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AXA, Ant Bank (Hong Kong) and AlipayHK Forge Strategic Partnership

Jointly expanding convenient and diverse online financial management options

HONG KONG, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AXA Hong Kong and Macau (“AXA”) announces a strategic partnership with Ant Bank (Hong Kong) (“Ant Bank”) and AlipayHK to provide a suite of insurance products and services to millions of active AlipayHK users through Ant Bank and its Mini App in the AlipayHK App. This offering includes solutions for savings, health protection, and wealth accumulation. The partnership aims to address the diverse needs of customers in wealth management and protection, supporting them in achieving their financial goals.

This partnership will utilise AXA’s expertise and extensive insurance portfolio, along with Ant Bank and AlipayHK’s “E-wallet X Digital Bank” model, to deliver embedded insurance products and services powered by advanced technology. It aims to provide a broader range of customers with all-round wealth management products and services, while ensuring a simpler, smoother, and more secure insurance application experience. In the first phase, AXA’s flagship life and savings products, including the popular “FortuneXtra Savings Plan”, “Wealth Ultra Savings Plan”, “Max Wealth Insurance Plan”, and “Max Goal Insurance Plan”, will be introduced on Ant Bank and its Mini App in the AlipayHK App, offering all-round wealth management and protection plans to a wide range of users. AXA will gradually integrate additional insurance product categories, further deepening the collaboration among the three parties as well as providing more comprehensive products and services for individuals and businesses within the year, fully addressing their protection needs.

Ant Bank is a subsidiary of Ant International that provides financial products and services, including funds and wealth management, insurance products and services. AlipayHK is a Super App that serves over 4.2 million residents in Hong Kong. Supported by Ant International’s Alipay+ Wallet Tech, AlipayHK has partnered with Ant Bank to develop Open Banking, and has taken the lead to launch innovative services and products such as Ant Bank PayLater and “eM+” — a high-interest savings account and low-threshold fund purchasing, offering users a new financial services experience.

Sally Wan, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Greater China, said, “AXA has consistently been proactive in developing diverse distribution channels and expanding our customer base, striving to provide comprehensive and diversified wealth management and protection solutions to a broader range of customers. We are honoured to become a strategic partner of Ant Bank and AlipayHK, leveraging synergies to create new opportunities and achieve multiple benefits for all parties. We look forward to further deepening the integration of our services with Ant Bank and AlipayHK, strengthening the insurance ecosystem, and jointly expanding our long-term business and customer network.”

Yvonne Leung, Chief Executive, Ant Bank (Hong Kong), said, “As a leading digital bank in Hong Kong, we are committed to driving innovation in financial services through technology. This collaboration builds on our successful partnership with AlipayHK in areas such as payments, interest-earning balances, Buy Now Pay Later, and funds, among others, while further integrating AXA’s insurance services into the digital ecosystem.”

Venetia Lee, Chief Executive Officer, AlipayHK, said, “AlipayHK serves every aspect of Hong Kong people’s lives, and it has become a trend for Hong Kong people to access financial services through the Super App. Financial institutions can leverage the platform technology provided by AlipayHK to deliver new experiences to users, making wealth management and insurance services more user-friendly and simpler. We focus on ‘Tech’ to empower financial institutions in excelling at ‘Fin’. AlipayHK and Ant International look forward to continuing our collaboration with AXA and banking partners to explore the new ecosystem of embedded insurance, driving the inclusive progress of financial services in Hong Kong and Asia.”

AXA is one of the most diversified insurers in Hong Kong which offers integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance and is the largest General Insurance provider and a major Health and Employee Benefits provider. Through this collaboration, we believe that the three parties, leveraging an advanced financial technology platform, will integrate insurance products into the digital ecosystem, marking a milestone in exploring new avenues for growth.

(From left to right) Yvonne Leung, Chief Executive, Ant Bank (Hong Kong), Venetia Lee, Chief Executive Officer, AlipayHK, Sally Wan, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Greater China, and Janet Lee, Chief Life and Health Insurance Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau.
(From left to right) Yvonne Leung, Chief Executive, Ant Bank (Hong Kong), Venetia Lee, Chief Executive Officer, AlipayHK, Sally Wan, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Greater China, and Janet Lee, Chief Life and Health Insurance Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau.

About AXA Hong Kong and Macau

AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 50 markets and serving 95 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.

As one of the most diversified insurers in Hong Kong, we offer integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance. We are the largest General Insurance provider and a major Health and Employee Benefits provider. Our aim is to not only be the insurer to provide comprehensive protection to our customers, but also a holistic partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve. At the core of our service commitment is continuous product & service innovation and customer experience enrichment, which is achieved through actively listening to our customers’ needs and leveraging and investing in technology and digital transformation.

We embrace our responsibility to be a driving force against climate change and a force for good to create shared value for our community. We are proud to be the first to address the importance of mental health through different products and services and thought leading iconic research. Our overall Sustainability Strategy, with emphasis on climate strategy and biodiversity commitment, is developed based on TCFD recommendations. We are committed to integrating environmental, social and governance factors across our business and strive to contribute to a sustainable future through 3 distinct roles – as an investor, an insurer and an exemplary company.

About Ant Bank (Hong Kong)

Ant Bank (Hong Kong) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ant International.  On 9 May 2019, Ant Bank (Hong Kong) received a banking licence from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and it officially opened on 28 September 2020. It aims to provide local individuals and SMEs with reliable, trustworthy, transparent and inclusive banking services through fin-tech innovation. For more information, please visit https://www.antbank.hk.

Ant Bank (Hong Kong) Limited is a licensed insurance agency authorized by the Insurance Authority of Hong Kong, with the licensed insurance agency number GA1061.

About AlipayHK

The AlipayHK electronic wallet is operated by Alipay Financial Services (HK) Limited (Stored Value Facility Licence number: SVF0004) and regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Currently, over 150,000 local retail outlets support AlipayHK electronic wallet for payments, covering large chain stores, shops, convenience stores, supermarkets, markets, and restaurants. Additionally, AlipayHK electronic wallet payment service also supports multiple overseas countries, including Chinese Mainland, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. For more details, please visit: http://www.alipayhk.com.

Apart from payment services, AlipayHK also serves as a comprehensive digital lifestyle platform, offering Hong Kong users a wide range of lifestyle, leisure, and convenience services. Features include transportation, financial management, cross-border payments, P2P transfers, blockchain remittances, bill payments, purchasing insurance products offered by third parties, and receiving electronic vouchers. This allows Hong Kong citizens to enjoy the convenience brought by this revolutionary multifunctional electronic wallet.

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS AVAILABLE ON AXA’S WEBSITE: AXA.COM.HK

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause AXA’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to Part 4 – “Risk factors and risk management” of AXA’s Universal Registration Document for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect AXA’s business, and/or results of operations. AXA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as part of applicable regulatory or legal obligations.

FHA-Food & Beverage 2025 Welcomes 65,000 Visitors to Celebrate Asia’s Premier International F&B Tradeshow


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2025 – The highly anticipated Food & Hotel Asia – Food & Beverage (FHA-F&B) event officially opens today, reaffirming its position as Asia’s premier international food and beverage platform. With an expected 65,000 attendees from both local and international markets, FHA-F&B is set to once again unite industry professionals, culinary innovators, and industry leaders under one roof.

The opening ceremony welcomes minister, ambassadors, and global key industry leaders.
The opening ceremony welcomes minister, ambassadors, and global key industry leaders.

Held as a four-day event from 8-11 April 2025, the event was inaugurated with a distinguished guest lineup, including Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry; H.E. Allaster Cox, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore; Chef Andy Cuthbert, President of WorldChefs; Ian Roberts, Vice President Asia, Informa Markets; and over 300 esteemed guests.

“I’m proud to share that over 70 Singapore companies are showcasing at the Singapore Pavilion at FHA F&B 2025. Our companies carry with them the strength of the Singapore brand— a mark of quality, innovation, and excellence. In a more uncertain, fragmented, turbulent world, our food manufacturing sector must continue to stay global, stay creative and stay green.” said Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry.

More than 1,600 exhibitors from 50 countries are showcasing their innovations and solutions, marking this as the largest gathering of its kind in the region. The event’s 12 dynamic segments offer attendees a rich and diverse experience, covering everything from cutting-edge gastronomy to sustainable industry practices. These segments are designed to meet the evolving needs of culinary professionals and food enthusiasts alike.

Australia as the Partner Country

In 2025, FHA-F&B proudly presents Australia as the Partner Country, in collaboration with The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). “As Partner Country of Honour at FHA F&B 2025, Australia is proud to showcase the strength of our food and beverage industry on this global stage. Our longstanding partnership with Singapore — built on quality, sustainability, and shared ambition — continues to create new opportunities through strong trade ties and the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” said H.E. Allaster Cox, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore.

The Australia Pavilion, located in Hall 8, is home to over 120 exhibitors, showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage, innovative food trends, and vibrant brewing culture. From premium meats and dairy to pioneering food technologies, attendees can explore a wide range of products and innovations. Highlights include live cooking demonstrations, a Meat & Livestock Showcase, cocktail-making sessions, and CSIRO’s Venture Exchange Program: Future Food 2.0, where Australian agri-food startups pitch their groundbreaking solutions.

SG60: Building a Stronger Singapore

The event shines a spotlight on over 80 local suppliers and farmers, underscoring Singapore’s commitment to fostering a resilient food ecosystem. Aligned with the national Green Plan 2030, the exhibition showcases the contributions of homegrown brands like Toh Thye San Farm, Chee Seng Oil Factory, Lim Joo Huat Enterprise, and more, as part of the nation’s drive for sustainable, local entrepreneurship.

Seminars and Thought Leadership

The seminar series kicked off with resounding success, featuring nearly 40 sessions hosted by over 65 thought leaders from prominent institutions including Bioprocessing Technology Institute, A*STAR, B Lab Singapore, Society for Cellular Agriculture, and top universities like Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore. These sessions offer invaluable insights into the latest F&B trends, innovations, and sustainability efforts shaping the future of the industry.

Reshaping the Beverage Consumption

The Southeast Asian beverage market is undergoing a dramatic transformation, fueled by the rising popularity of the “sober curious” movement. As demand for low- and non-alcoholic options soars, FHA-F&B introduces the Zero-Alcohol Beverage Space at Hall 8, showcasing the latest innovations in this rapidly expanding sector. A standout highlight is the inaugural Zero Mixology Challenge, which invites mixologists to craft creative, non-alcoholic drinks. This competition serves as the Asia Selection round for the international finals in Shanghai.

In addition, FHA-F&B celebrates the art of mixology with its National Cocktail Challenge, further cementing Singapore’s reputation as Asia’s cocktail capital. Top bartenders will battle it out for the prestigious opportunity to represent Singapore at the renowned World Cocktail Championship in Colombia.

FHA Culinary Competitions

New additions to the FHA Culinary competitions include the rolling out of the first individual segments of the competitions, divided into Individual Challenge Culinary of Practical Hot Cooking with Poultry, Seafood, Vegetarian, etc, and Individual Challenge Patisserie with competition segments such as Restaurant Dessert Challenge, Practical Cake Decoration, Petits Fours, Pastry Showcase, Artistic Sculpture, and more.

“FHA F&B 2025 continues to be a vital stage for culinary excellence and global collaboration. It’s inspiring to see chefs, producers, and innovators coming together to shape the future of food,” said Chef Andy Cuthbert, President of Worldchefs.

The challenges will this year be judged by teams of esteemed panels led by Chief Judge Otto Weibel (SG). He will be supported by other chef judges like Rudolf Muller (SG/CH), Frank Wedmann (DE), Sven Erik Renaa (NO), Clinton Zhu (CN), Chern Chee Hoong (MY), and Anderson Ho (SG).

At the National Team Challenges, trade visitors get to tune in to a two-part competition in which top chefs from various countries will participate over two days. Participating countries are Australia, Azerbaijan, China, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Chefs are required to partake in:

  1. Restaurant of Nations Hot Kitchen Challenge, where each team is required to prepare 55 portions of a three-course menu,
  2. Chef’s Table Challenge, featuring teams dishing out a menu composition that best represents them, and
  3. Battle for the Lion is a live cooking challenge where the top three national teams battle it out with a 3-course meal with mystery ingredients.

FHA-F&B continues to be the definitive platform for the food and beverage industry in Asia. Whether it’s exploring the latest trends in food innovation, experiencing live culinary competitions, or engaging with global experts, attendees are guaranteed an enriching, inspiring experience.

“Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to announce the co-location of our Food & Beverage and HoReCa events. This combined show will span all 10 halls, showcasing the future of food and hospitality and putting FHA at the heart of Asia’s F and B scene, creating relationships that last and delivering knowledge that’s valuable”, said Ian Roberts, Vice President Asia, Informa Markets.

FHA-Food & Beverage 2025 runs through 11 April 2025. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the largest gathering of F&B professionals in Asia. On-site ticket fee of SGD90 applies.

For images and more information, refer to the press kit link: https://bit.ly/FHAfnbOC.
Hashtag: #FHAFnB2025 #FHA2025




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Hospitality, Food & Beverage at Informa Markets

Informa Markets’ Hospitality, Food & Beverage portfolio includes a series of global in-person trade events and an online content platform Saladplate – aimed at fostering business relationships, enabling learning, and enhancing trade opportunities for the industry.

With several established events within the portfolio such as Hotelex Shanghai, Food&HotelAsia, HOFEX, Fispal Food Service, and Abastur, the portfolio together offers an unparalleled audience reach across the world. Staging 35 live and digital events in major cities including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Bangkok, Sao Paulo, and Mexico City.

Working alongside established industry partners, government bodies, and recognised professionals, the portfolio aims at bringing companies, individuals, and the industry to the forefront of global business innovation by offering solutions and opportunities that meet today’s business needs.

About Informa Markets

FHA-Food & Beverage is organised by Informa Markets, a division of Informa plc. Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services, and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology, and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days a year.

For more information, please visit .

GC Biopharma Receives MFDS Approval for World’s First Recombinant Anthrax Vaccine

YONGIN, South Korea, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GC Biopharma announced 09. Apr. 2025 that the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has approved its anthrax vaccine, BARYTHRAX, jointly developed by GC Biopharma and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

With the approval by MFDS, BARYTHRAX has become Korea’s 39th novel drug. Following the application on 31 Oct. 2023, GC Biopharma and KDCA successfully received the product approval from MFDS on 8th this month.

Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is class-1 infectious disease capable of surviving extreme conditions and spreading easily through airborne transmission. If untreated, its fatality rate can reach up to 97%, making it a significant threat as a potential biological weapon.

BARYTHRAX utilizes protective antigen (PA) proteins produced through genetic recombination techniques. In anthrax infections, PA acts as a gateway for 2 Bacillus anthracis toxins, lethal factor (LF) and edema factor (EF), to enter host cells. By utilizing PA proteins, the vaccination can train and stimulate an immune response to neutralize anthrax.

Traditional vaccines are made by attenuating Bacillus anthracis or culturing non-pathogenic Bacillus anthracis, which may contain residual toxin components. BARYTHRAX, being the world’s first recombinant protein anthrax vaccine, removed this risk and improved vaccine safety. 

BARYTHRAX has also improved vaccine stability by overcoming a key limitation of recombinant protein vaccines, which is “the reduction in immunogenicity within the shelf life”. In the Phase II clinical trial, healthy adult subjects, who received the vaccination generated sufficient antibodies to neutralize anthrax toxins, while reporting no acute or severe adverse events.

Bacillus anthracis is highly lethal, making it unethical to carry out phase 3 human clinical trials. In such cases, under the “Animal Rule” of The Special Act for Promotion of the Development and Emergency Supply of Medical Products in Response to Public Health Crisis of Korea, animal trials can be conducted as a substitute for phase 3 clinical studies. In the animal efficacy study, the vaccinated subjects maintained high levels of neutralizing antibodies even after 6 months following the 4th dose of the vaccine, with a high survival rate against the Bacillus anthracis spore challenge.

The MFDS’s approval, supported by GC Biopharma’s production capacity, will pave the way for the company to supply Korea’s essential anthrax vaccine reserve.

Eun-chul Huh, President and CEO of GC Biopharma, said, “This achievement underscores our commitment to localizing critical medicines for public health and national security. GC Biopharma will continue leading efforts to ensure stable supplies of essential medical products, as we have been doing with other vaccines and blood products since our founding.

About GC Biopharma

GC Biopharma (formerly known as Green Cross Corporation) is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Yong-in, South Korea. The company has over half a century of experience in the development and manufacturing of plasma derivatives and vaccines, and is expanding its global presence with successful US market entry of Alyglo™(intravenous immunoglobulin G) in 2024. In line with its mission to meet the demands of future healthcare, GC Biopharma continues to drive innovation by leveraging its core R&D capabilities in engineering of proteins, mRNAs, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug delivery platform to develop therapeutics for the field of rare disease as well as I&I (Immunology & Inflammation).
To learn more about the company, visit https://www.gcbiopharma.com/eng/

This press release may contain biopharmaceuticals in forward-looking statements, which express the current beliefs and expectations of GC Biopharma’s management. Such statements do not represent any guarantee by GC Biopharma or its management of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. GC Biopharma undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule.

GC Biopharma Contacts (Media)

Sohee Kim
shkim20@gccorp.com

Yelin Jun
yelin@gccorp.com

Yoonjae Na
yjy6520@gccorp.com

Kearney’s 2025 FDI Confidence Index® highlights APAC’s innovation-driven growth amid mounting global headwinds

  • Japan and South Korea leap in ranking due to technological innovation capabilities and improving economic performance.
  • Rising commodity prices, regulatory challenges, and geopolitical tensions temper optimism.
  • Southeast Asia’s emerging markets showcase strong talent and investment appeal.
  • New U.S. tariffs add urgency to scenario planning and highlight sector vulnerabilities, particularly in manufacturing and automotive.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2025 – Kearney’s Global Business Policy Council today released its 2025 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Confidence Index (FDICI), a survey capturing investor sentiment on FDI flows over the next three years. With 30 percent of respondents based in Asia Pacific (APAC), the survey results show a mixed outlook for APAC markets.

Eight markets from APAC make the top 25 this year, the same representation as last year. This includes Japan (4th), China (including Hong Kong) (6th), Australia (10th), South Korea (14th), Singapore (15th), New Zealand (16th), Taiwan (China) (23rd) and India (24th).

Investors highly value the technological and economic performance of some APAC markets, while the challenges from a complex global geopolitical environment have negatively impacted investors’ views on others.

Though there have been profound developments since the survey was in the field in January, including the announcement of new U.S. tariffs in April, key findings remain illuminating — particularly the value that investors place on efficiency of legal and regulatory processes, domestic economic performance, and technological and innovation capabilities.

Technology and Economic Strength Propel APAC Markets

Investor confidence in APAC remains underpinned by notable advancements in technology and solid economic fundamentals. Japan’s ascent from 7th to 4th place is a prime example, as market participants point to its leading technology innovation and strong economic performance, bolstered by a tight labor market and record wage growth.

Likewise, South Korea makes its strongest-ever showing by leaping from 20th to 14th. 41 percent of investors cite its dynamic technology sector as a key driver of renewed confidence. Significant government investments in semiconductors are potential influencing factors behind this change.

82 percent of APAC-based investors plan to increase FDI in the next three years. 50 percent are more optimistic than a year ago about the APAC economy.

“The impressive strides in technology and economic performance across APAC are reshaping our investment landscape. Japan’s leap and South Korea’s record performance demonstrate the power of innovation and strong market fundamentals, even as recent U.S. tariff measures add complexities to global trade dynamics,” said Shigeru Sekinada, Region Chair, Asia Pacific, Kearney.

These trends reinforce that strategic and forward-looking investments in innovation will drive sustainable and regenerative growth in our region in the face of evolving global dynamics.

Nonetheless, businesses should also conduct scenario planning as they navigate tariffs and prepare for emerging risks. Sectors like automotive and manufacturing are expected to be hard-hit on top of existing cost and regulatory challenges.”

Regional Headwinds Temper Optimism

Investor sentiment is also affected by rising uncertainties.

Roughly 43 percent of APAC investors surveyed see a rise in commodity prices as the most likely development over the next year, up a striking 14 percent from last year. The uptick is perhaps explained by investor fears of increased global conflict and subsequent supply chain disruptions that could drive commodity prices up.

Ranked second as a likely development in 2025 for APAC investors is a more restrictive business regulatory environment in developed markets (36 percent), up two percent from last year. Tied for third are a rise in geopolitical tensions and a more restrictive business regulatory environment in emerging markets (28 percent).

China slipped from 3rd to 6th place, reflecting ongoing economic challenges including a persistent property crisis and heightened US–China trade tensions. Nevertheless, the nation’s tech innovation continues to be a draw, as evidenced by the recent launch of DeepSeek AI.

Furthermore, Singapore’s drop from 12th to 15th and India’s decline from 18th to 24th underscore growing concerns over trade-related risks and regulatory complexity, respectively.

Shigeru Sekinada added: “While our region continues to showcase significant strengths, we also recognize the challenges in a shifting global landscape. For instance, the new U.S. tariffs have impacted Southeast Asian nations and traditional China +1 beneficiaries.

Despite these challenges, APAC markets retain their core appeal, offering strong fundamentals that investors value deeply – tech-driven innovation, talent, and a strong business-friendly environment. With proactive policies and strategic investments, we are confident that the region is well-equipped to unlock long-term value amidst a volatile global environment.”

ASEAN Shines Among Emerging Markets

Southeast Asia continues to excel in the FDICI’s Emerging Market Index, launched in 2023 to highlight attractive emerging markets for FDI over the next three years. Three ASEAN-6 nations (Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia) have secured spots in the top 15. Investors cite the talent and skills of the workforce as the top reason for investing in Thailand (34 percent), Malaysia (30 percent), and Indonesia (32 percent).

Notably, investor optimism remains high in Thailand, leading ASEAN nations, only behind Singapore.

About the 2025 Kearney FDI Confidence Index®

The Kearney FDI Confidence Index® is an annual survey of global business executives that ranks markets that are likely to attract the most investment in the next three years. In contrast to other backward-looking data on FDI flows, the FDICI provides unique forward-looking analysis of the markets that investors intend to target for FDI in the coming years. Since the FDICI’s inception in 1998, the markets ranked on the Index have tracked closely with the top destinations for actual FDI flows in subsequent years.

The 2025 Kearney FDI Confidence Index® is constructed using primary data from a proprietary survey of 536 senior executives of the world’s leading corporations. The survey was conducted in January 2025. Respondents include C-level executives and regional and business leaders. All participating companies have annual revenues of $500 million or more. The companies are headquartered in 30 countries and span all sectors. Service-sector firms account for 53 percent of respondents, industrial firms for 35 percent, and IT firms for 12 percent.

The Index is calculated as a weighted average of the number of high, medium, and low responses to questions on the likelihood of making a direct investment in a select market over the next three years. Together, the markets presented to respondents in the survey received 97 percent of the world’s inward FDI flows in 2023, according to UNCTAD data.

Index values are based on responses only from companies headquartered in foreign markets. For example, the Index value for the United States was calculated without responses from US-headquartered investors. Higher Index values indicate more attractive investment targets.

All economic growth figures presented in the report are the latest estimates and forecasts available from Oxford Economics unless otherwise noted. Other secondary sources include investment promotion agencies, central banks, ministries of finance and trade, relevant news media, and other major data sources.
Hashtag: #Kearney


The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Kearney

Since 1926, Kearney has been a leading management consulting firm and trusted partner to three-quarters of the Fortune Global 500 and governments around the world. With a presence across more than 40 countries, our people make us who we are. We work impact first, tackling your toughest challenges with original thinking and a commitment to making change happen together. By your side, we deliver—value, results, impact.

To learn more about Kearney, please visit .

For past editions of the FDI Confidence Index, please go to:
.

For more information, contact the Global Business Policy Council ().

Hejaz Secures €100 Million Funding Facility from UAE Private Wealth Group to Drive Growth in Australian Islamic Finance Market

MELBOURNE, Australia, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hejaz, Australia’s leading Islamic financial services provider, has secured a €100 million funding facility from a UAE-based private wealth group. This strategic funding milestone will enable Hejaz to expand its Sharia-compliant financing solutions, catering to the growing demand across property, auto, SME, commercial, and development finance in the Australian market.

This facility marks a significant leap forward for Islamic finance in Australia, ensuring that the country’s expanding Muslim communities have greater access to financial solutions that align with their values. As the first of its kind at this scale, this investment underscores international confidence in Australia’s Islamic finance sector and positions Hejaz as the leading gateway for global Sharia-compliant capital into the region.

“The demand for Sharia-compliant financial products in Australia has surged, driven by a growing population seeking alternatives to conventional finance,” said Hakan Ozyon, CEO of Hejaz. “This funding facility allows us to meet this demand at scale, supporting home buyers, business owners, and developers while ensuring access to responsible finance solutions.”

The ripple effect of this capital injection will be felt across multiple sectors, particularly in real estate and SME lending, where access to Sharia-compliant funding has historically been limited. Hejaz’s expanded capacity to deploy this capital will not only benefit the Muslim community but also contribute to broader economic activity, job creation, and infrastructure development across Australia.

This partnership with global investors highlights the increasing recognition of Australia as an emerging hub for Islamic financial services and reinforces Hejaz’s leadership in this growing sector.

Hejaz Group offers a comprehensive suite of products and services ranging from Pension funds and ETFs to Real Estate financing and personal asset management. Established in 2014 in Melbourne, Australia, the Hejaz Group was formed to offer a holistic financial services solution to Muslims around the world. The Hejaz Group has demonstrated robust growth and resilience, navigating through various economic cycles, and emerging as a market leader in the region. The company has earned numerous accolades and recognitions for its contributions to the financial industry and its commitment to innovation and financial inclusivity.

Trinasolar launches the Shield extreme climate solution in Asia Pacific, safeguarding PV power plant assets

Unveiling its latest climate resilient solution for the first time in the Asia Pacific region at Sydney’s Smart Energy Conference

SYDNEY, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Australia faces increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather patterns, Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, has launched a first-to-market solution that helps solar developers protect their assets and safeguard performance — no matter what the forecast holds.

Unveiled at this year’s Smart Energy Conference in Sydney, held from 9-10 April, the Shield Extreme Climate Solution delivers next-generation protection for utility-scale PV plants, offering a powerful combination of high-strength structural modules and intelligent weather-responsive tracking.

Trinasolar’s Shield extreme climate solution on display at the 15th Clean Energy Expo China in Beijing.
Trinasolar’s Shield extreme climate solution on display at the 15th Clean Energy Expo China in Beijing.

This innovative development was specifically designed and tested for the Australian market. The solution was tested in Queensland, Australia.

Technical specifications include:

  • The Shield Extreme Climate Module’s (NED19RC.20) glass is 25% thicker than that of conventional modules and its resistance to energy impact 2.5 times greater. The innovative frame design increases the module’s load-bearing capacity, thereby further improving stability and reliability. In severe hailstorms, the Shield solution can withstand 55mm hail at 0° and 75mm at 60°. The short-term severe hail climate forecast automatically issues commands for the tracker to adopt a protective angle.
  • Equipped with self-developed Tracker Control unit (TCU) and Network Control Unit (NCU,) the TrinaTracker smart control system is integrated with a variety of extreme climate protection strategies. Harnessing real-time monitoring data from the smart cloud platform, the system can implement intelligent protective measures for PV power plants, thereby ensuring safe and stable operation of the system. In a setting in which tracking mounting is used, the smart cloud platform monitors real-time wind speed, automatically adjusting to the stow position when certain wind speeds are detected. A tiered stow strategy assigns different protection angles based on wind speed levels, balancing risk mitigation with maximised power generation. The structure includes an innovative module design that increases mechanical load capacity to +3600/-3000Pa.
  • In heavy snow, the Shield solution withstands 2.2m of uneven snow load in a fixed mounting system installation setting. In a tracking mounting installation setting, the TrinaTracker smart cloud platform provides real-time monitoring of snow thickness. O&M personnel can initiate snow removal with just one click, effectively mitigating the potential threats of snow load to the modules and mounting systems. This not only improves the efficiency of O&M operations but also prevents power generation losses caused by snow accumulation, thereby ensuring the system’s stable operation.
  • In strong winds, the Shield solution withstands wind pressure up to +8000Pa/-6000Pa in a fixed mounting system installation setting, thanks to innovative dual fastening and triple-beam installation design.

The Shield solution safeguards PV assets while significantly lowering BOS cost and LCOE, maximising project returns. Based on the Queensland testbed, the solution set-up achieved an overall customer value increase by the equivalent of 0.0364 AUD $/W and reduction of LCOE by 2.84%. With the high efficiency, high power, excellent low light performance, high reliability and high bi-faciality of Trinasolar’s i-TOPCon Ultra, power plants generate more electricity, especially during early mornings, late evenings and overcast days. In addition, TrinaTracker SuperTrack intelligent algorithm leverages AI, big data and self-developed algorithms to enhance power generation efficiency.

Besides its state-of-the-art modules, Trinasolar also recently launched the Elementa 2 Pro 5MWh battery energy storage solution for the Australian market. The Elementa 2 Pro builds on the success of Elementa 2, offering even greater efficiency, flexibility, and safety. The Elementa 2 Pro features Trina’s self-developed 314Ah high-performance Trina Cell, supporting 15,000 cycles (up from 12,000 cycles offered in Elementa 2) to significantly extend system lifespan and reduce lifecycle costs, ensuring a higher return on investment for users. It offers enhanced advanced cooling technology, incorporating an intelligent hybrid air-liquid cooling system.

As the only provider in the industry offering an integrated suite of solar solutions, modules, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and trackers, Trinasolar is uniquely positioned to deliver a complete, high-performance energy ecosystem. Trinasolar empowers developers to build more resilient, efficient, and future-ready solar projects, ensuring stable and reliable energy generation in Australia’s challenging weather climate.

For more information on Trinasolar’s innovative solutions, please visit: https://www.trinasolar.com/au/

Swoop partners with STL to upgrade fibre connectivity in Western Australia

MUMBAI, India and SYDNEY, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — STL (NSE: STLTECH), a leading optical and digital solutions company, has partnered with Swoop Holdings Limited to upgrade ~1,000 homes in Western Australia with high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity. Under this partnership, STL will supply Swoop Infrastructure with state-of-the-art optical networking and connectivity solutions, further strengthening digital infrastructure in the region.

The collaboration builds on Swoop’s acquisition of conduit and fibre assets in Seacrest Estate near Geraldton, Western Australia. It marks a significant step in Swoop’s commitment to expanding its fibre broadband network. This project is led by Swoop’s Head of Infrastructure, Anthony Camilleri, as part of the company’s broader Fibre Broadband strategy for both retail and wholesale services.

STL has a strong track record of enabling network operators to deploy and scale fibre networks with sustainable, high-performance optical solutions. Manufactured at STL’s “Zero Waste to Landfill” certified facilities, these solutions set new industry standards for durability and environmental responsibility.

Through this partnership, STL will support Swoop’s network upgrade with robust Layer-1 optical solutions tailored for brownfield deployments. These include:

  • OptoHaul – A versatile, single-fibre Plug & Play solution for underground, aerial, or direct-buried installations
  • Micro Cables – Slim, high-density fibre cables engineered for underground air-blown installation in microducts. Ideal for last-mile FTTH and access networks, with options for termite-resistant jackets and enhanced tensile strength.
  • Optical Closures – Compact and pre-configured closures (MAX and MicrOTP) designed to streamline installation and minimise space requirements
  • Optical Termination – Rack-mounted splicing and patching shelves (nPTD) with pre-installed splitters and a pivoting tray for ease of installation at Point-of-Presence (PoP) sites

Anthony Camilleri, Head of Infrastructure at Swoop, said: “We’re excited to partner with STL to deliver high-speed, ultra-reliable fibre connectivity to homes in Western Australia. Our goal is to make Swoop Infrastructure, as part of Swoop Holdings, the preferred choice for developers by offering top-tier service and value. With STL’s cutting-edge optical technology, we’re confident in delivering a future ready network that enhances the digital experience for our customers.”

Rahul Puri, CEO of Optical Networking Business at STL, added: “We are thrilled to be working with Swoop, one of Australia’s leading challenger telecom brands, to bring ultra-fast broadband to regional communities. With our comprehensive portfolio of advanced optical solutions, we are enabling Swoop to build a high-performance, reliable network that delivers next-generation connectivity. This project reinforces Swoop’s ongoing investment in regional broadband infrastructure, ensuring communities have access to world-class internet speeds and service quality.”

About STL – Sterlite Technologies Ltd:

STL is a leading global optical and digital solutions company providing advanced offerings to build 5G, Rural, FTTx, Enterprise and Data Centre networks.
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For more information, contact:

Media Contact
Shaily Rai Sinha
shaily.sinha@stl.tech 

Investor Relations
Vijay Agashe 
investor@stl.tech 

United States, China Clash as Trump Set to Unleash More Tariffs

United States, China Clash as Trump Set to Unleash More Tariffs
TOPSHOT - This photo illustration shows Chinese 100 yuan notes (red) and US 100 dollar notes, in Beijing on April 8, 2025. China vowed on April 8 to "fight to the end" against fresh tariffs of 50 percent threatened by US President Donald Trump, further aggravating a trade war that has already wiped trillions off global markets. (Photo by Jade GAO / AFP)