Month: November 2024

On October 23, the Ministry of Natural Resources released a notice aimed at boosting the high-quality development of modern logistics through enhanced resource allocation. The notice emphasizes the importance of increasing the supply of mixed-use land and encourages the integration of logistics functions.

The announcement outlines a dual approach to expanding the space available for logistics development. It calls for a coordinated construction of various logistics facilities while implementing a strategic layout for these spaces. Additionally, it aims to enhance the convenience of living within urban environments by developing a comprehensive logistics distribution system connecting urban and rural areas. A key initiative is the promotion of a “15-minute living circle,” which stipulates that newly developed community commercial spaces and emergency storage areas should constitute at least 10% of the total building area in new communities.

Furthermore, the notice highlights a significant commitment to securing natural resource allocations for major logistics infrastructure projects. It supports flexible land supply methods, including long-term leasing, renting before purchasing, and flexible-term land grants. This includes encouraging the utilization of existing railway land and collective construction land for establishing logistics facilities.

In addition, efforts are being made to enhance the quality and efficiency of logistics land use. The notice supports revitalizing existing space resources for logistics development and permits the use of existing properties and land for logistics-related facilities. A transitional policy will be in place for up to five years, allowing continued use of land for its original purposes without changing land ownership or rights.

Moreover, the notice advocates for increasing the supply of mixed-use land and promotes the compatible use of logistics functions within industrial zones. It permits reasonable conversions between logistics warehouse land and industrial land, thus minimizing the idle resources in the logistics sector.

To lower the costs associated with upgrading and renovating logistics facilities, the notice encourages the conversion of allocated land to be compensated and aims to reduce costs for enhancing the utilization rates of owned industrial and warehouse properties. If improvements maintain the original use and comply with existing plans, no additional land costs will be charged.

Finally, the notice emphasizes the need to adapt land use conditions to the logistics sector’s evolving requirements. It calls for effective management throughout the lifecycle of logistics land to promote high-quality industry development.

Michael Olugbode and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

In a recent press briefing at its Abuja headquarters, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made serious allegations against Senator Oyelola Ashiru, claiming that his residence was used to store illicit drugs. The agency suggested that the senator’s recent criticism of them was rooted in personal vendetta rather than concerns for national interest. They also indicated that some of Ashiru’s aides were arrested during a raid on his home and are currently facing prosecution, with one already sentenced to prison.

The press conference was called to address Ashiru’s accusations of corruption within the NDLEA. Despite the agency’s claims, Ashiru, the Deputy Leader of the Senate, challenged the NDLEA to follow through with prosecutions connected to the drug allegations. In a statement released by his Special Assistant, Olaitan Adeyanju, Ashiru questioned the NDLEA’s credibility, asserting, “The NDLEA claims to have discovered drugs in Senator Ashiru’s Ilorin house, but there’s no information on which court of law the culprits were charged to. In fact, Senator Ashiru has been vocal about the NDLEA’s corruption and compromise, which might be the reason behind these allegations.” The statement stressed that Ashiru had no involvement in attempting to influence the dropping of charges against a person named Tosin Odepidian, whose name was mentioned by the agency.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, represented by spokesman Femi Babafemi, expressed the need to respond to the senator’s remarks, which he deemed defamatory. Marwa acknowledged the legislature’s support for the NDLEA’s mission, particularly regarding recent efforts to amend the agency’s act, but emphasized that the senator’s comments came from a place of vendetta rather than public motivation.

Marwa detailed the findings from a recent raid on Ashiru’s home, which took place on February 4, 2024. During this raid, the NDLEA recovered drugs and arrested two of Ashiru’s aides, while another suspect managed to escape. Marwa also noted that intelligence suggested some individuals associated with the senator were involved in drug trafficking activities in Offa, leading to another raid that resulted in the arrest of Oluwatosin Odepidan and the recovery of illicit drugs.

The NDLEA head stressed that their encounters with those linked to Ashiru likely fueled his negative comments about the agency. He highlighted that, contrary to Ashiru’s claims, the NDLEA has received commendations from both local and international bodies for its efforts in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse. Notably, the agency recently celebrated the unveiling of a new Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos, supported by the UK government.

Marwa emphasized that despite Ashiru’s attempts to undermine the NDLEA’s reputation, the agency has been acknowledged as a regional leader in drug law enforcement and will not be deterred by such attacks. He asserted, “If Senator Ashiru has a personal grudge against NDLEA, it shouldn’t be cloaked as a matter of public concern,” and reiterated that the agency remains committed to dismantling all drug networks, including those linked to the senator.

He concluded by emphasizing the NDLEA’s ongoing reform efforts since January 2021 and thanked both federal and state governments, as well as the National Assembly, for their support, which has contributed to the agency’s transformation into a more effective organization.

On October 24, 2024, the Northeast Asia (Shenyang) Talent Exchange Conference and the Development Conference for China’s Potential Unicorn Enterprises kicked off in Shenyang.

The event, themed “Gather Global Talents, Create a Revitalized Future,” features a specialized job fair, high-level dialogues, and presentations on new technologies and scenarios. It has attracted over 45,000 talents, creating a vital platform for empowering high-end talent and robust enterprises to interact positively.

During the conference, a wide range of job openings was announced, with 4,859 companies and institutions from three provinces and one municipality offering a total of 107,000 positions. The main recruiting venue is the China Industrial Museum, with five sub-venues located at Liaoning University, Shenyang Aerospace University, Shenyang University, Shenyang Vocational and Technical College, and in the Hunnan District. The positions cover four key areas: technological research and development, professional technical roles, vocational skills, and positions in higher education.

The quality of these job opportunities is high, offering competitive salaries and attractive policies. Notably, there are 22,000 positions that offer monthly salaries of over 10,000 yuan, and 13,000 positions with salaries exceeding 20,000 yuan. Additionally, there are 5,500 roles with average annual salaries over 300,000 yuan and more than 1,900 positions with salaries exceeding 500,000 yuan.

The participating organizations represent a diverse array of sectors, including 378 state-owned and central enterprises such as Shenyang Aviation Industry Group, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry, and Harbin Transportation Group. There are also 2,926 well-known private companies like Wujing Technology and Dalian Chuangwei Electric Machinery, as well as 129 foreign and joint ventures, including Brilliance BMW. Almost 32,000 of the positions are characterized by new productive forces, encompassing roles like planning and control algorithms, structural design engineers, and optical design engineers, covering industries like artificial intelligence, new materials, and advanced manufacturing.

Demand for talent in the “Three Provinces and One Municipality” is high. In Shenyang, for instance, alongside the implementation of the province’s “Xingliao Talent Program,” the city has launched the “Xingshen Talent Program,” which provides a policy framework of “1+3+N.” This includes living subsidies, housing purchase subsidies, entrepreneurial rental subsidies, and interest subsidies for guaranteed loans, creating a layered support system at the provincial, municipal, district, and employer levels. The aim is to foster an environment where talent can feel secure in starting their entrepreneurial pursuits and lead comfortable lives.

Additionally, the conference inaugurated the Northeast Asia (Shenyang) Talent Port and released the “2024 List and Research Report on Potential Unicorn Enterprises,” awarding certificates to representatives of these promising companies.

For decades, Kwang Yang Telephone Alarm Company has been dedicated to providing flexible communication and security solutions tailored to the needs of various industries, particularly in business telephony and remote monitoring systems. Currently, the company has launched its latest VoIP-based business phone system, which not only offers a full range of features and stable call quality but also includes round-the-clock technical support. This system is available for just $19.99 per month, potentially saving businesses nearly 50% on their phone expenses. Customers who order more than five lines will receive complimentary telephones, along with other special products and promotions—interested parties are encouraged to reach out for more information.

The VoIP business phone system boasts ten advanced features: (1) Find Me/Follow Me, which directs calls to any number; (2) Remote Office, enabling the integration of phones across different offices within the same system for easy remote management; (3) Call Screening/Blocking, allowing users to view incoming call information and choose whether to answer or block calls; (4) Call Recordings for capturing conversations; (5) Local Number Portability, ensuring local call history is maintained; (6) Time-Based Greetings, which customize voicemail messages according to specific situations; (7) Virtual Receptionist, providing personalized voice routing; (8) On Hold Music/Audio, offering music playback for callers on hold; (9) Voice Mail functionality; and (10) Free international calls to numerous countries including Australia, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, Sweden, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

The advantages of utilizing a VoIP phone system are clear: it’s cost-effective and can be customized to meet the specific requirements of different industries. Kwang Yang Telephone Alarm Company, which holds the necessary licenses, specializes in installing telephony, voice, and internet systems for both commercial and residential clients. Their services also include setting up servers, KTV audiovisual systems, access control systems, intercoms, and 24-hour high-definition CCTV monitoring systems with global remote surveillance capabilities. With over 30 years of experience and expertise, they are well-equipped to recommend suitable and affordable communication solutions to Chinese businesses in the community—feel free to inquire further.

For inquiries, Kwang Yang Telephone Alarm Company can be reached at 718-353-3499 or via fax at 718-353-0977. Their office is located at 40-03 165th St, Flushing, NY 11365. More information can be found on their website at www.cctv2030.com, or you can email them at [email protected].

In a recent discussion, Oluchi Chibuzor addressed the pressing economic challenges facing Nigeria today, including soaring inflation and technological stagnation that impact vital revenue-generating sectors. Despite its diversified economy, which includes oil and gas, agriculture, and services, a significant portion of Nigeria’s GDP is still heavily dependent on primary industries—agriculture alone makes up 21.07 percent of this figure.

According to the United Nations, the key to linking economic growth, social development, and climate action lies in investing in infrastructure, sustainable industrial development, and technological innovation. To truly transform its economic landscape, Nigeria must adopt widespread industrial automation within its manufacturing and economic activities.

Elijah Daniel, the Digital and Software Business Leader for Sub-Saharan Africa at Schneider Electric, shared insights on how his company is contributing to Nigeria’s economic progress. Schneider Electric, a global leader in Digital Transformation and Process Automation, is establishing a strong foothold in Sub-Saharan Africa through innovative automation solutions and services, employing 150 dedicated staff members and operating four engineering centers in the region.

“Our advanced technologies and expert services are aimed at streamlining production processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and significantly reducing downtime and maintenance costs,” Elijah explained. “In a region where industries face unique challenges, we are committed to providing tailored automation solutions that promote productivity and sustainability.”

The company’s comprehensive automation solutions are specifically designed to meet the needs of industries with complex processes. For instance, in the consumer-packaged goods sector, manufacturers can achieve consistent product quality and minimize waste by automating production lines and integrating real-time monitoring systems.

Elijah highlighted Schneider Electric’s impact in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry, where precision and safety are essential. “Our automation systems deliver integrated process control and safety solutions to numerous clients. This includes support for upstream, midstream, downstream, gas processing, storage, and loading facilities. Our Industrial and Process Automation solutions include EcoStruxure Foxboro Distributed Control Systems, EcoStruxure Triconex Safety Systems, Modicon PLCs, SCADA Systems, and Process Instrumentation,” he noted. “Our client base encompasses all the major international oil companies operating in Nigeria, alongside three petrochemical plants, one LNG plant, and the world’s largest 650,000 bpd private refinery. We efficiently manage plant processes, enhance asset safety, and ensure uninterrupted production.”

Elijah also addressed the severe issue of crude oil theft, which significantly threatens Nigeria’s revenue. “Safeguarding our oil resources is crucial for enhancing our economic power,” he stated. “Schneider Electric not only ensures consistent uptime for assets but also protects the entire production value chain in the oil and gas sector with pipeline monitoring solutions. This approach helps shield the Nigerian economy from potential losses caused by operational inefficiencies, safety incidents, or malicious activities.”

In regard to the mining sector, which accounted for only 0.77 percent of GDP in 2023 according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Elijah outlined how Schneider Electric’s solutions can improve operations. “From automated drilling and blasting to real-time asset monitoring, our technology can enhance production efficiency and reduce downtime for mining operators,” he said.

Elijah urged business leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa to invest in the right automation systems to drive seamless production and lower repair costs. The Customer First program at Schneider Electric focuses on supporting businesses in protecting their critical investments by maintaining hardware and software systems effectively, which in turn reduces downtime and enhances performance. This program also aims to lower total ownership costs through discounts and flexible funding options. “By partnering with Schneider Electric, Nigerian industries can unlock a new era of efficiency, safety, and sustainability,” he asserted.

In summary, Schneider Electric is playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic advancement by enhancing productivity, ensuring product quality, and promoting safety. As Nigeria moves towards industrialization and economic diversification, Schneider Electric emerges as a dependable partner, committed to delivering sustainable solutions and fostering growth. For those interested in transforming their operations, learn more about Schneider Electric’s innovative technologies today.

On October 21, the China News Service reported that a traffic accident involving two heavy-duty semi-trailers occurred near a coal mine in the Zhungezhuqi district of Ordos City, Inner Mongolia. According to the official Weibo account of the Inner Mongolia Internet Illegal and Harmful Information Reporting Center, prompt actions by local residents and police resulted in minor injuries to one driver, with no fatalities. However, the vehicles and surrounding property suffered varying degrees of damage.

In the aftermath of the accident, some internet users resorted to creating sensationalized rumors to attract attention and boost their online presence, disturbing public order in the process. The day after the incident, cyber police in Zhungezhuqi discovered a post from a user on a short video platform, claiming that a “serious traffic accident at a coal mine resulted in numerous deaths.” The poster continued to engage with followers in the comments, further misleading viewers.

The local cyber police summoned the user, identified as Wang, for questioning. Wang admitted he had not been present at the scene when the accident occurred but had downloaded video footage from a WeChat group. To gain attention, he exaggerated the facts and fabricated the claim of “countless casualties” associated with the traffic incident before sharing it online. As a result, the Zhungezhuqi police have issued an administrative detention for Wang.

On October 20, Xiamen, as reported by the Xiamen Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station, the passenger traffic on the cross-strait “Mini Three Links” routes surpassed one million on October 19, marking a remarkable year-on-year increase of 87.6%.

Several factors have contributed to this surge in travel between Fujian and Taiwan this year, including an increase in the frequency of “Mini Three Links” services, concentrated holiday travel, and a rise in exchange activities. Currently, the number of weekly flights on four “Mini Three Links” routes in Fujian has escalated from 26 at the beginning of 2023 to as many as 182.

In the first three quarters of this year, the Xiamen Border Inspection Station recorded a total of 1.424 million travelers crossing between Fujian and Taiwan, with 650,000 Taiwanese citizens entering from Fujian—representing increases of 74.6% and 73.5% respectively. Over 304,000 Taiwanese travelers have enjoyed convenient customs clearance services in Fujian, and nearly 13,000 vessels have benefited from 24/7 customs services for cross-strait travel. Specifically, the inspection authority has processed over 3,400 flights between the two regions, accommodating around 502,000 passengers, and checked more than 6,400 “Mini Three Links” ferries, serving approximately 937,000 travelers.

Notably, on October 13, the Xiamen-Jinmen “Mini Three Links” passenger route saw over 5,000 travelers processed in a single day, setting a new record since the resumption of services in 2023.

On October 27th, in the final of the WTA 500 event in Tokyo, top seed Zheng Qinwen secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Sofia Kenin to claim the championship. This marks her first tour title since the Paris Olympics and her third title of the season, as well as the fifth of her career. For the 22-year-old, 2024 is shaping up to be a remarkable year.

Following her victory at the Paris Olympics, Zheng has been in the spotlight at every tournament. She reached the semifinals of the China Open and subsequently finished as the runner-up at the Wuhan Open. As the number one seed in the WTA Tokyo event, Zheng had high expectations.

Reflecting on her path to the finals, Zheng showcased impressive strength throughout the tournament. In the quarterfinals, she defeated the eighth seed, Leylah Fernandez, marking her third appearance in a row in the semifinals during the Asian swing. This victory also highlighted her 45th tour win of the season, setting a new record for the most wins in a single season by a Chinese player.

In the final match against former Australian Open champion Kenin, both players started off strong, maintaining their serves through the first 12 games, which led to a tiebreaker. Zheng’s performance in the tiebreak was exceptional, and she narrowly took the first set 7-6.

During the second set, Zheng broke Kenin’s serve in the second game, establishing a lead that she maintained despite her opponent’s efforts to come back. She sealed the victory with a 6-3 win, clinching the championship with a final score of 2-0.

For Zheng, the 2024 season has been extraordinarily fruitful. She reached the finals of the Australian Open earlier this year, finishing as the runner-up and achieving her best Grand Slam result. At the Paris Olympics, despite being considered an underdog, Zheng made history by winning the first Olympic singles gold medal for Chinese tennis.

With this hard-earned honor, Zheng continues to strive for excellence on the court. Although she didn’t take home the trophy at the recent events in Beijing and Wuhan, she consistently improved her performance in WTA 1000 tournaments.

Currently ranked seventh in the world, Zheng has qualified for the WTA Year-End Championships, becoming the second Chinese player in history to reach this prestigious event after Li Na. The WTA Finals are considered the pinnacle of the season, reserved for those who have excelled throughout the year. For Zheng, this will be her first appearance, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Recently, she celebrated her 22nd birthday, an age that implies vast potential for growth in women’s tennis. Fans and critics alike are excited to see what the future holds for Zheng.

After finishing as the runner-up in Wuhan, Zheng shared on Weibo, “There is no endpoint in the pursuit of dreams.” Securing her title in Tokyo is yet another important chapter in her career. We eagerly await her continued breakthroughs and the surprises she will bring in the future!

On October 22, the Shanghai Municipal Government announced that the main event for the World Cities Day 2024, along with the Global Conference on Urban Sustainable Development, will take place in Shanghai from October 29 to November 2.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of World Cities Day, and for the first time, the Global Sustainable City Award, also known as the Shanghai Award, will be presented abroad in Alexandria, Egypt. This initiative aims to promote the concept of “People’s City” on an international level.

Launched in 2023, the Shanghai Award, established by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Shanghai Municipal Government, is the first international award of its kind. It recognizes cities worldwide for their comprehensive solutions and significant advancements in sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and facilitating the local implementation of the New Urban Agenda globally.

The upcoming Shanghai event is co-organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Shanghai Municipal Government, and UN-Habitat. The theme is “Building a People’s City Together for a Better Life.” The event structure includes an opening ceremony, the Shanghai International Urban and Architectural Expo, seven thematic side events, and 16 public welfare activities aligned with World Cities Day themes across various districts.

This year, the event emphasizes the theme of ‘People’ even more, showcasing a broader array of results. It will include the release of the Chinese version of the “Shanghai Handbook” for 2024, the latest research results of the “Shanghai Index,” the “Shanghai Report,” which is a voluntary assessment of the implementation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda, and the fourth volume of the series exploring the construction of “People’s City” in the new era. These materials aim to provide reference experiences and examples for cities around the world.

Moreover, each of Shanghai’s 16 districts will introduce a unique community engagement initiative, featuring a variety of social welfare activities, including sports, science education, technology showcases, tours, lectures, and services. During the opening ceremony, five interactive public welfare initiatives will be launched, namely, an innovation and entrepreneurship competition for social organizations, a city walk showcasing beautiful neighborhoods, a micro-upgrading competition for youth development districts, a national university student urban governance case challenge, and a project focusing on “The Future City Through Children’s Eyes” for Shanghai’s child-friendly urban development. These efforts aim to foster broader social participation and engagement.

Bassey Inyang in Calabar

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Cross River State has urged voters to reject violence and electoral malpractice in the upcoming local government elections, set for November 2.

During a rally to launch a sensitization campaign against election rigging, thuggery, and political violence, state IPAC Chairman Effiom Edet emphasized the importance of a peaceful electoral process. Addressing attendees in Calabar, the state capital, Edet called on the electorate to avoid actions that could undermine the integrity of the elections.

He stated, “No credible leader can emerge in a democratic society through methods that contradict democracy, such as violence, rigging, vote-buying, and the manipulation of election results. Elections should not be a matter of life or death. The upcoming local government elections certainly shouldn’t have that mentality.”

Edet elaborated on the purpose of the campaign, saying, “We are taking this movement against violence and thuggery across all three senatorial districts to educate our citizens on these issues. When people engage in rigging, they deny the community the chance to elect the right leaders.”

Highlighting the importance of participation, he added, “We are encouraging residents to come out in large numbers and vote for the candidates of their choice in the local government elections. This sensitization exercise aims to reassure our people that they should not feel intimidated on election day, but rather come out and support candidates who can drive development at the grassroots level.”