Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew S. Clyde (R-GA)
Gainesville, April 21, 2025
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Source: Government of India
Sarbananda Sonowal attends MoU signing Ceremony for Three Agreements on Strategic Development of Vadhavan Port, aimed at Port Infra Development and Cargo Handling Facilities
Sarbananda Sonowal attends MoU signing ceremony for infra projects development worth ₹5700 crores at Vadhavan Port
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 6:43PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoSPW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off Cruise Operations from the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), India’s largest cruise terminal, in Mumbai today. The Union Minister also inaugurated renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks as well as renovated two heritage buildings — Fort House Ballard Estate and Evelyn House at Colaba. Sonowal also inaugurated Sagar Upvan garden along with Shore to Ship Electric Supply under Green Port Initiative.
The MICT, developed as per Cruise Bharat Mission, was developed as per latest global standards and is expected to take a pioneering role in developing cruise tourism in India. Spread over a built up area of more than 4,15,000 Square Feet, the MICT is developed at Ballard Pier. MICT is India’s largest world class cruise terminal. Equipped with 72 Check in and Immigration counters spreading over an area of 2,07,000 Square Feet on the first two floors (G+1) while the other two floors (2 + 3) are developed as Commercial Floors. The newly inaugurated MICT is designed to handle 1 million passengers every year with an approximate 10,000 passengers per day. It can also handle 5 ships simultaneously, with 11 meters draft and upto 300 meters length. At the parking space, more than 300 vehicles can be parked simultaneously.
Speaking on the commencement of Cruise Service from MICT, the Union Minister said, “The maritime history of Mumbai is rich and an integral part of our civilisation. As a coastal hub, it has served the nation handsomely with its bustling coastal business. It is only logical that we work towards realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of ‘Bharat becoming a global cruise hub through its state-of-the-art infrastructure.’ Today, Mumbai, with its longstanding repute as a major maritime hub in the world, commenced Cruise Operations from the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, providing passengers modern amenities for a better and safer experience. This adds to our existing such top class international terminals at Visakhapatnam and Chennai. In order to celebrate the heroic contribution of Mumbai Port Fire Services personnel, the newly renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks celebrates their distinctive service to the nation.”
MICT has been designed with a wavy ceiling reflecting the maritime identity with functional and minimalist architecture. MICT blends modern design with Mumbai’s maritime spirit—featuring fluid architecture, rose gold accents, and a sweeping ceiling. From heritage-inspired entry to sleek interiors with wave seating, selfie points, and maritime plaques, it offers a serene yet vibrant gateway to India’s emerging global cruise hub. MICT will provide enhanced passenger experience and position Mumbai as one of major hub for cruise tourism hub. The total investment in the MICT project has been ₹556 crores.
Elaborating on the vision of Cruise Bharat Mission, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “PM Narendra Modi ji’s call for port-led prosperity has redefined our maritime ambitions. we also give momentum to the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’—our resolve to make Bharat one of the top cruise destinations in the world. The mission embraces three pillars—Ocean and Harbour Cruises, River and Inland Cruises, and Island and Lighthouse Cruises. With a comprehensive strategy that combines digital ease, circuit integration, environmental sustainability, and global partnerships, This is India’s cruise awakening—bold, inclusive, and future-ready. Under the visionary leadership of hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India’s maritime sector has witnessed an astonishing transformation. it is the story of an India that believes in its potential and invests in its people.”
The renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, which was inaugurated by the Minister, is a solemn tribute to the Mumbai Port Fire Services personnel for their distinctive service to the nation. The fire memorial is renovated with “Golden Tears” theme as the tragic event which rained golden bricks were blown in the surrounding area of Port. To promote heritage and tourism, façade lighting was inaugurated at two iconic heritage buildings of MbPA – Port House at Ballard Estate and Evelyn House at Colaba — adding to the aesthetic and historical appeal of the city’s legacy.
In a boost to Green Port Initiative, the Shore to Ship Electric Supply at MbPA will help Tug boats and Coast Guard vessels, reduce emissions, bring in operational efficiency and reduce noise pollution. MbPA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and modernisation of port infrastructure, providing shore-based electric power will significantly enhance energy efficiency and operational cleanliness.
The rejuvenated Sagar Upvan Garden at Colaba was also inaugurated today. With support from Tata Trusts, the MbPA undertook extensive repair and enhancement works, including the restoration of the compound wall, construction of facilities for gardeners, along with a 25000 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant. Rich with more than 500 varieties of plants, it has scenic views of the Arabian Sea as well as Sassoon Docks. It has lush green lawns, sea-facing benches, and pathways ideal for jogging and walking along with a living laboratory for botany students and nature enthusiasts.
Union Minister Shri Sonowal also attended MoU signing ceremony for development of Infrastructure projects with investment worth of more than ₹5700 crores at Vadhavan Port, today. The agreements were signed for development of a terminal for handling container, bulk, and liquid cargo with investment of ₹4200 crores, development of a dedicated terminal for handling bulk and liquid cargo with an investment of ₹1,000 crores and development of a liquid cargo jetty and a tank farm with a capacity of 3,00,000 CBM for handling liquefied chemicals and related products with an investment of ₹500 crores.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Our dynamic leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has given us a vision of transforming Vadhavan Port to become one of the Top 10 Global ports. As Vadhavan Port project is likely to power up India’s current capacity by more than three times, this is all weather, green field deep draft major port is going to act as a game changer for not only India’s maritime sector, but also enable regional trade. As India is poised to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, this port is likely to act as a major growth multiplier. In this regard, the MoUs signed today adds towards creation of infrastructure and capacity of the Vadhavan port and helps us take another step towards realising the vision of PM, Shri Narendra Modi ji.”
The inauguration of fuel dispensing infrastructure — including two HSD units, one gasoline unit, and a fast electric vehicle (EV) charger — further bolsters the port’s push towards sustainable mobility within the operational area. The event also included the formal handover of key land assets. A charge certificate of the plot at Malet Bunder was handed over to JNPA for its corporate building. Another plot at Reay Road was transferred to the Hare Krishna Mission for social and community activities. Additionally, the E Shed at Mumbai Port was handed over to M/s Ruchi India Logistics to strengthen port-led logistics operations.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of State, MoPSW, Shri Shantanu Thakur said, “The launch of the new cruise service in Mumbai, restoration of Mumbai’s maritime heritage buildings, and green port initiatives mark a transformative step forward in realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of a sustainable, vibrant, and tourism-driven maritime economy that honours our past while embracing a cleaner, greener future. These efforts boost coastal tourism and urban renewal. They also reinforce India’s maritime leadership globally.”
The Cruise Bharat Mission has set ambitious yet achievable goals like Development of 10 international sea cruise terminals, creation of 100 river cruise terminals, Launch of 5 marinas along our coast, Seamless integration of more than 5000 km of waterways, Aiming for 1 million sea cruise passengers and 1.5 million river cruise passengers by 2029, creation of over 400 thousand direct and indirect jobs across the cruise value chain. Since 2014, the government under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, has led to a transformation of the maritime sector. The cargo handled at the major port cargo surged from 556 MMT in 2014 to 854 MMT in 2024-25 while costal cargo grew by 119%. The inland water cargo rose from 6.89 MMT to 133 MMT—a leap of over 1800%. The cruise passengers increased from 85,000 in 2014 to 4.71 lakh today, a phenomenal growth of 454%.
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, was joined by Shri Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State, MoSPW as the Guest of Honour along with Susil Kumar Singh (IRSME), Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA); Adesh Titarmare, IAS, Deputy Chairman, MbPA; Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Dhruv Kotak, Managing Director, J.M. Baxi among other dignitaries and senior officials of the MoPSW and MbPA.
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GDH/HR
(Release ID: 2123251) Visitor Counter : 43
Source: Government of India
Over 300 participants including heads of Sanghas, Bhikkus, Bhikkhunis, Academicians and Representatives from Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia participated in the Seminar
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 5:18PM by PIB Delhi
Rooted in centuries old Buddhist culture and traditions, Namsai, a district in the extreme end of Arunachal Pradesh is a unique example of how an ancient way of life is still being practised here even today, explained Mr Chowna Mein, the Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh at the international Conclave on Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of North- East India.
Making a strong case for initiating a Buddhist tourism circuit in the state, he said “our culture is deeply rooted in socio-religious festivals, we recently concluded the Songpa Water Festival, a Buddhist festival celebrated by the Khamti community in Arunachal Pradesh, specifically in Namsai and other areas like Changlang and Itanagar, where visitors from overseas were invited to participate. It was a grand success. He added that there were several important ancient pilgrimage sites associated with Buddhism in the state too.
In fact, his tribe the Tai Khamtis were the first, according to him, to wage the first war of independence against the British in 1839. He mentioned that “We defeated the British in the Anglo- Khamti war, and as a result of this subsequently, the British burnt down our villages and scatter our tribe in several areas of North East.”
According to Mr Mein, they have preserved the Pali language through their Khamti script. In fact, there are just two ancient scripts in the State: theirs (the Lic Tai) and the Bhoti. Even the Ramayan and Mahabharat are written in the Khamti script (Lic Tai).
The Deputy Chief Minister also explained the enormous “good work” the Mahabodhi Society was undertaking in the region and he was hoping the region would get a skill development centre for empowerment of the youth of the region.
He was speaking at the 2-day International Conclave organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and supported by the government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Mahabodhi Society of Namsai. There were over 300 participants including heads of Sanghas, Bhikkus and Bhikkhunis, eminent members of the society, political representatives, professors, academicians from the Northeast and other regions _attending the event. Representatives from Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia participated in the seminar sessions, while the Consul General of Bhutan in Guwahati Mr Jigme Thinly Namgyal, addressed the congregation in the inaugural session.
Emphasizing the “our dharma is our culture; which is our way of life,”Mr Zingnu Namchoom, MLA Namsai explained that even in our weddings the Buddha’s teachings are given on how to lead our married life in society. Buddhism is in our blood stream, he noted. The dhamma address was presented by Most Ven. Aggadhamma Bhaddanta, Chief Abbot of the Pariyatti Sasana Buddha Vihara, Namsai.
The Secretary General of IBC Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche welcomed the guest and the Director General of IBC Mr Abhijit Halder, explained the details of the event and presented the concluding remarks. The sessions will include discussions on the following topics: Historical relevance of Buddha Dhamma in the North-East of India, Art, Culture & Heritage of Buddhist Communities and a special Session on the Cultural Impact on Buddhists in the region.
Special prayers and chanting will be held tomorrow at the Golden Pagoda for the victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. This will be followed by a session on Vipassana.
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Sunil Kumar Tiwari
(Release ID: 2123208) Visitor Counter : 98
Source: US State of Rhode Island
Traffic delays expected
Starting Thursday night, May 1, at 9 p.m. the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will begin the first of two consecutive extended weekend lane closures on Route 1 at the Route 138 interchange in North Kingstown. RIDOT is using accelerated bridge construction methods to rapidly replace structurally deficient bridges.
During these weekends, lanes and ramps will be temporarily shifted and closed, and detours will be implemented. Route 1 will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Motorists should expect delays and provide additional time for travel. RIDOT strongly recommends the use of alternate routes if possible.
RIDOT has constructed new bridge decks next to the existing bridge and will slide them into place over the weekends. The southbound bridge will be done first, with demolition of the old bridge and installation of the new one taking place from 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 through 5 a.m. on Monday, May 5. The northbound bridge will be replaced during the same hours beginning Thursday night, May 8 and finishing prior to the morning commute on Monday, May 12.
The planned closures and suggested detours for both weekends are as follows:
Lanes/Ramps to be Closed:
Lanes/Ramps to Remain Open:
Suggested Detours:
In addition to the detours listed above, motorists coming from the University of Rhode Island Kingston campus area heading toward North Kingstown should use Route 2 North to reach Route 4. Anyone heading driving north from the Narragansett area should use Route 1A. Drivers in the Providence area or points north may wish to use I-195 toward Newport County.
By using these extended weekend closures, motorists avoided up to two years of lane closures on Route 1. RIDOT scheduled the bridge replacement weekends to occur prior to Memorial Day and the start of Rhode Island’s busy summer tourism season.
The bridge replacements are part of a larger $35.8 million project that included repaving two long sections of Route 1. The first segment was done last year, from Shermantown Road in North Kingstown to the Stedman Government Center in South Kingstown. The second segment will be done after the bridge installation, from Shermantown Road to the Route 4 interchange.
All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather.
The Tower Hill Road Improvements project is made possible by RhodeWorks and the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Improvement Act. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.
Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations
JAKARTA, 21 April 2025 – ASEAN and China reaffirmed their shared commitment to further advancing the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) at the 26th Meeting of the ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee (ACJCC), held today at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.
China reaffirmed its steadfast support for ASEAN Community-building efforts and ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs. China also underscored ASEAN as a key priority on China’s neighbourhood diplomacy.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on recent developments in ASEAN and China, and reviewed the progress of ASEAN-China CSP over the past year. Notable progress has been made in the final year of the implementation of the ASEAN-China Plan of Action (POA) 2021-2025 and its Annex to advance the CSP.
Under the framework of the existing POA, ASEAN and China continued to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of areas such as non-traditional security, trade and investment, science and technology, green economy, digital ecosystems, agriculture and food security, clean energy, tourism, education, public health, culture, and disaster management.
Under the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges 2025, both sides looked forward to various projects and activities to be conducted, to implement the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation in People-to-People Exchanges adopted last year.
The two sides also discussed other deliverables of ASEAN-China cooperation this year, including, among others, the expected signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 upgrade, the establishment of the ASEAN-China Tourism Ministers meeting, and the adoption of a new POA (2026-2030) to further advance the ASEAN-China CSP and contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
China also put forward proposals for enhancing cooperation with ASEAN in maritime cooperation, artificial intelligence, transport, blue economy, women and children health, and environment.
The Meeting was co-chaired by Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN, H.E. Sarah Al Bakri Devadason, and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, H.E. Hou Yanqi, and attended by Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member States and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat. Timor-Leste attended as Observer.
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Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, April 21 — China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday launched a tourism promotion campaign centering on the 15th China Tourism Day, which falls on May 19.
Running until May 31, the campaign will feature over 6,000 beneficial measures for tourists nationwide, with more than 1 billion yuan (about 138.78 million U.S. dollars) of subsidies to be provided by over 60 cooperative entities including Meituan and Alipay, Li Xiaoyong, an official with the ministry, told a press conference.
Notably, the campaign will highlight inbound tourism promotion, as the ministry will work with other authorities to make inbound tourism more convenient and provide more diverse tourism products, Li said.
Overseas tourism agencies will be invited to China for on-site visits and business negotiations, while promotion of Chinese tourism resources will be carried out overseas, Li added.
In the first quarter of 2025, China’s border officers recorded 17.44 million border crossings made by foreign nationals, representing a 33.4 percent year-on-year increase, according to the National Immigration Administration.
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 4:26PM by PIB Delhi
Introduction
Cruise tourism is a nature-driven travel experience that unlocks a country’s rivers, seas, and canals for themed journeys across all budgets. It offers safe and comfortable access to even remote destinations, promoting inclusivity and ease of travel. By tapping into natural waterways, it boosts both national and international connectivity while driving local economies through job creation in hospitality, entertainment, culture, and beyond.
India has significant capabilities in cruise tourism for coastal & river sector. This is due to the presence of:
Steps Taken By The Indian Government to Boost Cruise Tourism
The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ was launched on September 30, 2024, from the Mumbai port. Aimed at the boosting the tremendous potential of cruise tourism in the country, the programme aims to propel country’s cruise tourism industry by doubling cruise passenger traffic within five years; i.e. by 2029.
In FY 2023- 24, the number of cruise passengers was 4.71 lakhs.
CBM provides for a framework for inter-ministerial approach for crafting interventions along policy, regulatory, and other aspects governing cruise sector and enable responsible involvement of all regulatory agencies, such as Customs, Immigration, CISF, State Tourism Departments, State Maritime Agencies, District Administrations, and local police.
Cruise Bharat Mission will also result in over 1.5 million river cruise passengers over more than 5,000 Kms of Operational Waterways in India.
The initiative aims to excel India’s vision to become a global hub for cruise tourism and promote the country as the leading global cruise destination. The Cruise India Mission will be implemented in three phases, beginning from 1 October 2024 up to 31 March 2029.
In order to promote India as the global destination for cruise tourism under MIV 2030, interventions have been identified across three key areas:
River Cruise Tourism:
River Cruise Tourism is an emerging segment in the leisure industry with a scope for high growth. Several National Waterways constituting major rivers flow through various states and districts, rich in flora & fauna and cultural heritage. Suitable locations at various National Waterways have been identified and are being explored for development of river cruise tourism in India.
Initiatives taken by IWAI towards developing river tourism are:
The development of river cruise would augment existing revenue generation, employment generation, etc from tourism industry. There are few suitable terminals along rivers which promote cruise tourism. These include cruises plying along a broad stretch of the river Ganga, Brahmaputra and houseboats floating in the backwaters of Alappuzha in Kerala.
Besides National Waterways, IWAI has jointly cooperated with the Government of Bangladesh to develop river tourism on the IBP route. This will allow Indian cruise vessels to travel through Bangladesh while exploring heritage sites. It is expected that river cruise tourism industry in India would witness exponential growth once required infrastructure is in place.
In January 2023, Hon’ble Prime Minister launched the MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, highlighting the country’s thriving river cruise tourism. This luxurious 3,200-kilometer journey from Varanasi to Dibrugarh traversed 27 river systems across five Indian states and Bangladesh. The remarkable expedition garnered global attention and secured a spot in the prestigious ‘Limca Book of Records.’
Recent Developments
Conclusion
India’s cruise tourism is charting a promising course, tapping into its vast and diverse network of rivers, coastlines and ports to offer unique travel experiences that blend leisure with cultural discovery. With major initiatives like the Cruise Bharat Mission and Maritime India Vision 2030, the government is laying a robust foundation to position India as a global cruise destination. From the tranquil backwaters of Kerala to the majestic Ganga and the pristine stretches of the Yamuna and Brahmaputra, cruise tourism is not only unlocking new economic potential but also enabling inclusive growth by creating jobs and boosting local economies. As infrastructure develops and awareness grows, cruise tourism is set to become a defining pillar of India’s travel and tourism landscape, inviting the world to rediscover India.
References:
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Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kritika Rane
(Release ID: 2123171) Visitor Counter : 52
Source: US State of California 2
What you need to know: Leaders across the nation, from elected officials to representatives from the business community, are praising California’s efforts to challenge President Trump’s authority to unilaterally enact tariffs.
SACRAMENTO – This week, Governor Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a joint lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit seeks to end President Trump’s tariff chaos, which has created havoc on the economy, destabilized the stock and bond markets and caused hundreds of billions of dollars in losses, and inflicted higher costs for consumers and businesses. These harms will only continue to grow, as President Trump’s tariffs are projected to shrink the U.S. economy by $100 billion annually.
Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire: “President Trump’s last trade war cost America’s ag industry $27 billion. This time around, California’s farmers and families across the state are getting hit even harder. The Golden State is the nation’s largest importer and second largest exporter, the largest manufacturing state, and the 5th largest economy in the world. Republicans in Congress are simply sitting on their hands as the President burns the economy down. Too much is at stake, which is why the Governor and the Attorney General’s action is so important.”
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas: “Trump’s tariffs are the single largest tax increase in our lifetime, and they’re jamming Californians with higher prices on groceries, medicine and cars. This is why we enacted a legal defense fund: to fight Republican policies that harm taxpayers. We’re protecting our residents — and all American families — from unlawful economic chaos.”
Jennifer Barrera, President and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce: “CalChamber has long supported a free trade agenda that fosters economic growth and job creation, including advocacy on lowering or eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers for businesses. Protectionist measures, such as tariffs, disrupt global supply chains and raise costs on businesses, which are ultimately reflected through higher consumer prices or limited choices on products. As Californians grapple with rising costs and worry about daily pocketbook issues, additional tariffs will only further exacerbate the affordability crisis that millions are facing and will have dire consequences on the California economy.”
Rachel Michelin, President and CEO of the California Retailers Association: “Retailers across California—large and small—are navigating an unprecedented level of uncertainty due to these tariffs. For small businesses in particular, the volatility is devastating. Many neighborhood retailers simply do not have the resources to absorb these additional costs or quickly pivot supply chains forcing them to either raise prices or risk going out of business altogether. This is not sustainable for our communities or California’s economy and the current environment makes it nearly impossible to plan for the future. While we recognize the federal government’s goal of strengthening American industry, we urge all leaders to consider the real-world impact on our state’s businesses and families. California’s retailers stand ready to work with the Governor and Attorney General to find solutions that support growth, stability, and prosperity for all Californians.”
Rodney Fong, CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce: “These tariffs are having a devastating downstream impact on San Francisco’s economy — especially our small businesses that rely on global supply chains and export markets to survive. From rising costs on imported goods to sudden disruptions in inventory and operations, our local entrepreneurs are bearing the brunt of an unpredictable trade policy. We support the state’s efforts to restore certainty and stability to the economic environment our businesses depend on.”
Jason Pagiou, President and CEO of the Asian Business Association of San Diego: “As President and CEO of the Asian Business Association, we want to thank Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta for their continued leadership in protecting working families and small businesses across California. Our latest survey shows that economic pressure isn’t just theoretical — it’s showing up in rent, grocery bills, and the rising costs of essentials.”
Martha Miller, Executive Director of the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA): “California is home to the most productive goods movement system in the Nation, moving cargo to every corner of the country and supporting millions of jobs. As the primary trade gateway with Asia, our state’s ports are among the first to experience the impacts that tariffs, retaliatory tariffs, and trade uncertainty creates across the global supply chain. We support the Governor’s leadership to mitigate the impacts of these tariffs on American consumers, workers, and businesses.”
Mike Jacob, President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA): “No state has more private and public dollars invested in their seaports, logistics infrastructure, and freight transportation sector than California, and, as a result, no state has more jobs, more economic activity, more public financing, and more state and local tax revenues at risk of being a casualty in a global trade war than California. We applaud the leadership of the Governor and Attorney General to defend our private and public investments in the largest, most productive, and most environmentally advanced maritime gateways in the Western Hemisphere.”
Rex Richardson, Mayor of Long Beach: “Governor Newsom’s announcement of California’s lawsuit represents a critical opportunity to pause and evaluate the real-world impacts of these sweeping tariff changes. Here in Long Beach—home to the nation’s busiest container port—we’re already projecting a 20% drop in cargo volume in the second half of the year. That’s not just a local issue. Trade through the Port of Long Beach supports 2.6 million jobs across the country. Sudden shifts in trade policy, without robust dialogue or congressional oversight, risk long-term harm to our economy and to working families nationwide. It’s time for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to shaping U.S. trade policy.”
Victor Gordo, Mayor of Pasadena: “In Pasadena, we’re focused on building back a strong, resilient economy. We’re investing in our small businesses, we’re encouraging job development, and we’re laying the groundwork for long-term growth. But these federal tariffs jeopardize all of that. They drive up costs, create uncertainty, and threaten the progress we’ve worked so hard to achieve. That’s why I stand with Governor Newsom in challenging these policies—because cities like ours can’t afford to pay the price for decisions that are short-sighted and out of step with our local needs.”
Larry Agran, Mayor of Irvine: “I appreciate the leadership that Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta are providing in challenging the legality of the Trump Tariffs. Other states need to follow California’s lead. If these tariffs are fully implemented, the effects will be devastating here in Irvine – many thousands of jobs lost, and sharp rises in prices of food, clothing, cars and other goods and services. Evictions and worsening homelessness will inevitably follow. We simply can’t let any of this happen. – Larry Agran, Mayor of Irvine.”
Kevin Jenkins, Interim Mayor of Oakland: “Oakland is grateful for the steadfast leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta in standing up to the Trump administration’s sweeping tariff proposals. These actions pose a serious threat to California’s economy, including the Port of Oakland and our small businesses, and jeopardize thousands of jobs tied to trade and commerce.”
Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose: “Silicon Valley’s success story is built on the free movement of people, ideas, and goods as well as laws that protect those freedoms from arbitrary restrictions. Our companies and communities succeed when we can export their innovative and essential products all over the world.”
Raj Salwan, Mayor of Fremont: “Fremont is the advanced manufacturing capital of Silicon Valley. With the largest manufacturing base in California, we are home to over 900 manufacturers powering industries from semiconductors and artificial intelligence to American-made electric vehicles. Tariffs threaten the global supply chains that sustain our local economy and jeopardize tens of thousands of local jobs. We are hearing directly from our manufacturers that untenable cost increases for key components and growing policy uncertainty around tariffs are leading them to re-evaluate their expansion plans or US operations entirely. Fremont is a shining example of re-shoring U.S. manufacturing and indiscriminate tariffs run completely counter to this stated policy goal. We are deeply concerned for our collective prosperity if these taxes being levied against our businesses and families are not reversed.”
Anna Velazquez, Mayor of Soledad: “The Trump administration tariffs will have a devastating impact to our working families. Soledad is a working class community and our residents will have to endure paying more for everyday household goods, groceries, fruits and vegetables as a result of tariffs that do not address our current inflation and fail to provide an economic plan that supports our working class community. We need a viable economic plan that provides relief to families that are already working hard to stretch their dollars.”
Leticia Perez, Chair of the Kern County Board of Supervisors: “Tariffs will cause harmful impacts to Kern County families and small businesses. Families are already dealing with rising costs- they do not deserve this additional strain and uncertainty. I commend Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta for standing up to protect working families and small businesses across California.”
Doug Chaffee, Chair of Orange County Board of Supervisors: “Orange County is home to one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the nation — from advanced manufacturing and biomedical innovation to world-class tourism and global trade. The Trump administration’s harmful tariff policies will disrupt supply chains, drive up costs, and put local jobs at risk. I fully support Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta’s efforts to defend California’s economy and protect the hardworking businesses and families that keep Orange County thriving.”
Mani Grewal, Stanislaus County Supervisor: “As a farmer and businessman, I understand the critical role that agriculture and trade play in our region’s economy. In Stanislaus County, where agriculture is a cornerstone of our livelihood, the uncertainty and financial strain caused by these tariffs hit particularly hard. Farmers and businesses need certainty and a sense of finality to operate best for their customers and the larger community. We must work to strengthen our agricultural community with policies that support economic wellbeing, not hinder it.”
Terra Lawson-Remer, Acting Chair of San Diego County Board of Supervisors: “These tariffs aren’t just a political talking point—they’re a direct hit on working families here in San Diego. They raise the cost of everyday goods, threaten local jobs, and destabilize the very industries that sustain our economy and fund critical County services. I’m proud to stand with Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta as California becomes the first state to take legal action against this reckless overreach. We need trade policies that lift up American businesses and workers—not ones that punch holes in family budgets and County revenues alike.”
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Animal images play significant roles in every civilization. In Cambodia, the Naga, a snake deity shared by Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, is seen as the guardian of national prosperity, and symbolizes auspiciousness and peace. In Yunnan province just across the border, cattle enjoyed similar cultural connotations of prosperity and wealth during the Dian kingdom, which existed from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220).
An ongoing exhibition by the Yunnan International Communication Center for South and Southeast Asia and the Yunnan Provincial Museum in Cambodia’s Siem Reap Angkor International Airport’s China-Cambodia cultural corridor shines a light on the two symbolic animals through 70 photos and 55 items of handicrafts, highlighting a link between Yunnan and Cambodia.
The photos are of artifacts and folk customs, and the handicrafts include replicas of artifacts and the cultural and creative products derived from them.
According to Zhang Ruogu, deputy director of the Yunnan International Communication Center for South and Southeast Asia, the display not only highlights the beauty of Dian bronze culture in Yunnan, but also the beauty of ancient Cambodian civilization.
“Through the two elements of the auspicious cattle and the spirit snake, the exhibition explores the spiritual beliefs associated with them and illustrates the rich history and culture of Yunnan and Cambodia to passengers using the airport,” says Zhang.
He adds that the cultures of parts of Southeast Asia and Yunnan are closely connected, laying a foundation for dialogue and understanding.
“China and Cambodia share close geographical proximity and cultural affinity. From the Maritime Silk Road facilitating trade exchange, to Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Admiral Zheng He’s seven voyages (during which he landed in present-day Cambodia), the two countries have a deep friendship cultivated over millennia that exemplifies cultural exchange,” he says.
Guo Jia, director of the research and exchange department at the Yunnan Provincial Museum, says one of the highlights of the exhibition is a replica bronze animal ritual vessel, one of the museum’s most famous exhibits, which is believed to have been used for sacrifices.
The vessel is in the form of a large cow, its tail in the grip of a tiger, with a baby cow beneath its belly. It appears to depict a mother cow protecting its calf from attack. “The shape illuminates the ancient Dian people’s concepts of life and death and their mastery of advanced bronze casting techniques,” says Guo.
She adds that as important source of labor in farming, the Dian viewed cattle as symbols of family wealth. Appearing often on Dian bronzes, they are viewed as symbols of Yunnan’s Bronze Age civilization and this artifact is an outstanding example.
Likewise in Cambodia, a nation rooted in agriculture, cattle enjoy prominence. They play essential roles in Buddhist culture, and prominently feature on artifacts and in everyday life.
Snake patterns can be seen at most temples in Cambodia, while the Dian also used snake depiction on their artifacts.
Siem Reap is famous for the Angkor Wat temple complex, and the Cambodian artifacts on display, including wooden carvings, Buddhist statues and lacquerware, are mostly related to the site.
“Through the exhibition we are showing the connections and comparisons between the culture around snakes and cattle in Yunnan and Cambodia,” says Zhang.
The China-Cambodia cultural corridor is located in the international arrival and departure areas of the airport, which was put into use in August last year. From Aug 1 to Jan 31, the corridor received more than 780,000 visits, according to Yang Shaokai, general manager of Yunnan Airinvestment (Cambodia) Airport Management, which runs the airport.
Neth Pheaktra, Cambodia’s Minister of Information, says the airport “is the first gate through which international passengers enter Siem Reap”. He believes the exhibition will surprise and inform tourists from around the world.
Source: China State Council Information Office
At the recently concluded Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum, many attendees shared the belief that Hong Kong remains an international tourist city deeply desired by travelers.
The forum, co-hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and China Tourism Group, brought together over 600 industry representatives to discuss future trends and directions of Hong Kong’s tourism industry.
Hong Kong’s tourism sector is uncovering new pathways for cultural tourism transformation, forging ahead toward the goal of becoming a “world-class premier tourism destination.”
Facing both opportunities and challenges, Hong Kong has been proactive and visionary. Since 2023, China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has prioritized the development of an event economy to attract tourists and stimulate local spending, showcasing the city’s vibrancy as the “Capital of Events.”
The HKSAR government’s events calendar features a wide range of activities encompassing culture, arts, finance, and trade. The event economy has already shown impressive results.
In 2024, Hong Kong hosted over 240 events, attracting more than two million visitors. These events generated approximately 7.5 billion HK dollars (about 966 million U.S. dollars) in consumer spending and 4.5 billion HK dollars in economic added value.
Michael Wong, deputy financial secretary of the HKSAR government, estimated that events in the first half of 2025 will draw about 840,000 tourists, a year-on-year increase of over 50 percent. This is expected to result in 3.3 billion HK dollars in consumer spending and 1.8 billion HK dollars in economic added value.
At the end of last year, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSAR government unveiled the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0, proposing four development strategies and 133 measures aimed at achieving the vision of “tourism is everywhere,” setting the direction for the next five years.
According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s latest statistics, the spending of Chinese mainland overnight visitors on entertainment grew by 61.3 percent to 4.19 billion HK dollars last year. Activities such as exhibitions, theater shows, and concerts have become trending attractions for Chinese mainland tourists.
In 2024, non-Chinese mainland visitors to Hong Kong exceeded 10 million. Research by a globally recognized consumer market consultancy ranked Hong Kong as the fourth most popular city for international tourists worldwide in 2024.
Dai Bin, director of China Tourism Academy, emphasized that maintaining the prosperity and growth of Hong Kong’s tourism industry is an important part of ensuring the economic and social prosperity of Hong Kong within the framework of “one country, two systems.” Industrial sectors in Hong Kong must strengthen collaboration and embrace global opportunities for tourism development.
Yiu Pak-leung, a member of the HKSAR Legislative Council, said that enhancing the competitiveness of tourism products and services aligned with ocean, eco-tourism, heritage, sightseeing, and red tourism themes is crucial to boosting Hong Kong’s tourism industry.
Peter Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, noted that the board will actively collaborate with other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to attract more international tourists to experience unique journeys in the GBA. (1 US dollar = 7.76 HK dollars)
Source: China State Council Information Office
Facing headwinds from the United States’ sweeping tariffs, Chinese policymakers should take both short-term policy steps as well as long-term reform measures to expand domestic demand, tackle issues faced by enterprises and boost confidence among consumers and investors, economists from government-backed think tanks said on Friday.
Although China’s economy performed better than expected in the first quarter, Wang Yiming, vice-chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, noted that the broader economy is still facing pressing challenges from the volatile tariff policy of the United States and insufficient domestic demand.
“The foundation for sustained economic recovery is not yet solid,” he told a monthly economic meeting held by the China Center for International Economic Exchanges in Beijing on Friday. “Some enterprises still face production and operational difficulties amid tepid price levels.”
Looking ahead, Wang said the government should provide both policy stimulus as well as strengthen reform measures to effectively expand domestic demand.
“In the face of external shocks and mounting uncertainties, it is essential to introduce new incremental policies in a timely manner based on evolving circumstances,” he said.
“The priority is to take strong measures to comprehensively expand domestic demand and stabilize the fundamentals of the domestic economy … More importantly, breakthroughs must be accelerated in deepening reforms and expanding high-standard opening-up, laying a solid foundation for achieving the annual growth target of around 5 percent this year.”
According to the Government Work Report, the country will pursue a more proactive fiscal policy and exercise a moderately loose monetary policy this year, with the projected deficit-to-GDP ratio set at 4 percent for 2025, up from 3 percent last year.
Wang said the country should increase spending on areas related to improving people’s livelihoods, stepping up investment to address weak links in fields such as preschool education, healthcare and elderly care, culture and sports, tourism and leisure, and domestic services.
More efforts should also be made to further spur consumption, increase the support for enterprises in difficulties and deepen reforms in key areas. Potential moves will include increasing incomes and relieving burdens on low-to-middle-income groups, offering stronger subsidies for people in difficulties, extending reductions on taxes and fees for micro and small businesses and accelerating the legislative process for private economy promotion law, he added.
At a study session held by the State Council, China’s Cabinet, on Thursday, Premier Li Qiang stressed the importance of improving social expectations and coordinating efforts to address risks and challenges while advancing high-quality development.
Policies should be targeted and tailored to address specific issues, he said, adding that the timing of policy introductions should be carefully considered to exert positive influence on market expectations.
He also called for efforts to accelerate the implementation of major strategies and reforms, guide the development of clear and stable market expectations, and improve the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of all business entities.
During Friday’s economic meeting, Niu Li, deputy director of the Department of Economic Forecasting at the State Information Center, said he believed China’s economy is on track for sustained growth despite facing external challenges, given the nation’s ample policy space, its intensified efforts to deepen reforms and opening-up and the strengthening of new growth drivers.
“We will strive to achieve the annual growth target this year,” he added. “Facing mounting uncertainties, we also need to accelerate the study of new incremental policy measures.”
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Harrison, Director, Master of Business Administration Program (MBA); Co-Director, Better Consumption Lab, Deakin University
You may have seen them around town or in the news. Bumper stickers on Teslas broadcasting to anyone who looks: “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy.”
You might assume it’s there to prevent someone from keying the car or as an attempt to defuse potential hostility in a hyper-politicised landscape. But while it may signal disapproval to like-minded passersby, a sticker is unlikely to dissuade someone already intent on committing a crime (which keying is).
What it does offer, though, is a form of symbolic insurance. You might call it a way to clarify identity in a hostile political environment.
Equal parts apology, protest and cultural timestamp, the message can say more in eight words than a full-blown op-ed. But it’s not just about a car. It’s also about values, identity management and the evolving politics of consumption.
At their core, car bumper stickers function as a vehicle (literally and metaphorically) for identity projection. They are symbols of what psychologists call “low-cost identity displays”, used to project who we are or perhaps more accurately, how we want to be seen.
Buying a Tesla may once have signalled innovation, environmental consciousness, or social progressivism. But Musk’s increasingly polarising public behaviour and political commentary have altered the cultural meaning of the brand.
This creates a sense of cognitive dissonance for those consumers whose values no longer align with what the brand’s owner now represents. Enter the bumper sticker.
In an increasingly fragmented society, where people are eager to differentiate themselves, even a sticker can be a subtle form of moral positioning. But more than anything, it’s often a way to signal to the groups that matter most to us, “please like me”.
Social identity theory suggests people derive part of their self-concept from their perceived membership in social groups. Bumper stickers make these group affiliations visible, projecting values, ideologies, affiliations, or even contrarian attitudes to the outside world.
My tiny fading Richmond Tigers sticker on my car may not be performative in the same way a bold political slogan might be. But it still signals a form of identity and belonging.
Bumper stickers act as a form of “peacocking”. It’s similar to wearing branded clothing, like Dan Andrews’ The North Face jacket during COVID that made him appear more approachable than he would have in a formal suit. Or like even curating a bio on LinkedIn. This is a behavioural strategy where people communicate their traits to others without words.
In marketing, this links closely to the theory of conspicuous consumption, which can include symbolic consumption, where we buy and display products not just for utility, but for what they say about us.
Bumper stickers are a literal version of this. They are symbolic, declarative and public. They’re low-effort, high-visibility communicators of group affiliation, virtue, humour, rebellion or outrage.
The intention might be to inform or persuade, but their actual influence is more complicated.
In introductory marketing classes, taught at pretty much every university, awareness is often presented as the first stage of the hierarchy of effects model. The model suggests consumer action progresses from awareness to knowledge, liking, preference, conviction, and finally, purchase.
But in practice, this progression is significantly more complicated. Bumper stickers may generate awareness, but there’s little evidence they influence behaviour – especially when considered in isolation.
This is particularly relevant in areas such as tourism promotion. For example, an unofficial, but nevertheless provocative tourism slogan like the “CU in the NT” ad campaign might spark conversation and recognition, but recognition does not equate to conversion.
Despite the hope that underpins the millions of dollars spent on slogans and taglines, awareness is necessary but not sufficient for behavioural change.
Most marketing efforts fail not because people are unaware of the brand, but because they have no reason, opportunity, or inclination to act – that is, to buy the product or change behaviour.
Contemporary consumer culture is increasingly tribal and fragmented. Social media algorithms reinforce echo chambers, while physical signals such as car stickers or even political corflute signs signal belonging and in-group and out-group boundaries.
As a result, bumper stickers probably reinforce identity for the already converted, but are unlikely to persuade those outside the tribe.
Visible preferences, however, can serve as a form of shorthand for identity, especially when they align with the symbols and language of the in-group. Although their direct influence on behaviour is limited, these signals, when repeated and reinforced within a receptive community, can shape and shift social norms over time.
In the end, bumper stickers rarely change behaviour. But they do something more subtle. They allow people to express, perform and affirm identity. They act as signals to others, markers of tribe, values, humour or defiance. They help us say this is who I am, or maybe, this is what I am not.
Paul Harrison has received research funding from Consumer Action Law Centre, Australian Securities and Investment Commission, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, and the Victorian Health Association.
– ref. Low effort, high visibility: what bumper stickers say about our values and identity – https://theconversation.com/low-effort-high-visibility-what-bumper-stickers-say-about-our-values-and-identity-254581
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, April 20 — At a bustling department store in Guangzhou, south China, a Singaporean surnamed Lee picked up more than just premium Chinese tea for friends and family — he also walked away with a tax refund, pocketed instantly at the point of purchase.
“Super convenient,” said the tech entrepreneur, who was in town for a tech fair, applauding China’s new refund policy that spares international travelers the long queues at airports and puts money back in their accounts then and there.
China is expanding the coverage of instant tax refunds to improve the experience for international travelers. In Shanghai, the service has been available in about half of the city’s tax refund partner stores.
The policy, extended nationwide on April 8, builds on a slew of recent efforts by China to boost global exchanges and mobility, such as easing its visa policies, enhancing payment accessibility, and streamlining customs clearance.
These shifts have made exploring the country easier than ever, fueling a surge in “China Travel” content on social media platforms. For example, U.S. content creator IShowSpeed documented his kung fu journey at the famous Shaolin Temple in central China, captivating global audiences.
In 2024, China recorded 64.88 million border crossings by foreign nationals, an 82.9 percent increase year on year. In the first quarter of 2025, this number stood at 17.44 million, up 33.4 percent compared to the same period in 2024.
During Lee’s ten-day stay in China, he zipped through industrial parks, financial centers, and high-tech hubs across the industrial powerhouse, bringing home not just souvenirs but also promising partnerships.
Analysts believe that the recent expansion of the tax refund policy will increase spending by inbound travelers, spur growth in China’s tourism sector, and draw more visitors eager to explore the country.
On the ground, the effects are already visible. At the Grand Pacific, a shopping mall in downtown Beijing, staff reported long queues at tax refund counters. “It’s now routine to see waves of foreign tourists lining up. Some leave with a few items, others with entire hauls,” one employee said.
Qin Yi, manager of a porcelain shop in Shanghai, noted that foreign tourists who receive instant tax refunds in cash often make additional purchases on the spot — a trend that has helped drive up the store’s overall sales.
Inbound consumption in China is expected to exceed 1.5 trillion yuan (around 205 billion U.S. dollars) over the next five years, said economist Hong Tao at Beijing Technology and Business University. In 2024, inbound travelers spent over 94.2 billion dollars in China, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
As U.S. tariffs inflate the cost of Chinese imports, traveling to China makes more economic sense for savvy American shoppers.
Thanks to the new transit policy for citizens from 54 countries, including the United States, Americans can now stay in the country for up to 240 hours without a visa. Pair that with the freshly expanded refund-upon-purchase policy, and travelers would get a compelling formula: travel, shop, save — and repeat.
“There’s no middleman taking a cut,” as many put it. And the math checks out: with an 11 percent refund rate, spending 10,000 yuan gets people 1,100 yuan back. Though a service fee is charged, luxury goods, electronics, and other high-value items still look a lot more attractive.
Far from dimming their allure, U.S. tariffs have thrown a new spotlight on Chinese products, long prized for both quality and affordability.
“If the high U.S. tariffs persist, we may see the rise of a ‘daigou’ trade,” said Wang Huayu, an associate professor of fiscal and tax law at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, referring to a practice that Americans pay intermediaries to shop in China on their behalf.
However, delivering a premium shopping experience to attract inbound travelers requires more than policy changes, said experts.
It is important to bring more shops and a wider range of goods into the refund-upon-purchase program, said Hong.
Wang Peng, a researcher at Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, pointed to the power of digital contracts to slash the tax refund process down to mere seconds.
He also highlighted how artificial intelligence could step in to ease peak-hour pressure, standardize shopping services, and close infrastructure gaps across regions.
In Guangzhou, where Singaporean visitor Lee explored, a commentary carried by a local newspaper on April 10 has called for more efforts to identify choke points to make shopping in China more enjoyable.
“I’ll visit China again — and next time, I’m bringing my family and friends along,” said Lee.
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
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Dmitry Grigorenko checked the implementation of social and infrastructure projects in the Magadan Region
Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko checked the implementation of social and infrastructure projects in the Magadan Region during a working visit. He noted that the region demonstrates sustainable development in all areas – from the social sphere to transport infrastructure.
“Five years ago, the Magadan region visited Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Following his visit, the following were given: specific instructions, and to date the region has fully implemented them. In record time, life in Magadan has been transformed – it has become more comfortable and safer, especially for families with children. The region continues to develop, and we intend to support these initiatives. We are currently discussing the implementation of a number of infrastructure projects with the participation of VEB.RF,” said Dmitry Grigorenko.
He emphasized that a number of social and infrastructure projects had been implemented within the framework of the instructions. Thus, a new school with an engineering focus, equipped with modern laboratories, appeared in Magadan. A new park, Mayak, was built on the site of an abandoned area, which has become a favorite place for city residents to relax thanks to its playgrounds, art objects, and comfortable walking routes. The cultural life of the region is also reaching a new level with the opening of a public and cultural center, where free educational and creative events will be held regularly.
“Half of all projects in the Magadan Region are being implemented with the participation of development institutions, with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation. Including rental housing and social infrastructure projects, including schools, sports facilities, improvement of parks and squares – all this is the result of joint work,” noted Magadan Region Governor Sergei Nosov.
Construction of the first specialized marine tourism center in the Magadan Region, capable of simultaneously servicing up to 90 small and pleasure boats, has begun in Nagaev Bay.
The State Development Corporation “VEB.RF” is considering the possibility of financial participation in the implementation of this project. In addition, negotiations are underway on the financing of the accompanying infrastructure by the corporation – hydraulic structures and utility networks as part of the creation of the Magadan marine logistics center.
The implementation of these projects will allow the creation of a modern transport, logistics and tourism infrastructure in the region that meets international standards.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
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Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with the Governor of the Sakhalin Region Valery Limarenko
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko. The topics of the meeting were the development of the regional agro-industrial and fisheries complexes, as well as the situation in the environmental sphere.
The basis of the region’s economy is the extraction and processing of aquatic biological resources. The volume of their extraction (catch) by regional fishing companies increased in 2024 and amounted to almost 745 thousand tons. As part of the second stage of the mechanism for providing investment quotas to companies, four contracts with an investment obligation for the construction of high-capacity fish processing plants were concluded, two of which were built in 2024.
Valery Limarenko noted that the priority task for the Sakhalin Region is the development of coastal fisheries. One of the key topics of the meeting was the modernization of the Korsakov Sea Trade Port. As part of the development of the Southern Bucket of the port, it is planned to create a technology park for the production of fishing and tourist vessels, as well as infrastructure for the entry of coastal fishing vessels.
The new port infrastructure will remove navigation restrictions and improve the stability of ship servicing. It is planned that the turnover of fish products will increase from 150 thousand to 600 thousand tons per year. The reconstruction of one of the main seaports of Sakhalin will improve the transport accessibility of the region and allow it to become part of international transport routes.
The meeting discussed the development of agriculture in the region. Since the beginning of the current year, the milk production indicator has increased. For January-March, it amounted to 9.6 thousand tons, which is higher than for the same period of the previous year.
Over the past three years, a great deal of work has been carried out in the Sakhalin Region within the framework of the implementation of the state program “Integrated Development of Rural Areas”.
The meeting also reviewed the results of the national project “Ecology”. From 2019 to 2024, Sakhalin Oblast participated in the implementation of two federal projects: “Integrated Solid Waste Management System” and “Forest Preservation”. The total funding amounted to almost 600 million rubles. Within the framework of the new national project “Environmental Well-Being”, it is planned to implement measures under four federal projects: “Closed-loop Economy”, “Water of Russia”, “Clean Air” and “Forest Preservation”. It is planned to allocate 2 billion rubles by 2030.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
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Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug
Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev held a meeting in Anadyr on the socio-economic development of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.
“According to the results of 2024, Chukotka showed positive dynamics in a number of indicators. Industrial production and investment in fixed capital increased by 9%, mining by 3%. Consolidated budget revenues increased by 6% and in 2024 amounted to 62.8 billion rubles, own revenues increased by 29%,” Yuri Trutnev opened the meeting.
The Governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug Vladislav Kuznetsov reported on the key results and development plans for the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug until 2030. According to the results of 2024, the growth of the Chukotka economy was 13.8%, primarily due to the implementation of large mining projects. At the same time, in addition to the large-scale project for the development of the Baimskaya ore zone, large gold and silver deposits of Kekura and Klyon, and the Beringovsky coal basin deposit are also being developed in the region. Thanks to such projects, highly qualified personnel arrive in the region and a reserve is being created for the training and professional growth of local personnel. Preparations are also underway for mining at three large deposits: Baimskoye, Pyrkakayskiye stockworks and Sovin.
Chukotka Autonomous Okrug is the only region in Russia where three preferential regimes are in effect simultaneously: the Chukotka Advanced Development Area, the Vladivostok Free Port, and the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation. Their residents include 97 investors with projects worth 890 billion rubles. Investors in preferential regimes have already invested 390 billion rubles, and 53 projects have been commissioned. More than 5,000 new jobs have been created. In terms of actual investments in projects with state support in 2024, the Okrug ranks fourth among the subjects of the Far Eastern Federal District.
“There are three preferential regimes in the region. Thanks to this, a special investment climate is created. Residents are coming to the region. These are large companies engaged in the mining sector, but not only. We plan to develop agriculture and greenhouse farming, to diversify the economy as much as possible,” said Vladislav Kuznetsov.
The strategic objective until 2030 is to move away from the region’s single-industry specialization. In particular, it is planned to develop logistics and tourism. For example, last year a project was developed to create a hotel chain with 280 rooms in five locations (Ugolnye Kopi, Egvekinot, Provideniya, Anadyr, Bilibino, Pevek and Lavrentiya). This year it is planned to identify land plots in Anadyr, Egvekinot and Bilibino, and attract investors for the construction of hotels.
“Chukotka is a territory with difficult living conditions. Our task is to provide an appropriate level of social infrastructure for all residents of the region,” Vladislav Kuznetsov emphasized.
New energy facilities affect the quality of life of people. In Bilibin, the construction of a federal energy center has been completed. The energy center in Bilibin will replace the heat capacity of the Bilibino NPP and act as an emergency source of electricity. The construction of new networks in Pevek has been completed, which has increased the intensity of heat, improved the quality of water, and the ecological situation in the city.
Attention is paid to food security. Three new poultry farms have been launched – in Bilibin, Provideniya, Beringovsky, the region’s self-sufficiency in chicken eggs has increased to 80%. By 2030, it is planned to increase the region’s self-sufficiency in greenhouse vegetables to 100% by introducing four new greenhouses in Anadyr, one greenhouse in Pevek and Egvekinot, and modernizing the Rosinka enterprise in Bilibin. It is planned to modernize existing food processing plants and build ten workshops for deep processing of marine mammal products.
Base LTE stations installed as part of eliminating digital inequality provided access to mobile Internet for another 2 thousand people. By 2030, high-speed Internet will appear in Pevek, Bilibin, 70% of remote villages will be provided with high-speed satellite.
District hospitals have opened in the villages of Omolon and Rytkuchi, another 1,000 people have gained access to modern medical infrastructure, and a long-awaited new school for 100 students has been opened in the village of Ostrovnoye, with 40 children already studying there.
Construction companies receive support. Over 6,000 square meters of housing were built in Chukotka in 2024. Residents of dilapidated buildings receive housing first. By 2030, it is planned to build 45,000 square meters, including 326 rental apartments under the DOM.RF program by 2027.
The implementation of the Anadyr master plan was discussed separately, within the framework of which four infrastructure development activities have already been completed: the construction of an apartment building on Mandrikova Street, 20 (2023), major repairs of courtyard areas within the boundaries of blocks No. 8 and No. 10 in Anadyr (2024), and improvement of the city square (2024).
The “Far Eastern Hectare” and “Far Eastern Mortgage” mechanisms continue to operate in the region; during the programs’ operation, 323 loan agreements have been concluded, and more than 1.2 thousand people have received plots of land.
“We discussed how Chukotka lives and develops. We focused on the general figures for economic development. They are not bad in Chukotka. We separately discussed the implementation of large investment projects, including the construction of the Baimsky Mining and Processing Plant. An entire team of the Government of the Russian Federation should gather in Chukotka to look at the project for developing the Baimsky deposit, which is of flagship importance for the development of the region. The development of the deposit will make it possible to make a breakthrough in the development of Chukotka. It will double the regional budget. I really hope that the project will take place. We will create conditions for the economic potential in Chukotka to increase sharply, budget revenues to increase, and all this will benefit the people,” Yuri Trutnev summed up the meeting.
On the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister inspected the gas-engine thermal power plant (GM TPP), during which he instructed that the project for the modernization of the Zapadno-Ozernoye gas field be finalized, and visited the Anadyr industrial park, located in the production zone within the boundaries of the Chukotka advanced development area.
Yuri Trutnev also congratulated the winners of the VII annual public and business award “Star of the Far East” who are implementing projects in Chukotka: volunteers of the all-Russian movement “TeploZOV-87. Chukotka” for the project to manufacture camouflage nets and suits for the Russian military and OOO GDK “Baimskaya” for the project to develop the Baimskaya copper-porphyry area.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 10:50AM by PIB Delhi
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has alerted the public about online booking frauds, especially those targeting religious pilgrims and tourists across the country. These frauds are being perpetrated through fake websites, deceptive social media pages, Facebook posts, and paid advertisements on search engines like Google.
These scams involve the creation of professional-looking but fake websites and social media profiles and WhatsApp accounts offering services such as:
Unsuspecting individuals, upon making payments through these portals, often realize they have been duped when no confirmation or service is received, and the contact numbers go unreachable.
People are advised to exercise extreme caution:
To contain the scams, Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre is taking multi-prolonged strategy.
*****
RK/VV/RR/PR/PS
(Release ID: 2122832) Visitor Counter : 169
Source: China State Council Information Office
More than 20 Chinese and Malaysian think tank experts and scholars gathered in the Malaysian capital on April 17 for the “Envisioning the Future: Kuala Lumpur Dialogue,” focusing on new opportunities for economic cooperation between the two nations.
Yu Yunquan, vice president of China International Communications Group and president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, speaks at the “Envisioning the Future: Kuala Lumpur Dialogue” held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of ACCWS]
The event was co-organized by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS) and the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research, with support from the Fusion Institute, Malaysia-China Welfare Advisory Society and Bait Al-Amanah. About 200 participants from government agencies, think tanks, universities and businesses from both countries attended.
Yu Yunquan, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG) and president of the ACCWS, said in his opening speech that think tanks, as thought leaders, public opinion shapers and exchange facilitators, can strengthen China-Malaysia and China-ASEAN cooperation by researching practical approaches for development strategy alignment, guiding mutual public understanding between the two countries, and building multilateral dialogue platforms.
“CICG is ready to work with its Malaysian partners to enhance information dissemination, knowledge sharing and youth exchanges, strengthening people-to-people bonds for building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future,” Yu said.
Datuk Dr. Pamela Yong, chairwoman of the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy, speaks at the “Envisioning the Future: Kuala Lumpur Dialogue” held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of ACCWS]
Datuk Dr. Pamela Yong, chairwoman of the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy, said current protectionist trends and growing geopolitical competition among major powers highlight ASEAN’s urgent need for strategic reassessment.
“Diversification serves as a shield against uncertainty, creating opportunities, stimulating growth and enhancing resilience,” she said. “China remains a crucial partner for Malaysia and ASEAN in pursuing strategic diversification. Both sides should fully explore cooperation potential in the digital economy, green development and connectivity to achieve inclusive regional prosperity.”
YB Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong, Malaysian lawmaker, Malaysian Chinese Association president and former transport minister, said China-Malaysia relations show rare clarity and predictability amid global geopolitical fragmentation and rising protectionism.
“With the gradual alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Malaysia’s national development plans, I have confidence that both nations will continue working together as key anchors for regional peace and progress,” he said.
He also proposed establishing the “Envisioning the Future” dialogue as a permanent annual platform for think tank cooperation and exchanges between the two countries.
In his keynote speech, former Chinese Vice Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao said China and Malaysia are leveraging their digital and green economies as engines to jointly implement the strategic consensus between their leaders on building a community with a shared future, accelerating cooperation for a “new golden 50 years.”
“China’s deepening trade with Malaysia and ASEAN reflects the inclusive, equitable and shared development path of economic globalization, proving that protectionist backpedaling cannot reverse the historical trend of globalization,” he said.
Zhu suggested advancing the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 and regional financial safety net, while steadily enhancing the Chiang Mai Initiative’s effectiveness in addressing potential liquidity shocks and maintaining regional economic growth momentum.
Hu Zhengyue, former assistant minister of foreign affairs of China, said in his keynote speech that China-Malaysia trade has grown nearly twentyfold over the past two decades, now accounting for one-fifth of total China-ASEAN trade.
“The achievements in China-Malaysia cooperation stem from four pillars, which are strong political relations as the foundation, robust people-to-people networks as the bridge, substantial market demand as the base, and regional collaboration as the driving force,” he said. “With certain major powers’ policies potentially causing severe global governance failures, China must coordinate responses with both ASEAN and Malaysia to maintain positive trade momentum, upgrade industrial cooperation, tap infrastructure and tourism potential, and better safeguard shared interests to expand our cooperation.”
Participants listen to speeches during the “Envisioning the Future: Kuala Lumpur Dialogue” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of ACCWS]
Experts also participated in two plenary sessions and a roundtable discussion. The sessions focused on regional cooperation and economic revitalization to advance ASEAN’s stability and prosperity, along with cultural integration and intellectual exchange through education and the arts. The roundtable discussion explored joint efforts toward peaceful development.
Chinese and Malaysian experts agreed that strengthened China-Malaysia coordination and deeper regional cooperation would help ASEAN address geopolitical challenges while advancing economic integration and sustainable development.
China and ASEAN can strengthen regional resilience and create mutual benefits by expanding their collaboration in digital technology, green economy and connectivity despite current global uncertainties, experts said.
They stressed enhancing cultural-educational ties through resource-sharing, youth exchanges, university research and arts cooperation to strengthen regional cultural affinity. Multi-faceted people-to-people exchanges are crucial for building trust and supporting a united, inclusive Asian community with a shared future, they noted.
Yu concluded the dialogue event by expressing hope that amid complex global changes, think tanks should uphold the principle of seeking common ground while shelving differences, finding consensus amid divergences and resolving disputes through shared understanding. He stated that China and Malaysia think tanks must deepen cooperation to inject certainty and new momentum into bilateral collaboration.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Flowers bloom in China
Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 19 April 2025
Assessments show walking access can be reopened but visitors need to be prepared, says DOC Operations Manager Nick Kelly.
“High tides and storm surges are still present on the beach. Check the weather forecast via MetService and plan your visit during low tide.”
“DOC rangers have been on-site inspecting the infrastructure, which has held up well, despite a couple of trees down and some damage to signs.”
Nick Kelly noted that while most people respected the closure during the severe weather, some ignored the signs and barrier.
“It’s really disappointing to see people purposefully ignoring the closure and putting themselves in unnecessary danger during a major storm event when emergency services are needed elsewhere.”
“On top of that, it encourages tourists without the skill and local knowledge to follow suit and put themselves at risk too. We need community members to be exemplars for respecting this place and looking out for our visitors.”
Mautohe Cathedral Cove is one of Coromandel and New Zealand’s most picturesque and iconic coastal locations, famous for its rock arch. However, the area is prone to geological and landslide risk, particularly after heavy rain.
DOC’s Trigger Action Response Plan for Mautohe Cathedral Cove guides decision-making for track closures at the site.
DOC will continue to monitor the site for potential risks and land movement over the coming days.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HAIKOU, April 19 — Amid swaying coconut trees and the soft rustle of sea breeze, I arrived in China’s southern island province of Hainan to cover the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE).
Beneath the clear blue sky, Haikou’s wave-shaped international convention center buzzed with energy. Crowds flowed through halls lined with dazzling displays of vehicles, cosmetics and homeware from across Europe, including the United Kingdom (UK), France, Italy and Slovakia, which captivated attention and sparked curiosity.
This year’s guest country of honor, the UK, showcased 53 British brands — a mix of long-established players in the Chinese market and first-time exhibitors — signaling its ambition to deepen economic engagement with China, the world’s second-largest economy.
Among the returning exhibitors was Tricker’s, one of the UK’s oldest shoemakers. “We’re back because last year’s expo significantly raised our profile in the market,” said Mike Hofmann, managing director at Tricker’s China.
“We see China not only as a sales market but also as a core place to invest and grow,” he added, highlighting the encouraging signals from China’s recent pro-consumption policies.
Just a few steps away, a subtle floral fragrance drew me toward a charming booth. It belonged to Aromatherapy Associates, a London-based wellness brand making its debut at the CICPE.
“Hainan’s Free Trade Port is key to our cross-border strategy,” said Yuan Quan, head of Aromatherapy Associates China. “We’ve seen a growing appetite among Chinese consumers for high-quality, therapeutic wellness products, which present great opportunities for us.”
Health and wellness stood out as a defining theme at this year’s expo. British biotech company Birmingham Biotech (BHM) chose the occasion to announce its official entry into the Chinese market.
“The expo opens doors to real-time feedback, collaboration and opportunity,” said Michael Hsu, founder and CEO of BHM.
He noted that Chinese consumers’ rising preference for drug-free, scientifically validated solutions aligns perfectly with the company’s innovations.
“The Hainan Free Trade Port’s policy advantages and openness to global cooperation make it an ideal destination for our localization plans,” Hsu added.
“The sheer scale of the Chinese market is a powerful incentive,” said Mark Clayton, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce South China, noting that “the middle class here is larger than the entire population of the UK.”
Driven by booming tourism, innovative policies, and robust retail growth, the island province of Hainan is rapidly becoming a vital domestic and international consumption destination, according to a white paper jointly released by KPMG China and the Moodie Davitt Report during the expo.
France showcased a national pavilion at the expo for the third consecutive year, featuring 12 French brands, including L’Oréal and Pierre Lannier, covering sectors such as cosmetics, luxury goods, health products and wines.
Familiar names also included Ducati, the legendary Italian motorcycle brand, and ETRO, the renowned Italian luxury fashion house, which set up a dedicated booth celebrating the 40th anniversary of its flagship Arnica fabric.
“China is rapidly evolving and has become one of our top-priority markets,” said Fabio Lambertini, CEO of Ducati China.
“Hainan is a crucial node in our long-term vision,” he added. With its winding coastal and mountain roads, he believes the tropical island has the potential to become a new hub for Ducati’s immersive riding experiences and investment.
The Czech jewelry brand Krasna Duse — meaning “beautiful soul” in Czech — drew a constant stream of visitors with its shimmering displays. While browsing the cases, college student Ma Kanghui selected a pair of earrings. “The brand is completely new to me,” she said. “The designs, with their Czech style, are so beautiful that I couldn’t resist.”
“Czech crystal has a unique charm and craftsmanship that I believe will conquer customers here in China,” said the company president, Olga Kopalova.
This year marked Slovakia’s debut with its own national pavilion, featuring a mix of skincare, wine, chocolate, and wellness brands. Pavol Kovarik, sales manager for Slovak beverage brand Cacaofe, said that his 22-hour journey from Vienna to Haikou via Chengdu was not only his first time in China but also the longest trip he had ever taken.
“I expected an inland Chinese city, but instead I arrived in a tropical paradise. Palm trees, beaches, and a vibrant atmosphere that I never imagined,” Kovarik said.
“This is a fresh start for our presence in China’s mega market. We also plan to attend exhibitions in Ningbo and Shanghai,” he added. “For now, I am looking forward to taking a bullet train to Sanya after the expo and spend a couple of days there enjoying the beautiful beaches.”
As the sun dipped below Hainan’s horizon, the expo’s buzz gradually faded, but the conversations it sparked about growth and cooperation are far from over. For many European brands, Hainan is more than just a stage for product display, it’s a gateway to long-term relationships, evolving tastes, and mutual growth.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
More than 100 filmmakers, actors and industry professionals braved heavy rain Friday afternoon to walk the red carpet at Yanqi Lake International Convention Center for the opening of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF).
Actor Yin Xiaotian, dressed as Charlie Chaplin, poses on the red carpet for the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) opening ceremony in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]
Departing from the typical red carpet protocol, several stars appeared in costumes as iconic film characters, including Charlie Chaplin, Bruce Lee and Zorro. Others recreated scenes from classics like “Roman Holiday,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “The Wandering Earth” and “In the Mood for Love” — paying tribute to two major milestones: the 120th anniversary of Chinese filmmaking and the 130th anniversary of cinema worldwide.
The festivities continued inside with an elaborate opening gala featuring performances celebrating film history.
Sun Junmin, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Beijing Municipal Committee, paid tribute to world cinema and extended her best wishes for success to filmmakers from around the world.
A photo captures the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) opening gala in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]
“The festival’s 15-year journey of perseverance has grown into a bridge connecting Chinese and international filmmakers and a platform showcasing global cinematography,” she said, adding she was confident in and looked forward to the continued growth of China’s film industry.
Acclaimed Chinese director Jiang Wen appeared at the gala as the head of this year’s jury for the festival’s prestigious Tiantan Award competition. This year’s jury panel includes Chinese American director and actor Joan Chen, British director David Yates, Chinese mainland actor Ni Ni, Finnish director Teemu Nikki, Swiss director and actor Vincent Perez, and Chinese art director Tim Yip from Hong Kong, China.
Jiang Wen remarked that a film can be interpreted in countless ways, emphasizing that “what you see in a movie depends entirely on who you are.” Joan Chen shared her perspective on cinema more poetically: “Films bear the imprints of time – the movie camera like a black box preserving the passage of time: human existence, mortality, love, loss and fear.”
The Tiantan Award jury appears on stage during the gala of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) opening ceremony in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]
The jury will decide winners across 10 categories, including best feature film, best director and best screenplay. All awards will be presented at the festival’s closing ceremony and gala on April 26.
The competition received a record 1,794 feature film submissions from 103 countries and regions. Fifteen films have been shortlisted for the final competition, including three Chinese entries: “Better Me, Better You,” “Deep in the Mountains” and “Trapped.”
Switzerland serves as the Country of Honor at this year’s BJIFF. The Swiss film “Frieda’s Case” is competing for the Tiantan Award, with a special Swiss Film Week featuring screenings of select Swiss films across Beijing theaters and filmmaker Q&A sessions.
At the gala, Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri said: “We’re honored to present the captivating panorama of Swiss cinema to Beijing this spring.” He highlighted the timing — coinciding with 75 years of Sino-Swiss ties and their bilateral China-Switzerland Year of Culture and Tourism — as particularly meaningful. He extended warm wishes for cinematic collaboration and expressed hope for strengthened cultural exchange through film.
The Swiss film delegation poses on the red carpet for the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) opening ceremony in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]
There were several performances — from moving songs and dances to film montages and robotic stage performers — honoring Chinese animated features like “Ne Zha 2” and classic films from China’s 120-year cinematic history.
As world cinema marks its 130th anniversary, Janet Yang, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and its first Chinese American president, delivered an impassioned keynote speech. She traced film’s evolution from the Lumière brothers’ “The Arrival of a Train” to today’s digital technology and diverse storytelling approaches, likening 130 years of cinema to an unstoppable train.
Janet Yang, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of the United States, speaks at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) opening gala in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]
Yang described how the artistic films of China’s “Fifth Generation” directors first attracted her interest in Chinese cinema. She also explained how working on international film projects showed her that movies can overcome language and cultural barriers. “Cinema,” she said, “is the language that best connects the world.”
During the gala, actors and filmmakers representing upcoming movies “The Dumpling Queen,” “A Gilded Game,” and “The One” took the stage to introduce their projects. The ceremony also featured the launch of the “China Film Consumption Year,” a major new initiative.
The program, backed by the China Film Administration and China Media Group, aims to integrate cinema with everyday consumer activities across culture, tourism and commerce, according to officials. The initiative seeks to connect films with daily experiences, from dining to travel, while boosting consumer engagement.
The initiative’s first major event, the Beijing Film Life Festival, runs alongside the film festival and features city-wide celebrations across multiple venues. The centerpiece is a film bazaar at Langyuan Station, BJIFF’s main venue, offering over 150 cultural brands, 70 food vendors and themed interactive zones that combine cinema with lifestyle experiences.
“China Film Consumption Year” is launched during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) opening ceremony in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]
The festival runs until April 27 and will feature diverse events, including a film carnival, pitch sessions for emerging filmmakers and cross-industry collaborations. The screening program includes 18 thematic sections showcasing nearly 300 domestic and international films — ranging from nostalgic classics to rare or previously unreleased works in China — with approximately 900 showings at 33 premium venues.
Additional highlights include cutting-edge technology showcases, dedicated programs for short films and sports films, works by female directors and young filmmakers, creative markets, an AI film competition and a university student film festival.
Source: China State Council Information Office
Chinese President Xi Jinping greets the welcoming crowd during a grand welcome ceremony held by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni at the airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s just-concluded Southeast Asia visit, his first overseas trip this year, highlighted China’s dedication to deepening traditional ties, expanding practical cooperation and advancing its vision of building a community with a shared future with its neighbors.
The tour, which took him to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia from Monday to Friday, also signaled China’s renewed push to reinforce regional stability and prosperity, and its determined support for regional economic integration as global protectionism and unilateralism continue to mount.
Closer community
Throughout his tour, Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to fostering friendship and partnership with neighboring nations. He also underscored the importance of building a community with a shared future grounded in mutual respect, win-win cooperation and shared development.
In a signed article published ahead of his state visit to Vietnam, he stressed that China will ensure continuity and stability of its neighborhood diplomacy, which is guided by the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness.
Pham Phu Phuc, former deputy head of the World News Desk at the Vietnam News Agency, welcomed China’s commitment to pursuing the policy of forging friendship and partnership with its neighbors.
In light of unexpected and uncertain changes in the region and across the world in recent years, this vision emphasizes peace, sincerity, mutual benefit and shared development through cooperation, he said.
In Vietnam, Xi said that building the China-Vietnam community with a shared future carries great global significance, noting that as the two countries jointly pursue peaceful development, their combined population of over 1.5 billion is jointly advancing toward modernization, which will contribute to regional and global peace and stability while promoting common development.
In Malaysia, Xi said that China is ready to work with the Malaysian side to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, so as to usher in a new “Golden 50 Years” for bilateral ties.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Phnom Penh for a state visit to Cambodia at the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)
In Cambodia, Xi and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet agreed to build an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, and designated 2025 the China-Cambodia Year of Tourism.
China’s development has benefited not only itself but also many other countries, including Malaysia, said Dato’ Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association (PPMC), noting that the vision of a community with a shared future — “sharing weal and woe” — has won widespread support.
“As long as we uphold equality, mutual benefit, mutual respect and mutual trust, we will surely walk hand in hand even further on the journey ahead,” he said.
Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said that the deeply-rooted Cambodia-China ties are rock-solid and unbreakable, setting an example for South-South cooperation.
Greater connectivity
A focal point of the tour was high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with the aim of enhancing regional connectivity and creating development opportunities through projects spanning a wide range of fields, from infrastructure to digital and green economy.
In Vietnam, Xi and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam witnessed the launching ceremony of the China-Vietnam railway cooperation mechanism, which is expected to assist Vietnam in aligning its railway gauge with China’s standardized gauge, thereby boosting economic connectivity and development.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh jointly witness the launching ceremony of the China-Vietnam railway cooperation mechanism at the International Convention Center in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, April 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)
“Railway connectivity and cold-chain transport between China and Vietnam have cut logistics costs, accelerated customs clearance, and ensured fresher, more affordable Vietnamese produce for Chinese consumers,” said Nguyen Ba Hai, an official at the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade.
In a joint statement on deepening bilateral ties and practical cooperation issued during Xi’s visit, China said it is ready to advance cooperation with Vietnam on three standard-gauge railways in northern Vietnam.
Upgrading cross-border railways and ports can boost bilateral trade while enhancing regional connectivity and resilience, said Do Thi Thu, a senior lecturer at the Banking Academy of Vietnam.
In Xi’s state visit to Malaysia, the two sides agreed to promote the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Cooperation Plan signed in 2024 and further synergize development strategies. They also agreed to enhance cooperation on infrastructure connectivity, jointly implement key projects such as the East Coast Rail Link, promote rail-sea transportation and improve regional connectivity.
Samirul Ariff Othman, an economist at Malaysia’s Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, said that the flourishing economic ties between Malaysia and China demonstrate “the resilience and mutual benefits of our bilateral relationship.”
Making real difference
During his visit to Cambodia, Xi said the two sides should deepen practical cooperation across various fields, advance the construction of Cambodia’s Industrial and Technological Corridor and Fish and Rice Corridor, and strengthen collaboration in energy, transportation and other key sectors, enabling Cambodia to share more in China’s development opportunities.
Over the years, key BRI projects in Cambodia have yielded tangible benefits for local people. The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone has become a thriving industrial hub, attracting more than 200 international enterprises and institutions while creating 32,000 jobs.
The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, Cambodia’s first expressway, has cut travel time between the two cities from over five hours to under two, significantly enhancing connectivity. Meanwhile, the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport has given a strong boost to the tourism sector, operating 17 routes by the end of last year.
“The future of Cambodia-China relations is bright and full of potential,” said Mengdavid from the Royal University of Phnom Penh. “With the continued efforts of both countries’ leaders, we can expect an even more dynamic, mutually beneficial and resilient partnership that will contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.”
In Malaysia, Xi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the exchange of more than 30 bilateral cooperation documents, covering a wide range of projects, which are taking root in Malaysia and making a difference for local people.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim jointly witness the exchange of bilateral cooperation documents after their talks in Putrajaya, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
Such projects have not only promoted technology transfer and created numerous jobs, but also helped uplift regions that were previously less developed, which truly reflects the BRI’s vision — always putting people’s well-being first, said Majid, the PPMC president and a former Malaysian ambassador to China.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
With rural industries creating more job opportunities, farmers’ incomes in China continued to rise in the first quarter of the year, a senior official with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Friday.
The per capita disposable income of Chinese rural residents in the first quarter of 2025 reached 7,003 yuan ($959), an increase of 6.5 percent after adjusting for inflation, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Pan Wenbo, head of the ministry’s crop production department, said rural industries are improving in quality and efficiency. From January to March, the added value of agricultural and sideline food processing enterprises increased by 7.2 percent year-on-year.
“New industries and business models in rural areas are flourishing, with food tourism, rural homestays and sightseeing becoming increasingly popular vacation choices for urban and rural residents,” Pan said, adding that online retail sales of agricultural products continue to grow rapidly.
In the first quarter of this year, grain and oil production made a good start. Efforts are being made to ensure solid spring field management and ploughing, laying a strong foundation for the summer harvest and overall annual grain output.
The area sown with winter rapeseed has seen a steady increase, and crop growth is better than both last year and the historical average, Pan said.
As of the end of March, there were 40.39 million breeding sows nationwide. In the first quarter, the total output of pork, beef, mutton and poultry reached 25.4 million metric tons, increasing 2 percent year-on-year, while milk production was 8.92 million tons, up 1.7 percent.
China’s beef and milk markets faced supply and demand imbalances in 2024, leading to a price downturn and losses for beef and dairy cattle farmers, said Chen Bangxun, head of the ministry’s department of development and planning.
“In response, the ministry introduced a series of support measures to alleviate the industry’s difficulties,” Chen said.
Local governments were urged to coordinate with financial institutions to increase credit and insurance support, easing financial pressures on farmers. Statistics indicate that the balance of beef and dairy cattle farming loans from major banks exceeded 160 billion yuan by the end of 2024, showing a dramatic increase from the previous year, he said.
“To reduce costs, farmers were encouraged to improve herd quality through selective breeding,” Chen said, adding that a campaign to conserve grain in animal husbandry was launched to optimize the structure of feed and forages.
Moreover, efforts were made to regulate the purchasing and sales of raw milk. Companies were guided to develop dairy products suitable for Chinese tastes and ethnic dairy products to meet diverse consumer demands. Quality grading standards for domestic beef were also revised to promote higher quality and pricing, Chen added.
As a result, live cattle prices across the country have rebounded since Chinese New Year earlier this year, gradually reducing losses for beef cattle farmers.
However, due to the seasonal decline in milk consumption after the Chinese New Year holiday, raw milk prices remain low, Chen said.
“The ministry will further strengthen supportive measures to enrich the variety of dairy products and help dairy cattle farming overcome its difficulties as soon as possible,” Chen said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China will strengthen the building of domestic pilot free trade zones, carry out pioneering and leading reforms, and firmly respond to external risks and challenges in the light of a complex and severe international situation, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.
The ministry will strengthen guidance for pilot free trade zones, expand the reform task authorization for the three pilot free trade zones in Tianjin, Guangdong province, and Fujian province, which were established 10 years ago, and assign them new pilot reform tasks.
China will support eligible pilot free trade zones to carry out integrated innovation throughout the entire industry chain in key sectors such as biomedicine, equipment manufacturing and marine economy, the commerce ministry said.
“China will also strengthen policy empowerment for the pilot free trade zones in the central and western regions and border areas, and support them to better play a demonstrative and leading role in serving major national strategies,” said Meng Huating, director of the free trade zone and free trade port department of the Ministry of Commerce.
Since their establishment a decade ago, the Guangdong, Tianjin, and Fujian pilot free trade zones have made remarkable progress in bold experimentation, as well as pioneering and integrated reforms, the commerce ministry said.
The three pilot free trade zones have seen rapid development in building modern high-end industrial clusters, and they have gradually formed demonstration samples for coordinated regional development.
As “experimental fields” for reform and opening-up, the three pilot free trade zones have shaped more than 140 high-quality institutional innovative achievements that have been replicated and promoted at the national level, providing a “free trade solution” for the innovative growth of related industries, the commerce ministry said.
In Guangdong province, the pilot free trade zone has carried out businesses such as cross-border renminbi loans and bonded aircraft maintenance.
“We have continued to expand our opening-up in sectors such as law, construction, finance, accounting, engineering, and tourism to Hong Kong and Macao, and issue professional qualification certificates to relevant personnel. Guangdong has become the preferred destination for investment from Hong Kong and Macao,” said Shuang Dehui, deputy director of the Department of Commerce of Guangdong province.
In Tianjin, more than 100 innovative measures have been implemented at the pilot free trade zone, including convenient Customs clearance, and it has become the most convenient seaport in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, according to the local government.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
2025 Shanghai Int’l Flower Show opens in E China
Source: IMF – News in Russian
April 18, 2025
Washington, DC: A staff team has been actively engaging with the Colombian authorities in the context of the ongoing 2025 Article IV consultation, with visits to Bogotá in mid-February and early-April. Ms. Oner and Mr. Ding issued today the following statement:
The Colombian economy continues to expand with some moderation in key imbalances. After slowing sharply in 2023, the economy expanded by 1.7 percent in 2024 supported by private consumption, reflecting a robust labor market and a gradual recovery in investment. Headline inflation resumed its downward trend in March, reaching 5.1 percent (y/y), underpinned by appropriately tight monetary policy. Meanwhile, the current account deficit narrowed further to 1.8 percent of GDP in 2024, supported by strong tourism and remittances inflows. This was financed with net foreign direct investment inflows, despite net portfolio outflows. International reserves remain adequate, rising to 130 percent of ARA by end-March, supported by the authorities’ reserve accumulation program last year. The banking system remains sound—liquid, adequately capitalized and provisioned—and subject to strong oversight.
However, public deficits and public debt have risen more than expected. The central government overall fiscal deficit rose to 6.7 percent of GDP in 2024, up from 4.2 percent of GDP in 2023 and 1.1 percentage points of GDP above the authorities’ deficit target in the medium-term fiscal framework. The higher deficit reflected lower-than-projected tax revenues as well as higher than targeted primary expenditures, despite spending adjustments in late-2024. Liquidity constraints contributed to an accumulation of large budgetary backlogs (2.8 percent of GDP) that are in the process of being cleared this year, competing with 2025 budgetary resources. The higher deficits, coupled with a somewhat weaker peso, resulted in gross public debt reaching 61.3 percent at end-2024. As a result, Colombian spreads have risen, especially relative to peers, also impacted by tighter global financial conditions.
Against the backdrop of elevated and shifting global risks, the Article IV consultation continues on the outlook and on policies to mitigate shocks, while decisively strengthening public finances.
The Article IV consultation will continue in the period ahead. We thank the authorities for the open and constructive dialogue, and we look forward to maintaining our close engagement, including in the margins of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in late-April in Washington, DC.
PRESS OFFICER: Jose de Haro
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/04/18/pr25116-colombia-staff-statement
Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)
SILVER CITY, NM –Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined members of the Wild Gila River Coalition in Silver City to celebrate the re-introduction of the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act—a major milestone in the ongoing effort to permanently protect New Mexico’s last free-flowing river and the communities that depend on it. The legislation is led by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) in the Senate.
“The Gila River is a symbol of everything we love about New Mexico—wild, beautiful, and full of life,” said Vasquez. “This legislation is about protecting that legacy for future generations, and I’m proud to stand alongside so many New Mexicans who have fought for years to make this legislation possible.”
WATCH: Silver City Press Conference
The bill would designate approximately 450 miles of the Gila and San Francisco Rivers and their tributaries as Wild and Scenic. This would ensure that the rivers remain free-flowing while maintaining public access and existing water and land uses. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján and U.S. Reps. Stansbury and Leger Fernandez are original cosponsors of the legislation.
Rep. Vasquez gathered with local conservationists, business owners, and outdoor advocates at a community celebration to recognize the grassroots momentum behind the bill. The event was organized in partnership with the Wild Gila River Coalition, a broad alliance of stakeholders working to protect the ecological, cultural, and economic values of the watershed.
The Gila Wild and Scenic River Act is endorsed by the Wild Gila River Coalition, which includes Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP), Heart of the Gila, Upper Gila Watershed Association, New Mexico Wild, American Rivers, Center for Biological Diversity, Conservation Lands Foundation, the Wilderness Society, the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, the Pew Charitable Trusts, Trout Unlimited, and American Whitewater.
“The Gila Wild and Scenic designation will pay tribute to our rich natural heritage and boost Grant County’s outdoor recreation economy,” said Grant County Commissioner Nancy Stephens.
“The free-flowing Gila River is the true cornerstone of the Gila Wilderness Area. This river remaining free-flowing state, in perpetuity, greatly benefits outdoor recreation-centric businesses like ours in the present, and into the future. We strongly support a Wild and Scenic Designation for the Gila River,” said Eric Payne, co-owner of Gila Hike & Bike in Silver City.
“Wild and Scenic for the Gila River is one of the most important pieces of legislation for my lifetime,” said Brett Myric, a 5th-generation New Mexican who served in Seal Team 5. He continued, “I will go to my grave with a smile on my face knowing the Gila River is protected this way in perpetuity.”
Alexa Tubbs, CEO of Open Space Brewing in Santa Clara, NM, said, “Wild and Scenic is vital for our business and the future of our community. The Gila River is where we play and why we live here. Let’s finally protect the river that gives us so much.”
“Each member of this community has a different story of their experience and connection to the forest and the river, but protection of the Gila is extremely important to all of us. As our community continues to grow and evolve, our love of the Gila is the one thing that stays the same,” said Guadalupe Cano, Silver City Councilor, District 4 and Mayor Pro Tem. She continued, “The reintroduction of the Gila Wild and Scenic legislation will protect the land while still providing access for everyone to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. As we continue to welcome visitors who also contribute immensely to our local economy, we will ensure this incredible public land will be protected for many generations to come.”
“I have been recreating on the Gila River since I was a small child; the river means more to me than I can explain in two sentences,” said Cindy “Renee” Provencio, Grant County resident and local community organizer. “The Gila River has a value to so many in our community that cannot be monetized, and it should be protected with the highest level of protection for future generations to come.”
“A Wild and Scenic designation is important to our area’s preservation. The Gila River is to be left alone. Keeping it for the next generation is important. Not only is recreation one aspect, but is habitat and healing waters for those in need,” said Frances Gonzales, Bayard City Councilor. She added that, “as Steve Erwin once said, ‘If we save our wild places, we will ultimately save ourselves.’”
“As a 43-year resident of Glenwood, New Mexico, I know that the incredible natural beauty that surrounds us here is what makes this area so unique. Wild, free-flowing rivers are a part of that. Protecting these rivers for future generations is one of the best things we can do for this special place,” said Beth Menzcer, a Catron County resident.
“After 45 years of living on the western slope of the Gila Mountains, I have experienced a connection with and concern for our water and air factory reliant on the 5 vegetative zones and natural flowing tributaries,” said Stanley King, Owner Operator at Silver Creek Inn in Mogollon, NM. “Because of the unique Southwest location of this watershed, the fragile environment, and endangered residents, our obligation is to protect this ecosystem from human interference.”
“The Gila River has been an inspiration to me and has taught me many things about the heritage and history of New Mexico. Keeping the Gila untamed is important in the conservation of such history,” said Anthony Canari, student at WNMU in Silver City
“As a student attending WNMU from Oregon, I am all too aware of dams and the harm they can cause,” said WNMU student Aidin Wilson. “That’s why I see protecting the Gila River with great importance. Let’s keep rivers free.”
“Thanks to the vision and bipartisan leadership of Rep. Vasquez, the Gila is closer than ever to getting the protection it deserves,” said Ángel Peña, Executive Director of the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project. “The Gila River serves as the lifeblood of our region, sustaining wildlife, recreation, and local economies. Nuestra Tierra applauds leaders like Rep. Vasquez who work hard to safeguard these waters as they continue nourishing our communities and cultural connections for future generations.”
“The reintroduction of the Gila Wild and Scenic River Act represents a critical opportunity to protect a key watershed connected to our trail system,” said Teresa Martinez, Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. “The protection of the CDT and its surrounding landscapes has never been more important, not just for today’s users but for generations to come.”
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Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On April 18, in honor of the International Day of Monuments and Historic Sites, Bashneft Oil Company (part of Rosneft) presented the tourist automobile project “Routes of Victory,” dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
The presentation of the project took place at the Bashneft petrol station in Ufa. Representatives of the company and the expert tourism community told motorists about unique and memorable places located near the company’s petrol stations in Bashkortostan and dedicated to the history of the Great Patriotic War.
“Victory Routes” cover 15 significant sites in different cities and districts of the republic, each of which keeps a unique story about the feat of our people during the Great Patriotic War. Thus, in the center of Ufa, on Sovetskaya Square, there is a majestic monument to Major General Minigali Shaimuratov, the legendary commander of the 112th Bashkir Cavalry Division. In the village of Verkhneyarkeevo, there is a unique museum of Musa Gareyev, twice Hero of the Soviet Union, an outstanding pilot. In Ishimbay, above the Belaya River, there is a monument to oil workers who died in battles for the Motherland. In the city of Oktyabrsky, there is a memorial ensemble “Thoughts of a Soldier”, opened in 1995. A memorial complex dedicated to four Heroes of the Soviet Union – Makhmut Aktuganov, Ishmay Ishkinin, Stepan Kazakov and Yegor Orsayev, as well as the national hero Gazi Zagitov, who on April 30, 1945, as part of an assault group under enemy fire, was one of the first to raise the Red Banner on the Berlin Reichstag, was opened in the village of Mishkino. Granite steles symbolizing banners have been installed along the central alley of the Ufa Victory Park, on which the names of 278 Heroes of the Soviet Union and 39 Full Cavaliers of the Order of Glory from Bashkiria are carved in gold letters.
Roll-ups installed at Bashneft petrol stations will tell you about memorable places that you can visit in the Republic of Bashkortostan. They are located next to monuments, museums and other objects related to the history of the Great Patriotic War. To build a route to a memorable place in the navigator, you just need to point the camera of your mobile phone at the QR code. Drivers can fill up with high-quality fuel at Bashneft petrol stations and go to a historical site located next to the petrol station.
Rosneft actively supports initiatives to develop domestic tourism and aims to create comfortable conditions for motorists. The development of roadside service and the improvement of the level of customer services provided at Rosneft and Bashneft filling stations is one of the Company’s priority areas of activity.
Reference:
ANK Bashneft is one of the oldest enterprises in the oil and gas industry of the country, operating in the extraction and processing of oil and gas. OOO Bashneft-Roznitsa is the operator of PAO ANK Bashneft for managing 540 filling stations in 14 regions of Russia. The company’s filling stations offer high-quality fuel produced by the Bashneft Oil Refinery – Euro-5 and Euro-6 gasolines, its own ATUM gasoline brands, and diesel fuel.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft April 18, 2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: China State Council Information Office
Driven by booming tourism, innovative policies and robust retail growth, China’s island province of Hainan is rapidly becoming a vital domestic and international consumption destination, said a white paper released during the ongoing 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE).
“The 2025 Hainan Travel Retail White Paper” was jointly released by KPMG China and the Moodie Davitt Report at the 5th Global Consumption Innovation & Duty Free and Travel Retail Exchange Event. Part of the CICPE, the event convened industry leaders, policymakers and international brands to explore opportunities in retail tourism and the island’s pioneering economic reforms.
The white paper underscored that Hainan’s tourism revenue has grown steadily in recent years, supported by dynamic shifts from traditional retail to new consumption models and the expansion of duty-free shopping.
Since the start of 2024, the island province has introduced multiple measures to strengthen its appeal to international visitors, positioning itself as a high-quality tourism market competing on the global stage.
A key insight from the white paper is the dominance of younger consumers in Hainan’s retail tourism sector, with travelers born in the 1990s and 2000s accounting for over 50 percent of Hainan’s tourists in the first three quarters of 2024.
These tech-savvy, trend-conscious consumers prioritize diverse shopping experiences, fueling demand for cosmetics, skincare, luxury goods and electronics.
“The preferences and purchasing power of young consumers are redefining Hainan’s retail landscape,” noted the report.
The province’s investment in introducing new tourism methods has further attracted this demographic, offering retailers a roadmap for future growth.
At the governmental level, Hainan is leveraging institutional innovations to enhance its business environment and boost fair competition within the free trade port framework. Marketwise, the island is advancing its international profile by tapping into China’s accelerated opening-up of the tourism industry and expansion of the global travel market.
The white paper emphasized Hainan’s dual role in attracting domestic high-spending tourists and boosting overseas consumption, solidifying its status as a global tourism and retail nexus.
“Going forward, Hainan’s travel retail market is poised for development and is expected to become an important global hub for travel retail,” the report said.
As China’s first major international exhibition of the year and the nation’s sole state-level event dedicated to consumer goods, the 5th CICPE has attracted over 1,700 enterprises and 4,100 brands from more than 70 countries and regions.
In 2024, Hainan received a record-high 97.21 million tourist visits, up 8 percent year on year. Total tourism revenue exceeded 204 billion yuan (about 28.3 billion U.S. dollars), rising 12.5 percent, with per capita spending showing notable growth. The island welcomed 1.11 million inbound tourists over the same period, surging 115.6 percent year on year.