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SK bioscience Wins Patent Lawsuit Against Pfizer Over Pneumococcal Vaccine

  • No patent infringement found in exports of individual conjugate bulk substances and research-use finished products of PCV13 to Russia
  • Company plans to export PCV13 vaccine components
  • “We aim for the global PCV market with our 21-valent and next-generation pneumococcal vaccines currently under development.”

SEONGNAM, South Korea, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SK bioscience, a global innovative vaccine and biotech company committed to promoting human health from prevention to cure, today announced that it the Supreme Court of Korea has ruled in its favor in a patent infringement lawsuit filed by large global pharmaceutical giant Pfizer over its 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13).

SK bioscience L HOUSE manufacturing plant
SK bioscience L HOUSE manufacturing plant

In 2020, Pfizer claimed that SK bioscience’s export of PCV13 individual conjugate bulk substances and research-use finished products to Russia infringed on the composition patent of its vaccine, Prevnar 13.

However, the Supreme Court ruled that the individual conjugates comprising PCV13 do not fall within the scope of Pfizer’s patent claims, thereby upholding the lower court’s ruling in favor of SK bioscience. The Court also confirmed that the production and supply of PCV13 finished products for research purposes did not constitute patent infringement.

SK bioscience successfully developed Korea’s first 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, SKYPneumo, in 2016. However, due to the ongoing patent dispute with Pfizer, the company has been prohibited from manufacturing and selling the vaccine in Korea until 2027, when the related patents set to expire.

Following the ruling, SK bioscience now plans to initiate new business in pneumococcal conjugate vaccines by exporting individual components of PCV13 to countries with high vaccine demand, such as those in Southeast Asia and Latin America. Technology transfers through local partnerships are also being pursued in parallel.

Looking ahead, SK bioscience aims to expand its presence in the global pneumococcal vaccine market. From 2027, the company will be able to manufacture and sell SKYPneumo domestically. In addition, the company is developing a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine with global pharmaceutical company Sanofi, which entered Phase 3 global clinical in late 2024. Simultaneously, the two companies are also working on a next-generation pneumococcal vaccine that is expected to offer broader protection than current options.

The global pneumococcal vaccine market continues to grow. According to Global Market Insights, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of approximately 5.6% to reach USD 15.1 billion (approximately KRW 21.55 trillion) by 2034. This growth is driven by expanded vaccination programs and support from governments and international organizations like WHO and Gavi. SK bioscience’s strong track record in public vaccine supply and cooperation with global health organizations positions it well for future expansion.

Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience, said, “This latest court decision is meaningful in that it ensures a competitively developed vaccine in Korea does not go to waste but instead finds new opportunity. We will leverage this momentum to improve access to premium vaccines, contribute to a stable global vaccine supply, and achieve sustainable growth.”

Meanwhile, SK bioscience recently secured a definitive legal victory in a patent invalidation suit against Moderna, successfully challenging the biotech giant’s Korean patent related to messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology. The contested patent covers ‘modified nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids and their uses.’ This case, which invalidated the only registered mRNA manufacturing patent in Korea, regarded as a major step in reducing patent-related risks and removing barriers to innovation for domestic companies engaged in mRNA research and development.

About SK bioscience

SK bioscience is an innovative vaccine and biotech company, committed to vaccine development and manufacturing to enable more equitable access to vaccines around the world. Leveraging strengths on cutting-edge technologies, SK bioscience has been dedicated to promoting human health from prevention to cure across the globe. With the cooperation of domestic and international governments, regulatory agencies, healthcare providers, doctors, and medical experts, all of the SK colleagues are passionately committed to providing high-quality vaccines to those who need them and better public healthcare solutions.

SK bioscience Website

SK bioscience Linkedin

Contact

SK bioscience Communications Team

Changhyun Jin (jin99@sk.com)

Jeannie S. Pak (j.pak@sk.com)

 

MAXSUN Unveils Intel Arc Pro B60 Dual 48G Turbo at COMPUTEX 2025

TAIPEI, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MAXSUN is showcasing its latest breakthrough product at COMPUTEX 2025, the MAXSUN Intel Arc Pro B60 Dual 48G Turbo graphics card. Featuring dual-GPU architecture, 48GB of GDDR6 memory, and dual hardware media engines, this powerhouse is engineered for the most demanding AI inference and video processing workloads. The card delivers exceptional performance, offering high-speed data processing, accelerated AI capabilities, and efficient video encoding/decoding. It is a game-changer for professionals requiring cutting-edge hardware for intensive tasks.

MAXSUN at COMPUTEX2025
MAXSUN at COMPUTEX2025

With this launch, we’re further reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-value AI and workstation hardware—offering developers, AI enthusiasts, and enterprise users a new high-efficiency, cost-effective computing solution purpose-built for the AI era.

MAXSUN Intel Arc B580 and B60 Series Graphics Cards

In addition to the MAXSUN Intel Arc Pro B60 Dual 48G Turbo, MAXSUN is displaying the Intel Arc B580 series graphics cards. These cards offer high-frequency output and advanced cooling solutions, making them ideal for both gaming and professional applications. They are designed to provide stable, powerful performance under heavy workloads.

High-Performance Motherboards: MS-iCraft Z890 Series

MAXSUN is also presenting its MS-iCraft Z890 series motherboards, including the Z890 Vertex and Z890 Pacific. These high-performance boards are designed for gaming and demanding builds, offering robust stability and support for the latest components. The MAXSUN iCraft B860m Cross Pro motherboard, with its anime styl design and solid performance, is also receiving attention from attendees.

Workstation Solutions: MS-WorkStation W790 and MS-Q670M vPro

For professional applications, MAXSUN is showcasing the MS-WorkStation W790 112L motherboard. Designed for high-performance workstations, it’s ideal for tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific computing. Additionally, the MS-Q670M vPro motherboard is tailored for enterprise environments, offering reliability and security for business use.

Specialty Gaming Products: MS-Terminator B850M PRO WIFI

The MS-Terminator B850M PRO WIFI motherboard stands out with its battle armor-inspired design. The full metal armor enhances cooling performance, making it ideal for gamers who need both style and durability in their builds.

Visit MAXSUN at COMPUTEX 2025
MAXSUN’s products will be showcased at COMPUTEX 2025, May 20–23, 2025 in Hall 1, 4th Floor, Booth L1118. Visitors will have the chance to experience hands-on demos and learn more about MAXSUN’s cutting-edge products.

Contact:
Marketing@maxsun.com

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/maxsun_computex2025-1.jpg

 

Ping An’s EagleX Risk Mitigation Platform Provides Early Warning of Beijing Hailstorm, Company Streamlines Claims Settlement

  • On May 13, a severe hailstorm struck multiple areas in Beijing, causing significant property damage
  • Ping An’s AI-powered risk mitigation platform, EagleX issued an alert to customers two hours in advance, helping to minimize losses

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On May 13, Beijing was hit by a severe storm in multiple areas, with reports of hailstones exceeding 3 cm in diameter. Ping An P&C, a subsidiary of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”, the “Company” or the “Group”, HKEX: 2318; SSE: 601318) launched its major emergency response plan, coordinating resources across risk control, claims, and product departments. The Company mobilized over 2,000 personnel from 38 branch offices for remote support and swiftly dispatched 43 claims experts from Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Liaoning, and other provinces to Beijing for disaster relief.

As of 9 a.m. on May 19, Ping An P&C received 31,000 claims reports, settled 10,400 cases, and paid out RMB62.15 million in compensation.

EagleX issued alerts two hours before the storm

Ping An P&C’s proprietary risk mitigation platform, EagleX, played a critical role. The system detected risks two hours before the hailstorm arrived and sent warnings, disaster prevention guides, and safety tips to 3.17 million individual customers and over 20,000 corporate clients via apps such as Ping An Auto Owner. The alerts helped some customers move their vehicles and secure their properties in time, effectively reducing potential losses.

EagleX is an AI-powered risk mitigation service platform developed by Ping An P&C to address climate-related disasters. It integrates cutting-edge technologies such as big data, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to monitor, assess, and provide early alerts for nine types of natural disasters. It also displays natural disaster risk maps. The system has been widely applied across various insurance products, including agricultural insurance, property insurance, and auto insurance.

Claims settlement streamlined to respond quickly to customers’ needs

Faced with numerous customer claims after the hailstorm, Ping An P&C ensured that reporting channels remained open around the clock, with over 90% of affected customers receiving callbacks on the same day. The Company collaborated with rescue teams and repair shops to prioritize services for damaged vehicles, offering towing, emergency repairs, and direct supply of auto parts, while committing to “1-hour rescue response and 48-hour repair completion”.

In the claims process, Ping An P&C introduced “streamlined claims settlement”, which waives proof of accident or weather event. No on-site inspection is necessary, and rescue services are offered for free. For cases involving damages of less than RMB10,000, photo or video evidence is sufficient for claims settlement. In cases of hail damage, the Company is offering specialized services such as instant on-site glass replacement and “traceless repairs” for minor auto damage. Additionally, customers who have made no claims in the past three years can receive direct approval for expenses under RMB2,000.

Ping An P&C will continue to advance claims processing in an orderly manner and, leverage EagleX to further enhance pre-disaster alerts, emergency responses during disasters, and post-disaster claims settlements. The Company aims to help customers reduce losses, enhance risk management capabilities, and safeguard the property of businesses and individuals.

About Ping An Group
Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (HKEx:2318 / 82318; SSE:601318) is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. It strives to become a world-leading provider of integrated finance, health and senior care services. Under the technology-driven “integrated finance + health and senior care” strategy, the Group provides professional “financial advisory, family doctor, and senior care concierge” services to its nearly 240 million retail customers. Ping An advances intelligent digital transformation and employs technologies to improve financial businesses’ quality and efficiency and enhance risk management. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As of the end of December 2024, Ping An had more than RMB12 trillion in total assets. The Group ranked 29th in the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2024 and 53rd in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2024. 

For more information, please visit www.group.pingan.com and follow us on LinkedIn – PING AN.

 

Founders Metals Expands Upper Antino; Hits 33.0 m of 3.50 g/t Gold

Vancouver, British Columbia – Newsfile Corp. – May 21, 2025 – Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) (“Founders” or the “Company”) announces drill core assay results from the Antino Gold Project (“Antino” or “Project”) in southeastern Suriname (Figure 1). The Company reports high-grade gold mineralization at Upper Antino including 33.0 metres (m) of 3.50 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) in drilling east of the Main Froyo Shear (“Froyo”). Additional drilling results extend gold mineralization north 125 m, increasing total strike length of Froyo to ~1.7 kilometres (Figure 2).

Drilling Highlights

  • Growth-focused drilling expands high-grade gold mineralization in parallel structures (Figures 2 & 3):
    • 33.0 m of 3.50 g/t Au and 19.0 m of 0.84 g/t Au (FR114)
    • 13.0 m of 2.00 g/t Au (FR082)
    • 4.0 m of 5.92 g/t Au (FR105)
  • Broad gold zones and 125 m northward extension:
    • 41.9 m of 1.06 g/t Au (FR099)
    • 12.0 m of 1.51 g/t Au and 22.5 m of 0.50 g/t Au (FR101), extending gold mineralization north in two parallel mineralized zones

Colin Padget, President & CEO, commented, “These results clearly demonstrate Upper Antino’s growth potential in multiple directions. Gold mineralization continues eastward over substantial intervals while our step-out drilling has successfully expanded the northern boundary by 125 metres. The two broad intervals in hole FR114 align well with our mineralization and structural models and suggest there is potential to ‘connect-the-dots’ between Froyo and Donut. Additionally, while we have seen some increases in assay turnaround times and have been focusing on certain corporate items, we anticipate releasing additional results from our earlier-stage exploration targets along-side a comprehensive overview in the coming weeks.”

Drilling continues to expand Upper Antino gold mineralization and Figure 4 provides a 12-month snapshot showing the growth of the mineralized footprint over that time. In this release, drill hole FR114 intersecting 33.0 m of 3.50 g/t Au, is one of several holes planned to target further eastward growth of Froyo gold mineralization and determine if additional parallel zones link Froyo with the Donut target. Drillhole FR101 intercepted two distinct zones of mineralization with the shallower 22.50 m interval of 0.5 g/t Au beginning at 27.60 m and potentially a new shear as the deeper 12 m of 1.51 g/t Au aligns well with the previously reported 8.0 m of 2.08 g/t Au in hole FR095. These are encouraging intercepts indicating additional northward potential and drill holes are planned further north to continue testing these structures.

About Founders Metals Inc.

Founders Metals is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on advancing the Antino Gold Project located in Suriname, South America, in the heart of the Guiana Shield. Antino is 20,000 hectares and has produced over 500,000 ounces of gold from surface and alluvial mining to date1. The Company is fully financed for up to 60,000 metres of drilling in 2025.

1 2022 Technical Report – Antino Project; Suriname, South America. K. Raffle, BSc, P. Geo & Rock Lefrançois, BSc, P.Geo.

Table 1: Drill Hole Assay Results

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval* (m) Au (g/t)
FR114 201.00 206.00 5.00 0.47
and 220.00 253.00 33.00 3.50
and 361.00 380.00 19.00 0.84
FR109 NSA
FR108 24.00 30.00 6.00 0.22
FR106 NSA
FR105 372.00 376.00 4.00 5.92
and 439.00 451.00 12.00 0.28
FR101 27.60 50.10 22.50 0.50
and 306.00 318.00 12.00 1.51
FR100 0.00 8.10 8.10 0.31
and 110.00 112.00 2.00 2.41
FR099 29.10 71.00 41.90 1.06
and 212.00 224.00 12.00 0.38
FR098 67.00 78.00 11.00 0.32
FR097 84.00 95.00 11.00 0.86
and 133.00 155.00 22.00 0.26
FR096 0.00 14.10 14.10 0.35
and 206.00 212.00 6.00 1.09
FR094 99.00 111.00 12.00 0.79
and 217.00 223.00 6.00 0.61
FR085 340.00 356.00 16.00 0.46
and 287.00 288.00 1.00 13.70
FR084 92.10 96.60 4.50 0.72
and 152.00 157.00 5.00 2.22
FR083 NSA
FR082 14.10 20.10 6.00 0.47
and 297.00 314.00 17.00 0.50
and 396.00 409.00 13.00 2.00
EV003 142.00 146.00 4.00 3.23
EV002 166.00 171.00 5.00 1.69
EV001 NSA

*Intervals are down-hole depths. True widths of mineralization are estimated to be approximately 85% of the down-hole interval based on preliminary results and observations. All are diamond drill holes.

Table 2: Drill Hole Location

Hole ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth (°) Dip (°) Depth (m)
FR114 817305.40 401269.27 150.73 250.20 -55.10 578.03
FR109 816949.97 401985.23 174.91 260.00 -50.40 305.00
FR108 817340.15 402062.76 240.08 260.00 -49.60 171.60
FR106 817242.90 402026.11 243.03 259.80 -50.00 285.40
FR105 817348.54 401449.94 205.99 250.40 -50.00 551.00
FR101 817140.66 402020.24 222.27 259.80 -50.00 332.00
FR100 817181.50 401652.99 152.07 259.90 -60.00 302.10
FR099 817020.28 401616.99 159.05 260.40 -69.80 317.06
FR098 816803.12 401776.65 161.39 259.70 -50.10 259.98
FR097 816854.85 401713.07 160.50 259.80 -50.50 293.14
FR096 816927.39 401661.02 161.00 260.00 -50.00 314.04
FR094 817042.86 401766.69 160.99 260.00 -45.00 317.00
FR085 817235.12 401493.15 209.93 250.20 -49.80 472.96
FR084 817339.38 400826.82 208.16 240.00 -55.00 362.00
FR083 817163.75 401453.62 214.58 249.60 -49.80 371.01
FR082 817249.02 401415.71 206.01 250.10 -50.00 439.80
EV003 817458.20 401129.11 162.83 235.63 -56.10 259.66
EV002 817475.32 400916.25 199.46 229.91 -50.84 275.04
EV001 817397.23 401073.51 176.66 233.97 -52.20 278.12

The coordinate reference system is WGS 84, UTM zone 21N (EPSG 32621)

Figure 1: Antino Property Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/252894_dfc006ac9459eaf6_001full.jpg

Figure 2: Plan Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/252894_dfc006ac9459eaf6_002full.jpg

Figure 3: Cross-Section

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/252894_dfc006ac9459eaf6_003full.jpg

Figure 4: Upper Antino Gold Footprint – 12-month Snapshot

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/252894_dfc006ac9459eaf6_004full.jpg

Quality Assurance and Control

Samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 µm. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 5.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.

Qualified Persons

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Per:Colin Padget

Colin Padget
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

Contact Information
Katie MacKenzie, Vice President, Corporate Development
Tel: 306 537 8903 | katiem@fdrmetals.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company’s recently completed financings and the future or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect “, “is expected “, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company’s most recent annual management discussion and analysis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.

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

MAXSUN Unveils Intel Arc Pro B60 Dual 48G Turbo at COMPUTEX 2025

TAIPEI, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MAXSUN is showcasing its latest breakthrough product at COMPUTEX 2025, the MAXSUN Intel Arc Pro B60 Dual 48G Turbo graphics card. Featuring dual-GPU architecture, 48GB of GDDR6 memory, and dual hardware media engines, this powerhouse is engineered for the most demanding AI inference and video processing workloads. The card delivers exceptional performance, offering high-speed data processing, accelerated AI capabilities, and efficient video encoding/decoding. It is a game-changer for professionals requiring cutting-edge hardware for intensive tasks.

MAXSUN at COMPUTEX2025
MAXSUN at COMPUTEX2025

With this launch, we’re further reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-value AI and workstation hardware—offering developers, AI enthusiasts, and enterprise users a new high-efficiency, cost-effective computing solution purpose-built for the AI era.

MAXSUN Intel Arc B580 and B60 Series Graphics Cards

In addition to the MAXSUN Intel Arc Pro B60 Dual 48G Turbo, MAXSUN is displaying the Intel Arc B580 series graphics cards. These cards offer high-frequency output and advanced cooling solutions, making them ideal for both gaming and professional applications. They are designed to provide stable, powerful performance under heavy workloads.

High-Performance Motherboards: MS-iCraft Z890 Series

MAXSUN is also presenting its MS-iCraft Z890 series motherboards, including the Z890 Vertex and Z890 Pacific. These high-performance boards are designed for gaming and demanding builds, offering robust stability and support for the latest components. The MAXSUN iCraft B860m Cross Pro motherboard, with its anime styl design and solid performance, is also receiving attention from attendees.

Workstation Solutions: MS-WorkStation W790 and MS-Q670M vPro

For professional applications, MAXSUN is showcasing the MS-WorkStation W790 112L motherboard. Designed for high-performance workstations, it’s ideal for tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific computing. Additionally, the MS-Q670M vPro motherboard is tailored for enterprise environments, offering reliability and security for business use.

Specialty Gaming Products: MS-Terminator B850M PRO WIFI

The MS-Terminator B850M PRO WIFI motherboard stands out with its battle armor-inspired design. The full metal armor enhances cooling performance, making it ideal for gamers who need both style and durability in their builds.

Visit MAXSUN at COMPUTEX 2025
MAXSUN’s products will be showcased at COMPUTEX 2025, May 20–23, 2025 in Hall 1, 4th Floor, Booth L1118. Visitors will have the chance to experience hands-on demos and learn more about MAXSUN’s cutting-edge products.

Contact:
Marketing@maxsun.com

 

China Xplained | What’s driving Hungary’s love in Chinese electric cars?

GUANGZHOU, China, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from GDToday:

Hungary has rapidly emerged as a favored destination for Chinese electric vehicle makers, with Shenzhen-based BYD recently announcing its decision to establish its European business headquarters and a new research and development center in Budapest.

Other major Chinese EV and battery giants, including NIO and CATL, have either broken ground or expanded their operations in Hungary.

Chinese investments have become an “indispensable engine” of Hungary’s economic growth, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday.

Why is the Central Eastern European country proactively welcoming Chinese investments? And why are Chinese EV giants all eyeing Hungary as a major part of their global strategy? In this episode of China Xplained, we’ll travel to Budapest to find out the answers.

Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2693004/video.mp4

China’s Open Door Amplified: the Upcoming Eighth CIIE Cements Role as Global Business Gateway

SHANGHAI, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Despite an increasingly unpredictable global landscape, the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) is taking shape with remarkable momentum as it prepares to open in Shanghai this November. As a unique gateway to China’s 1.4 billion-consumer market, the CIIE has already attracted around 800 companies from more than 70 countries and regions.


Exhibition Scale & Continuity

The first batch of over 300 exhibitors has been officially announced, with more than 100 companies having engaged in every edition since the inaugural CIIE. Currently, an exhibition area of over 250,000 square meters has been booked for this year’s CIIE, and more buyers along the industrial chains, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), will be encouraged to participate.

Sector-Specific Synergy

A dedicated business matchmaking session for the food and agricultural sectors on April 18 demonstrated CIIE’s operational effectiveness. 41 international exhibitors—including Dole, Goodfarmer, and Theland—who engaged in business talks with over 150 Chinese buyers  such as Sinopec Shanghai Easy Joy, Bailian Group, and Eastern Airlines Food Co.

Global Endorsements

International policymakers continue to recognize the CIIE’s value. Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, highlighted the CIIE’s strategic importance as an important gateway for Malaysian businesses, especially SMEs, to gain new impetus and fruitful results through deepened cooperation. Echoing this sentiment, State Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries of Norway, Janicke Andreassen Hirstad, recognized the CIIE’s effectiveness in connecting Norwegian companies in agriculture, shipping, and maritime sectors with Chinese consumer demand.

Intellectual Engagement

Held alongside the CIIE, the eighth Hongqiao International Economic Forum (HQF) is finalizing its agenda, with guest invitations progressing steadily. The eighth HQF will align closely with current global economic dynamics, focusing on key topics such as multilateral trade governance, digital empowerment, green development, new quality productive forces, institutional openness, Global South cooperation, and inclusive development, reinforcing its role as a high-level dialogue platform.

As the upcoming China–Central Asia Summit highlights the growing momentum for regional and global cooperation, the eighth CIIE and HQF present a valuable platform for international enterprises to integrate into China’s market and explore new opportunities in Chinese dynamic economy.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of these significant global events—visit https://www.ciie.org/zbh/en/ for the latest updates and participation details.

Contact: Ms. Cui Yan Tel.: 0086-21-968888 Email: exhibition@ciie.org

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image_5031553_33067438.jpg 

NOVOTEL CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF OCEAN COMMITMENT AND SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIP WITH WWF

NOVOTEL LAUNCHES SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD PRINCIPLES WITH WWF AND ANNOUNCES NEW PLANT-FORWARD AMBITION AHEAD OF WORLD OCEAN DAY

PARIS, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ahead of World Ocean Day (8 June), Novotel proudly marks the first anniversary of its transformative three-year partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), reaffirming its commitment to protecting the wellbeing and longevity of the ocean with the launch of two new food policies: Novotel’s Sustainable Seafood Principles in partnership with WWF France and the launch of a pioneering global Plant-Forward food ambition across 600 hotels.

Novotel proudly marks the first anniversary of its transformative three-year partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Novotel proudly marks the first anniversary of its transformative three-year partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

“At Novotel, we are taking decisive action to protect our oceans,  and the partnership with WWF is a driving force of this commitment,” said Jean-Yves Minet, Novotel Global Brand President. “Through their guidance and expertise, we can drive change at scale across our 600 hotels and more widely across the industry and communities we reach. At Novotel, we’re committed to making it easier to make choices that have a positive impact on the longevity of the planet, on marine life, and on future generations. From responsible sourcing to a Plant-Forward approach, our ocean impact strategy is designed to drive real change. Together, we can lead the way toward a healthier, more sustainable future – one positive choice at a time.”

DELICIOUS, HEALTHIER, MORE SUSTAINABLE FOOD
The new Sustainable Seafood Principles were created in partnership with WWF and led by the fisheries experts at WWF France. The new guidelines, launched globally across Novotel’s 600 hotels, include banning of 350 species of endangered seafood species, and promoting responsible fishing by 2027, serving only MSC-certified wild-caught species or responsibly sourced local fish, and use ASC- or organic-certified farmed seafood for salmon and shrimp, fostering supplier collaboration where needed. WWF France has created Sustainable Seafood Training, a comprehensive global training programme for Novotel chefs, food and procurement teams, and is working alongside Novotel and Accor to improve traceability.

Furthermore, Novotel has pioneered a Plant-Forward1 ambition, targeting all its 600 hotels to have a minimum of 25% plant-based menus by 2026. Today 39% of hotels dedicate at least 25% of their menus to plant-forward options. Novotel is committed to offering market leading, tasty, sustainable, and Plant-Forward philosophy at scale, guided by a leading culinary institute.

EDUCATION & AWARENESS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
Novotel welcomes more than two million family stays a year and this summer families at Novotel will experience two new edutainment games designed by WWF France and Novotel to inspire and empower children to be ambassadors for the ocean. “Guardians of the Mediterranean” is an interactive card and digital game inspired by the WWF Blue Panda boat, created to educate families about ocean conservation in a fun, engaging way. “Sea Turtle” is a lively digital quiz that helps children learn about the threats faced during turtle migration, including ghost gear, plastic and pollution. 

“Inspiring and educating the next generation is key to protecting our ocean,” added Jean-Yves. “By engaging young minds through play, we plant the seeds of awareness, empathy, and action for a healthier, more sustainable marine future. As a leading family-friendly hotel brand, Novotel is perfectly placed to champion this vital mission.”

A YEAR OF PROGRESS: STRENGTHENING NOVOTEL’S COMMITMENT TO THE OCEANS
Since its launch in June 2024, Novotel has made significant strides to deliver upon its ocean preservation and sustainable impact plan:

1/ REDUCE IMPACT
Novotel’s commitment to reducing its impact aligns with Accor’s industry-leading mission towards positive hospitality, including:

  • Phasing out single-use plastics across Novotel hotel operations
  • Installing large-format and refillable dispensers in hotels
  • Minimizing food waste through innovative solutions and guest engagement
  • Launched microplastic filter pilots in two Novotel hotels2 in France to reduce impact from hotel laundry

2/ DELICIOUS, HEALTHIER & MORE SUSTAINABLE FOOD CHOICES
In addition to the new Plant-Forward ambition and Sustainable Seafood Principles, Novotel has implemented significant actions:

  • A globally managed Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) was launched in Q1 2025 in collaboration with WWF, including support of the Indian Squid FIP in Kerala, India
  • Launched a partnership with Seafood Souq to ensure all seafood suppliers and products are onboarded to SFS Trace and meet required traceability standards, including an 18-hotel pilot in the Middle East3.
  • A Seafood Taskforce procurement project has been launched in Europe in collaboration with WWF France, working directly with five suppliers to improve traceability as part of the brand’s commitment to support WWF’s ambition for sector-wide change throughout the supply chain.

3/ ENHANCE EDUCATION & OCEAN AWARENESS
Novotel is committed to raising awareness of the importance of the ocean to modern life, inspiring hotel teams, guests and communities to positively contribute to a more balanced life with the ocean.

  • New global Ocean Awareness Training for all Novotel teams in all 600 hotels, enhancing their knowledge and inspiring their action and commitment. The training has been developed in partnership with AXA Climate.
  • New WWF Sustainable Seafood Training: for all chef, F&B and procurement teams, including the impact of overfishing, sustainable seafood sourcing and best-in-class sustainability practices in restaurants.
  • Edutainment in-hotel events, programming and games to inspire positive action amongst the Novotel community.

4/ CONTRIBUTE TO RESEARCH & INNOVATION
Novotel is supporting essential WWF France conservation projects around the world, investing to support ocean impact, research and action through critical projects.

1/ The protection of Posidonia in the Mediterranean

  • Where: Europe
  • Why: Per hectare, the Posidonia meadow sequesters five to seven times more carbon than the tropical forest
  • Status: Action plans underway in 9 coastal cities; 8 mooring fields in project; and 73 buoy conversions completed in 2024 and 41 planned in 2025.

2/ The identification and removal of “ghost gear”

  • Where: Mediterranean Sea
  • Why: Lost, abandoned and otherwise discarded fishing gear are a major threat to marine life
  • Status: Over 1,000 hectares prospected in Bonifacio; several4 nets identified; pilot retrieval with underwater robots scheduled for 2025–2026; new prospection missions in Calanques and Ajaccio planned.

3/ Supporting the WWF France’s Blue Panda boat

  • Where: Europe – France, Greece, Türkiye, Italy and Croatia
  • Why: The Blue Panda sails across the Mediterranean conducting missions to develop science-based solutions and recommendations to protect Mediterranean marine life, to raise public awareness, and leading lobbying missions with countries and communities.
  • Status: 2024 campaign completed across France, Greece, Turkey, Italy and Croatia; educational visits reached 550+ children in France; Cap Cétacés anti-collision system tested; ghost gear prospection and Marine Protection Areas studies conducted; Blue Panda to be in Nice 8–14 June for UNOC with stakeholder events.

4/ Tracking and tracing marine turtles

  • Where: Global, with a specific focus on Asia-Pacific
  • Why: Six of seven species of marine turtles remained threatened by harvesting, illegal trade, being caught by commercial fisheries and the loss of nesting beaches. Mapping nesting beaches, migratory corridors and foraging grounds for critical turtle populations.
  • Status: ‘Blue Corridors’ initiative launched October 2024; over 12,600 turtles tracked globally; data gathering and connectivity analysis ongoing in 2025; update to be published by WWF at UNOC 2025.

5/ Protecting the sea turtles of the Western Atlantic

  • Where: Guiana Shield
  • Why: Mobilising civic society and fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing will help protect leatherback turtles breeding on coastal areas of the Guianas, and green and olive ridley turtles from Brazil to Venezuela.
  • Status: Youth ambassador programme launched; regional delegation to attend UNOC in June 2025; field projects including eco-guide training, citizen science, and advocacy actions ongoing through 2025-2026.

Ludovic Frère Escoffier, Ocean Program Manager, WWF France, said: “Protecting the ocean also means protecting our common future. Faced with the growing threats of overfishing, pollution and loss of biodiversity, economic players have a key role to play. We welcome Novotel’s commitment to integrating the preservation of marine ecosystems into its strategy. By collaborating with influential companies in the tourism sector, together we are accelerating the transition to more sustainable, responsible practices that are compatible with ocean resilience.”

“The ocean is our planet’s greatest source of balance – the ‘lungs of the world’,” added Jean-Yves Minet. “It regulates climate, supports livelihoods, and protects ecosystems. But that balance is at risk. To secure a sustainable future, we must rebalance our relationship with the oceans, reducing our impact and ensuring marine health. Our wellbeing is deeply tied to the health of the ocean. Protecting the ocean isn’t just about the environment, it’s about supporting human health and longevity too.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR NOVOTEL? POSITIVE STEPS TO IMPACT OCEAN LONGEVITY
Looking ahead, Novotel remains committed to amplifying its impact by: 

  • Collaborating with industry leaders at UN Ocean Conference in Nice to drive meaningful change
  • WWF Sustainable Seafood Training – launching summer 2025
  • Ocean Awareness Training in partnership with AXA Climate – launching summer 2025
  • Expanding sustainable seafood practices across all hotels
  • Embedding a new Plant-Forward menu strategy in all hotels
  • Introducing new guest engagement programs focused on ocean preservation
  • Continuing to support critical WWF France ocean preservation projects around the world

For more information about Novotel’s sustainability initiatives, learn our partnership with WWF, and to read the Novotel Ocean Impact Report in full, visit Novotel – Ocean

6 DELICIOUS PLANT-BASED DISHES @ NOVOTEL HOTELS

    1. Azzurra Kitchen @ Novotel Monte Carlo.
         a. Beetroot and Chickpea Hummus with Tahini, Fresh Herbs, spring vegetables and purslane shoots.
    2. MOKU @ Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
        a. Green Paw Paw Salad with green paw paw & carrot, avocado, soft herbs, edamame, nam jim dressing, cassava crackers & charred lime
    3. Novotel Melbourne Airport – Boccata Restaurant & Bar
        a.  Rigatoni with Confit Tomatoes, Stracciatella and Pangrattato
    4. Bokan @ Novotel London Canary Wharf
        a. Black Lime Tofu, Dashi Broth with an Onion and Spinach Marmalade – part of the vegan tasting experience and vegan bottomless brunch
    5. Flying Elephant @ Novotel Dubai Al Barsha
        a. Zameen Ke Kebab, honey glazed beet, spicy mascarpone, Masala plum coilee
    6. Ici&là @ Novotel Strasbourg Centre Halles
        a. Quinoa Lover Burger with quinoa-chili galette, Alsacian cheddar, pesto rosso, aubergine, courgette and green salad

Images:  CLICK HERE

Notes to editors
1 Plant-Forward Definition: Plant-Forward, which includes vegetarian, vegan and Flexitarian diets, is a lifestyle choice reaping the health and sustainability benefits of vegetarian and vegan eating while still enjoying animal products, such as meat, fish, and dairy, in moderation.

2Novotel Hotels participating in microplastic pilot: Novotel Reims Tinqueux and Novotel Lens Noyelles

318 Novotel Hotels participating in the Seafood Souk: 1 hotel in Bahrain, 1 hotel in Oman, 7 hotels in Saudi Arabia, 9 hotels in UAE

4Exact number of nets identified to be communicated by WWF France after May 23rd

About Novotel
Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts offers high-quality hotels designed as comforting and energising places where guests can achieve balance in their busy lives, whether they are traveling for work, leisure or a blend of both. The brand’s wide array of hotels, suites and resorts offer a multitude of services, including spacious, modular rooms with natural and intuitive design; relaxed restaurants with nutritious choices; flexible workspaces; attentive and proactive staff; family zones for the youngest guests; multi-purpose lobbies; and accessible fitness centres. Novotel, which has over 590 locations in more than 60 countries is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries. Novotel is also a participating brand in ALL, a booking platform and lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

novotel.com | all.com | group.accor.com

Novotel Devonport in Australia.
Novotel Devonport in Australia.

 

Watermelon Salad and Green Paw Paw Salad - Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Australia.
Watermelon Salad and Green Paw Paw Salad – Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Australia.

 

Novotel Rayong Rim Pae Resort, Thailand
Novotel Rayong Rim Pae Resort, Thailand