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Global communication ambassador explores intl. commercial services in Shenzhen

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Shenzhen Daily:

Tafadzwa Mackenzie Kadere from the U.K. introduces an International-Friendly Merchant at Qianhai Uniway.
Tafadzwa Mackenzie Kadere from the U.K. introduces an International-Friendly Merchant at Qianhai Uniway.

Tafadzwa Mackenzie Kadere (Taf), a Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador from the U.K., recently visited the Qianhai Uniway shopping mall in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen, located in Guangdong Province, South China. He explored the international shopping services provided by the merchants in the mall.

Not long before Taf’s visit, Qianhai unveiled its first batch of “International-Friendly Shopping Areas” and “International-Friendly Merchants,” aimed at providing a more welcoming shopping experience for international residents. Both Qianhai Uniway and Breeze Valley at the Qianhai MixC shopping mall were recognized as the first “International-Friendly Shopping Areas,” each featuring over 15 stores certified as “International-Friendly Merchants.”

To qualify as an “International-Friendly Merchant,” a store must offer international payment options and provide bilingual menus and service lists. Additionally, staff members are required to have basic English communication skills, and some merchants can provide fluent English services. Employees who meet these standards wear smiley face badges on their shirts.

At the entrance of a Western-style restaurant, Taf discovered a sign indicating the establishment’s status as an International-Friendly Merchant. With the assistance of staff wearing smiley face badges, he smoothly completed the ordering and payment processes and enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea.

At a bar offering a variety of wines and snacks, the bilingual menu clearly listed the names and ingredients of the dishes, allowing Taf to feel comfortable and informed about what he was eating. The availability of English services also made him feel at home.

Additionally, at the reception desk of Qianhai Uniway, Taf found English instructions on how to link a bank card with WeChat and Alipay for convenient electronic payments, which is particularly useful for overseas visitors unfamiliar with local electronic payment methods.

With initiatives like the launch of International-Friendly Shopping Areas and International-Friendly Merchants, Qianhai’s international livability and business environment are steadily improving. This year, Qianhai plans to make further efforts to cultivate a more international atmosphere and transform this vibrant area into a hub for cultural integration in Shenzhen.

The “Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador Program,” initiated by EyeShenzhen in June 2023, invites influential international individuals to share stories about Shenzhen’s urban development and foster an international communication community through various media platforms.

HICC Pet® Launches Pet Care Academy of Magic at Pet Show Hong Kong 2025

Transforming Pet Care into a Magical Adventure: HICC Pet® offers spa-like grooming and healthcare while educating pet owners on maintaining their pets’ wellness.

HONG KONG, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From February 6 to 9, 2025, the HICC Pet brand is showcasing its groundbreaking grooming and healthcare products at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre during the Pet Show Hong Kong 2025. Known as a leader in pet healthcare, HICC Pet presents its flagship product lines of fermented coconut oil and hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The booth, themed Pet Care Academy of Magic, immerses visitors in a whimsical experience unlike any other. Guests witness firsthand the exceptional pet grooming care provided by HICC Pet’s products for their furry companions while capturing memorable photos at the interactive photo booth.

As a significant industry event, the Pet Show Hong Kong features numerous renowned pet food and supplies brands. HICC Pet provides exciting discounts and social media engagement activities and giveaways, welcoming pet lovers to join an unforgettable experience at the show.

HICC Pet Showcasing Innovation at Pet Show Hong Kong 2025
HICC Pet Showcasing Innovation at Pet Show Hong Kong 2025

Pet-Owner Interaction Reimagined: Magical Academy Brings Fun to Pet Care

HICC Pet upholds the mantra that “convenient solutions lead to happy, healthier pets.” The booth features seven interactive areas where customers explore the latest in fermented coconut oil grooming and HOCl wellness products. Demonstrations and trials will be available in a spa-like pet grooming service area at the booth.

Each of HICC Pet’s featured products targets specific pet needs, including eye, oral, ear, skin, coat, and anal gland care. This precise categorization allows pet owners to select the ideal products based on their pets’ health requirements. In line with HICC Pet’s mission for high-quality, convenient cleaning care solutions, the booth includes dedicated cat grooming and dog grooming zones, ensuring tailored product recommendations. The magic unfolds as pets sparkle after using products that prioritize convenience and care. To capture these enchanted moments, visitors take photos on the magical throne set up for pet parents and their fur friends. Since its inception, HICC Pet has been committed to developing convenient, safe, and high-quality products at affordable prices, enhancing the lives of busy and professional pet parents. At Pet Show Hong Kong 2025, visitors enjoy a 10% discount on all products and participate in fun social media activities and other giveaways at the booth including spin-the-wheel contests to win merchandise and sample packs. HICC Pet injects fresh energy into the pet grooming industry by blending professionalism with fun, turning traditional marketing practices into enjoyable experiences.

Creating Convenient, Safe, and High-Quality Solutions for Elevated Pet Care

HICC Pet, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, is a leader in pet health and focuses on improving the lives of pets and their owners through innovative, safe, and high-quality solutions. The hypochlorous acid product line is powered by an exclusive pure HOCl technology, while the grooming line utilizes proprietary CocoPlex™ fermented coconut oil technology to gently clean and nourish pets’ skin and coat.

HICC Pet offers a comprehensive range of grooming products designed for canine and feline health care, serving as a holistic complement to vet care, supporting pets from nose to tail. While continuing to ensure all products are veterinarian-recommended, HICC Pet has recently launched a long-term collaboration with Dr. Lindsey Wendt, a respected U.S. veterinarian, to emphasize the scientific backing of their offerings.

HICC Pet delivers simple and pure healthcare for dogs and cats, with safe, natural ingredients that are gentle even for pets with sensitive skin. From coconut oil grooming glove wipes and HOCl sprays to travel-sized wipes and dual-sided finger glove designs, HICC Pet redefines the pet grooming product industry. By maintaining a relentless focus on research and development, HICC Pet simplifies pet care while providing solutions that support pet health, allowing owners to enjoy more quality time with their canine and feline friends.

HICC Pet has been recognized with the 2024 Favorite Pet Brand Award by MoCity Hong Kong, following two consecutive years of receiving the Pet Business Award in the U.S., highlighting the increasing recognition of the brand both locally and internationally.

HICC Pet: Guided by Love, Dedicated to Pets

The Pet Show Hong Kong promotes values of “caring for animals, respecting life, and advocating for healthy pet ownership,” a mission that echoes HICC Pet’s founding purpose. In the cold winter of 2020, founder Kevin rescued a stray cat enduring a harsh life on the streets. Her presence sparked Kevin’s passion for developing high-quality and safe products that prioritize natural, gentle ingredients, free from toxins and alcohol. That little kitty, named Chestnut, now serves as the brand’s Chief Executive Cat. To support more pets in need, HICC Pet partners with Pawsitive Alliance in Washington, USA as a title sponsor, making annual donations to reduce pet overpopulation and promote adoption.

Now a global company with offices in the U.S., Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen, HICC Pet aims to provide innovative wellness care for cats and dogs to pet owners around the world.

For more information, please visit https://hiccpet.com/

HICC Inc., 777 108th Ave NE, Suite 2240, Bellevue, WA 98004

Please note that the information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared here should not be considered professional veterinary advice.

CONTACT: marketing@hiccpet.com

SANY Group Makes Historic Debut on the 2025 World’s Top 500 Brands List

SHANGHAI, Feb. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SANY Group, a leading construction machinery manufacturer, has made history by securing the 468th position on the prestigious 2025 World’s Top 500 Brands list, as revealed by the GYBrand Global Brand Research Institute. This marks SANY’s first-ever appearance on the esteemed list, distinguishing it as the only engineering machinery company to be included. This achievement underscores SANY’s position as a frontrunner in the global business landscape.

Rising Influence in Global Brand Rankings­­

The 2025 list features brands from 207 cities across 33 countries, with 76 Chinese brands (including those from Hong Kong and Taiwan) representing 15.2% of the total. SANY’s inclusion highlights China’s growing competitiveness in the global economy and its ability to nurture world-class brands. The GYBrand evaluation process is thorough, assessing brands based on financial performance, brand strength, contribution, and sustainability. SANY’s ranking reflects not only its robust market performance but also its brand influence and commitment to sustainable business practices. This comprehensive approach ensures the list captures the full scope of modern brand value.

As a globally recognized brand valuation agency, GYBrand is esteemed as one of the top five institutions in the field, known for its meticulous and transparent evaluation methods. BRAND WEEKLY has lauded GYBrand as the most influential Chinese brand valuation institution, further underscoring the credibility of the rankings. This endorsement solidifies the significance of SANY’s inclusion in the list and reinforces the reliability and authority of the rankings.

SANY’s Global Vision and Strategic Growth

SANY Group has long adhered to its mission of “Quality Changes the World,” driving its strategies in globalization, digitalization, and low-carbon development. With a presence in over 180 countries and regions, SANY has firmly established itself as a global leader in its sector. Its debut on the World’s Top 500 Brands list serves as a testament to its successful international expansion and rising brand prominence.

Looking ahead, SANY is committed to continuing its brand-building efforts and leveraging its global reach to drive sustainable growth. As Chinese brands gain increasing recognition worldwide, SANY remains dedicated to excellence and innovation, positioning itself for even greater achievements in the global marketplace.

Action plan 8.0 to inject more vitality into Shanghai

SHANGHAI, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from english.shanghai.gov.cn

The latest business environment improvement action plan released in Shanghai on Feb 5 will help the city better address market entities’ needs and inject more vitality into the city’s economic growth, said officials and market experts.

Their comments were made on Feb 5 when the Shanghai municipal government held the business environment improvement work conference for the eighth consecutive year. The latest action plan, which is now in its eighth edition, was released during the conference.

The plan aims to enhance the sense of gain among enterprises by coming up with 58 detailed measures which are more substantial and down-to-earth, according to Lu Aiguo, head of the business environment construction division at the Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission.

One focus of the new plan is deepening the reform by aligning with the standards specified in World Bank’s Business Ready evaluation system, said Lu. Ten related reform measures have been rolled out, covering market entry, operational venues, infrastructure, utilities, international trade and market competition, among others.

As to international trade, Shanghai will expand the benefit scope for controlled and inspected high-tech goods. The import pilot program for research and development as well as testing items should be further optimized. Customs clearance facilitation services will be improved by better implementing reform measures such as multi-modal transport and the application of electronic certificates, according to the new action plan.

Another 24 measures have been included in action plan 8.0 to optimize the all-round services rendered to companies. On the one hand, more innovative financing products should be introduced, providing continued financing support to small and medium-sized enterprises.

On the other, more efforts should be made to facilitate the outbound reaches of domestic companies while further opening up the local market. Professional service providers will be supported to set up branches in the markets involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Meanwhile, visas as well as entry and exit services for foreign talent will be more convenient. More foreign-invested projects should be introduced in the city and major foreign-invested projects should be settled at a faster pace, according to the new action plan.

Japanese carmaker Toyota announced on Feb 5 that it has entered into an agreement with the Shanghai government to establish a new wholly-owned company in Jinshan district of Shanghai for the development and production of Lexus electric vehicles and batteries.

The advanced and mature industrial chains, logistics networks, talent supply and market size in Shanghai and the neighboring cities are the major reasons to land this new project, according to Toyota.

To improve services provided to companies, efforts will be made to promulgate a negative list for cross-border data flow within the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, according to the new action plan.

Companies will be better guided to conduct data export activities in accordance with laws and regulations. This is conducive to companies’ international competitiveness, said Huang Lina, an official from the internet security division at Shanghai Cyberspace Administration.

The new action plan also includes 14 measures to optimize supervision over companies.

According to Wu Beibei, deputy director of the laws and regulations division at Shanghai Administration for Market Regulation, the targets, frequency and content of on-site inspections will be reduced to lower the impact on companies. The goal is to lower the number of planned administrative on-site inspections in the next two to three years, she said.

For more information:

https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-BusinessEnvironment/index.html

Climate Crisis in Laos: Heatwaves Threaten Agriculture and Public Health

Heatwave impacting people.

Despite enduring one of the coldest winters in years, Laos continues to grapple with the lasting effects of the past years of severe heatwaves.

Turfan, Xinjiang: Deployment of a High-Throughput Satellite Station in the Power Grid

TURFAN, China, Feb. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On February 8, State Grid Turfan Power Supply Company successfully commissioned a Ka-band high-throughput satellite portable station after multiple rounds of rigorous testing. Compared to traditional wide-beam communication satellites, this new technology offers more than fivefold improvements in transmission bandwidth and speed, significantly enhancing data transmission for various power grid services.

The high-throughput emergency satellite system is specifically designed for emergency response scenarios, including natural disasters and other critical situations. It provides reliable communication services in challenging environments. The portable station equipment weighs only 14 kilograms, making it easily transportable by a single individual. Within 10 minutes of deployment, it can restore normal communication for on-site equipment, reducing emergency response times by up to 30%.

In recent years, State Grid Turfan Power Supply Company has actively enhanced its emergency communication support capabilities. The company has tested the performance of high-throughput satellite portable stations in diverse environments, including urban areas and Gobi deserts. Various application scenarios have been evaluated, such as line-of-sight transmission and building occlusion, to comprehensively assess the integrated satellite communication system’s data transmission and response capabilities.

To date, two sets of Ka-band high-throughput satellite stations operated by State Grid Turfan Power Supply Company have provided rescue communication support. These stations have cumulatively transmitted 120GB of data, with a peak rate of up to 20 Mbps per station, and signal coverage extending over 100 kilometers.

Xthings’ ULTRALOQ Bolt Mission Secures Three Awards at CES 2025 Including The Official 2025 Best of CES Award

Hands-free Technology Praised by Disability Advocates as an Advancement in Accessibility

FREMONT, Calif., Feb. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Xthings, a global leader in IoT solutions, secured three awards for innovations in ULTRALOQ Bolt Mission, the world’s first smart lock with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world’s largest tech trade fair. The innovative lock impressed media and influencers, securing three awards including The Official 2025 Best of CES Award from the CNET group and two additional awards from Tom’s Guide for “Best Smart Locks of CES 2025” and The Ambient for “Best in Show“.


Hands-free Technology Praised by Disability Advocates as an Advancement in Accessibility

Additionally, the lock was applauded by disability advocates which cited the hands-free lock as an advancement in smart lock accessibility as it does not require interaction with a touchscreen or smartphone and can be automatically unlocked reliably and precisely from a distance using UWB technology.

Timothy Hornik, of Lions Services, a 90-year old Charlotte-based non-profit organization that empowers blind and visually impaired individuals to achieve personal and economic independence, explained, “As a blind individual, it’s hard to find a good smart home lock because so many have a touchscreen—an inaccessible type of interface I cannot access. By having something that works completely synchronously with my phone, as I am approaching the lock, to unlock itself the way Bolt Mission lock does, is absolutely fantastic.”

Anat Nulman, Founder of Assistive Consulting, which helps companies bring assistive technology to market, was also excited by Bolt Mission’s design. “I was really excited to learn about Bolt Mission because I love mainstream technology that is designed in a way that can help anybody regardless of whether they have a disability or not,” said Nulman. “Having a touchless interface is really beneficial for people that physically or cognitively cannot access lock interfaces.”

Raul Espino, chief executive officer of Accessible Destinations, which helps plan accessible vacations, found Bolt Mission’s ability to unlock at a distance without having to get as close as you would with an NFC device particularly useful for individuals in wheelchairs. “It’s great for people with disabilities because we just put our phone on our wheelchair and it unlocks when we get close to the door lock,.” said Espino.

“The feedback we’ve received from the disabled community exemplifies how hands-free design can vastly improve the everyday lives of disabled users,” said Matthew Brown, Chief Strategy Officer of Xthings. “Xthings is committed to using enabling technologies like Ultra-Wideband for new applications to create seamless and inclusive solutions that work for all users.”

About Xthings Inc.

Xthings Inc. has driven advancements in IoT technology since its founding. With a track record of innovation in smart security, Xthings aims to improve quality of life, accelerate AIoT industry growth, and promote the intelligent transformation of society.

About ULTRALOQ

ULTRALOQ, a best-selling smart lock brand under Xthings, is dedicated to developing innovative and secure smart access solutions. With a focus on blending cutting-edge technology with convenience, ULTRALOQ’s products are designed to provide a secure and keyless entry experience for both homes and businesses, making smart security more accessible than ever.

Zimbabwe Government Honours its Commitment to Compensate Investors Under Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreements (BIPPAs)

The payments to farm owners under BIPPA-protection marks a historic milestone and a critical step in Zimbabwe’s Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process


HARARE, ZIMBABWE – EQS Newswire – 8 February 2025 – The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe is honouring its commitment to compensate investors protected by Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreements (BIPPAs), whose investments were affected by the Land Reform Programme in 2000. This follows the disbursement of funds from the US$20 million allocated for the compensation of BIPPA-protected farms in the 2024 National Budget.

The payments to farm owners under BIPPA-protection marks a historic milestone and a critical step in Zimbabwe’s Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process.

Providing an update on the payments, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Honourable Professor Mthuli Ncube stated, “I am pleased to announce that the compensation process has begun. We believe that this process is crucial for building trust, honouring our commitments, and ensuring consistency with our Constitution as we address Zimbabwe’s debt challenge.”

The payments towards the compensation of investors under BIPPA protection began in the second week of January 2025. Payments are being made to the claimants’ Bank accounts of choice.

Only claimants from countries with BIPPAs signed and ratified before the 2000 Land Reform Programme are eligible for compensation. 94 farms were approved for compensation. The claimants are from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and former Yugoslavia.

The Harare-based ambassadors of Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland jointly welcomed the announcement: “The framework established by the Government of Zimbabwe leading to the full compensation of affected BIPPA farmers protected by Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements, is indeed a historic achievement. We commend the Government’s allocation of funds in the National Budget as of 2024 to make the compensation a reality. Several affected investors have received initial payouts, and an emerging sense of closure exists. It marks a significant milestone, and we consider it a very encouraging step towards a comprehensive and fair settlement for farmers and investors in Zimbabwe, be it in terms of financial compensation or land tenure. Now, it is important for the Government to keep this positive momentum.”

The BIPPA farmers are being compensated for land and improvements on the farms in line with Section 295 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

The President of the African Development Bank Group and the Champion of the Zimbabwe Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution, Dr Akinwumi Adesina said, “The compensation demonstrates the Government’s goodwill and commitment to building trust in the process and improving investor confidence in the country. The progress Zimbabwe has made, the commitment and resilience it is showing, calls for support from development partners to facilitate the country’s effort in implementing on going reforms and to provide the much-needed cushion to particularly the vulnerable members of the population.”

The compensation of these investors is one of the key reforms under the Structured Dialogue Platform on the country’s Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process. Zimbabwe aims to clear its arrears, resolve debt, and unlock new concessional external financing to achieve its development goals. The Government established in December 2022, a Structured Dialogue Platform (SDP) with all its creditors and development partners, to institutionalise engagement on economic and governance reforms to underpin the Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process.

The Resolution of BIPPA-protected farms is under the auspices of one of the three Sector Working Groups (SWG) of the country’s Structured Dialogue Platform for Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process. It falls under the Land Tenure Reforms, Compensation for Former Farm Owners, and the Resolution of BIPPAs SWG. This SWG is co-chaired by the Office of the President and Cabinet, Switzerland and the United Nations Development Programme. The other two SWGs are Economic Growth and Stability Reforms, and Governance Reforms.

At the last High-Level SDP Meeting held in Harare on 25 November 2024, His Excellency, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, reiterated the Government’s ownership of the Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process, and his commitment to the implementation of reforms underpinning the Process, in line with the country’s National Development Strategy 1.

The resolution of BIPPAs is also part of the country’s engagement and re-engagement initiatives with the international community.

After disbursing the US$20 million from the 2024 National Budget for BIPPA-protected farms, the remaining US$125.9 million will be paid over four years (2025 to 2028) through annual fiscal allocations. Additionally, the Government has allocated another US$20 million in the 2025 National Budget for this purpose.

Table 1: Approved BIPPA Farms for Compensation

Country Number of Farms Approved for Compensation Farmers Value (US$ millions)
Denmark 6 5 13.4
Germany 14 7 14.0
Netherlands 46 33 88.2
Switzerland 27 10 27.0
Former Yugoslavia 1 1 3.3
Total 94 56 145.9

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Caption for Images: Sixth High-Level Structured Dialogue Platform on Zimbabwe’s Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process held in the country’s capital, Harare in November 2024

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Video Caption: Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Honourable Professor Mthuli Ncube Speaks about Compensation of Investors under Bippa-protection

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