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10th Belt & Road Summit celebrates business, investment and co-operation

The 10th edition of the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong (September 10-11) gathered about 6 200 high-profile participants from governments, international organisations, companies and the global media to celebrate a decade of achievements in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI). Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this year’s flagship Summit adopted “Collaborate for Change – Shape a Shared Future” as its theme. In his welcoming speech, HKSAR’s Chief Executive John Lee said, “Over the past 10 years, more than 45 000 people from over 120 countries and regions have participated in the Summit.” HKSAR’s Chief Executive John Lee says that Hong Kong is the ideal Belt and Road hub. “Together, they have presented over 2 800 projects along the Belt and Road, shaping a shared vision through collaboration and connectivity, which are the fundamental values of the Belt and Road Initiative.” This year’s Summit yielded a record high of 45 government and enterprise memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and commercial agreements, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as the functional platform for the B&RI. The total value of these MOUs and agreements, together with new projects and deals finalised before the Summit, is close to US$1 billion. Hong Kong is also a leading fund-raising hub for Belt and Road economies. In fact, more than 100 Belt and Road companies are listed on the HKEX, with more to come. “Hong Kong is the ideal Belt and Road hub,” said Mr Lee. “As the only world city that converges both the China advantage and the global advantage, Hong Kong stands as the premier gateway for co-operation, bridging people, trade, business, education, culture and values across the region, connecting Asia and the world.” Mr Lee also introduced Hong Kong’s powerful […]

Preview of the 2025 CIFTIS: Key Highlights Revealed in Advance

BEIJING – The Shougang Park, a former industrial site transformed into an “urban showcase,” will welcome the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (2025 CIFTIS) this September. The annual theme of this year’s event is “Embrace Intelligent Technologies, Empower Trade in Services,” with over 800 companies already expressing interest in participating offline. The Shougang Park, photographed on August 11 by Zhang Chenlin, Xinhua News Agency. With less than a month remaining before the opening of CIFTIS, how are preparations progressing, and what new highlights can be expected from the exhibitions? Reporters conducted on-site visits for a closer look. More Open: New Entry Policies to Facilitate International Engagement It was learned that exhibitor recruitment for both the thematic and specialised exhibitions has been largely completed. Nearly 70 countries and international organisations have indicated their intention to participate by setting up booths or hosting events. The nine major specialised exhibitions have attracted interest from more than 800 companies to exhibit offline, including over 330 Fortune Global 500 companies and leading industry enterprises. The overall internationalisation rate of the exhibition exceeds 20%, covering 24 of the top 30 countries and regions in global service trade. Yang Huasen, Spokesperson of Beichen Group, stated that over 170 forums, conferences, and promotional events have already been scheduled. More than 70 companies, including Schneider Electric, have applied to release over 130 new products and achievements during the event. To further facilitate international engagement, this year’s CIFTIS continues to expand on entry facilitation measures initiated last year, such as setting up immigration service counters at the venue. This year, seven new convenience measures will be implemented, including: allowing foreign participants with official invitations to apply for port visas at Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport; offering online accommodation registration services for foreign visitors; […]

Global-local alliance powers a new era in Japan’s geothermal energy

Swedish company Baseload Capital has announced a strategic investment in Japanese geothermal energy developer Furusato Netsuden. The partnership aims to unlock Japan’s untapped geothermal potential and build a replicable model for sustainable energy development worldwide. Combining a global investment portfolio with a community-rooted business model, this strategic partnership aims to scale clean, renewable energy respectfully, revitalizing local economies while honoring cultural heritage. Furusato Netsuden brings deep local roots, trust, and operational expertise to the partnership, while Baseload Capital contributes international investment, global reach and the power of committed owners such as Google and Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Japan’s untapped geothermal power Japan has the third largest geothermal potential globally, with an estimated 23 GW, yet its current installed capacity is only 576 MW. This represents a major untapped opportunity for a country whose Green Transformation (GX) Strategy aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. Geothermal energy is clean, always-on, and space-efficient. That makes it an ideal solution for a mountainous, densely populated nation with high reliance on energy imports and growing clean-energy demand from AI and data centers. Japan’s geothermal development has been slow, in part, because there’s no common business model that enables communities to share in the benefits. However, Furusato Netsuden and its local partners have developed a system to ensure communities benefit directly from geothermal energy. The Waita model – a ground-breaking approach In 2011, residents of the Waita area in Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, formed the limited liability company Waita-kai, which is owned by the community. In partnership with Furusato Netsuden, they set out to develop geothermal power together in a way that would revitalize the community. The name Furusato Netsuden combines the words for “hometown”, “heat” and “electricity”. A respectful and collaborative business model This model protects local land rights, ensures development is carried out on […]

Alpha Group partners with Flight Digital and Impact PR to strengthen global presence

Major Investment in Biotech Manufacturing New Zealand biotech exporter Alpha Group has confirmed new strategic partnerships with digital specialists Flight Digital and public relations consultancy Impact PR, to accelerate its international expansion. The announcement comes on the back of Alpha’s NZ$115 million investment into a new 60,000m² biotech manufacturing facility in China. This advanced site will significantly increase production of Alpha’s patented plant and fungal fermentation compounds, with projected revenues expected to exceed NZ$225 million annually. Elevating Digital Infrastructure Flight Digital has been engaged to lead the redevelopment of Alpha’s international website. Built on the flexible Sanity CMS platform, the site will deliver faster publishing, multilingual regional content, and customised experiences for diverse markets. Managing director Victor Green said Alpha’s reputation deserved a digital presence equal to its global ambitions. “Alpha is one of those companies that has achieved world-class innovation quietly. This project will create the digital foundation needed to showcase that success globally and give international audiences the confidence to engage with them,” he said. Auckland PR Agency Impact PR to Drive International Storytelling Alongside its digital upgrade, Alpha has also appointed Impact PR (the PR agency New Zealand businesses trust) to manage its international communications programme. The Cannes Award-winning consultancy will highlight Alpha’s scientific breakthroughs, export growth, and leadership within New Zealand’s nutraceutical sector. Impact PR director Mark Devlin said Alpha Group exemplifies how Kiwi science can scale commercially. “Alpha represents a shift in how research and manufacturing in New Zealand can generate real commercial outcomes abroad. We are excited to help tell that story and support a company that continues to reinvest in local innovation,” he said. From Garage Startup to Global Player Founded in a West Auckland garage in 1998 by Professor Yihuai Gao, Alpha Group has evolved into a vertically integrated biotech manufacturer with a global […]

$2.3b AI-Focused data center for Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia, 17 June 2025 – EDGNEX Data Centers by DAMAC, a global digital infrastructure company backed by the DAMAC Group, a global conglomerate headquartered in Dubai, today announced the development of a next-generation AI-powered data center in Jakarta, Indonesia, its second in the market. This milestone project marks one of Southeast Asia’s largest AI-dedicated developments, with a future projected capacity of 144 MW and a total investment of $2.3 billion. Following the land acquisition completed in March 2025 by DAMAC, the site has entered early construction phases, with the facility’s phase one expected to be ready for service by December 2026. The Jakarta facility will deploy high-density AI racks, setting new benchmarks for next-generation infrastructure in the region. As a foundational asset in Indonesia’s digital journey, it will be pivotal in accelerating the country’s transition from an analogue base to a robust, AI-powered digital economy. Indonesia remains a high-potential Southeast Asian market yet faces digital infrastructure gaps, limited hyperscale readiness, and rising latency challenges. With AI adoption accelerating across sectors, this project responds to the nation’s growing demand for scalable, energy-efficient infrastructure. “This is our second project in Indonesia, and this development reinforces our commitment to bridging the digital divide in fast-growing markets across Southeast Asia (SEA), such as Indonesia,” said Hussain Sajwani, Founder of DAMAC Group. “We are proud to build what will become one of Southeast Asia’s most advanced, sustainable data centers to power the next wave of innovation and digital growth. The scale of AI workloads demands a new class of infrastructure. This project is part of our broader push across SEA, where we have committed over USD 3 billion in digital infrastructure investments to date.” The facility will target a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.32, significantly enhancing energy efficiencies and aligning with EDGNEX’s global […]

Time for ASEAN to rethink a single currency amid global trade tensions

Dr Uma Murthy Dr Paul Anthony Maria Das As global economic uncertainties continue to mount, Southeast Asia stands at a strategic crossroads. The recent surge in trade tensions, particularly those stemming from the United States’ (U.S.) tariff policies and restrictive trade measures, has reignited discussions across Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) about the need for greater financial and monetary integration. One idea, long debated but never realised, has resurfaced with renewed urgency – the adoption of a single ASEAN currency. The U.S. has increasingly adopted protectionist trade practices, disrupted global supply chains and raised the cost of doing business. The ongoing U.S.–China tariff war, for example, continues to unsettle ASEAN exporters, particularly in electronics, palm oil, and rubber. According to the World Bank, the Southeast Asian region could lose an estimated US$13 billion annually due to ripple effects from trade fragmentation and tariff hikes.[1] Currency volatility adds another layer of unpredictability. The Thai baht, Malaysian ringgit, and Indonesian rupiah have all experienced significant depreciation against the U.S. dollar over the past year, making imports more expensive and external debt burdens heavier. A single regional currency could act as a buffer, shielding ASEAN economies from external shocks and speculative currency attacks. The European Union’s adoption of the euro has created one of the largest and most stable currency unions in the world, bringing 19 countries under a unified monetary policy. While challenges remain — as seen during the Greek debt crisis — the benefits of the euro in promoting price stability, enhancing trade, and reducing transaction costs are undeniable. Eurozone trade within member states rose by over 50% in the first decade of the euro’s introduction, according to data from the European Central Bank.[2] ASEAN already has some groundwork laid. The Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM), […]

Asia Industrial Online Exhibition 2025

The Asian Industrial Online Exhibition 2025 (AIOE 2025) is from March 31 to July 31, 2025, offering international buyers an exclusive opportunity to explore Asia’s top industrial manufacturers—all in one place, without the constraints of geography or time. This four-month hybrid exhibition, co-organised by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), is designed specifically to meet the growing needs of global buyers seeking reliable suppliers, advanced technologies, and efficient sourcing solutions from across Asia. Since its successful debut in 2022, AIOE has continued to deliver outstanding results for both buyers and exhibitors. For 2025, the exhibition will expand its reach with a four-month duration, strategically aligned with major global industrial events such as Hannover Messe, Global Industrie, Automate 2025, and Manufacturing World Tokyo. This synchronised timing allows buyers to explore and compare solutions from multiple regions in one procurement cycle—maximizing efficiency and market visibility. AIOE 2025 features a robust lineup of respected Taiwanese manufacturers, including industry leaders such as ASCCO INTERNATIONAL, ZITAI PRECISION MACHINERY, TW GRANDEUR MACHINERY, SAN SHING MACHINERY, U-CAN DYNATEX, KINGDOM ABRASIVE, JESPER PET, OAV EQUIPMENT & TOOLS, UNITRONIC AUTOMATION, CHU-SHIANG INDUSTRIAL, SHANG-YUH MACHINE, KINGDOM MACHINERY, CHUEN CHARNG, YNG YUH ELECTRONIC, and many more. These companies will present thousands of the latest industrial products and technologies, covering a wide array of sectors crucial to modern manufacturing and production. Buyers can explore everything from bearings, castings, and mold-making components to general industrial equipment and mechanical parts. The exhibition also includes cutting-edge solutions in machine tools, metalworking systems, and mining and metallurgy machinery. In addition, it showcases advanced testing instruments, precision measurement devices, automation technologies, and essential industrial electronics such as power supply units, electromechanical components, and industrial computers. Packaging machinery and supporting equipment are also well represented, ensuring buyers have access to complete sourcing solutions across the entire industrial supply chain. […]

CeMAT Southeast Asia returns to Singapore

CeMAT Southeast Asia, the leading logistics and supply chain innovation trade event, is set to return to Singapore from 19 to 21 May 2025 at Singapore EXPO. Bringing together leading technology and service providers, CeMAT Southeast Asia will offer a one-stop hub for the latest in intralogistics, robotics and automation, warehousing, supply chain management, and materials handling. Attendees can expect cutting-edge product demonstrations, industry-leading solutions, and deep dives into best practices across key sectors, including e-commerce, manufacturing, food industry, pharmaceutical, FMCG, supply chain management and retail. Organised by Hannover Fairs Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe, the event is the premier platform for industry professionals to explore the latest innovations shaping the warehouse of the future. With over 60 exhibitors, attendees can look forward to networking opportunities with key industry leaders. Notable world class exhibitors include SSI Schaefer, Daifuku, Honeywell, Körber Supply Chain, Interroll, Geek+, AutoStore, GreyOrange, Hikrobot and many more. The growing demand for advanced intralogistics technologies, along with the increasing adoption of supply chain storage in Southeast Asia, is driving market demand. A 2024 Gartner survey indicated that nearly 57% of organizations plan to increase their budgets in at least one of the four supply chain functions by more than 10% over the next three years. With Malaysia’s ambitions to strengthen its position as a regional logistics and automation hub under its New Industrial Master Plan 2030, CeMAT Southeast Asia presents a valuable opportunity for Malaysian businesses to explore cutting-edge technologies, forge cross-border partnerships, and scale innovations regionally. The event is expected to see growing participation from Malaysian manufacturers, retailers, and supply chain leaders seeking to stay competitive in a fast-evolving trade environment. The global supply chain landscape is evolving rapidly in the face of rising tariff pressures, trade realignments and growing complexity. Events like CeMAT Southeast […]

inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 sets a new benchmark for attendance

This year’s edition welcomed 3,621 trade professionals from all aspects of the airport industry to explore the future of airport operations driven by innovation, collaboration, and transformative solutions, paving the way for a more sustainable tomorrow. The 8th edition of inter airport Southeast Asia (IASEA) was held in Singapore from 25-27 March 2025. Spanning across 6,259 sqm of exhibition space, the airport exhibition and conference brought together 3,621 industry trade professionals from 53 countries and regions, and featured 134 exhibiting companies including pavilions representing Germany, Italy, Japan and Singapore. The event saw a 43% increase in exhibitor size and a 15.6% rise in attendee numbers, underscoring the rising significance of IASEA as a platform for productive discussions. The event’s achievement is also attributed to the increasing demands of operators and the rapid development and expansion of airports in Asia. The landmark event in Asia featuring the latest innovations and solutions for airports IASEA serves as the dedicated event for airports, airlines, aviation authorities, ground handlers and related business executives in Asia to learn about and experience the latest products, services and technologies, for the future development of Asia’s airports. One of the highlights of this year’s edition was the presence of a delegation of leaders from major international airports in Vietnam, including Long Thanh International Airport—one of the world’s most expensive greenfield airport projects—Noi Bai Airport, Danang Airport, Cat Bi Airport, Phu Quoc Airport, and Cam Ranh International Terminal. One of Airports Corporation of Vietnam’s (ACV) primary objectives in the coming years is the successful completion and operation of Long Thanh International Airport. Under the direction of the Prime Minister of Vietnam, the presence of ACV’s delegation at IASEA 2025 was to seek high-quality solutions and potential partners for this airport. Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, Deputy General Director, Airports Corporation […]

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand returns this November

After a hugely successful 2024 edition last November, DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2025 – The Southeast Asian “Digital Solutions for Business” exhibition and networking platform for the global tech and digital markets – is set to return bigger and better in Bangkok, Thailand at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre from 19th to 21st November 2025. The recently concluded 2024 edition attracted over 8,600 trade visitors from 44 countries, with over 350 technology exhibitors and brands from 10 countries showcasing their cutting-edge solutions. There were over 1,500 business-matching meetings held between trade buyers and sellers. The event also saw the conduct of over 70 well- attended conference sessions conducted by over 90 industry gurus. This year, DigiTech ASEAN & AI Connect 2025 will continue to serve as a key industry gathering and market platform to present the latest digital and AI solutions for businesses across ASEAN. This event provides digital and technology vendors with an effective “face-to-face” opportunity to engage with their targeted markets across 6 key sectors, namely, Business Software, Cybersecurity, E–Commerce & Digital Marketing, Data & Cloud, Smart Solutions and IoT and Artificial Intelligence. Ms. Peerayaphan Pongsanam, Assistant Director of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., the organiser said, “DigiTech ASEAN Thailand and AI Connect 2025 is about facilitating business deals, partnerships, collaborations, and networking for the global tech and digital industry. This 3-day event also provides the platform for the industry to exchange views and stay updated on the latest trends and market opportunities.” Thailand offers robust growth in digital and AI sectors, supported by government initiatives and a tech-savvy population. The country’s digital economy is projected to contribute 30% of GDP by 2030, driven by rapid digital transformations, emergence of new technologies, and growing demands for digital tools and solutions. The current value of Thailand’s […]

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