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/C O R R E C T I O N — Hebei Daily International Communication Center/

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In the news release, Hebei Daily International Communication Center Launches Historical Micro-Documentary ‘Side by Side’, issued 16-Feb-2026 by Hebei Daily International Communication Center over PR Newswire, a video, rather than a photo, should be embedded in the release as incorrectly transmitted by PR Newswire. The complete, corrected release follows:

Hebei Daily International Communication Center Launches Historical Micro-Documentary ‘Side by Side’

SHIJIAZHUANG, China, Feb 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hebei Daily International Communication Center has released a new micro-documentary titled ‘Side by Side: Across Oceans and Mountains, Joining China to Greet the Dawn’ (the “Documentary”), highlighting the stories of international individuals who supported China during World War II.

The release comes as 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the victory over fascism. The Documentary revisits a lesser-known chapter of wartime history: how foreign doctors, volunteers, and supporters worked alongside Chinese communities during the conflict, particularly in the Taihang Mountains region.

The Documentary features Michael Crook, Chairman of the International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives and son of David and Isabel Crook, who shares personal accounts of international figures who played a role in China during the war. These include Dr. Norman Bethune, Dwarkanath Kotnis, Kathleen Hall, and Richard Frey.

Through interviews and historical storytelling, the Documentary reflects on how cross-border cooperation and humanitarian support shaped lives during one of the darkest periods of the 20th century. It also invites audiences to revisit the human dimension of wartime history and the enduring impact of international solidarity.

 

Global Neighbors @Yiwu: Turning a Foreign Land into Home

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Advertorial Desk
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YIWU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2026 – As red lanterns light up the streets and alleys, Yiwu is welcoming spring in a unique way. For the international community living here, the city has transformed from a foreign commercial hub into a warm “hometown.”

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This year, three expatriates shared their unique Chinese New Year experiences in Yiwu.

For Lina from Ukraine, the festival is a visual feast of “Chinese Red.” Having lived in Yiwu for five years, she immerses herself in local traditions, shopping for “Get-Rich Horse” dolls for the upcoming Year of the Horse and buying traditional red outfits to take back to her home country.

For He Lvsheng, the holiday offers a chance to find a comfortable rhythm. While he notes that the New Year isn’t celebrated with the same intensity in his home country, in Yiwu, he enjoys the festive atmosphere by buying food and toys for friends while maintaining his daily fitness routine.

For foreign businessman Weihua, the Spring Festival is about unity. He celebrates by pasting spring couplets with his Chinese employees and handing out “Hongbao” (red envelopes), turning business partners into family.

From the scent of ink on couplets to the shared joy of the holidays, Yiwu’s inclusive environment allows entrepreneurs and residents from around the world to strive, live, and turn a foreign land into home.

Hashtag: #Yiwu

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

Parcel Perform Launches First AI Visibility Index for E-Commerce Brands

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Advertorial Desk
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Public Ranking Reveals Which Retailers ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini Actually Recommend When Shoppers Ask “Where Should I Buy?”

SINGAPORE and BERLIN, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Parcel Perform, a global AI-powered delivery experience platform, today launched the AI Visibility Index for E-Commerce Brands. It is the first public benchmarking tool built specifically to track how AI shopping assistants recommend e-commerce brands to consumers.

The Index fills a critical gap in the market, making objective intelligence on AI recommendations publicly available for the first time. While generic tools focus on broad brand mentions, the Index identifies which retailers are actually winning the “recommendation” when a shopper shows purchase intent.

“We’re seeing shoppers bypass search entirely and ask AI assistants (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and others) ‘best shoes for trail running,’ ‘best gift for coffee lovers,’ or ‘where to buy furniture,'” said Dr. Arne Jeroschewski, CEO of Parcel Perform. “But e-commerce brands are just starting to get into this game, and most have zero visibility into those recommendations. You could be invisible to AI assistants while competitors capture the sale.”

What the AI Visibility Index Reveals

The AI Visibility Index ranks the top 10 e-commerce brands weekly across e-commerce industries worldwide. Each brand receives three core scores:

  1. Visibility Score (0-100%): Whether the brand appears in AI responses when shoppers ask purchase-intent questions.
  2. LLM Ranking (1-10): Where the brand ranks in AI assistant recommendations, with week-over-week position changes.
  3. Brand Trust Score (-/+100%): How positively or negatively AI assistants describe the brand when answering questions.

Today’s launch covers eight industries across the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, with additional industries and regions added weekly.

Existing AI visibility tools track brand mentions but miss what matters for retail: product category granularity, purchase-intent prompts, and actual recommendations. While the public Index provides high-level industry rankings, Parcel Perform’s AI Commerce Visibility provides the deeper intelligence brands need to stay competitive—identifying visibility at the product category level, seeing the exact prompts driving recommendations, and uncovering specific presence gaps.

“These aren’t website traffic metrics or keyword rankings,” said Dr. Arne Jeroschewski, CEO of Parcel Perform. “This is a direct measurement of the answers AI assistants actually give when a consumer asks for a shopping recommendation: which e-commerce brands they mention, in what order, and with what sentiment.”

The Index is designed for immediate transparency. Parcel Perform publishes the pre-built prompt libraries for each industry, allowing brands to see—at a glance—the specific purchase-intent questions driving their rankings. Brands seeking to explore the full depth of their AI performance may request a comprehensive, granular analysis.

Competitive Intelligence for E-Commerce Industries

The Index is observational and tracks AI recommendations without influencing them.

“We’re not paying for placement or trying to manipulate LLM outputs,” said Dr. Arne Jeroschewski. “We’re showing e-commerce brands objective data on how they currently rank so they can make informed decisions. Think of it as the Nielsen ratings for AI Commerce.”

This approach addresses the primary challenge for modern e-commerce: brands need purchase-intent intelligence, not just content monitoring. By measuring whether AI recommends a brand when a shopper asks “where should I buy?”, Parcel Perform provides a new standard for visibility.

Free Access Model

The AI Visibility Index is freely accessible to the public at the following URL:

http://parcelperform.com/products/ai-commerce-visibility/ai-visibility-index-ecommerce

No registration is required to view industry rankings and top 10 brands. The Index updates every Monday with fresh data from the previous week. Additional industries and regions will also be added weekly.

Industries at launch:

  • Retail
  • Apparel & Fashion
  • Beauty & Cosmetics
  • Sportswear & Sporting Goods
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Musical Instruments
  • Luxury goods
  • Furniture

Interested e-commerce brands can request a detailed AI Commerce Visibility Report to understand their current standing and identify specific gaps in their AI presence.

“We’re making this knowledge available to everyone,” said Dr. Arne Jeroschewski. “Every e-commerce brand should know whether AI assistants are recommending them or their competitors. This should be public knowledge. It should be as transparent as Google rankings.”

About Parcel Perform

Parcel Perform is built on one of the largest logistics data infrastructures in delivery experience, processing billions of shipment events across 1,100+ carriers. We help customers optimize every stage—from EDD at checkout through post-purchase, returns, and logistics operations. Now the benchmark in delivery experience, Parcel Perform is the strategic partner that enables global e-commerce businesses to thrive in the age of AI Commerce. As AI shopping assistants reshape how consumers discover and buy, brands face a new imperative: get found by AI, then consistently deliver on promises. Parcel Perform helps e-commerce brands achieve AI visibility, then provide the cost-efficient delivery experience that turns every successful shipment into proof of reliability—building the trust that earns repeat AI recommendations. The platform handles enterprise complexity with the agility to go live in weeks—built for the speed of AI without sacrificing customization.

Laos Signs Deal with South Korean Firm for 100 MW Solar Project in Oudomxay

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Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Laos has signed an agreement with a South Korean private company to develop a 100 MW solar project in Oudomxay Province, with construction planned for 2027. The project will generate renewable energy for domestic use and export power to Vietnam.

On 11 February, Laos’ state electricity enterprise has signed an agreement with a South Korean private company to explore the development of a 100-megawatt (MW) solar power project in Oudomxay Province, further expanding the country’s growing renewable energy presence in the north.

The planned solar plant will span approximately 150 hectares across Namhin Reservoir in Xay district. 

If approved, construction is set to begin in 2027 with completion date yet to be determined.

Once operational, the facility is projected to generate 160 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually, enough to supply roughly 100,000 households. Most of the output will be exported to Vietnam under planned cross-border power arrangements. 

Electricité du Laos expects the project to reduce electricity import costs, bridge supply gaps during the dry season, and help stabilize domestic power prices.

The agreement builds on existing solar investments in Oudomxay.

In December 2025, a 1,000 MW solar plant covering 2,090 hectares across seven villages in Xay and Namor districts began operations. 

The largest in Laos, the facility generates approximately 1.7 billion kWh annually, with electricity exported to China’s Yunnan Province via the Laos-China 500 kV transmission line, which became fully connected on 5 February.

Khammouane Authorities Arrest 13 Over Factory Power Cable Theft Ring

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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These are the 13 suspects that were arrested and detained by Khammouane Police. (Photo by Lao Phatthana)

Khammouane police have arrested 13 people accused of carrying out a series of power cable thefts at factories across the province, along with one Vietnamese national suspected of purchasing the stolen copper.

The investigation began after a factory worker filed a complaint. Police arrested the first suspect, Khamdee Kasihalath, 33, on 13 December 2025. He later confessed and identified other members of the group. Authorities detained 12 additional suspects the following day. On 5 February, officers brought the group to reenact the alleged crimes as part of the investigation.

According to police, the group targeted four factories between June and December 2025. They reportedly used a pickup truck, three firearms, and cutting tools to steal and strip electrical cables.

On 30 June 2025, the suspects allegedly stripped 210 kilograms of copper and sold it for LAK 37.8 million (approximately USD 1,765).

On 27 October 2025, they reportedly threatened workers with a gun while searching for copper and iron but fled without stealing anything.

Police said the largest theft occurred on 2 December 2025. The group allegedly threatened two security guards with firearms, stole 18 bundles of detonators and an industrial fan, and stripped 1,025 kilograms of copper cable, later selling it for about LAK 210 million (nearly USD 10,000).

On 5 December 2025, they reportedly stole an additional 430 kilograms of copper, selling it for LAK 90.3 million (approximately USD 4,340). Authorities said the group divided the proceeds and spent much of the money on gambling.

Police also arrested a 36-year-old Vietnamese national living in Khammouane Province on charges of concealing and trading stolen property, specifically electrical wires.

Authorities are finalizing the case file for submission to prosecutors for further legal action.

Colin Wildey appointed Chief Risk Officer, International

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Advertorial Desk
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LONDON, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Markel Insurance, the insurance operation within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), today announced that Colin Wildey has been promoted to Chief Risk Officer for Markel International, subject to regulatory approval.

Wildey has been Head of Risk for Markel International since 2022, where he has played a central role in advancing the organisation’s Risk Management framework and helping the business navigate through a period of sustained, profitable growth. In his new role, he will focus on further enhancing how risk informs decision-making across the business, aligned with the organisation’s strategic ambition to put Markel ‘on the map’.

Based in London, Wildey will report to Henry Gardener, who was appointed Chief Risk Officer of Markel Insurance in 2025.

Wildey brings more than ten years of senior risk management experience across the London Market and international insurance sector. Prior to joining Markel, he was UK Chief Risk Officer and Group Head of Risk & Capital at Fidelis Insurance, responsible for the Group Risk Framework across multiple entities. Earlier in his career, he held roles in risk management, consulting and underwriting at various organisations writing business in the UK, Ireland, Bermuda, Australia and New Zealand. He has extensive experience working with regulators including the PRA, FCA, BMA and CBI.

Henry Gardener, Chief Risk Officer, Markel Insurance, said: “The Risk team at Markel International plays a critical role in strengthening resilience throughout the business, working in partnership with employees across the business to support clarity of purpose, ownership of risk and strategic alignment. By combining analytical expertise with practical insight, we help Markel meet its commitments to policyholders, regulators, shareholders and partners.

“I’m delighted to see Colin step into this new role. He has made a significant contribution to improving how risk is understood and managed across Markel International. He combines strong technical expertise with a collaborative, pragmatic approach and has built trusted relationships across underwriting, capital, actuarial, compliance and operations.”

Colin Wildey, Chief Risk Officer, Markel International, said: “Effective risk management is about helping the business take considered risks with confidence. I’m incredibly pleased about the progress we’ve made in embedding risk thinking more broadly across Markel International in recent years, and I’m looking forward to continuing to support leaders and underwriters as we navigate an increasingly complex risk environment.”

About Markel Insurance
We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients – that differentiates us worldwide.

IDC MarketScape names Hitachi Energy a Leader in Asset Performance Management for Worldwide Utilities

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Advertorial Desk
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ZURICH, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hitachi Energy, a global leader in electrification, has been recognized as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Utilities Asset Performance Management (APM) 2025–2026 Vendor Assessment (Doc #US53008225, November 2025). The IDC study evaluated 12 APM providers by qualitatively and quantitatively assessing their capabilities and strategies regarding their offerings in the power and utilities industry.

IDC MarketScape Worldwide Utilities APM 2025-2026
IDC MarketScape Worldwide Utilities APM 2025-2026

“As utilities navigate the challenges of aging assets, clean-energy integration and grid modernization, APM solutions have become essential for achieving operational resilience, reducing costs and delivering sustainable outcomes across their organizations,” said the IDC MarketScape.

“A modernized and data-driven approach to APM is now a strategic imperative for utilities,” said John Villali, Senior Research Director, IDC Energy Insights. “Sophisticated APM solutions have become foundational to utilities’ digital and energy-transition strategies. With its heritage in the utility sector, AI-driven APM solution and global customer base, Hitachi Energy is well-positioned to guide and support utilities across the world in this important and continuously evolving space.”

According to the IDC MarketScape: “Hitachi Energy has deep domain expertise in the utilities sector, especially in the transmission and distribution subsegments. Its APM offering provides over 175 prebuilt models covering transformers, breakers, and substation assets.”

Furthermore, the report notes: “Hitachi Energy can provide a fully integrated APM + enterprise asset management (EAM) + field service management (FSM) suite, which can provide a data-rich asset lifecycle management strategy that supports regional utility sector regulatory compliance across the globe.”

“We’re pleased to be recognized as a Leader in APM by one of the world’s top technology research firms,” says Andy Howell, Global Head of Enterprise Software Product Group, Hitachi Energy. “Hitachi Energy has the world’s largest installed base in power transmission and distribution utilities. These same utilities are now adopting our integrated software solutions. Ultimately, IDC’s recognition reflects what’s most important: our customers’ success.”

Hitachi Energy APM is purpose‑built for utilities, bringing together asset health, reliability, and optimization into one suite. When integrated with enterprise asset management and work management systems, it enables a closed-loop of asset lifecycle workflows.

Backed by over a century’s heritage of building and maintaining critical electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure across the world, including a library of more than 175 pre-built models for grid assets, Hitachi Energy APM allows utilities to prioritize the right maintenance, reduce failure risk, and optimize capital expenditures and operating expenses while meeting regulatory expectations.

Using AI-driven analytics and network-aware context, APM combines operational and historical data to strengthen reliability, safety, and cost performance across transmission and distribution. 

Hitachi Energy APM is part of the Asset & Work Management suite of solutions, which supports Hitachi’s HMAX Energy portfolio of digitally enabled services. HMAX by Hitachi is a suite of next-generation solutions that brings the power of AI to social infrastructure.

To read the IDC MarketScape excerpt, please visit https://www.hitachienergy.company/qPC.

About IDC MarketScape
The IDC MarketScape vendor assessment model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of technology and service suppliers in a given market. The research utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each supplier’s position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of technology suppliers can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective suppliers.

About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time – balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we co-create and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD. 
https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy 

About Hitachi, Ltd.
Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.

 

January Trade Surplus Marks Sharp Rebound from Year-Earlier Deficit

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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Picture of cargo trucks to show import and exporting through land transportation in Laos. (Picture by J&C Group)

Laos began 2026 on stronger footing, with exports rising to USD 886.7 million in January, up 36 percent from the same month last year. The increase helped the country return to a trade surplus after opening 2025 in deficit.

Gold remained the biggest export, while fuel continued to top the import list. The shift pushed the trade balance back into positive results after last year’s weak start.

Compared to the whole 2025, imports were slightly higher than imports causing a trade deficit of USD 88.8 million. 

The figures show that while export activity remained strong, import demand slightly outpaced outbound shipments and  trade momentum had slowed over the year. 

That contrasts with the whole 2024, when Laos recorded a strong trade surplus of USD 1.54 billion. Exports outpaced imports by a wide margin that year, supported largely by electricity and other key commodities.

Overall, the January 2026 surplus points to a stronger start compared to both January 2025 and the full-year deficit recorded last year. This helped to restore the trade balance early this year, signalling improved trade performance. 

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