push by the institution into assistive technology with a clear accessibility focus. The university identified the inventors as Dr Modafar Ati, associate professor of computer science and […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Space42 said Thuraya’s services and infrastructure remained fully operational after a missile strike hit an administrative building linked to the satellite communications company in Sharjah, as the UAE’s air defences continued intercepting ballistic missiles and drones launched during the wider regional conflict. The company said there had been no disruption for customers or partners despite the incident. Authorities in Sharjah said two Pakistani […]
Alchemy, the blockchain infrastructure company often described in the sector as a crypto equivalent of cloud back-end provider AWS, has launched AgentPay, a new tool aimed at solving a fast-emerging problem in machine commerce: AI payment systems are being built on different rails and often cannot work with one another. The company says AgentPay gives merchants and service providers a single integration layer so they can accept […]
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2026 – On March 31, 2026, China Mobile hosted the 2026 China Mobile Digital Empowerment Cooperation Conference for Chinese Enterprises Going Global in Beijing. The conference focused on the needs for digital and intelligent development of Chinese enterprises going global, jointly exploring new trends in digital and intelligent empowerment for the global development of Chinese enterprises, and it was broadcast live simultaneously around the world. Zhang Feng, Secretary of the CPC Chinese Institute of Electronics Committee, and Guo Hao, President of the China Association of Communications Enterprises, attended the event, among others. Li Huidi, Executive Vice President of China Mobile attended the conference and delivered a speech.
Li Huidi pointed out that artificial intelligence is currently reshaping the ways of production and life with unprecedented speed and breadth, deeply restructuring the competitive landscape of global industries. AI is already the core engine driving the leap in social productivity and leading the transformation of the global industrial system. The overseas development of Chinese enterprises is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade from the traditional export of products and production capacity to the synergistic development of digital capabilities and industrial chains driven by AI.
Li Huidi stated that, in the face of a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, China Mobile is accelerating the transition from a “telecommunications operator” to a “technology services enterprise.” With the vision of building a world-class technology services enterprise, it comprehensively promotes the integrated innovation of communication technologies, information technologies, and AI technologies, in order to strengthen, optimize, and expand the three major businesses of “communications services, computing services, and AI services.” China Mobile will deeply integrate its AI capabilities into the entire chain of its three core businesses, paving a digital and intelligent highway for globalization, featuring the integration of networks and intelligence, safety and reliability, and universal access across all domains for Chinese enterprises going global:
First, China Mobile will strengthen communications services and empower “AI connectivity”, weaving a dense network of global intelligent interconnection. The scale of China Mobile’s international information infrastructure continues to grow. China Mobile have expanded the capacity of submarine and terrestrial cables, bringing total international transmission bandwidth to 406T and Points of Presence (PoPs) to 446. Notably, the eastern section of 2Africa, the largest submarine cable system in the world circling Africa, has been activated. The sections are expected to be completed and put into operation in the first half of this year. Spanning a total length of approximately 45,000 kilometers, this submarine cable is laid along the coastline of the African continent. It connects 33 countries and regions across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, providing high-quality, low-latency international communication services for a population of roughly 3 billion along its route. This major information artery, which connects six continents and four oceans, provides safe and reliable guarantees for end-to-end connections. It supports the scheduling of transnational AI applications and the integration of global business for enterprises going global. Global roaming is now available in 268 destinations, and the total number of users for the JegoTrip app has exceeded 90 million. China Mobile’s international ecological cooperation continues to expand, and the “Hand-in-Hand Program” covers over 3 billion users worldwide. China Mobile have consecutively hosted events such as the Southeast Asia Cooperation Conference and the China Mobile Digital Empowerment Cooperation Conferences for Chinese Enterprises Going Global. These events have been widely praised and have strengthened China Mobile’s influence within the global ecosystem. In recent years, China Mobile’s revenue from international business has consistently maintained a trend of high-speed, double-digit growth.
Second, China Mobile will optimize computing services and drive “AI Computing”, building a globally integrated computing network across the world.As a builder of computing infrastructure, China Mobile will comprehensively increase its investment in Artificial Intelligence Data Centers (AIDC), accelerate the supply of computing, and enhance its operational capabilities for Tokens. China Mobile’s 100-megawatt-level Global Intelligent Center (GIC) in Hong Kong has officially opened, and China Mobile will deploy more nodes for AI computing along the “Belt and Road” initiative in the future. China Mobile have already established a cluster for AI computing with a capacity of 92.5 EFLOPS in China. By linking this with over 1,300 resources from self-owned and cooperative data centers overseas, China Mobile are constructing a global network for computing. China Mobile will promote Mobile Cloud to integrate high-quality global models and streamline the service chain where “Agents use Tokens, Tokens drive Computing, and Computing consumes Electricity.” This will forge a solid foundation of computing for Chinese enterprises going global.
Third, China Mobile will expand AI services and reshape digital services, stimulating new momentum across all domains for enterprises going global.As a promoter of applications for artificial intelligence, China Mobile continuously iterates the capabilities of its “Jiutian” large model. China Mobile have accumulated industrial data exceeding 20 trillion Tokens and independently developed more than 50 industrial large models. This promotes the deep integration of AI agents into the entire process of production and operations for enterprises. Overseas, China Mobile translate its leading domestic AI capabilities into a “smart engine” for Chinese enterprises expanding abroad. Targeting the pain points of enterprises going global, China Mobile have tailored a “1+8” system of products and solutions for all scenarios, which has already served tens of thousands of Chinese enterprises in their global layout. By combining the advantages of Chinese manufacturing and 5G solutions, China Mobile achieve deep integration with local ecosystems overseas. In regions including Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific, and have successfully established over a thousand benchmark cases of “AI+” digital and intelligent transformation, such as smart factories, smart ports, and smart IoV. This makes the fruits of China’s innovation in AI benefit the global market.
Looking toward the vast blue ocean of the AI era, Li Huidi proposed four initiatives: First, China Mobile will jointly build AI infrastructure to forge a solid “new foundation” for AI+ global development. China Mobile will join hands with global industry partners to accelerate the construction of global communication networks, computing networks, and intelligent networks. China Mobile will jointly optimize the layout of global submarine and terrestrial cables as well as hubs for computing, achieving mutually beneficial cooperation along the “Belt and Road” initiative and around the world. By building more high-standard Artificial Intelligence Data Centers, China Mobile will provide low-latency, highly reliable, high-performance, and widely covered infrastructure of computing networks for Chinese enterprises marching into the world. Second, China Mobile will jointly establish AI standards to build a “new consensus” on intelligence within the industry. China Mobile will continue to promote China’s full-stack AI technologies and standards to the world, covering the entire chain of computing foundations, large models, and industrial applications. This will contribute Chinese wisdom, Chinese solutions, and Chinese standards to the construction of an open, inclusive, and interoperable system of global rules for AI technology. Third, China Mobile will jointly expand AI scenarios to release “new quality productive forces” across thousands of industries. China Mobile will continuously open up China Mobile’s technological foundation and experience in various scenarios, collaborating with enterprises going global to unearth high-value industrial scenarios. By providing exclusive resources for AI computing and support for Tokens, China Mobile will empower the accelerated release of new quality productive forces through AI innovation. In key regions along the “Belt and Road” initiative, China Mobile will create more replicable and promotable benchmark projects of “AI+” digital and intelligent transformation for overseas development. Fourth, China Mobile will jointly cultivate a win-win AI ecosystem to expand the “new circle of friends” for global cooperation. China Mobile will continuously upgrade the cooperative ecological system of the “iSTAR Program. Relying on the three core pillars of “AI+ applications, cloud and AI computing, and connectivity,” China Mobile will unite the strengths of global industries, academia, research, and application. This will help build a more open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial globalized digital and intelligent ecosystem. China Mobile will jointly incubate “AI+” solutions for overseas development across more than 150 scenarios, providing intelligent escorts across the entire chain and full life cycle for Chinese enterprises going global.
At the conference, using full-stack digital and intelligent capabilities to escort Chinese enterprises going global, China Mobile released a series of “AI+” full-stack digital and intelligent infrastructure, products, and services. Together with its ecological partners, China Mobile jointly released the “White Paper on the Digital and Intelligent Ecosystem of the China Mobile International ‘iSTAR Program’ for Chinese Enterprises Going-Global,” collaboratively building a new ecosystem for AI services.
Hashtag: #ChinaMobile
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Greenlogue/AP VinFast has rolled out a vehicle rental programme for commercial drivers in Indonesia and the Philippines, expanding beyond outright sales as it tries to deepen its position in two fast-developing Southeast Asian electric vehicle markets. The company said the scheme will let service drivers lease Green-series vehicles through authorised dealers in Greater Jakarta and Metro Manila, with daily rates starting at 312,500 rupiah in Indonesia and […]
Afreximbank has been confirmed as a partner for African Energy Week 2026, due to run from October 12 to 16 in Cape Town, in a move that places one of the continent’s most active trade financiers at the centre of discussions over how African-led capital can support oil, gas, power and infrastructure projects. The partnership also signals how the event is seeking to position itself less as […]
GoDaddy has teamed up with LegalZoom to launch a system designed to give AI agents a verifiable identity on the open web, as companies move from chatbots towards software that can act, transact and communicate with other systems with less human intervention. The tie-up, announced on 2 April, centres on GoDaddy’s Agent Name Service, or ANS, which uses domain name system records and public key infrastructure certificates […]
Russian military-linked hackers have hijacked vulnerable internet routers to steal passwords, authentication tokens and other sensitive data, according to a new warning from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, which said the activity was tied to APT28, a group long associated with Moscow’s GRU military intelligence unit 26165. British officials said the campaign worked by altering router settings so internet traffic could be redirected through malicious Domain […]
Portfolio-wide Signature Experiences Connect Communities with Localized Creativity
HONG KONG SAR and SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2026 – Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00101) (“Hang Lung” or the “Company”) today announced the second phase of its year-long “66 and beyond” anniversary celebrations, unveiling a series of nationwide campaigns across its Chinese Mainland retail portfolio, designed to connect communities and capture the vibrant spirit of spring.
Hang Lung ignites Spring with the second phase of “66 and beyond” anniversary celebration
The centerpiece of this phase is the “Taste of 66” (怦然春動) national campaign, featuring a curated collection of limited-edition bespoke ice lollipops. Drawing inspiration from the local cultural identity and architectural essence of each of Hang Lung’s iconic “66” malls, the campaign creates tangible, exclusive moments that customers can emotionally connect with this milestone anniversary.
66th Anniversary City-Exclusive Series: Taste of 66 (Artist’s impression)
The celebratory momentum will continue with experiences that reflect the cultural connections by each property, to highlight a few, Riverside 66 in Tianjin is hosting the “Sweet Encounters” campaign along the historic pedestrian street with dessert-themed art installations and interactive experiences, complemented by a dessert market. In Shenyang, Forum 66 will champion community wellness by transforming its public spaces into a vibrant hub for sports activities, including a 3v3 basketball tournament and pickleball discovery sessions. Meanwhile, Center 66 in Wuxi is captivating visitors with its “Wonderlost in Spring” theme, transforming the mall into a fantastical world of spring adventure, featuring specially designed installations, performances and a series of interactive games.
Plaza 66, Shanghai: Echo Variation (Artist’s impression)
Mr. Derek Pang, Senior Director – Mainland Business Operation of Hang Lung Properties, said, “The ’66 and beyond’ theme is a powerful expression of our evolution. We are moving beyond the traditional role of a landlord to become a dynamic platform for community engagement and cultural expression. Our focus is on creating curated experiences that resonate deeply with the unique character of each city. By transforming our properties into vibrant hubs of culture and connection, we create lasting value and enrich the lives of the communities we serve.”
Grand Gateway 66, Shanghai: MINISO x JENNIE Pop-up
These vibrant retail activations are part of a holistic celebration that further embodies the “66 and beyond” spirit across Hang Lung’s entire ecosystem. The initiatives complement the year-round hotel offers, which invite guests to celebrate the milestone with thoughtfully curated stay, dining, and wellness experiences at Conrad Shenyang and Grand Hyatt Kunming. As the anniversary year unfolds, the Company will continue to redefine the urban landscape, with further highlights to be announced in the coming months.
Appendix: Key Highlights of Hang Lung’s Celebration Campaigns in the Mainland Portfolio
Mall / City
Key Initiative
Dates
All Mainland Malls
66th Anniversary City-Exclusive Series: Taste of 66
April 11, 12, 18, 19
Center 66, Wuxi
Xu Beihong (徐悲鴻) Printmaking ArtExhibition at Center Residences: In collaboration with the Xu Beihong Art Museum, the master’s limited-edition horse prints return to his hometown for the first showing in 2026
March 8 – June 7
Wonderlost In Spring: A magical spring adventure journey
March 27 – May 5
Grand Gateway 66, Shanghai
MINISO x JENNIE Pop-up: Nationwide debut of the exclusive collaboration
March 20 – April 19
Riverside 66, Tianjin
“Sweet Encounters”: A month-long celebration of desserts
March 28 – May 5
Plaza 66, Shanghai
Echo Variation: Celebrating the 25th anniversary
April 10 – May 5
Olympia 66, Dalian
Wuzhen Theatre Festival Parade: The acclaimed cultural parade
April 11, 12, 18
Palace 66, Shenyang
Multi-Sport Wellness Series: Zumba, comprehensive fitness challenge, and fencing
April 11, 12, 18, 19
Forum 66, Shenyang
3v3 Basketball League & Pro Pickleball Tournament: Major urban sporting events
April 13 – 19 and
25 – 26
Spring City 66, Kunming
Bafé Wondering: Partnership with “Bread Wander”: A unique collaboration with a popular food IP
April 17 – 19
Parc 66, Jinan
Sweet Sips Market: A festival of delightful sweet beverages
Basketball Series: Including an influencer-led challenge and a youth basketball tournament
May 30, 31
Center 66, Wuxi: Wonderlost in Spring
Center Residences, Wuxi: Xu Beihong (徐悲鴻) Printmaking Art Exhibition
Forum 66, Shenyang: 3v3 Basketball League
Riverside 66, Tianjin: Sweet Encounters
Hashtag: #HangLungProperties
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hang Lung Properties
Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the Company manages a portfolio of over 3.5 million square meters of retail, office, residential, and hotel properties across Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.
The Company’s diverse portfolio in Hong Kong includes office towers and malls in prime districts, as well as luxury residential developments in prestigious areas. In the Chinese Mainland, under the signature “66” brand, the Company’s mixed-use and retail developments are regarded as premium landmarks, strategically located in the hearts of key cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan, and Hangzhou.
The Company is recognized for pioneering sustainability in the real estate industry, with an MSCI ESG rating of AA and inclusion on CDP “A List” for Climate Change. The Company powers 90% of its operating properties in the Chinese Mainland with renewable energy, with a net-zero commitment by 2050.
HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2026 – Lee Kum Kee Sauce (“Lee Kum Kee”), the global leader in Asian sauces and condiments, organised a three-week culinary programme for eight young Bhutanese chefs from the De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) from 1-19 March 2026. Supported by the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) in Hong Kong, the programme empowers youth career development through vocational training and international exposure.
Dasho Tashi Wangyal, an Eminent Member of the National Council of Bhutan and a member of the De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) Steering Committee (front row, sixth from left), Dasho Zimpon Wom Sonam Thinley, Deputy Chamberlain to His Majesty the King, the Executive Director, Skilling Programme, DSP and a member of the DSP Steering Committee (front row, seventh from left), James HP Yap, Principal of Hotel and Tourism Institute, Chinese Culinary Institute, and International Culinary Institute (front row, eighth from left), and Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee Sauce (front row, fifth from left), celebrate with the young Bhutanese chefs upon completion of their culinary exchange
The cohort of eight Desuup chefs, currently working in hotels and DSP initiatives, participated in an intensive, hands-on upskilling programme. Participants completed 10 days of professional training at CCI, with focused modules on the Eight Major Cuisines of China, selected Western cooking techniques, and signature Cantonese dishes. Additional sessions covered Hong Kong local specialties and pastry techniques as well as food presentation and plating — all led by instructors from CCI, International Culinary Institute (ICI), Star Chef Management School and Lee Kum Kee.
Beyond classroom learning and cooking, the young chefs explored Hong Kong’s food culture and heritage. Activities included visits to local eateries such as a traditional Cha Chaan Teng, and guided culinary tours across the city. The group also travelled to Xinhui and Zhuhai in mainland China to learn more about sauce production and Guangdong’s culinary culture. The experiences further inspired their culinary perspectives and creativity.
The young chefs also showcased their skills at an exclusive VIP lunch and the Bhutan Flavour Fair, attended by DSP officials and Lee Kum Kee Sauce representatives.
Young chefs are inspired through systematic hands-on learning and exploration, discovering local delicacies, and experiencing Hong Kong’s heritage and contemporary landscape
Young chefs showcase their skills at an exclusive VIP lunch and a Bhutan Flavour Fair
Dasho Tashi Wangyal, an Eminent Member of the National Council of Bhutan and a member of the DSP Steering Committee, said, “Our young chefs are receiving valuable exposure at the Chinese Culinary Institute through immersion in professional Asian cuisine, modern culinary techniques and global kitchen standards. I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Lee Kum Kee for the vision, partnership and commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals.”
Dasho Zimpon Wom Sonam Thinley, Deputy Chamberlain to His Majesty the King, the Executive Director, Skilling Programme, DSP and a member of the DSP Steering Committee, said, “I’m proud of the Desuup chefs’ aspirations, and I hope they will build on the prestige of Lee Kum Kee and the Chinese Culinary Institute – their mentors – to further develop their careers in the culinary world.”
James HP Yap, Principal of Hotel and Tourism Institute, Chinese Culinary Institute, and International Culinary Institute, said, “Hong Kong is a vital platform that brings together global culinary cultures. Through this exchange, I’m confident the young Bhutanese chefs have not only deepened their understanding of the essence of Chinese and Western culinary flavours, but also have acquired valuable cooking techniques, plating skills, as well as developed a deeper appreciation of the richness of Chinese culinary culture.”
Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee Sauce, said, “At Lee Kum Kee, we believe in the power of culinary culture to connect people and create lasting opportunities. It has been a joy to see the passion and growth of these chefs throughout this programme. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with CCI and DSP to nurture the next generation of culinary talent and strengthen the ties between our communities through the art of food.”
Since 2025, Lee Kum Kee has engaged in a strategic partnership with DSP to support culinary training in Bhutan, bringing international standards, signature flavours and professional expertise into DSP’s training programmes.
Lee Kum Kee is dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Through its Global Youth Culinary Immersion initiative, the company has provided culinary education, scholarships and exchange opportunities for aspiring young chefs in China, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, UK, Canada and USA.
Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Lee Kum Kee
Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.
About De-suung Skilling Programme
The De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) is a Royal Project initiated by His Majesty The King of Bhutan in 2021. As envisioned by His Majesty, DSP imparts a series of short-term high-quality trainings to unemployed Bhutanese youths who have mostly completed high school and are in their early or mid-20s. These youths have all undergone the De-suung training, which is a valued-based personal development programme intended to encourage active citizenry in the process of nation-building. DSP provides short-term training in various fields to Bhutanese youths entering the job market with varying degrees of educational qualification. For more information, please visit www.dsp.org.bt.
About Chinese Culinary Institute
The Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) is one of the 14 member institutions of Vocational Training Council (VTC). It was established in 2000 as one of the Millennium Projects of the HKSAR Government. CCI endeavours to provide systematic training in Chinese cuisine for beginners and practicing chefs who wish to obtain or upgrade their professional qualifications. It also aims to elevate the professional standard and status of Chinese Chefs in order to strengthen Hong Kong’s reputation as the “Culinary Capital of Asia”. Furthermore, CCI strives to establish Hong Kong as a regional training and accreditation centre in Chinese cuisine by introducing “One Trade Test Two Certificates” system. To promote the deep-rooted heritage of the Chinese culinary art, CCI offers culinary interest courses for locals and tourists alike. For more information, please visit cci.edu.hk/en.
The head of the International Monetary Fund on Monday defined the direction of glbal economic travel with unusual clarity. “All roads now lead to higher prices and slower growth,” said managing director Kristalina Georgieva in an interview. The IMF had expected global growth of 3.3% in 2026. Six weeks of war centred on Iran and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz have already forced a rethink. […]
Microsoft has warned that a threat actor it tracks as Storm-1175 is exploiting vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems at high speed to deliver Medusa ransomware, in some cases moving from initial access to data theft and encryption within 24 hours. The alert points to a pattern that security teams have feared for months: a shrinking window between vulnerability disclosure, exploitation and full-scale ransomware deployment. The group, described […]
China’s electric-arc furnace steelmakers are lifting output at the fastest pace in more than two years, helped by improving margins and a seasonal pickup in construction demand, giving the lower-carbon segment a rare competitive opening in a market still burdened by oversupply and weak property-linked consumption. Industry data showed average capacity utilisation among 94 independent EAF mills rose to 61.2% in the week of March 27 to April 2, the highest level since January 2024 and the fifth straight weekly increase.
The rebound matters because EAF steel has long struggled to gain ground in China despite official support for cleaner production. The route relies mainly on scrap rather than iron ore and coking coal, making it structurally less carbon intensive than the blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace model that still dominates the country’s steel industry. World Steel Association figures show the global production mix is far more tilted towards EAF than China’s, with electric-arc furnaces accounting for 28.6% of world crude steel output, while average carbon intensity for scrap-based EAF steelmaking is markedly below that of the conventional blast furnace route.
For Chinese mills, the immediate story is not only about decarbonisation but about economics. Higher finished-steel prices and steadier demand for construction steel have made it easier for some EAF operators to restart or raise run-rates after a prolonged spell in which many were squeezed by electricity bills, uneven scrap supply and patchy orders. Reuters reported in late February that warmer weather and the resumption of building activity typically support steel demand in March, while temporary production curbs in northern blast-furnace regions also helped firm futures prices. That backdrop has narrowed the gap between scrap-fed mills and traditional producers, even if the advantage remains fragile.
Yet the broader steel market in China remains difficult. Official and consultancy data cited by Reuters show crude steel output in 2025 fell to 960.1 million tonnes, down 4.4% from 2024 and below one billion tonnes for the first time since 2019. That decline reflected a managed effort by Beijing to address overcapacity, but it also underscored softer domestic demand and the long shadow cast by the property downturn. State-backed forecasts cited by Reuters indicate steel demand is expected to slip again in 2026 after contracting sharply in 2025, suggesting that EAF mills are recovering within a shrinking overall market rather than riding a broad-based industrial boom.
That tension helps explain why Beijing continues to press for structural change. The National Development and Reform Commission said in March that China would curb excess capacity in steel and other heavy industries in an orderly way, renewing a campaign that has featured repeatedly in official policy language. The cleaner EAF route fits that policy direction because it uses recycled feedstock and can reduce reliance on imported iron ore, but steelmakers still take their cues from margins first. When profits weaken, producers often retreat to whichever process best matches raw material costs, local power tariffs and available supply chains.
The environmental case for EAF expansion remains strong. Reuters reported last year that China had aimed to raise EAF steel’s share of crude steel production to 15% by 2025 and 20% by the end of the decade, but the actual share had been stuck around 10%. A 2025 review by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air said missing the 15% milestone would add more than 160 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions compared with a stronger shift towards cleaner steelmaking, while high electricity costs, unreliable scrap flows and financial strain had kept many EAF operators on the back foot.
China’s steel industry also faces an external pressure point: trade. Even as domestic demand softened, exports climbed to a record 119.02 million tonnes in 2025, up 7.5% from a year earlier, according to Reuters. That export surge helped keep mills running, but it also intensified complaints abroad over cheap supply and raised the risk of more trade barriers. For EAF producers, this creates a mixed picture. Strong export channels can support domestic steel prices and improve mill economics, yet any escalation in trade restrictions would feed back into the entire sector, including the greener producers now regaining confidence.
Romania is poised to keep borrowing costs unchanged as a fresh oil shock clouds the inflation outlook and leaves policymakers wary of loosening monetary conditions too early. The National Bank of Romania is widely expected to leave its benchmark interest rate at 6.5 per cent, preserving one of the European Union’s highest policy rates while consumer prices remain far above target and fiscal strains continue to weigh […]
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