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Ningbo Embraces a Golden Opportunity for Inbound Tourism: Upgraded Policies and Enhanced Services Attract Global Visitors


NINGBO, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2025 – With the expanded implementation of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy and ongoing innovations in cultural and tourism services, Ningbo, China, is welcoming global travelers with an unprecedented spirit of openness. The word-of-mouth effect of “In Ningbo, Enjoy” has gained international acclaim. Behind this rising global appeal is the powerful synergy between strategic cultural and tourism policymaking and Ningbo’s distinctive charm.

Since the beginning of this year, the Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism has implemented a “policy + service” strategy. Through curating distinctive cultural and tourism routes, innovating cultural and tourism consumption scenarios, and enhancing service facilitation for inbound travelers, the city has significantly energized its inbound tourism industry.

In terms of tourism routes, for example, Ningbo has launched the “Picturesque Ningbo” cultural exploration tour, built upon the themed corridor “Picturesque and Dynamic Zhejiang,” attracting both domestic and international travelers. On the service side, the city leverages its visa-free policy and “buy-now, refund-now” departure tax refund service, enabling tourists to receive instant tax rebates at designated shopping malls, significantly enhancing the shopping experience. To many foreign visitors, Ningbo’s port culture and Jiangnan charm leave a lasting impression, while the tax refund policy greatly boosts their willingness to spend.

In addition, the forthcoming Ningbo Three-Year Inbound Tourism Doubling Action Plan will introduce dedicated funding to generously reward travel agencies—both domestic and overseas—that successfully bring visitors into the city, further unleashing market potential.

“Ningbo’s Charm” Enhances Inbound Tourist Satisfaction

Situated at the intersection of China’s coastline and the 30th parallel north, Ningbo takes “A city of culture and a gateway to the world” as its business card, presenting a unique picture of cultural and tourism integration to the world.

The intricately carved brick lintels and book-collecting heritage of Tianyi Pavilion embody the essence of Chinese civilization. Along the serene banks of Moon Lake, cozy cafés and vintage bookstores weave a seamless dialogue between past and present, captivating visitors from around the globe.

From the red-paste marinated crab arriving at the port at dawn to the Yellow Croaker with Pickled Vegetables (Xuecai Dahuangyu), from the intangible cultural heritage tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) to the “Three Treasures of Qiantong” (Qiantong tofu, Qiantong dried tofu, and Qiantong hollow tofu), Ningbo has turned its fishing-port delicacies and seasonal handcrafted foods into unforgettable taste memories, celebrated both in China and beyond.

The Baroque architecture of the Old Bund in Ningbo pairs beautifully with the shimmering nightscape of Sanjiangkou. In Nantang Old Street, the melodies of Yue opera drift through the air, mingling with the soft glow of lanterns. Meanwhile, the Maitreya Buddha of Xuedou Mountain radiates Eastern Zen serenity—its mystique especially captivating to international visitors.

“When in Ningbo, I truly felt an immersive experience—scenery at every turn and delicacies at every corner,” a foreign tourist joyfully shared.

Today, Ningbo is evolving from a traditional tourist destination into a global cultural and tourism hub. Blending time-honored heritage with dynamic innovation, the city extends a warm and sincere invitation to the world—”In Ningbo, Enjoy”—embracing visitors with openness and charm.

Hashtag: #Ningbo

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

Vietnam Abolishes Death Penalty for Spying, Anti-state Activities

Vietnam Abolishes Death Penalty for Spying, Anti-state Activities
Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh (photo credit: Tuan Vy)

AFP – Vietnam has abolished the death penalty for eight crimes, including espionage, graft, and attempting to overthrow the government, state media said on 25 June.

Officials Defend Tree Maintenance Amid Controversy Over Vientiane Transit Expansion

Tree being trimmed at Setthathirath Road (Photo: Oulayvanh Sisounonth)

Duangta Boualavong, Deputy Head of the Department of Economics of Wood Processing Technology, has responded to public backlash following the trimming of ancient trees in Vientiane. 

Vietnam Approves New Law Allowing Foreign Spouses to Gain Citizenship Without Residency

National Assembly of Vietnam. (Photo credit: Wikidata)

Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens will now be eligible for Vietnamese citizenship without having to meet previous residency, language, or financial requirements, following a new law passed by the National Assembly.

On 24 June, all 416 deputies of the Vietnam National Assembly voted in favor of amending the Law on Vietnamese Nationality. 

The revised law grants exemptions for foreign nationals and stateless persons who are married to Vietnamese citizens or who have biological children of Vietnamese nationality, according to the state media.

Previously, applicants were required to have lived in Vietnam for at least five years, demonstrate proficiency in the Vietnamese language, and prove financial self-sufficiency to qualify for citizenship. These requirements are now waived for eligible applicants under the new law.

Vietnamese Lawmakers press buttons to pass amendments to Vietnam’s nationality law at a session on 24 June 2025. (Photo: Gia Han/tuoi tre news)

However, certain core requirements remain. Applicants must still demonstrate legal capacity (with exceptions for children applying alongside a Vietnamese parent), comply with Vietnamese laws, and show respect for the country’s culture and customs.

The revised law requires applicants to adopt a Vietnamese or ethnic minority name, but those with dual citizenship may use a hybrid name combining both Vietnamese and foreign elements in official documents.

Justice Minister Nguyen Hai Ninh said the reform aims to attract talent and strengthen national development by drawing skilled professionals, scientists, investors, and experts with family ties to Vietnam.

While Vietnam does allow dual citizenship in specific cases, particularly for those with Vietnamese relatives and upon presidential approval, the law states that only Vietnamese nationality will be officially recognized within the country, unless otherwise stipulated by international agreements.

The law restricts dual citizenship for sensitive positions: Communist Party members, state officials, mass organization leaders, and armed forces personnel must hold only Vietnamese citizenship and maintain permanent residence in Vietnam. Other public employees may retain dual nationality if it benefits the state without compromising national interests.

Implementation guidance from the central government is expected in coming months.

Best Mart 360 Debuts on foodpanda mall in Hong Kong

Over 500 Premium Global Products Now Available for Convenient Home Shopping


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2025 – Best Mart 360 Holdings Limited (“Best Mart 360” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; stock code: 2360.HK), a leading leisure food retailer in Hong Kong, is excited to announce that its flagship retail brand, “Best Mart 360˚ ” and its global gourmet brand, “FoodVille”, are now available on foodpanda mall. In addition to its extensive network of over 170 stores across Hong Kong, Best Mart 360 is committed to expanding its online platform services, seamlessly integrating online and offline experiences to provide customers with a more convenient and comprehensive shopping experience.

Leveraging its global sourcing expertise, Best Mart 360 brings an extensive range of over 500 high-quality, competitively priced yet premium products to foodpanda mall, including (i) popular snacks such as biscuits, candies, and chocolates from Japan, Korea, Europe, and the Americas; (ii) exclusive flagship brands and featured products; (iii) a curated selection of international wines, sake, and beers; and (iv) premium cooking oils, condiments, and essential household groceries.

Convenient Shopping Across the Territory
Experience 24/7 Access to Premium Living

With foodpanda Mall, customers can order their favorite products, and foodpanda couriers will pick them up from selected Best Mart 360° or FoodVille stores, delivering in as little as 30 minutes. The service will initially be piloted at 39 stores and will gradually expand to more locations, unveiling more best-selling items in the near future.

Mr. Hui Chi Kwan, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Group, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with foodpanda to bring our global premium products online. This collaboration meets our customers’ demand for convenience, offering access to high-quality, competitively priced items anytime, anywhere. It further embodies our brand commitment of ‘Premium Living, Within Reach,’ connecting us even closer to our customers’ daily lives.”

Mr. Darren Luk – Director, Q-Commerce (HKTW) of foodpanda, said, “We’re dedicated to providing diverse lifestyle products. Best Mart 360’s addition enhances our offerings, particularly for imported snacks and groceries, solidifying foodpanda mall as Hong Kong’s go-to one-stop delivery platform.”

List of Designated Branches:
Best Mart 360˚
Hong Kong Island

1. Shop L, G/F, 484-496 Queen’s Road West, Shek Tong Tsui

6. Shop 301, L3, New Jade Shopping Arcade, Chai Wan
2. Shop Nos. D09-D13a, First Floor, Queensway Plaza, 93 Queensway, Admiralty

7. Shop A and B, Ground Floor, 3-5 Stanley New Street, Stanley
3. Shop No. 1, G/F, 334-336 King’s Road, North Point

8. Shop E, G/F, Albert House,22 Chengtu Road, Aberdeen
4. Shop D, G/F, Ellen Building, 192-198 Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan

9. Shop 17, G/F, Hang Fung Mansion,17-19 Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley
5. Shop 3 & Shop 4, G/F, 981 King’s Road, Quarry Bay

10. Shop A, G/F, 194-204 Johnston Road, Wanchai


Kowloon

1. Shop 18, G/F, 1-7 Wu Kwong Street, Hung Hom

6. Shop UG22, UG/F, Temple Mall South, Wong Tai Sin
2. G/F, 128-130 Nga Tsin Wai Road, Kowloon City

7. Shops 79-80, 1/F, Laguna Plaza, Kwun Tong
3. G/F, 511 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei

4. G/F, 180 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

5. Shop G19, G/F, Un Chau Shopping Centre, Cheung Sha Wan

New Territories

1. Shop 205A, L2, Tai Wo Plaza, Tai Po

9. Shop Nos. 4A, 4B and 19, G/F,Chung On Shopping Centre, Ma On Shan
2. Shop No. A212, Level 2, YOHO Mall II, Yuen Long

10. Shop 53B, 55A & 55B, 3/F, Shatin Centre, Sha Tin
3. Shop No. L045, G/F, Tin Yiu Plaza, Tin Yiu Estate, Tin Shui Wai

11. Shop Nos. TAW 31-32, MTR Tai Wai Station, Tai Wai
4. Shop Nos. H-217 & H-218A, Level 2, Zone H, H.A.N.D.S., Tuen Mun

12. Shops G2-3 & G16-18, G/F, Tai Hung Fai(Tsuen Wan) Centre, Chung On Street, Tsuen Wan
5. Shop Nos. 209-211, 1/F, Fanling Centre, Fanling

13. Shop TSY 30-31, Tsing Yi Station, Tsing Yi
6. Shop Nos. UG046-47, UG/F,Metro City Phase II, Tseung Kwan O

14. Shop No. B (2-8, 23-25), 2/F, Sun Kwai Hing Plaza, Kwai Chung
7. Shop 15, G/F, Sai Kung Garden, 16 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung

15. Shop 105, 1/F, Fu Tung Plaza, Tung Chung
8. Shops F75-76, 1/F, PopCorn 2, Tseung Kwan O

FoodVille
Kowloon

1. Shop No. G8-9 &16-19 on Ground Floor of Amoy Plaza Gardens, Phase I, 77 Ngau Tau Kok Road, Ngau Tau Kok


New Territories

1. Shop Unit 304, The LOHAS, LOHAS Park, Tseung Kwan O

4. Shop No. 354, Level 2, Zone E, Tai Po Mega Mall, Tai Po
2. Shop 183, Level 1, Maritime Square 2, Tsing Yi

5. Shop Unit 503, Level 5, The Wai, Sha Tin
3. Shop No. 3013, Level 3, MOSTown (Phase 4), Ma On Shan

6. Shop Nos. 152-153, Level 1, Park Central, 9 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O

Hashtag: #優品360 #BestMart360 #foodpanda #foodpandamall

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

Best Mart 360 Holdings Limited

Best Mart 360 Holdings Limited operates chain retail stores under the brand “Best Mart 360˚ “, offering wide selection of imported and pre-packaged leisure foods and other grocery products principally from overseas. It is the Group’s business objective to offer “Best Quality” and “Best Price” products to customers through continuous efforts on global procurement with a mission to provide comfortable shopping environment and pleasurable shopping experience to customers. As at 31 December 2024, the Group operated a total of 176 chain retail stores, spanning all of the 18 districts in Hong Kong and strategic locations with heavy pedestrian flow in Macau. Among the chain retail stores, the global gourmet brand “FoodVille” launched in September 2021 is also included, targeting the medium-to-high-end-market.

Thailand Classifies Cannabis Flowers as Controlled Substance for Medical Use Only

Thailand Classifies Cannabis Flowers as Controlled Substance for Medical Use Only
Cannabis (photo credit: Thai herbal products)

On 24 June, the Thai Ministry of Public Health officially announced a new regulation that classifies cannabis flowers as a controlled herbal substance, aiming to prevent misuse and strengthen legal oversight. 

Lao Government Voices Concern Over Regional, Global Tensions

Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone delivers his speech during the closing ceremony of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia on Sep 7, 2023. (Photo credit: Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has voiced serious concerns about rising regional tensions and global instability, warning of their potential impact on Laos’s economy and security.

Speaking during a session at the Prime Minister’s Office on 24 June, he pointed to growing geopolitical challenges, including military friction between ASEAN neighbors, referring to Cambodia and Thailand, as well as broader global conflicts and humanitarian crises.

He also highlighted the ongoing global economic slowdown, cautioning that these overlapping issues could drive up the cost of essential goods, especially fuel, and place added pressure on vulnerable communities in Laos.

Government officials stressed the need for proactive measures, stating that Laos cannot remain unaffected by these interconnected global events.

ABB among TIME’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – EQS Newswire – 25 June 2025 –

  • ABB ranked 14th in the “World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025” list by TIME Magazine and Statista
  • ABB named third most sustainable company across all industries in Switzerland
  • Companies assessed on sustainable business practice, commitments & ratings, reporting standards & transparency, environmental & social stewardship

ABB has been ranked 14th in TIME’s “World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025” and third in Switzerland across all industries. TIME and Statista assessed over 5,000 of the world’s largest and most influential companies, considering factors such as revenue, market capitalization, and public prominence. The top 500 companies from 35 countries and 21 industries were identified using a transparent methodology involving a rigorous 4-step process and the evaluation of more than 20 key performance indicators. Companies were assessed on sustainable business practices, commitments & ratings, reporting standards & transparency, environmental & social stewardship. An overall sustainability score was calculated, with a maximum achievable score of 100. ABB achieved a score of 81.92.

“Being among the top 15 in the World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025 is testament to ABB’s strategic approach of embedding sustainability into the business with a focus on transparency and accountability,” said Anke Hampel, ABB’s Group Head of Sustainability. “Our Sustainability Agenda aims to enable a low-carbon society, preserve resources and promote social progress for a net-zero future. As a global technology leader in electrification and automation, we help our customers optimize energy use, reduce emissions, and accelerate the transition to more resilient, resource-efficient operations.”

ABB has set ambitious net zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2050, compared to a 2019 baseline. In 2024, ABB achieved a 78% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since 2019 and decreased Scope 3 emissions by 8% compared to 2022.

ABB has also been recognized for leadership in corporate transparency and performance on climate change by the global environmental non-profit organization Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) securing a place on its annual ‘A List’ in April 2025. In May 2025, ABB received a rating of AAA (on a scale of AAA-CCC) in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment.

Discover more about ABB’s sustainability approach and progress: https://global.abb/group/en/investors/annual-reporting-suite

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they out-perform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com

Hashtag: #ABB

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