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PetroChina Posts Sustained Growth in 2024, Achieving Third Consecutive Year of Record-Breaking Performance

BEIJING, March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PetroChina Company Limited [“PetroChina” or the “Company”, (HKSE: 00857, SSE: 601857)] announced that the Company proactively responded to the evolving landscape, boosted oil and gas exploration and development, further propelled the transition and upgrading of refining and chemical operations. While continuously improving the quality of marketing, the Company prioritized quality and profitability enhancement, steadily promoted the green and low-carbon transition, actively engaged in emerging industries, continuously improved ESG performance, and strengthened the profitability of two major industry chains of oil and gas. Despite the realized oil price dropped by 2.5% year-on-year, the Company maintained growth in its operating performance, achieving new record highs for three consecutive years.

In accordance with IFRS, the Company recorded a revenue of RMB 2.9 trillion in the full year of 2024. Net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company reached RMB 164.68 billion, up 2.0% year-on-year. With continuous optimization of its asset-liability structure, the Company retained a robust financial position. The Company generated free cash flow of RMB 104.35 billion, exceeding RMB 100 billion for three consecutive years. In return for the shareholders, the Board recommends a final cash dividend of RMB 0.25 (inclusive of applicable tax) per share for 2024. Total annual dividend is RMB 0.47 (inclusive of applicable tax) per share, representing a payout ratio of 52.2%. The total amount of cash dividend reaches approximately RMB 86.02 billion. Both the final and full-year dividend per share reach the highest levels in history for the same period.

Results Review

Significant progress in boosting oil and gas reserves and production, with sustained increase in oil and gas output. The Company adhered to efficient exploration to enhance economically recoverable reserves and the reserve replacement ratio. It achieved major breakthroughs and significant discoveries in the Tarim Basin, Sichuan Basin, Junggar Basin, Ordos Basin, and Songliao Basin. Adhering to cost-effective development, the Company systematically advanced the construction of capacity-building projects, including Bayan and Sulige, ensuring profitable capacity-building in new fields, efficient and stable production in mature fields, and output growth through precision management. The Company also intensified efforts in large-scale and efficient development of unconventional oil and gas resources. As a result, crude oil output has increased steadily, natural gas production has maintained rapid growth, with the share of natural gas in total oil and gas output continuing to rise. The Company continued to drive the high-quality development of its overseas oil and gas business, actively acquiring premium new projects, optimizing the operation of existing production projects, and enhancing the concentration of overseas oil and gas assets and investment returns. In 2024, the Company’s oil and gas output reached 243.7 million tons in oil equivalent terms, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.2%. Domestic oil and natural gas output increased by 2.5% year-on-year to 217.0 million tons, within which domestic crude oil output edged up 0.4% year-on-year to 105.2 million tons, and marketable natural gas output grew by 4.6% year-on-year to 140.36 billion cubic meters. The Company pooled its strengths to accelerate the development of new energies business. In 2024, wind and solar power generation reached 4.72 billion kilowatt-hours, with an increase in installed capacity totaling 4.95 million kilowatts. Additionally, newly-signed geothermal heating contracts area reached 75.12 million square meters. The oil, gas, and new energies business achieved an operating profit of RMB 159.75 billion.

Accelerated transformation and upgrading of refining and chemicals, with new materials production reaching new record highs. The Company adhered to green and intelligent development, adopting a market-oriented and profitability-centered approach to optimize facility utilization and product mix. By vigorously reducing the production of fuels and increasing chemicals and specialty products, the Company continuously increased the output of high value-added products while actively moving to mid-to-high-end of the “Refining, Chemicals, Bio-manufacturing, Fine Chemicals,  New Materials” industrial chain. Key transformation and upgrading projects, including Jilin Petrochemical and Guangxi Petrochemical, progressed steadily, while the high-end polyolefin project of Blue Ocean New Materials was officially launched. The Company expanded sales of specialty refined products, securing the largest market share in China for bonded marine fuel, paraffin wax, low-sulfur petroleum coke, and specialty asphalt. The Company strengthened chemical market analysis and forecasting, enhanced marketing capabilities, and achieved a substantial increase in chemical product sales. In 2024, the Company processed 190 million tons of crude. The output of refined petroleum products reached 120 million tons. The commodity volume of chemical products amounted to 38.98 million tons, an increase of 13.6% year-on-year, and the output of new materials surged by 49.3% year-on-year to 2.05 million tons. The refining, chemicals and new materials business generated an operating profit of RMB 21.39 billion.

Marketing capabilities were continuously strengthened, with the network layout further optimized. The Company actively responded to market demand fluctuations, strengthened production-sales coordination, and optimized marketing strategies to fully leverage the initiative and creativity of sales networks, ensuring a stable market share. The Company also enhanced international trading operations and profitability capacity, continuously improving the profitability of the industrial chain. By promptly grasping market dynamics, the Company flexibly allocated resources and expanded automotive LNG sales. Additionally, the Company intensified marketing efforts for non-oil business, resulting in steady growth in the gross profit of non-oil business. The Company continued to improve its network, and strengthen the development of integrated energy service stations and charging infrastructure, continuously optimizing the customer-focused comprehensive energy replenishment network. In 2024, the Company sold 160 million tons of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel. Domestic sales volume of gasoline, kerosene and diesel amounted to 120 million tons. The marketing business achieved an operating profit of RMB 16.49 billion.

Significant growth in natural gas marketing with enhanced efficiency and profitability, with sales volume hitting a historic high. The Company ensured a balanced allocation of domestic and imported resources, and comprehensively coordinated injection and withdrawal of gas storage facilities with LNG spot procurement, striving to reduce costs for the natural gas resource portfolio. The Company continued to optimize the market layout and marketing strategies of its natural gas business, boosted efforts in developing direct-sales, end-user markets, and high-end, lucrative markets, and worked to grow the gas power generation business, further improving its marketing quality and profitability. In 2024, the Company sold 287.75 billion cubic meters of natural gas, increased by 5.2% year-on-year. Domestic natural gas sales reached 227.83 billion cubic meters, representing a year-on-year growth of 3.7%. The natural gas marketing business generated an operating profit of RMB 54.01 billion.

Outlook

Looking ahead to 2025, the Company will uphold the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, and adhere to the five development strategies of Innovation, Resources, Market, Internationalization, and Green & Low-carbon development. The Company will proactively respond to market changes, leverage core competencies, continuously optimize production and operation, develop new quality productive forces in light of local conditions, accelerate the development of new businesses including new energies and new materials. It will continuously enhance the resilience and profit-generating capabilities of industrial and supply chains, strengthen capabilities in risk response, sustainable development and value creation, strive to achieve effective improvement of the quality and reasonable growth of the quantity, delivering enhanced development outcomes to reward shareholders and society.

Additional information on PetroChina is available at the Company’s website: http://www.petrochina.com.cn

Media contact:
Matthew Li, petrochina.list@everbloom.com.cn  

Fosun International Reports Total Revenue of RMB 192.14 Billion and Industrial Operation Profit of RMB 4.9 Billion in 2024

HONG KONG, March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On 30 March 2025, Fosun International Limited (HKEX stock code: 00656) announced its annual results for the year 2024. During the period, the Group’s total revenue reached RMB192.14 billion. Its four core subsidiaries – Yuyuan, Fosun Pharma, Fosun Insurance Portugal, and Fosun Tourism Group – generated a total revenue of RMB134.65 billion, accounting for 70.1% of the Group’s total revenue, supported by a solid asset base.

In 2024, the Group’s industrial operation profit reached RMB4.9 billion, demonstrating stable operational fundamentals. Excluding this one-off significant effect, the profit attributable to owners of the parent amounted to RMB0.75 billion.

During the period, the Group’s overseas revenue grew 6.2% year-on-year, increasing the proportion of overseas revenue to 49.3% of total revenue. Global operations have become a new growth engine for Fosun. The Group’s investment in technology innovation amounted to around RMB6.9 billion. It has established more than 20 global technology innovation centers, covering various industries and fields.

In 2024, Fosun’s operating cash flow remained healthy and stable. The signed asset divestment amounted to approximately RMB17.5 billion equivalent at the group level, and approximately RMB30.0 billion equivalent at the consolidated level. In November 2024, after an absence of three years, Fosun returned to the offshore USD bond market and successfully issued long duration USD bonds. The international credit rating agency S&P fully recognized the Group’s steady improvement in credit matrix, and reaffirmed the BB- rating and a stable credit outlook.  

Brii Bio Unveils New Data from Its Ongoing Phase 2 ENSURE Study at APASL 2025, Showcasing BRII-179’s Unique Potential to Prime and Boost Higher HBsAg Loss Through Target Patient Identification

  • Preliminary data from Cohort 4 of the ENSURE study supports a novel enrichment strategy to utilize BRII-179 to identify patients who are immune responders and have the potential to achieve higher HBsAg loss at EOT
  • 48-week EOT data from Cohort 1-3 of the ENSURE study clearly suggests the added benefits of elebsiran towards achieving a higher rate of HBsAg loss in combination with PEG-IFNα

DURHAM, N.C. and BEIJING, China, March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Brii Biosciences Limited (“Brii Bio,” or the “Company”, stock code: 2137.HK), a biotechnology company developing therapies to improve patient health and choice across diseases with high unmet medical needs, announced new data from its ongoing Phase 2 ENSURE study as a late-breaking oral presentation at the 34th Annual Meeting of Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL 2025) in Beijing, China.

ENSURE (NCT05970289) is a multicenter, open-label Phase 2 study. Cohorts 1-3 were designed to evaluate the contribution of elebsiran, an investigational small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA), in combination with pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFNα) in participants with chronic HBV infection with baseline hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) of 100-3,000 IU/mL. Participants who completed 9 doses of BRII-179, a recombinant protein-based therapeutic vaccine, in combination with elebsiran (BRII-835) in a previous APAC study BRII-179-835-001 (NCT04749368) were enrolled to Cohort 4 of this study and received elebsiran and PEG-IFNα combination treatment. The design of Cohort 4 as part of this study was based on insight from previous studies that a significant proportion of the chronic HBV patients fail to generate a sufficient immune response after receiving multiple doses of BRII-179, and therefore unlikely to have the immune support to achieve sustainable functional cure.

Emerging data from Cohort 4 showed that participants who previously had BRII-179 induced anti-HBs response achieved a substantially higher rate of HBsAg seroclearance than those who did not. At Week 24, more than half of the BRII-179 responders (55.6% [10/18]) achieved HBsAg seroclearance, compared to only 10.0% (1/10) in non-responders. These latest data suggest that BRII-179 can serve as a predictive tool for enriching patients more likely to respond to curative therapies.

Additional data from Cohorts 1-3 of the ENSURE study showed that higher end of treatment (EOT) HBsAg loss and seroconversion rates in participants receiving elebsiran in combination with PEG-IFNα than those receiving PEG-IFNα alone.  

“The positive Cohort 4 data from the ENSURE study opens new doors for HBV functional cure,” said Dr. Grace Lai-Hung Wong, Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at CUHK Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC) and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics in Hong Kong SAR, China. “Previous studies have suggested that BRII-179 may offer a unique opportunity to identify CHB patients who are able to elicit the necessary HBsAg antibody response. I believe these new findings provide clear evidence supporting such value proposition and further substantiate the role of BRII-179 in shaping future combination therapies.”

“We are encouraged that the Cohort 4 from the ENSURE study continue to support our enrichment strategy in developing a functional cure for chronic HBV in target populations,” said David Margolis, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Brii Bio. “The results underscore the potential of BRII-179 in identifying patients who are more likely to respond to regimens aimed at functional cure, thereby enhancing functional cure rates in the target population while reducing exposure to costly therapies for those with a lower probability of cure. We are committed to advancing BRII-179 in combination with various modalities through our ongoing studies and collaborations with strategic partners, aiming to deliver higher functional cure rates to 254 million patients worldwide living with chronic HBV infection.”

Abstract Number: OP0335

Presentation Title: Responders to Prior BRII-179 Treatment Achieved Faster and Higher Rate of HBsAg Seroclearance Following Treatment of Elebsiran and PEG-IFNα in Participants with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Preliminary Data from ENSURE Study

Presenter: Grace Lai-Hung Wong, MBChB (CUHK), MD (CUHK), FRCP (Lond, Edin), FHKCP, FHKAM (Medicine), Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at CUHK Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC) and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics in Hong Kong SAR, China

  • Among the 28 of the 31 participants enrolled in Cohort 4 with baseline HBsAg ≥ 100 IU/mL being analyzed, 18 participants with peak anti-HBs ≥ 10 IU/L induced by prior BRII-179 treatment were defined as BRII-179 responders and 10 participants with peak anti-HBs < 10 IU/L were defined as non-responders.
  • At Week 24 of treatment with elebsiran + PEG-IFNα, 39.3% (11/28) of the Cohort 4 participants achieved HBsAg seroclearance.
  • The rate of HBsAg seroclearance at Week 24 in the BRII-179 responders was 55.6% (10/18), notably higher compared to the non-responders at 10% (1/10).
  • Responders to prior BRII-179 treatment appeared to achieve a faster HBsAg seroclearance compared to BRII-179 naïve participants receiving elebsiran + PEG-IFNα as previously reported.
  • Elebsiran and PEG-IFNα combination therapy was generally safe and well tolerated in participants with virally suppressed chronic HBV infection.
  • Treatment with elebsiran + PEG-IFNα is ongoing for 48 weeks.

Abstract Number: LB0009

Presentation Title: Higher end of treatment (EOT) HBsAg loss and seroconversion rates in participants with chronic HBV infection receiving elebsiran (BRII-835) and pegylated interferon alfa-2a (PEG-IFNα) compared to PEG-IFNα alone: Week 48 results from ongoing ENSURE study

Presenter: Jidong Jia, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine at the Liver Research Centre, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University in Beijing, China

  • The rates of HBsAg seroclearance at EOT in elebsiran 200 mg + PEG-IFNα and elebsiran 100 mg + PEG-IFNα cohorts were 26.3% (5/19) and 33.3% (6/18), respectively, notably higher compared to PEG-IFNα alone cohort (5.6%) in participants with baseline HBsAg levels 100-3,000 IU/mL.
  • Greater HBsAg reductions at EOT were observed in elebsiran + PEG-IFNα combination cohorts (mean [SE]: -2.47 [0.28] or -3.01 [0.28] log10 IU/mL in elebsiran 200 mg or 100 mg, respectively) than in PEG-IFNα cohort (-1.02 [0.30] log10 IU/mL).
  • Elebsiran in combination with PEG-IFNα at both 200 mg and 100 mg doses achieved similar HBsAg reductions and seroclearance rates. Elebsiran and PEG-IFNα combination therapy was generally safe and well tolerated in participants with virally suppressed chronic HBV infection.
  • Post-treatment follow-up is ongoing and will continue for 24 weeks after discontinuation of treatment.

As part of Brii Bio’s unique approach to developing a functional cure for HBV, the Company and its partners are actively progressing multiple combination studies with our differentiated portfolio, including BRII-179, a recombinant protein-based HBV immunotherapeutic being evaluated in multiple combination studies with elebsiran led by Brii Bio; elebsiran being evaluated in combination with PEG-IFNα  in studies led by Brii Bio and tobevibart, an investigational broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody targeting HBV, being evaluated  in multiple Phase 2 and 3 tobevibart and elebsiran combination studies led by Vir Biotechnology. Key data readouts will be shared in the coming months at the scientific conferences throughout 2025.

About Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the world’s most significant infectious disease threats with more than 254 million people infected globally.[1] Chronic HBV infection is the leading cause of liver disease and an estimated 820,000 people die of complications from chronic HBV infection each year.[1] HBV is of exceptional concern in China, where 87 million people are chronically infected.[2]

About BRII-179

BRII-179 is a novel recombinant protein-based HBV immunotherapeutic candidate that expresses the Pre-S1, Pre-S2, and S HBV surface antigens, and is designed to induce enhanced and broad B-cell and T-cell immunity. In November 2023, the Center for Drug Evaluation (the “CDE”) of the National Medical Products Administration (the “NMPA”) granted BRII-179 Breakthrough Therapy Designation.

About Elebsiran (BRII-835, VIR-2218)

Elebsiran is an investigational subcutaneously administered HBV-targeting siRNA designed to degrade hepatitis B virus RNA transcripts and limit the production of hepatitis B surface antigen. It has the potential to have direct antiviral activity against HBV and HDV. It is the first siRNA in the clinic to include Enhanced Stabilization Chemistry Plus technology to enhance stability and minimize off-target activity, which potentially can result in an increased therapeutic index. Brii Bio licensed exclusive rights to develop and commercialize elebsiran for the Greater China territory from Vir Biotechnology, Inc. in 2020.

About Brii Bio

Brii Biosciences Limited (“Brii Bio“, stock code: 2137.HK) is a biotechnology company developing therapies to address major public health challenges where patients experience high unmet medical needs, limited choice and significant social stigmas. With a focus on infectious diseases, the Company is advancing a broad pipeline of unique therapeutic candidates with lead programs against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The Company is led by a visionary and experienced leadership team and has operations in key biotech hubs, including Raleigh-Durham, the San Francisco Bay Area, Beijing and Shanghai. For more information, visit www.briibio.com.

[1] World Health Organization. (April 2024). Global hepatitis report 2024: action for access in low- and middle-income countries. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240091672

[2] World Health Organization. Hepatitis. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/china/health-topics/hepatitis#:~:text=There%20are%2087%20million%20people,living%20with%20chronic%20hepatitis%20C.

 

Tourism Plus Shanghai 2025, a Key Innovation Hub of Global Tourism Industry, to Break Record with its Scale

SHANGHAI, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From March 30th to April 3rd, Tourism Plus Shanghai 2025 (TPS2025) will set a new historical record with 5 cluster exhibitions, located on 4 main exhibition centers in Shanghai, 700,000 square meters total exhibition area, 15 industrial categories, 68 exhibition sections, 6,000+ exhibitors, 8 lifestyle festivals, 22 international and domestic competitions as well as 300+ conferences and live events. It is estimated to attract at least 450,000 visitors from more than 140 countries & regions worldwide.

The expo is launched by Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, co-sponsored by China Tourism Association, and co-organized by Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets International Exhibition Co., Ltd. and Shanghai International Convention & Exhibition Co., Ltd.

Supported by the 4 exhibition centers located in both Pudong and Puxi, TPS2025 willfully promote the deep integration of ” industries + tourism” from the industrial coordination perspective, it will not only assist the close linage between traditional industries like hotels, caterings, retailing and tourism industry, but also will create a new and full spectrum tourism development stage through fostering new business forms. In terms of innovation, TPS2025 will roughly attract more than 6,000 active exhibitors and bringing 100,000 new products debuts globally, which will continuously inject vitality into the tourism industry Regarding the technology and environmental protection empowerment, the gathering of a variety of robotics, new energy, and green construction materials enterprises will set a solid foundation for the intelligent upgrading and green & sustainable development of the tourism industry. Through the full engagement of the culture, tourism, business, sports industries and exhibition, the spillover effect of the expo will be continuously amplified. It will release the tourism consumption potential, stimulate the consumption of surrounding industries, leverage the influence of Shanghai tourism brand, comprehensively boost the consumption momentum, and firmly promote Shanghai’s tourism industry to move in the direction of high quality and innovation.

TPS2025 not only reflects the current industrial and market trends, but also proactively shapes a much bigger picture of the tourism industry and evolves itself into a key hub of innovation within the global tourism industry through setting the forward-looking themes, integrating resources, incubating the ecological circles, and creating “tourism + industries” and ” industries + tourism”.

Deepen the ” industries + tourism” concept, expand the linkage among culture, tourism, business, sports and exhibitions

On top of the 9 classified national categories of tourism and related industries, TPS2025 has broadly embraced other sectors like agriculture, traditional industry, commerce, science & technology, culture, sports, health care and etc. It has also implanted raw materials, auxiliary materials and accessories, manufacturing, technology, services, trade and other segments of the supply chain. Through all the above engagements, it becomes a super-expo covering 15 industrial categories and vertical industrial chain, including hospitality, catering & food, coffee & tea, chain franchise, architectural decoration, commercial design, cleaning & sanitation, boat industry, tourism & healthcare, art and visual display industry and so on, which will provide a huge carrying capacity for the linkage development among all these industrial segments.

TPS2025 is bringing a much more broader consumption scenario to the whole industry through its “industries + tourism” platform effect. 

For example, the “MetaSVS Shanghai Virtual Sports Opening” brought by JUSS INTELLISPORTS will be held for the first time in Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, , which is not only the linkage of a single sport event and exhibition, but also provides linkage opportunities between the cultural tourism metaverse and the sports industry. Moreover, “TPS Immersive Experience Exhibition” reflects the linkage between the cultural tourism metaverse industry and tourist attractions, IP industry and commercial space temporary exhibition. “Follow Lure to travel” and other exhibition on-site activities have also led to the launch of new tourism routes in the subdivision field with the tourism industry.

The lifestyle festivals represented by the “HOTELEX Shanghai International Coffee, Wine and Food Festival” held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) not only promote the consumption of related products, but also disseminate the culture and lifestyle of related industries to the public.

A series of forums such as the “Hotel Culture Week” which will be held at Shanghai New International Expo Center will witness the empowerment of global design industry to the hotel and cultural tourism accommodation industries.

Modern Concept World Expo will extend the linkage beyond the exhibition period and outside the exhibition hall, it will cooperate with Changfeng Joy City to launch the “POPART Changfeng Joy City International Balloon Art Festival”, so that more citizens can understand the creativity of art &visual display industry.

In order to stimulate the spillover effect of “Exhibition + Tourism”, TPS2025 also jointly launched the “TPS2025 Shanghai Pass Joint Commemorative Card” with Shanghai City Tour Card, which will combine all discounts offered in Shanghai one-day tourist and many concessions on Shanghai Tourism Quality Life Festival, therefore bringing diversified exhibition and travel interaction consumption experience for domestic and foreign exhibitors and visitors.

Focus on new product debut, lead the new trend of lifestyle consumption

TPS2025 encourages exhibitors to have their spring new products debut in the exhibition, and provides diversified public display platforms for the promotion including SMG live broadcast rooms, road shows, promotion meetings, forums, competition specialized products and  lifestyle festival experience etc. More than 6,000 exhibitors are expected to bring 10,000+ new products representing domestic and even global markets, such as the Prado Museum VR Art Exhibition from Spain that will make its global debut at the TPS2025.

Special exhibitions, lifestyle festivals and competitions are important bridges connecting new products from enterprises and professional enthusiasts, as well as major stages for driving new consumption of lifestyle. The special exhibition will bring demonstration innovative lifestyle scenes. The lifestyle festival and competition will bring new products, new skills and new ways of playing. These innovations will lead to new consumption trends.

This year, there will be many special exhibitions such as “2025 Roadtrip Show”, “TPS Immersive Experience Site”etc., and lifestyle festivals such as “Shanghai Tourism Quality Lifestyle Festival”, “Water Sports Carnival” and “Lure Carnival”, as well as virtual sports and Lure fishing events.

At the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), there will be many lifestyle festivals such as “HOTELEX Shanghai International Coffee, Wine and Food Festival”, “Global Flavor CHA Drink Culture Festival”, “HOTELEX x FOODAiLY INNOVATION EXPO”, and 15 international and domestic competitions covering coffee, drinks, cooking, baking, desserts, chocolate, ice cream, wine, catering and other content.

At the Shanghai New International Expo Center, there will be many special exhibitions such as “Hotel Brand Investment and Franchise Zone”, “DJSER Design Recommendation Zone @ Shanghai“, as well as the “Hotel & Shop Plus Cultural and Tourism Lifestyle Festival” for accommodation supplies. There are also hotel uniforms, hotel room skills, cleaning skills and other competitions.

At the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing, there will be special exhibitions such as “Trendy Social media Hot-spots Hall”.

All these activities have brought trend reference for creating new consumption scenarios and driving the industry’s wind direction.

Strengthen scientific and technological empowerment, leverage industrial investment to the next level

The upgrading of the industry cannot be separated from the empowerment of new quality productivity, and TPS2025 is a super platform for the docking of advanced technology and the application scenarios of 15 major industrial categories.

There are many robot enterprises participating in this exhibition. In the field of culture and tourism, there are Unitree Robotics, ULS Robotics, Qingbao Robot; In the field of catering and unmanned retail, there are JAKA, COFE+ and YUSHAN INTELLIGENT; In the hotel, commercial space, cleaning fields, there are ALPHA, Yunji Robot, Excelland, Padbot, Viggo, Gausium, Pudu, Wimsha Robot and so on. These robot companies are actively expanding the application scenarios related to the tourism industry and deploying large AI models for the corresponding scenarios.

In terms of promoting the green development of the industry, new energy enterprises such as CATL and EIKTO, as well as green building materials enterprises such as JOMOO, AGMO and SHIJIHAOMEN will bring green supply chains for terminal products here.

Integration service providers of many large technology enterprises will also come to the exhibition site: Xuzhou VR Intelligent Technology will bring PICO in LBE large space system solutionst; Bittel will bring Tmall Genie, Xiaomi in the smart hotel and other application scenarios landing system solutions.

In addition to vigorously promoting the landing of new quality productivity enterprises in various application scenarios, the organizers of TPS2025 will also give full play to the advantages of TPS2025 as the world’s largest tourism industry special expo, connect the upstream and downstream links of the industrial chain through the combination of investment and consumption, and strive to turn exhibitors into investors.

The Shanghai Culture & Tourism Investment Promotion Week 2025 and TPS Tourism Investment Matchmaking Meeting will be held from March 30th to April 1st, inviting top institutions from the country’s high-quality investment funds, culture & tourism operation groups, hotel groups to participate. It will focus on investment hot spots such as new quality productivity enterprise investment, immersion and IP empowerment, new ecology of food and beverage, and venture overseas, further demonstrating the economic vitality, innovation drive, urban charm and investment potential of Shanghai, and striving to build the Asia-Pacific tourism investment gateway.

In addition to the precise investment matching meeting, the organizers of Tourism Plus Shanghai also rely on a million-level database to invite hundreds of thousands of professional buyers to the exhibition site, face-to-face exchanges with exhibitors, and promote the growth of upstream and downstream trade in the industry. Online, the exhibition mobile software DTSHoReCa developed by the organizer of TPS2025 has been launched on various application platforms, and an online business reservation system has been opened to help exhibitors and buyers achieve accurate docking.

The forum is also an important place to promote industry trends. This year, more than 1,000 speakers will come to the TPS2025 to discuss the trends and latest cases in the segment with the visitors. Dozens of technology-related forums, such as “2025 China Hotel New Quality Productivity Development Forum”, “BIM Conference on Architectural Decoration”, and “Seminar on Green Technology and Sustainable Development of Boats” will promote the promotion of cutting-edge technologies in the industry. A number of development index studies, evaluation models, standard publicity and implementation, industry lists etc., will be released at the conference.

Activate resource elements, create the cultural core” based culture and tourism IP 

In addition to bringing industrial resources for the upgrading of tourism destinations, the organizers of TPS2025 are also trying to promote the activation of local resources, create new local tourism IP through “characteristic industries + local culture + tourism”, and promote local cultural heritage and international exchanges through tourism.

This year, HOTELEX incorporated years of successful experience in building a coffee industry chain into the concept of “Chinese CHA”. HOTELEX for the first time will hold a collection of intangible cultural heritage masters, tea spaces, new tea pop-up shops and other content, and link to the “Shanghai Urban Chinese Style 2025”, gathering professional events, theme forums, and launching “Global Flavored CHA Drink Culture Festival”. The “Global Flavored CHA Drink Culture Festival” aims to promote the development of tea and tourism in traditional tea producing areas, as well as the two-way commitment of traditional tea and fashion drink, accelerating the development of Chinese tea to the CHA of the world. At the same time, the “Fashion Drink Competition Finals and World Fashion Drink Elite Competition” was held for the first time, inviting judges and contestant’s resources brought by the exhibition to Southeast Asia, bringing reference for flavor research and development for the Chinese tea industry to explore the Southeast Asian market.

In the TPS2025, the “2025 Roadtrip Show” invited self-drive tourism clubs, destinations along the way, roadtrip related industry chains, etc. On the big stage with G318 as the road travel scene, in front of the road signs marking 108 destinations and scenic spots, and in the background of the road map with 5,476 kilometers of concentration, “2025 Roadtrip Show” has embedded new ways of driving trips and destinations along the way and related cultural films, inviting global visitors to step on the “landscape avenue of Chinese people”.

IHG, Hilton and other international hotel groups actively entered the hotel brand investment and franchise exhibition area of Hotel & Shop Plus – Shanghai International Hotel, Shop, Office and Public Space Expo, attracting hotel owners and management groups, hotel industry investors and franchisees to jointly tap the potential of China’s hotel market and promote the update of the stock hotel market.

This year, the inclusion of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) for the first time will inject a stronger international perspective and industry resources into China (Shanghai) International Boat Show 2025. At CIBS2025, ICOMIA will bring together business leaders and industry experts to discuss the future development of the Marine leisure industry in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.

Judging from the amount of pre-registration of overseas visitors this year, the international influence of TPS2025 is also rapidly increasing. As of March 27, the total number of pre-registered overseas visitors has exceeded 20,000. On the basis of 15,761 overseas guests from 141 countries and regions last year, the number of overseas visitors is expected to reach a new high this year under the influence of Shanghai’s creation of “the first stop of China’s inbound tourism”.

Attachment:

The specific exhibition information of each collective exhibitions of TPS2025 is as follows:

From March 30th to April 2nd, HOTELEX – Shanghai International Hospitality Equipment & Food service Expo will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), focusing on hospitality, food and beverage, coffee and tea, chain and franchise, and other industries.

From March 30th to April 2nd, Tourism Plus Shanghai 2025 and China (Shanghai) International Boat Show and The Lifestyle Show Shanghai 2025 will be held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, focusing on tourism and healthcare, boat industry, outdoor leisure and other industries.

From March 31st to April 3rd, Hotel & Shop Plus-Shanghai International Hotel, Shop, Office and Public Space Expo, which expanded its exhibition scope this year, will be held at Shanghai New International Expo Center, focusing on architectural decoration, commercial design, clean and sanitation and other industries.

From March 31st to April 1st, Modern Concept World Expo, which is new this year, will be held at Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing, focusing on art and visual display industry.

With Renovation Approaching, Final Dubai Fountain Show Date Unveiled

  • Last performance before closure set for 19 April 2025

DUBAI, UAE, March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Emaar gears up for the planned renovation of Dubai Fountain, the date for its final show before the refurbishment has been revealed. The iconic fountain, located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, will perform its last show on 19th April 2025, before temporarily closing for a comprehensive restoration aimed at ensuring its continued brilliance.

With Renovation Approaching, Final Dubai Fountain Show Date Unveiled
With Renovation Approaching, Final Dubai Fountain Show Date Unveiled

Since its inception, Dubai Fountain has emerged as a defining symbol of Dubai’s creative prowess, drawing millions of visitors from around the world with its stunning synchronised performances of water, light, and music. The upcoming renovation will preserve the fountain’s spectacular displays, ensuring it continues to mesmerise and inspire visitors for years to come.

Mr. Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar, said: “Dubai Fountain stands as a reflection of Dubai’s bold vision and its ability to captivate and inspire on a global scale. This restoration underscores our commitment to maintaining its legacy as a beacon of creativity and excellence. We look forward to welcoming guests back to experience the fountain in all its renewed splendour.”

While Dubai Fountain undergoes its scheduled maintenance, visitors can continue to immerse themselves in the vibrant experiences of Downtown Dubai. From world-class shopping and dining at Dubai Mall to awe-inspiring views of Burj Khalifa, the area remains a dynamic hub for both tourists and residents alike.

Emaar looks forward to reopening Dubai Fountain later this year, ensuring it remains a cherished landmark and a source of inspiration for guests from across the globe.

Note to Editors:

About Emaar Properties

Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer and provider of premium lifestyles, with a significant presence in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. One of the world’s largest real estate companies, Emaar has a land bank of ~1.7 billion sq. ft. in the UAE and key international markets.

With a proven track-record in delivery, Emaar has delivered over 118,400 residential units in Dubai and other global markets since 2002. Emaar has strong recurring revenue-generating assets with approx. 1.4 million sq. mtr. of leasing revenue-generating assets and 38 hotels and resorts with around 9,200 keys (includes owned as well as managed hotels). Today, 34 percent of Emaar’s revenue is from its shopping malls, hospitality, leisure, entertainment, commercial leasing, and international businesses.

Burj Khalifa, a global icon, Dubai Mall, the world’s most-visited retail and lifestyle destination, and Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest performing fountain, are among Emaar’s trophy destinations.

Follow Emaar on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emaardubai; X: www.twitter.com/emaardubai; Instagram: www.instagram.com/emaardubai

For all media queries, please contact: PR@emaar.ae

Photo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dubai_fountain_show.jpg 

KIIT Expands Global Presence Through Strategic Academic Collaborations

BHUBANESWAR, India, March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KIIT Deemed to be University (https://kiit.ac.in/), Bhubaneswar, India, continues to expand its global footprint through strategic partnerships with reputed international institutions. It has recently signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with three prestigious universities – the University of Tulsa (USA), Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology (New Zealand), and the University of Washington-Bothell (USA). These collaborations offer students and faculty enhanced academic and research opportunities.

The Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr Achyuta Samanta along with the senior functionaries of both KIIT and University of Washington with the students and teachers of both varsities during a signing of academic exchange initiatives and felicitation function.
The Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr Achyuta Samanta along with the senior functionaries of both KIIT and University of Washington with the students and teachers of both varsities during a signing of academic exchange initiatives and felicitation function.

As part of its global education initiative, KIIT has partnered with the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, to launch a dual degree program in B.Tech. This 2+2 model allows students to complete two years at KIIT and the remaining two years at the University of Tulsa, earning a degree from both institutions.

Beyond the dual degree program, 40 KIIT students from various disciplines, including engineering and liberal studies, will participate in short-term courses at the University of Tulsa, gaining hands-on experience and international exposure. This partnership also facilitates faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and sabbatical opportunities between the two institutions.

Further strengthening its international presence, KIIT has signed an MoU with Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, New Zealand. Signed in the presence of Mr. Christopher Luxon, Hon’ble Prime Minister of New Zealand, the partnership aims to enhance teaching and research capabilities, focusing on articulation pathways in commerce and management at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Toi Ohomai is a leading vocational and applied tertiary education provider known for its industry-aligned programs and hands-on learning approach.

KIIT has also forged an impactful academic collaboration with the University of Washington-Bothell (UWB), USA, through an immersive learning initiative. A delegation of 18 members from UWB, during their visit to KIIT, worked with KIIT’s management students to analyze real-world business challenges faced by local enterprises and develop sustainable solutions.

This initiative brought together students from both universities, providing them with valuable international exposure and practical learning experiences. The collaboration represents an innovative model for global academic engagement, encouraging universities to move beyond traditional exchange programs and embrace collaborative teaching models.

With over 350 MoUs signed with leading universities and corporations worldwide, KIIT has established itself as a hub for academic excellence and cultural exchange. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT, KISS & KIMS, emphasized the importance of such collaborations in equipping students with a global perspective, AI integration, and skill development opportunities that align with the evolving global workforce.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37xY6DvQgdA

 

 

BRI Holds 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGMS), Distributes IDR 51.73 Trillion in Dividends and Prepares for IDR 3 Trillion Buyback

JAKARTA, Indonesia, March 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (IDX: BBRI) held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGMS). At this year’s AGMS, BRI approved the distribution of dividends amounting to IDR 51.73 trillion, an increase compared to the 2024 dividend of IDR 48.10 trillion. In addition, BRI will also carry out a share buyback of up to IDR 3 trillion.

The executives during the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGMS)
The executives during the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGMS)

BRI’s 2025 AGMS approved 10 agenda items, with three key topics highlighted by Corporate Secretary Agustya Hendy Bernadi: dividend distribution, share buyback, and management changes.

Use of the Company’s Net Profit (Cash Dividend Distribution)

For the 2024 fiscal year, BRI posted a consolidated net profit of IDR 60.15 trillion, allocating up to IDR 51.73 trillion for cash dividends. An interim dividend of IDR 20.33 trillion (IDR 135 per share) was distributed on January 15, 2025, leaving a remaining payout of up to IDR 31.40 trillion. Of the total, IDR 27.68 trillion will go to the state, with the rest distributed proportionally to shareholders listed on the recording date.

Share Buyback Plan

In addition to the dividend distribution, BRI’s 2025 AGMS also approved the company’s plan to repurchase or buy back shares in an amount of up to IDR 3 trillion. The buyback will be carried out through the Stock Exchange or outside the Stock Exchange.

Changes to the Company’s Management

The 2025 AGMS resolved changes to the company’s management, including the honorable discharge of the following 19 individuals, among them Sunarso as President Director and Catur Budi Harto as Deputy President Director.

Additionally, BRI appointed 16 individuals, including Hery Gunardi as President Director and Hakim Putratama as Director of Operations.

The AGMS also reassigned Agus Noorsanto from Director of Wholesale and Institutional Business to Deputy President Director, and Ahmad Solichin Lutfiyanto from Director of Compliance to Director of Human Capital & Compliance.

In total, BRI’s 2025 AGMS discussed and resolved 10 agenda items. The complete resolutions are available on the BRI website at www.bri.co.id

“The decisions made in this AGMS reflect BRI’s commitment to continuously improve performance and deliver added value to shareholders and other stakeholders,” concluded Hendy.

For more information about BANK BRI, visit www.bri.co.id

LONGi Chairman Zhong Baoshen Attends Boao Forum for Asia: Continuously Deepening China-Australia Tech Collaboration in Clean Energy

BOAO, China, March 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From March 25 to 28, the Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Annual Conference, themed “Asia in the changing World: Towards a shared Future.” will be held in Boao, Hainan, China. Zhong Baoshen, Chairman of LONGi, was invited to participate in the China-Australia Business Leaders Forum on March 26 under the theme “Deepening China-Australia Cooperation to Foster an Open Economy.” During the event, he shared solutions and future plans from the renewable energy sector on topics including promoting regional trade and investment growth, strengthening sci-tech innovation collaboration and industrial development, and advancing global energy transition.

Zhong Baoshen, Chairman of LONGi, was invited to participate in the China-Australia Business Leaders Forum on March 26 under the theme "Deepening China-Australia Cooperation to Foster an Open Economy."
Zhong Baoshen, Chairman of LONGi, was invited to participate in the China-Australia Business Leaders Forum on March 26 under the theme “Deepening China-Australia Cooperation to Foster an Open Economy.”

Zhong stated that LONGi actively embraces the open economic environment brought by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which provides long-term momentum for regional trade and investment growth, particularly facilitating deeper cooperation between China and Australia in renewable energy. For instance, the Memorandum of Cooperation on Deepening Implementation of the Free Trade Agreement signed between China and Australia in June 2024 has created more favorable investment and service trade conditions for clean energy industries such as photovoltaics (PV). Australia boasts abundant solar resources, and LONGi is supplying high-efficiency PV modules, BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) products, and hydrogen production equipment to the local market through its Australian subsidiary, driving growth in the local PV and green hydrogen sectors. Additionally, LONGi will leverage RCEP’s trade facilitation to optimize global supply chains, deepen its market presence in Australia, and collaborate with local enterprises to advance carbon neutrality goals.

Regarding efforts to establish common Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards between China and Australia, Zhong emphasized LONGi’s support for unified green standards to reduce uncertainties in certification, carbon accounting, and supply chain management for renewable energy projects, thereby enhancing investment and trade efficiency. LONGi has already committed to 100% renewable energy manufacturing through initiatives like RE100, EP100, EV100, and the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), actively promoting green manufacturing and reducing the carbon footprint of the PV industry chain to provide more eco-friendly products for Australia’s energy transition. The company also advocates for Sino-Australian collaboration in green investment and carbon trading, promoting ESG financial tools such as green bonds and carbon credit mechanisms to secure long-term funding for renewable energy projects.

In closing, Zhong summarized how Chinese and Australian enterprises can strengthen technological collaboration to foster healthy growth for both businesses and related industries. He highlighted that technological innovation is the core driver of sustainable development in the PV sector. LONGi is committed to deepening Sino-Australian sci-tech cooperation in clean energy, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance energy efficiency and drive industry transformation. For example, through platforms like the China-Australia Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation, LONGi will expand joint R&D with Australian universities, research institutions, and enterprises to explore more efficient and sustainable PV technologies.

As early as 2018, LONGi established a long-term technical partnership with the University of New South Wales (UNSW), collaborating on research into high-efficiency PV technologies, renewable energy system optimization, and talent development in the field. The two parties also jointly launched a research project on “PV-Powered Water Treatment Systems,” exploring PV applications in environmental protection. Furthermore, LONGi’s world-record-breaking monocrystalline silicon cell efficiency of 27.30% and its 34.6% crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem cell efficiency—both recognized as global benchmarks—have been included in the Solar Cell Efficiency Tables by Professor Martin Green, the “Father of Photovoltaics” at UNSW.

Notably, Australia ranks among the global leaders in rooftop solar adoption, with solar power once accounting for 80.5% of electricity supply in Western Australia, reflecting strong public acceptance and participation. The Australian government has also set a target for 82% of its electricity to come from renewables by 2030. Zhong concluded by emphasizing that in the context of deep decarbonization, electricity alone cannot meet all energy demands. Therefore, LONGi has strategically expanded into green hydrogen and green methanol businesses, converting low-cost clean electricity into green liquid and gaseous energy forms. Looking ahead, LONGi aims to deliver optimal solutions across photovoltaic systems, green hydrogen, and green methanol sectors. This strategy seeks to contribute greater value to the global energy transition while expanding the company’s long-term growth opportunities.

Moving forward, LONGi will work closely with strategic partners in Australia to jointly achieve this goal. With policy support, infrastructure development, and technological innovation, Australia’s energy transition is poised to advance steadily toward a sustainable future.

About LONGi

Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world’s leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation.

Under its mission of ‘making the best of solar energy to build a green world’, LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established several business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. www.longi.com/