Friday, December 29, 2023

CHINA'S SANYA CBD IMPLEMENTS CROSS-BORDER, MODERN FINANCE DEVELOPMENTS

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 (Bernama) -- The Sanya Central Business District (CBD) - Financial Expansion and Opening-up Pilot Zone (the Modern Financial Industry Cluster) was officially unveiled at the Third Sanya International Wealth Management Summit, held at the Hainan Free Trade Port in China.

According to the Sanya CBD in a statement, this is the Hainan Free Trade Port's only financial expansion and opening-up pilot zone and the only approved modern financial industry cluster.

It aims to implement the cross-border finance and modern finance development ideas, undertake high-level opening up pilot policies, facilitate the growth of industries such as cross-border insurance, cross-border asset management, Qualified Foreign Limited Partnership (QFLP) and Qualified Domestic Limited Partner (QDLP).

A key event focused on Sanya CBD, the summit attracted over 100 representatives from China's political, academic and business sectors, discussing in depth about the opportunities and practical paths of science and innovation finance, consumer finance and wealth management, among others.

As a crucial growth hub in the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Sanya City has implemented supportive incentives to boost the development of the financial industry in recent years, receiving sustained and steady progress.

In this process, the Sanya CBD has achieved evident accomplishments such as establishing and operating Hainan International Clearing House, Hainan International Commodity Exchange, as well as Hainan International Carbon Emissions Trading Center.

The CBD has also attracted nearly 200 International venture capital institutions and private equity fund management companies, including Sequoia China, Hillhouse Capital and IDG.

Besides, Hainan's first S fund and Hainan's first commodity swap clearing business have been launched in the district, and Hainan's first special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) listing and merger have been successfully completed.

-- BERNAMA

Thursday, December 28, 2023

YILI GROUP CELEBRATES DYNAMIC GLOBAL RELATIONSHIPS AT THE TOP PARTNERS CONFERENCE 2024

 

Caption: Yili Group's Top Partners Conference 2024 in Sanya, Hainan, China

SANYA, China, Dec. 28, 2023 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--
 
Between December 6 and 20, Yili Group and its Thai and Indonesian subsidiaries, respectively, brought together global partners for their Top Partners Conference 2024, themed "Grow with Innovation, Forward in Unity."

Fueled by record-breaking sales, Yili Group has cemented its all-around leadership in the industry

Supported by global partnerships, Yili's performance in the first three quarters of 2023 was a resounding success. Revenue soared to a record 97.404 billion yuan (approx. US$13.32 billion), accompanied by a notable 16.36% increase in net profit.

Yili's international business has experienced sustained and rapid growth, driven by the expansion of its strategic global network. The company has now put into place a network comprising a global resource system, a global innovation system and a global market system, owning a total of 15 R&D and innovation centers and 81 production bases worldwide.

This year, Yili's operation in New Zealand and Australia was recognized as the fastest growing in the region, with its products now gracing shelves in over 40 countries and revenue hitting an all-time high.

Brands like Thailand's Cremo and Indonesia's Joyday have both achieved the industry's highest sales growth rate. In the face of fierce market competition, Yili's Thai subsidiary rolled out rich product portfolios like Atom, Pilot, and Choco-Crush to better meet the needs of local consumers. At the conference, Yili's Indonesian subsidiary shared its 2024 market expansion plan, which will focus on product innovation, channel expansion, brand promotion, and efforts to continue to improve consumer satisfaction. It also released five major initiatives focused on empowering partners with value-sharing.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=47817

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

PRIME MINISTER HONOURABLE DR TERRANCE DREW UNVEILS ST KITTS AND NEVIS 2024 BUDGET ADDRESS

 

Basseterre, Dec 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, delivered a comprehensive analysis of the nation's fiscal performance and outlined future economic plans during his 2024 Budget Address. 

2024 Budget Address Theme: Marching Forward on the Journey to a Sustainable Island State 

The central theme of the 2024 budget speech is "Marching Forward on the Journey to a Sustainable Island State." The budget address, presented on 13 December 2023, underscored the government's commitment to transforming into a sustainable island state. 

Seven Pillars of Sustainability 

Honourable Dr Drew outlined the seven pillars forming the foundation of a sustainable island state: 
  1. Water Security
  2. Energy Transition
  3. Food Security
  4. Sustainability Industry
  5. Sustainable Settlements
  6. Circular Economy
  7. Social Protection
These pillars serve as the focal points for the 2024 budget address, laying the groundwork for sustainable development in St Kitts and Nevis. 

St Kitts and Nevis' Achievements in 2023 

Honourable Dr Drew acknowledged the achievements in tourism that received international recognition, positioning St Kitts and Nevis as a prominent destination in the Eastern Caribbean. The 2024 Budget Address reflects the government's commitment to sustainable development, fiscal responsibility, and the well-being of St Kitts and Nevis’ citizens. The outlined initiatives and improvements aim to strengthen the nation's economy, infrastructure, and overall prosperity. 

Fiscal Landscape of St Kitts and Nevis 

Overview of 2022 Fiscal Performance 

Honourable Dr Drew highlighted the 2022 fiscal landscape, emphasising challenges and achievements, particularly in debt management and economic recovery. 

Revenue and Grants for 2022-2023 

In the past fiscal year, a deficit of US$99.2 million for the Overall Balance and a Primary Balance deficit of EC$82.9 million were reported. Total Revenue and Grants amounted to EC$1.12 billion, with Recurrent Revenue at EC$1.1 billion and Grants totalling EC$14.0 million. 

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme 

Honourable Dr Drew highlighted the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme's remarkable contribution, exceeding budget expectations by 54.9 per cent. Honourable Dr Drew emphasised the importance of supporting the CBI Programme for sustainable economic development. 

The CBI Programme is managed with transparency, accountability, and a strategic vision, and contributes significantly to the economic, social, and environmental well-being of St Kitts and Nevis, ensuring a more prosperous and resilient future. 

Government 2022 Expenditure 

Honourable Dr Drew detailed that the 2022 expenditure surpassed the budget, attributed to various government initiatives, income support programmes, and a CBI Dividend payment. 

A notable decrease in the Total Public Sector Debt to EC$1.6 billion or 60.2 per cent of (Gross Domestic Product) GDP was highlighted, reflecting a decline of EC$6.5 million and an 8.9 per cent point decrease in the Debt-to-GDP ratio. Honourable Dr Drew credited this reduction to the expansion in economic activity for 2022 compared to 2021. 

St Kitts and Nevis Pension Plan for 2024 

Honourable Dr Drew announced the imminent launch of a Contributory Pension Plan, aimed at enhancing the welfare and financial security of public sector employees. The plan is strategically designed for a secure and sustainable pension system. 

Honourable Dr Drew provided historical context, acknowledging the role of the St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party Administration in 2012, which laid the groundwork for the Contributory Pension Plan. 

Government Commitment to Kittians and Nevisians  

Honourable Dr Drew reiterated the government's commitment to improving citizens' lives, expressing confidence in the Contributory Pension Plan's role in securing a prosperous future for public sector employees.
 
Improvement of Minimum Wage for Civil Service from 2024 

Effective 1 January 2024, the minimum wage will rise from EC$9 per hour to EC$10.75 per hour, reflecting the government's dedication to improving the financial well-being of minimum wage earners. The decision to increase the minimum wage resulted from recommendations by the National Minimum Wage Advisory Committee, led by Ambassador Sam Condor, which diligently reviewed the minimum wage through consultations. 

Honourable Dr Drew assured an additional increase on 1 July 2025, taking the hourly rate to EC$12.50 and the weekly rate to EC$500.00. The economic benefits of a higher minimum wage were highlighted, empowering workers and stimulating local businesses. 

Attachment


Secretary of St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme
Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
00 (1-869) 467-1474
communications@skn-ciu.com 

SOURCE : Government of St. Kitts and Nevis