China’s First Laozi Digital Human Unveiled in Sanmenxia, Henan

SANMENXIA, China, May 22, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/– On May 20th, the ceremony of Laozi Digital Human Launch and Online Promotion, named “Dialogue Across Time and Space”, took place at the Hangu Pass Historical and Cultural Tourism Zone, renowned as the “Millennia-Old Strategic Pass and Birthplace of Taoism”. This marks China’s first digital human of Laozi, integrating cutting-edge technologies such as AI, 3D modeling and natural semantic interaction. Relying on the study of over 100,000 philosophical annotations, the project has constructed a ” Tao Te Ching  Semantic Knowledge Graph”, enabling real-time human-machine interaction and dialogue centered on philosophical works such as the ” Tao Te Ching .

Within the same day, the “Hangu Pass Base of the Global Laozi Thought Dissemination Research Center of East China Normal University” was simultaneously inaugurated, according to the Organizing Committee of Sanmenxia Yellow River Cultural Tourism Festival.

Historical records note that over 2,500 years ago, Laozi — an 80-year-old archivist of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty — journeyed westward from Luoyang, the ancient capital, riding a dark ox, and arrived at Hangu Pass. He stayed there for over seven months, composing the well-known philosophical masterpiece ” Tao Te Ching ” of more than five thousand characters. This book not only holds a pivotal position in traditional Chinese culture but has also been globally disseminated and studied, becoming the most translated and widely distributed Chinese classic. It has so far been translated into nearly 100 languages with over 2,000 editions.

This event is one of the components of the 30th Sanmenxia Yellow River Cultural Tourism Festival. With the theme of “Pillar of Stability — A Thriving Yellow River”, this festival will last from May 17th to 25th, featuring a total of 9 main activities.

Located in western Henan along the middle reaches of the Yellow River, Sanmenxia is regarded as one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. The Yangshao Culture and Laozi’s philosophical legacy, which originated here, have profoundly shaped the development of Chinese heritage.

Source: The Organizing Committee of Sanmenxia Yellow River Cultural Tourism Festival

iHerb Introduces California Gold Nutrition® BEAUTY

New Products Expand iHerb’s Leading House Brand to Offer a Holistic Approach to Beauty and Self-Care

California Gold Nutrition Beauty Hair Care Collection

California Gold Nutrition Beauty, a new holistic self-care line made with premium ingredients that promote wellness from the inside out is making its debut with a targeted collection of hair multivitamins and clean, performance-driven hair care essentials designed to support strong, healthy hair.

IRVINE, Calif., May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iHerb, a leading global destination for health and wellness, proudly announces the launch of California Gold Nutrition® BEAUTY, a new holistic self-care line made with premium ingredients that promote wellness from the inside out. The brand makes its debut with a targeted collection of hair multivitamins and clean, performance-driven hair care essentials designed to support strong, healthy hair.

As iHerb’s largest and most trusted house brand, California Gold Nutrition now extends its legacy into beauty, bath and personal care at a time when the beauty industry is experiencing significant growth and is projected to reach $1 trillion globally in 2025.* This new line reflects a 360-degree “beauty from within” philosophy, combining internal support through expertly formulated supplements with topical care powered by high-quality, clean ingredients.

California Gold Nutrition Men’s Hair Multivitamin

The launch of California Gold Nutrition Beauty includes specialized Hair Multivitamins for women and men. Each comprehensive formula features vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients including high-potency biotin, plus a Hair Dermal Complex with mixed tocotrienols, phytosterols, ceramides, and botanical extracts—carefully selected to nourish hair follicles.

“The launch of California Gold Nutrition BEAUTY represents a major step in advancing one of iHerb’s strategic priorities to continually enhance our product selection,” said Lindsey Wiefels, SVP of Merchandising at iHerb. “This line offers a luxurious yet affordable way for consumers worldwide to embrace a personal care routine rooted in health—starting with strong, vibrant hair supported from the inside out.”

Over the coming months, the California Gold Nutrition BEAUTY line will expand to include Skin and Body collections—featuring collagen-rich serums, moisturizers, soothing balms, energizing drink powders, and more—further empowering customers to build holistic self-care routines.

Premium Multivitamins to Support Hair Health

The launch includes specialized Hair Multivitamins for Women and Men, developed in collaboration with Dr. Michael T. Murray, iHerb’s Chief Scientific Advisor. Launching at a suggested retail price of approximately $34 for 120 veggie capsules, each comprehensive formula features vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients including high-potency biotin, plus a Hair Dermal Complex with mixed tocotrienols, phytosterols, ceramides, and botanical extracts—carefully selected to nourish hair follicles.**

  • Women’s Hair Multivitamin – Tailored for comprehensive support, this specially-formulated multivitamin empowers women to embrace fuller, longer and healthier hair.
  • Men’s Hair Multivitamin – Offers men a plant-powered alternative made with essential vitamins and minerals to support hair vitality and growth.

“At iHerb, we understand that true beauty begins at the cellular level. With the California Gold Nutrition BEAUTY line, we’ve combined high-potency biotin with nature’s most effective botanicals to support hair health,” said Dr. Murray. “These formulas are designed to deliver positive results without compromising on safety or purity. Our goal is to empower individuals to feel confident in their natural beauty—nourished, resilient, and radiant.”

Dr. Michael Murray, a globally recognized authority on natural medicine, recently contributed an in-depth, evidence-based article to the iHerb Wellness Hub, exploring the science behind essential vitamins and supplements that support natural hair growth solutions.

Botanically-Infused Hair Care Collection

Complementing the Hair Multivitamins is a signature topical hair care collection, infused with an invigorating rosemary and mint scent for a refreshing daily ritual. Each formula is cruelty-free and made without parabens, sulfates, paraffins, mineral oils, or DEA compounds. With each item accessibly priced at $10 suggested retail price, the collection includes:

  • Strengthening Shampoo – Cleanses and revitalizes with biotin and nourishing coconut and babassu oils, offering a rich lather and enhanced shine.
  • Strengthening Conditioner – Deeply hydrates and smooths, leaving hair softer, stronger, and easier to manage.
  • Strengthening Hair Masque – A weekly intensive treatment enriched with rosemary, sesame oil, biotin, honey, and coconut oil for deep nourishment and renewal.
  • Strengthening Hair & Scalp Oil – A silky, fast-absorbing formula that soothes the scalp and boosts hair radiance, with refreshing notes of tea tree and mint.

For downloadable product images for use in media stories and articles, please visit https://brandfolder.com/iherb/pressassets

* According to Nielsen IQ data – https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/commentary/2025/the-global-beauty-edit-seeking-balance-for-growth-in-2025/

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About iHerb:

iHerb is one of the world’s leading online retailers dedicated to offering an unbeatable selection of vitamins, minerals, supplements and other health and wellness products, including sports nutrition, beauty, bath and personal care, grocery, baby and pet care from over 1,800 reputable brands. Supported by a global workforce of 3,000 team members, iHerb serves nearly 13 million global customers across 180 countries and 22 languages. iHerb’s sophisticated global logistics network is anchored by seven climate-controlled fulfillment centers located in the U.S. and Asia, providing customers a seamless and reliable shopping experience. Founded in 1996 in beautiful Southern California, iHerb is on a mission to make health and wellness accessible to all. For more information, please visit corporate.iherb.com and follow iHerb on FacebookInstagram and TikTok.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/05ad7000-78ce-4a48-b68d-e7c7ca04e228

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8e90b90-4eb0-4c9a-8cca-2e90c639b573

Contact: [email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9456236

Energizing a Sustainable Future: The 29th World Gas Conference Opens in Beijing

BEIJING, May 21, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/– On the morning of May 20, the 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025) opened at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. This marks the first time in the nearly 100-year history of the World Gas Conference that the event is being held in China. As one of the three flagship events of the International Gas Union (IGU), this year’s conference is themed “Energizing a Sustainable Future.” It has brought together more than 3,000 delegates from 70 countries and regions around the world to engage in in-depth discussions and consensus-building on global energy transition, the development of the natural gas industry, and pathways to a sustainable future.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Cao Yujun, Chair of the WGC2025 National Organizing Committee (NOC). Speeches were delivered by Li Yalan, President of the International Gas Union; Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing; Wan Jinsong, Deputy Director of the National Energy Administration; Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies; and Dai Houliang, Chairman of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).

Li Yalan, emphasized that amid multiple global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and geopolitical tensions, natural gas — with its advantages of abundant reserves, cleanliness, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness — is becoming an indispensable pillar of the global energy mix. She noted that China, as the world’s largest importer of natural gas and LNG, is drawing growing international attention for its development model. In particular, she highlighted how Beijing has leveraged natural gas to significantly improve air quality, offering a replicable model for other developing countries.

Yin Yong stated that Beijing firmly implements the country’s new energy security strategy and continues to promote the green and low-carbon transformation of the energy structure. Currently, natural gas accounts for more than 35% of Beijing’s energy consumption. Through initiatives such as coal-to-gas conversion, the city has achieved a more than 60% reduction in average annual PM2.5 concentrations and nearly a 50% decrease in carbon intensity over the past decade. He reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to opening up and deepening international energy cooperation while promoting sustainable urban development.

Wan Jinsong noted that China’s energy production and consumption continue to grow, with increasingly robust infrastructure and a nationwide unified gas network essentially completed. He emphasized significant improvements in natural gas dispatching and emergency response capacity. He said breakthroughs were seen in deep-earth, deep-sea, and unconventional resource development, helping boost output of natural gas. Wan proposed four key initiatives: enhancing supply capabilities to serve global public welfare, prioritizing ecology in green development, empowering the energy system through digital transformation, and improving governance via multilateral cooperation. He called for continued openness and win-win collaboration to jointly build a secure, efficient, clean, and low-carbon global energy system.

Patrick Pouyanné highlighted TotalEnergies’ efforts to maintain its leadership in the conventional oil and gas market while actively participating in the global energy transition. He reiterated TotalEnergies’ commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and to furthering international cooperation to build a diversified, clean, secure, and sustainable energy future.

Dai Houliang introduced CNPC’s recent breakthroughs in deep oil and gas exploration, including the successful completion of a 10,000-meter ultra-deep drilling mission and continuous progress in unconventional resource development. As Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest energy company, CNPC plays a key role in safeguarding national energy security and consistently undertakes critical supply missions during peak winter and summer periods. He stressed CNPC’s unwavering commitment to green transition, accelerating the integration of oil, gas, and new energy, and building a synergistic, multi-energy system. As the only Chinese member of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), CNPC will continue to actively participate in global climate governance, contribute to China’s carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, and help extend the benefits of green development to more countries, clients, and communities, he said.

Following the speeches, Mr. Cao Yujun, Chair of the NOC, invited Yin Li, Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing, Li Yalan, President of the IGU, Wan Jinsong, Deputy Director of the National Energy Administration, Li Xiaolong, Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Dai Houliang, Chairman of CNPC, and Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, to jointly inaugurate the opening ceremony. As the countdown reached zero, the main screen lit up with the words “WGC2025 Officially Opens,” and the venue erupted in enthusiastic applause — marking the official launch of the 29th World Gas Conference.

According to schedule, WGC2025 will feature more than 80 high-level forums covering topics such as LNG development, natural gas and renewable energy integration, energy security, and digital transformation. More than 400 distinguished guests will engage in deep dialogue on industry trends and technological innovation. The concurrent exhibition spans 50,000 square meters — the largest in the event’s history — and is expected to attract more than 30,000 professional visitors from China and abroad.

The 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025) is presented by the International Gas Union, hosted by Beijing Gas Group, and exclusively organized by Beijing Capital Group Exhibitions and Events.

Source: The WGC2025 National Organizing Committee

Energizing a Sustainable Future: The 29th World Gas Conference Opens in Beijing

BEIJING, May 21, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/– On the morning of May 20, the 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025) opened at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. This marks the first time in the nearly 100-year history of the World Gas Conference that the event is being held in China. As one of the three flagship events of the International Gas Union (IGU), this year’s conference is themed “Energizing a Sustainable Future.” It has brought together more than 3,000 delegates from 70 countries and regions around the world to engage in in-depth discussions and consensus-building on global energy transition, the development of the natural gas industry, and pathways to a sustainable future.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Cao Yujun, Chair of the WGC2025 National Organizing Committee (NOC). Speeches were delivered by Li Yalan, President of the International Gas Union; Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing; Wan Jinsong, Deputy Director of the National Energy Administration; Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies; and Dai Houliang, Chairman of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).

Li Yalan, emphasized that amid multiple global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and geopolitical tensions, natural gas — with its advantages of abundant reserves, cleanliness, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness — is becoming an indispensable pillar of the global energy mix. She noted that China, as the world’s largest importer of natural gas and LNG, is drawing growing international attention for its development model. In particular, she highlighted how Beijing has leveraged natural gas to significantly improve air quality, offering a replicable model for other developing countries.

Yin Yong stated that Beijing firmly implements the country’s new energy security strategy and continues to promote the green and low-carbon transformation of the energy structure. Currently, natural gas accounts for more than 35% of Beijing’s energy consumption. Through initiatives such as coal-to-gas conversion, the city has achieved a more than 60% reduction in average annual PM2.5 concentrations and nearly a 50% decrease in carbon intensity over the past decade. He reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to opening up and deepening international energy cooperation while promoting sustainable urban development.

Wan Jinsong noted that China’s energy production and consumption continue to grow, with increasingly robust infrastructure and a nationwide unified gas network essentially completed. He emphasized significant improvements in natural gas dispatching and emergency response capacity. He said breakthroughs were seen in deep-earth, deep-sea, and unconventional resource development, helping boost output of natural gas. Wan proposed four key initiatives: enhancing supply capabilities to serve global public welfare, prioritizing ecology in green development, empowering the energy system through digital transformation, and improving governance via multilateral cooperation. He called for continued openness and win-win collaboration to jointly build a secure, efficient, clean, and low-carbon global energy system.

Patrick Pouyanné highlighted TotalEnergies’ efforts to maintain its leadership in the conventional oil and gas market while actively participating in the global energy transition. He reiterated TotalEnergies’ commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and to furthering international cooperation to build a diversified, clean, secure, and sustainable energy future.

Dai Houliang introduced CNPC’s recent breakthroughs in deep oil and gas exploration, including the successful completion of a 10,000-meter ultra-deep drilling mission and continuous progress in unconventional resource development. As Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest energy company, CNPC plays a key role in safeguarding national energy security and consistently undertakes critical supply missions during peak winter and summer periods. He stressed CNPC’s unwavering commitment to green transition, accelerating the integration of oil, gas, and new energy, and building a synergistic, multi-energy system. As the only Chinese member of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), CNPC will continue to actively participate in global climate governance, contribute to China’s carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, and help extend the benefits of green development to more countries, clients, and communities, he said.

Following the speeches, Mr. Cao Yujun, Chair of the NOC, invited Yin Li, Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing, Li Yalan, President of the IGU, Wan Jinsong, Deputy Director of the National Energy Administration, Li Xiaolong, Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Dai Houliang, Chairman of CNPC, and Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, to jointly inaugurate the opening ceremony. As the countdown reached zero, the main screen lit up with the words “WGC2025 Officially Opens,” and the venue erupted in enthusiastic applause — marking the official launch of the 29th World Gas Conference.

According to schedule, WGC2025 will feature more than 80 high-level forums covering topics such as LNG development, natural gas and renewable energy integration, energy security, and digital transformation. More than 400 distinguished guests will engage in deep dialogue on industry trends and technological innovation. The concurrent exhibition spans 50,000 square meters — the largest in the event’s history — and is expected to attract more than 30,000 professional visitors from China and abroad.

The 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025) is presented by the International Gas Union, hosted by Beijing Gas Group, and exclusively organized by Beijing Capital Group Exhibitions and Events.

Source: The WGC2025 National Organizing Committee

FCCI Insurance Group Honored with Duck Creek Standard of Excellence Customer Award at Formation ’25

FCCI received the award for delivering E&S offerings to market with Duck Creek Policy, OnDemand and Digital Engagement Producer

BOSTON, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, has named FCCI Insurance Group (FCCI) a recipient of its 2025 Standard of Excellence Customer Award winner at Formation ’25, its flagship customer conference held this week in Orlando, Florida.

The Duck Creek Standard of Excellence Customer Award recognizes customers who have achieved the highest level of excellence through their implementation of Duck Creek solutions to transform their business and shape the future of insurance.

FCCI was recognized for its successful launch of Excess & Surplus (E&S) offerings using a suite of Duck Creek’s solutions, including Policy, OnDemand, Data Insights/Clarity, Distribution Management, and Digital Engagement Producer.

FCCI is a commercial property and casualty insurance company that serves mid-sized businesses across various industries, including agribusiness, construction, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and manufacturing. Their product offerings include workers’ compensation, property, and general liability insurance.

Originally founded in 1959 in Sarasota, Florida, FCCI has grown into a super-regional provider, delivering standard lines commercial insurance services in 19 states, with Surety and Specialty operating in an expanded state footprint. The company emphasizes its network of more than 550 contracted agencies and more than 3,800 independent agents.

FCCI’s recent expansion into E&S lines focused on enhancing digital capabilities, streamlining operations, and speed to market for new offerings.

By implementing Duck Creek’s Policy Administration System and Active Delivery model, FCCI achieved straight-through processing, automated intake, and seamless integration. Regulatory compliance was strengthened while a modern self-service portal provided agents with real-time capabilities.

“Our goal was to reimagine how we serve the commercial insurance market, particularly within E&S lines, and Duck Creek helped us do just that,” said Dave Patel, EVP & Chief Information Officer at FCCI Insurance Group. “This award is a testament to the innovation, collaboration, and determination of everyone involved in bringing this vision to life.”

Despite the complexities of E&S markets and a tight implementation timeline, FCCI collaborated closely with Duck Creek, Cognizant, and other partners to design, test, and deploy a future-ready solution and ensure quality delivery of production environments.

Following a successful implementation, the launch of FCCI Specialty exceeded initial projections for both premium and policy count, resulting in excitement and positive feedback from FCCI’s trusted agency partners.

“From enhanced agent experiences to agile regulatory adaptation, FCCI’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible through technology, teamwork, and forward-thinking leadership,” said Chris McCloskey, Chief Operating Officer of Duck Creek Technologies. “Their success reflects not only the power of our platform, but also the dedication of their team and partners in transforming complex business requirements into real, measurable outcomes.”

About Duck Creek Technologies 
Duck Creek Technologies is the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and X.

Media Contacts:
Marianne Dempsey/Tara Stred
[email protected]

About FCCI Insurance Group – Founded in 1959 in Sarasota, Florida, FCCI Insurance Group provides commercial property and casualty insurance, risk control services, and surety bonds. FCCI writes business exclusively through more than 3,800 independent agents in 20 states, plus Washington, D.C. Coverages include auto, crime, cyber liability, equipment, excess & surplus, property, general liability, inland marine, umbrella, and workers’ compensation. Contract and commercial surety bonds are written in 45 states.

FCCI insures over 12,000 policyholders across various industries, including agribusiness, construction, manufacturing, medical and professional, restaurants and hospitality, retail, service and repair, and wholesale and distribution. FCCI has $3.3 billion in assets, $1.2 billion in direct written premium, and is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. FCCI has regional and branch offices in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9455272

Invest Hong Kong Global Outreach Campaign Connects Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East to Engage with Emerging Markets

 

 

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 May 2025 – Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the Hong Kong government’s investment promotion arm, announced today (20 May 2025) that its Director-General and leadership team has completed duty visits to emerging markets in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East this month, actively promoting Hong Kong’s business advantages and opportunities in overseas markets, fostering mutual engagement and deepening economic and trade exchanges between Hong Kong and these markets. The team participated in various local events, meeting with chambers of commerce, business leaders, and company representatives.

Director-General of the Investment Promotion Ms Alpha Lau, Assistant Director-General Mr Charles Ng, Acting Assistant Director Loretta Lee, and other senior leaders visited Türkiye, Hungary, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Qatar, Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Romania, actively promoting Hong Kong’s business advantages and opportunities. They emphasised Hong Kong’s unique position under “One Country, Two Systems,” actively expanding into emerging markets, deepening international exchanges and cooperation, and showcasing the complementary strengths between the city and the mainland.

From 11 May to 14 May 2025, Chief Executive Mr John Lee, joined with Acting Assistant Director Loretta Lee, led a trade delegation to Qatar and Kuwait. During the visit, Mr Lee witnessed the signing of three MoU, two of which were signed in Qatar with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and the Qatar Businessmen Association, and one was signed in Kuwait with the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, aimed at strengthening economic ties and fostering greater cooperation between the two regions.

Ms Alpha Lau visited emerging markets along the Belt and Road including Istanbul, Budapest, and Cairo from 10 to 20 May, meeting with local chambers of commerce, investment promotion agencies, foreign economic relations committees, export promotion agencies, and company representatives to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and opportunities. She attended multiple business seminars co-organised by chambers of commerce, business associations, and foreign economic relations committees, seeking new business opportunities for Hong Kong and hosted two media roundtable discussions to share Hong Kong’s story with local media.

The Investment Promotion Agency established new advisory offices in Cairo, Egypt last year and Izmir, Türkiye this year to facilitate local investment attraction efforts.

Simultaneously, Mr Charles Ng visited Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Casablanca, Morocco, from 11 May to 16 May 2025. In Côte d’Ivoire, Mr Ng spoke at a CEO Forum and engaged with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to highlight Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector in the Belt and Road Initiative. In Morocco, he met with various financial institutions and professional associations to emphasize Hong Kong’s robust financial markets and innovation ecosystem. Mr Ng also met with local media to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages.

Mr King Leung, Global Head of Financial Services, FinTech & Sustainability, and Ms Angelica Leung, Head of Consumer Products, also visited emerging markets in the Middle East and Europe. Mr Leung met with representatives from local financial institutions in Oman, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi to discuss opportunities for digital and technological collaboration between the two regions. They also connected with retail and luxury brand leaders in Bucharest, tapping into emerging markets like Romania and demonstrating why Hong Kong is the ideal location to set up a regional headquarters to grow and thrive across the region’s fast-growing retail and luxury sectors.

Ms Lau said, “In addition to reaching out to traditional markets, Invest Hong Kong is also enhancing its efforts in attracting investment from emerging markets, creating more collaboration opportunities. Overseas companies are looking to seize opportunities to expand their business in Asia, especially now as the global economy faces unprecedented challenges and the global supply chain hub is undergoing change. Invest Hong Kong will closely align with the One Belt One Road initiative and the trend of cooperation among the Global South Markets, deepening international exchanges and cooperation, actively promoting cross-border investment, capital market collaboration, and technological innovation exchanges while providing tailored one-stop support services for enterprises in establishing and expanding their businesses in Hong Kong and the broader region.”