By P. Sreekumaran THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The VD Satheesan-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Government has temporarily stayed an order implementing minimum marks for classes VI-II, IX and X in the 2026-27 academic year. Implementation of minimum marks was one of the most significant and debated decisions of the previous LDF Government. The LDF had in 2024 approved […]
HONGHU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 September 2026 – Honghu lotus root ranks first in antioxidant content among major lotus-root-producing regions, according to industrial report by China Merchants Securities (CMS), highlighting the ingredient’s potential beyond traditional food and into functional food, superfood and biotechnology markets. Building on Honghu’s nutritional profile and industrial scale, Huagui Group is expanding from lotus root and aquatic vegetables into functional ingredients, wellness products and biotechnology, while developing a broader global platform connecting China’s aquatic resources with international food, health and commercial markets.
As a global player in lotus root and aquatic vegetables, Huagui has established an international commercial network. The Honghu Lotus Root brand was valued at RMB 25.861 billion in 2025, reflecting its market position. Related products reach more than 50 countries and markets and are present in retail and food conglomerates channels including Costco and Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC and Pizza Hut. Co-headquartered in Beijing and Hubei, Huagui continues to expand sourcing, international distribution, private-label programs and cross-border supply-chain partnerships. The conference brought together the China Vegetables Association, representatives from Europe, the United States and South Korea, and international guests including a representative member from the Saudi royal family.
Alongside its commercial expansion, Huagui is strengthening its position in the biotech and superfood market. Honghu lotus root naturally contains dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium and polyphenols. According to a report by China Merchants Securities (CMS), Honghu lotus root ranks first among major lotus-root-producing regions in antioxidant content. The report also notes that the output value of Honghu’s lotus root industry is approximately five to six times that of Jiangsu, highlighting its nutritional profile and the scale of its commercial potential across plant-based nutrition, functional foods and health applications. Huagui is also establishing bio-extraction, functional ingredients and wellness products through its biotech business.
“Our strategy is creating a global ecosystem connecting aquatic plants, aquatic animals, food, biotech and longevity,” said Melody Zhao, Executive Vice President of Huagui Group. “From natural resources to R&D, and from brand building to global shelves, Huagui is connecting China’s aquatic industries with global consumers through products, supply chains and international channels.”
Supporting this strategy is a diversified business platform built around four core sectors. Huagui Food anchors food manufacturing and supply, while Huagui Health develops functional foods, wellness products and higher-value ingredients. Huagui’s e-commerce, commodities supply-chain finance and import-export operations connect digital channels, financing, global sourcing, international trade and private-label programs under its “Buy Global, Sell Global” approach. On the aquatic-animal side, Huagui’s Fishery Joint Venture with Hubei Agricultural Development Group, a China Top 500 enterprise group, extends the platform into fisheries and large-scale open-water operations, covering approximately 666.7 million square meters of fishing and aquaculture waters.
From global food channels to superfoods, Huagui is building an integrated platform across aquatic plants and animals, creating opportunities in international food, biotech and commerce.
Hashtag: #HuaguiGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Both are appealing versions of life in the city. Choosing between them starts with understanding how you want your home to serve you. For buyers considering Dubai property, exploring different housing types within one developer’s portfolio can make that decision more concrete. Liam Real Estate’s guide to Binghatti properties brings together apartment projects such as Spectre and Wraith alongside the villa-focused Tilal Binghatti, offering a useful starting […]
Empowering Brand Globalization Through Innovative Premium Consumer Experiences
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – ZJLD Group Inc. (“ZJLD” or the “Company”, together with the Company’s subsidiaries, collectively the “Group”) (SEHK stock code: 06979.HK), a flagship enterprise in China’s baijiu industry and the first baijiu company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is pleased to announce that its flagship brand, Kweichow Zhenjiu, has partnered with CDF (China Duty Free) Cruise to successfully host the themed event “Timeless Brew, Maritime Legend – Exclusive Zhenjiu Tasting on Adora Magic City” aboard China’s domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Magic City. This collaboration marks a key milestone in ZJLD’s “go‑global” strategy by leveraging the cruise as an international showcase, while deepening bilateral cooperation by upgrading from a traditional supply‑only model to an all‑round co‑creation model.
Held from September 12 to 16, the event targeted high-net-worth individuals and duty-free consumers aboard the cruise. Through a diverse array of activities—including exclusive tasting sessions, fashion shows, and thematic workshops—the event showcased the deep cultural heritage and exquisite brewing craftsmanship of Chinese sauce-aroma baijiu to global travelers. During the event, Zhenjiu’s star products, “Da Zhen · Zhenjiu” and “NEWS Oak-Aged Craft Beer“, made their international debut, further conveying the brand’s core values and commitment to a high-quality lifestyle.
The Head of International Business at ZJLD stated: “Cruise ships represent a premium cross-border spending scenario, serving as an innovative testing ground for the globalization of Chinese baijiu. This partnership not only achieves deep integration between brand heritage and distribution channels but also marks a significant exploration of the global strategy for Chinese sauce-aroma baijiu. Moving forward, Kweichow Zhenjiu will remain committed to artisanal craftsmanship while taking innovative consumer touchpoints as a breakthrough point to showcase the unique charm of Chinese baijiu to global markets, striving to establish an international benchmark for China’s premium sauce-aroma baijiu.”
Hashtag: #ZJLDGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ZJLD Group Inc.
Zhen Jiu was established in 1975 in Zunyi, Kweichow, China’s primary production area of sauce-aroma baijiu. In 1988, it was honored with the National Quality Award at the 5th National Wine Appreciation Conference. In the same year, it was announced by the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Communication Department of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, and the Great Hall of the People Management Bureau to become one of the two sauce-aroma baijiu served at state banquets. It is also known as one of the “Three Representative Baijiu Brands in Kweichow”.
ZJLD Group Inc. is a leading baijiu group in China devoted to offering premium baijiu products, including sauce-aroma, mixed-aroma, and strong-aroma varieties. According to Frost & Sullivan statistics, the flagship brand Zhenjiu has maintained its position for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) as the fourth-largest sauce-aroma baijiu brand in China and the third-largest in Guizhou Province, by revenue. The Company operates four baijiu brands in China, including two national baijiu brands, Zhen Jiu and Li Du, and two regional brands, Xiangjiao and Kaikouxiao. ZJLD prides itself on inheriting the time-honored baijiu-brewing techniques and reinvigorating them to develop iconic products. It strives to create a wide variety of aromatic and mellow baijiu products to meet the diverse preferences of consumers, seize broader market opportunities, and promote traditional Chinese baijiu culture.
By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers NEW YORK: The second day of the 81st United Nations General Assembly saw diplomatic spotlight shifting from the opening-day clash of competing worldviews to the harder business of finding common ground — over Gaza, Ukraine, Iran, development, climate, artificial intelligence and the future of multilateral institutions. For India, this was an […]
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By Tirthankar Mitra At the sight of the slogan “bhoi out, bhorsa in”, people sat up and took notice, making up their mind to vote for the BJP candidates in 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal. Little did these men and women who exercised their franchise in favour of the saffron camp nominees know that […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Iran has presented the United States with a proposed regional ceasefire framework that would halt attacks on Arab states, gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz and set a timetable for broader negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, according to officials briefed on the diplomatic effort. The proposal, conveyed during talks around the United Nations General Assembly in New York, envisages a ceasefire lasting […]
Pope Leo XIV will use his first visit to France as pontiff to underscore solidarity with eastern Christian communities, including those in the Arab world, during a four-day apostolic journey beginning in Paris on Friday. The Pope is due to pray at Notre-Dame Cathedral on September 25, where a chapel dedicated to eastern Christians has become a visible symbol of links between western Catholicism and ancient churches […]
Greenlogue/AP The UAE has warned that a global water financing shortfall of as much as $141 billion a year threatens ambitions spanning artificial intelligence, energy transition, food security and rapidly growing cities. The warning was delivered at a private roundtable at the UAE’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, where about 50 chief executives, investors and philanthropy leaders examined how to turn viable water […]
Hong Kong is seeking to raise as much as HK$20 billion through a multi-currency digital green bond sale that could become the world’s largest transaction of its kind.
The government is considering an offering of about HK$15 billion to HK$20 billion across US dollar, Hong Kong dollar, euro and offshore renminbi tranches, according to people familiar with the planned transaction. Pricing could take place as early as Monday, after fixed-income investor meetings arranged this week.
The proposed deal would exceed the scale of Hong Kong’s previous digital green bond issues and underline its push to expand tokenised capital markets alongside conventional debt issuance. Digital bonds use distributed-ledger technology to record ownership and support parts of the issuance, settlement and post-trade process.
Hong Kong has steadily increased the size and complexity of its sovereign digital bond programme. Its third digital green bond offering, completed in November 2025, raised about HK$10 billion equivalent across four currencies and attracted subscriptions exceeding HK$130 billion, according to government figures.
That transaction was then the world’s largest digital bond sale. It also incorporated tokenised central bank money, including e-HKD and e-CNY, into the primary settlement process, while using the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Central Moneymarkets Unit and a digital assets platform to connect tokenised infrastructure with established settlement channels.
The planned new sale would come after the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation completed a HK$12 billion public digital bond issuance in June, setting another global size record for a digital bond at the time. The transaction included Hong Kong dollar and offshore renminbi tranches and used the same digital assets platform, demonstrating broader public-sector adoption of tokenised issuance.
Hong Kong authorities have made digital finance a central part of their capital-market strategy. Financial Services and the Treasury Secretary Christopher Hui said last week that digital bonds issued in Hong Kong accounted for about half of the global market between 2025 and the first half of 2026.
The government has also said it intends to make digital bond issuance a regular feature rather than an occasional pilot. Its 2026 policy agenda calls for further use of digital currencies in bond settlement and for tokenised money to be tested across additional stages of the bond lifecycle, including coupon payments and redemption.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority Chief Executive Eddie Yue said at the Treasury Markets Summit on Wednesday that the city was working to encourage more bond issuance, deepen offshore renminbi liquidity and modernise market infrastructure. He called for development of a more diversified, deep and digital-native bond market.
The proposed green bond would also extend Hong Kong’s sustainable-finance programme. Proceeds from government green bonds are allocated to eligible projects under its green bond framework, including areas such as green buildings, waste management, resource recovery, energy efficiency and conservation.
By the end of 2025, around US$32 billion equivalent of green bonds had been issued under the government’s sustainable bond programme in institutional, retail and tokenised formats, according to the monetary authority. The proceeds had been allocated to more than 110 green projects.
Hong Kong’s first tokenised government green bond was issued in February 2023. A second transaction in February 2024 became the world’s first multi-currency digital bond offering, raising about HK$6 billion equivalent in Hong Kong dollars, renminbi, US dollars and euros.
The 2024 transaction also broadened access by linking the Central Moneymarkets Unit with international settlement systems Euroclear and Clearstream, allowing investors to participate through familiar market infrastructure while the bonds themselves were digitally native.
For the proposed new offering, final size, tenor, pricing and tranche allocations will depend on investor demand and market conditions. The government has not yet announced final terms, and the people familiar with the discussions said the structure remained subject to change.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 September 2026 – The 11th Belt and Road Summit was successfully held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (September 9–10), attracting over 6,200 political and business elites from more than 70 countries and regions under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and beyond, exploring co-operation opportunities for mutually beneficial development.
During the two-day event, more than 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral co-operation agreements were witnessed. The total value of these MoUs, together with new projects and deals finalised before and during the Summit, is over US$3.1 billion.
Hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government since 2016, the summit remains the premier business and investment platform for Hong Kong’s participation in and contribution to the BRI.
Noting that the BRI is a shared blueprint for the future, rooted in a rich history of cross-cultural collaboration, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said: “Hong Kong, as a place where East meets West, is where capital, talent, businesses and opportunities converge. In addition to strengthening our relations with traditional partners, Hong Kong continues to expand our network of friends along the Belt and Road.”
Under the theme “Advancing High-quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey”, business and government leaders discussed co-operation across trade and commerce, legal services, green technology, logistics, artificial intelligence and new quality productive forces.
The summit explored new co-operation landscapes and emerging opportunities in trade, investment and development across Belt & Road markets and other regions, with a special focus on ASEAN, Central Asia and the Middle East, underscoring Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”.
Mr Lee has led high-level business delegations to explore opportunities in 13 Belt and Road countries across ASEAN, the Middle East and Central Asia, delivering a total of over 250 MoUs and other agreements. These covered policy coordination, trade and investment, expanded connectivity and support for companies, underlining Hong Kong’s focus on opening new markets, forming new partnerships and advancing regional co-operation.
This year’s summit featured three newly-added special chapters – the GoGlobal Chapter, Central Asia Chapter and Middle East Chapter. The GoGlobal Chapter offered a one-stop platform for exchange and matchmaking for Chinese Mainland enterprises looking to tap new markets overseas, while the Central Asia and Middle East chapters invited local officials and business leaders to share investment opportunities.
“In light of the shifting geopolitics, rising trade protectionism and the reshaping of global supply chains, businesses going global is no longer simply an option; it is an increasingly important strategy for Chinese Mainland enterprises to diversify risks, strengthen resilience and pursue new growth opportunities,” said the HKSAR Government’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau.
A freshly integrated University Zone highlighted Hong Kong universities’ R&D strengths and their capabilities in technology commercialisation across the Belt & Road region, consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international education hub. The Summit also introduced a debut Dialogue for Future session, promoting think-tank exchanges on “The Belt and Road Initiative and Asia-Pacific Co-operation in a Changing Global Landscape”.
Through the Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones, this year’s event showcased over 300 investment projects, and arranged more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings, helping enterprises connect with potential partners.
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HAIKOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – Six months have passed since the Hainan Free Trade Port officially launched island-wide special customs operations on December 18, 2025. On June 18, Malaysia’s Nanyang Siang Pau, in collaboration with Hainan Daily Press Group, launched the financial video series Nanyang Interview: Exploring Opportunities in China’s Largest Free Trade Port, examining the development potential of the Hainan Free Trade Port and investment opportunities for ASEAN businesses.
A related report published in the digital edition of Malaysia’s Nanyang Siang Pau on June 18, 2026.
Economists interviewed for the series said that, as a key gateway to the world’s second-largest single market, ASEAN businesses cannot afford to overlook the historic opportunity to enter the Chinese market through Hainan. Chen Bo, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, said that with multiple policy incentives taking effect, the next decade represents a golden opportunity for Hainan. Xiao Saizi, a professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, noted that in the six months since the launch of special customs operations, the number of foreign trade companies registered in Hainan has grown rapidly. High-end manufacturing and processing industries—including chip packaging and testing, premium food processing, aviation maintenance, green energy, medical devices, and biopharmaceuticals—are among the sectors most likely to benefit.
Located at the southernmost tip of China, Hainan is within a four-hour flight of 21 Asia-Pacific countries. This natural geographic advantage makes it an important springboard for ASEAN businesses seeking to enter the Chinese market. Xiao said that Hainan received 106 million domestic and international tourist visits in 2025, making it an ideal testing ground where foreign investors can test the market at relatively low cost.
Previous surveys have shown that foreign exchange settlement is one of the key concerns for foreign investors. By the end of 2025, 11 banks in Hainan had launched EF accounts, enabling cross-border fund flows with 91 countries and regions, with total transaction volume equivalent to CNY 350.9 billion.
Several economists advised ASEAN businesses to conduct thorough internal assessments before making investment decisions. If they determine that the Chinese market will form part of their future growth strategy, they should consider entering Hainan early while the benefits of the Free Trade Port’s policies continue to unfold.
Hashtag: #FreeTradePort
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – Following the International Day of Charity on September 5 and ahead of World Tourism Day on September 27, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) announced a donation of HK$1.8 million to Po Leung Kuk to jointly nurture youth development in dance and performing arts in Hong Kong.
Through the initiative, more young people with a passion for dance will have opportunities to develop their talent and pursue their dreams, while injecting new momentum into Hong Kong’s cultural tourism development.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment of HKDL and Po Leung Kuk to support youth development. The donation will support dance training program and enhance training facilities, creating more opportunities for young people to access professional training, unlock their potential, build confidence, and pursue their dreams through performing arts.
A Stage Where Young Dreams Take Flight
Hong Kong Disneyland’s Dance-Off program has provided young local dancers with a professional platform to perform and inspire one another. Rockz Elements, trained by Po Leung Kuk Fong Shu Fook Tong Children and Youth Development Centre, won the championship at last year’s “Hong Kong Disneyland Dance-Off Party” held on the Tomorrowland stage at Hong Kong Disneyland. The team’s success is a testament to what can happen when dreams meet opportunity.
From a community dance studio to the spotlight of a Hong Kong Disneyland stage, the team showcased its talent and passion before earning an invitation to perform at the Hong Kong Coliseum, bringing its dreams to an even bigger stage.
Member of Rockz Elements, River said, “The ‘Hong Kong Disneyland Dance-Off Party’ is not just a competition, but also a platform where we can be seen, challenge ourselves and pursue our dreams. Having the opportunity to perform on a professional stage reinforced my belief that dreams really can come true with hard work and perseverance. I hope this will inspire more young people with a passion for dance to pursue their dreams.”
Chris, tutor of Rockz Elements and project coordinator of Po Leung Kuk Fong Shu Fook Tong Children and Youth Development Centre, said, “To many young people, the most important thing is not the competition result itself, but having someone who believes in them and gives them an opportunity to shine.
Hong Kong Disneyland has provided young dancers with an encouraging and inspiring platform, helping them build confidence, broaden their horizons, and explore new pathways for their future. These experiences play an important role in their growth and development.”
Cultivating Talent Together, Empowering More Dreams
Anita Lai, vice president of Communications and Public Affairs, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said, “Every young person deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams and shine. As Hong Kong’s leading tourism and entertainment brand, HKDL believes that culture, creativity and talent are powerful drivers of the city’s continuous development.
We are delighted to collaborate with Po Leung Kuk, leveraging HKDL’s unique stage, to support more young people to unleash their potential and pursue their dreams. When their stories are seen and their talents are cultivated, we are not only creating a brighter future for them, but also injecting more energy and possibilities into Hong Kong’s cultural landscape.”
Dr. Jenny Tam, chairman of Po Leung Kuk said: ” Po Leung Kuk and Hong Kong Disneyland share a common vision and a strong belief that every young person has limitless potential, and we are committed to creating more opportunities for youth to grow and thrive. We are sincerely grateful for Hong Kong Disneyland’s support, which not only provides valuable resources, but also leverages its inspiring stage to provide an opportunity for more young people to showcase their talents, build confidence, and pursue their dreams with courage.”
Helping More Dreams Be Seen
The donation will support Po Leung Kuk’s youth dance training program and enhance training facilities, providing an enhanced learning environment for youth to develop their talents.
Looking forward, HKDL will continue to join hands with Po Leung Kuk to foster youth development. HKDL will also continue to host the beloved “Hong Kong Disneyland Dance-Off Program”, providing a professional platform for young dancers to showcase their talents, inspire one another, and thrive through arts and culture.
Details about the next “Hong Kong Disneyland Dance-Off Program” will be announced later. Aspiring dancers can look forward to the future program to further develop their talents.
Hashtag: #HongKongDisneyland
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
WUHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 September 2026 – The Global Mayors Dialogue · Wuhan and the 2026 Wuhan International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference, held from Sept. 18 to 21, brought together 80 international guests from 24 cities across 22 countries, according to organizers.
The Global Mayors Dialogue and the 2026 Wuhan International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference kicked off on September 20.（Photo by Chen liang）
At the event, mayors and city representatives from six international sister cities of Wuhan called for closer cooperation in technology, industry, education and culture.
Representatives from Manchester in Britain, Kemi in Finland, Cape Town in South Africa, Yangon in Myanmar, Rzeszów in Poland and Turkistan in Kazakhstan took part in discussions on urban innovation, industrial cooperation and cultural exchange.
Manchester: a new start after 40 years of friendship
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Wuhan and Manchester.
Shaukat Ali, lord mayor of Manchester, said the city was ready to deepen cooperation with Wuhan in education, culture, youth affairs, innovation and industry.
“Manchester is committed to promoting urban transformation through open cooperation, sharing opportunities, and fostering common development with international sister cities like Wuhan,” he said.
Ali said Manchester had developed from a post-industrial city into an innovation-oriented economy, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life sciences and green technologies.
He said the two cities could share experience in urban transformation, innovation districts, university-industry cooperation and low-carbon development, while encouraging links among universities, businesses and research institutions.
He also highlighted existing educational and cultural links, including cooperation between Hubei University and Manchester Metropolitan University and exchanges between the Royal Northern College of Music and Wuhan Conservatory of Music.
Kemi: balancing growth with environmental protection
Mikko Koivulehto, chairman of the City Council of Kemi, said the Finnish city sought to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
“We believe that protecting nature and building a prosperous city can go hand in hand,” he said.
Kemi, a port city in Finnish Lapland, has developed industries based on renewable raw materials, clean energy and the bioeconomy. The city is also seeking to expand tourism and improve livability.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the friendly exchange relationship between Wuhan and Kemi. The two cities have cooperated in areas including trade, the circular economy, tourism and youth exchanges.
Cape Town: technology and jobs key to urban transformation
Lungelo Mbandazayo, city manager of Cape Town, said technological innovation, talent development, infrastructure and green renewal were key to Wuhan’s transformation.
Cape Town, a UNESCO City of Design, is seeking to expand its technology and digital sectors while promoting green technology and an inclusive economy.
Mbandazayo said youth unemployment remained a major challenge for Cape Town and that technological development needed to create jobs.
After visiting Wuhan companies and technology facilities, he said Cape Town hoped to deepen exchanges with Wuhan in technology and talent.
Yangon: seeking practical cooperation with Wuhan
Yangon Mayor Myo Myint Aung said the city was looking to Wuhan for experience in smart-city development, digital governance, intelligent transport and urban resilience.
Wuhan and Yangon signed a letter of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.
Yangon is developing a long-term plan to accommodate population growth and expand its urban, industrial and transport infrastructure.
During a visit to Wuhan on Sept. 19, Myo toured the Optics Valley “Photon” suspended monorail, HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory.
“We came to Wuhan not just to observe, but to learn and cooperate,” he said, adding that Yangon hoped to develop smart manufacturing and strengthen cooperation in information technology.
Rzeszów: opportunities in aerospace and technology
Rzeszów Mayor Konrad Fijołek said the Polish city hoped to cooperate with Wuhan in aerospace, sensor technology, biodiversity and climate action.
Rzeszów is home to the “Aviation Valley,” a major aerospace cluster in Central Europe.
“Exploring cooperation with Wuhan is the reason I came here,” Fijołek said.
After visiting HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory, he said Wuhan’s automated manufacturing and technologies in sensors and satellite systems had impressed him.
He said cities could help connect universities, businesses and research institutions and promote international cooperation.
Turkistan: five areas for cooperation
Turkestan Mayor Azimbek Pazylbekuly said his city hoped to expand cooperation with Wuhan in tourism and culture, education and science, investment and entrepreneurship, digitalization and innovation, and transport and logistics.
Wuhan and Turkistan signed a memorandum of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.
Turkistan, an ancient Silk Road city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been developing industries including food processing, textiles, furniture and construction materials.
Pazylbekuly said cooperation between governments, businesses, universities and research institutions could help turn the two cities’ exchanges into concrete projects.
The conference also included friendship-city anniversary celebrations and a signing ceremony for 10 cooperation projects. A digital list of cooperation opportunities and an initiative on international friendship-city cooperation were released.
During their stay, the visiting mayors toured Wuhan’s technology, manufacturing and ecological facilities, including the Optics Valley suspended monorail, a Yangtze finless porpoise conservation center, Xiaomi, HGTECH and Dongfeng Motor facilities.
Hashtag: #wuhan
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Huspy has acquired Italian credit intermediary Integra Finance and committed $86 million to Italy, marking the UAE-founded property technology company’s entry into its fourth market and a stage in its European expansion. The Dubai-based company said the investment, equivalent to about AED315 million, will support plans to build a mortgage finance and real estate business in Italy by combining Integra’s distribution network with […]
VIENNA, AUSTRIA – EQS Newswire – 23 September 2026 – AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS has produced and delivered the first Jaywan payment cards for Wio Bank PJSC, supporting the continued expansion of the UAE’s domestic card scheme and strengthening the country’s payments infrastructure.
Launched by Al Etihad Payments under the Central Bank of the UAE’s National Payment Systems Strategy, Jaywan is the UAE’s domestic card scheme, built to enhance the resilience, efficiency and sovereignty of the country’s payments infrastructure — part of the UAE’s broader vision to advance digital payments and strengthen its national financial ecosystem.
The cards were manufactured at AUSTRIACARD’s Bucharest production facility and combine the company’s secure payment card manufacturing expertise with Wio Bank’s digital-first banking platform, giving Wio customers access to payment products issued under the Jaywan scheme.
The milestone extends AUSTRIACARD’s support for financial institutions participating in the UAE’s national payments ecosystem, reflecting the company’s commitment to secure, high-quality payment solutions and marking a further step in its growth across the Gulf region — and in the shared ambition of AUSTRIACARD and Wio Bank to build a resilient, efficient, locally anchored payments landscape in the UAE.
Burak Bilge, EVP Türkiye, Middle East and Africa, AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS, said:
“National card schemes are becoming a defining feature of payments across the Middle East and Africa and supporting them is a strategic priority for AUSTRIACARD. Adding Jaywan to the portfolio that already spans international and domestic schemes strengthens what we can offer every issuer we serve. We are pleased to take this step with Wio Bank, the UAE’s first platform bank and one of the region’s fastest-growing digital banks, and we look forward to contributing to the growth of Jaywan and the wider UAE card market.”
Prateek Vahie, Chief Commercial Officer at Wio Bank said:
“At Wio Bank, our focus is on giving customers seamless access to the payment infrastructure that matters most to them. Partnering with AUSTRIACARD to bring Jaywan-issued cards to our customers reflects our commitment to the UAE’s national payments strategy, and it’s another step in building the kind of digital-first banking experience our customers expect.”
About Wio Bank PJSC:
Wio Bank PJSC is the UAE’s leading financial platform, reimagining banking for individuals and businesses. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi and fully regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE, Wio is backed by ADQ, Alpha Dhabi Holding, e& and First Abu Dhabi Bank. By combining advanced technology with a human-centric approach, Wio delivers seamless, personalised financial solutions.
For personal banking, Wio offers smart tools and insights to help individuals and families take control of their finances, enabling them to save, spend and grow with ease. For businesses, Wio provides entrepreneurs and SMEs with a comprehensive digital platform designed to streamline operations, unlock growth opportunities and simplify financial management.
Wio is redefining the banking landscape as a market leader in Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and embedded finance, delivering innovative solutions that empower people, businesses, and communities with the infrastructure they need to access long-term wealth creation.
Wio Bank has been widely recognised through regional and international industry awards and rankings, including Forbes Middle East, Fast Company Middle East and Finance Middle East.
AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG leverages over 130 years of experience in information management, printing, and communications to deliver secure and transparent experiences for its customers. They offer a comprehensive suite of products and services, including payment solutions, identification solutions, smart cards, card personalization, digitization solutions, and secure data management. ACAG employs a global workforce of 2,360 people and is publicly traded on both the Euronext Athens and Vienna Stock Exchanges under the symbol ACAG.
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