Latest news with #Lianyungang
Associated Press
4 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Global Times: China Port Watch: From a small harbor to a global logistics powerhouse as Lianyungang expands global connectivity under China's Belt and Road Initiative
BEIJING, Aug. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the dock, a pure electric tugboat lies quietly at a berth. Stepping into the cabin, there is none of the roar or vibration of a traditional fuel-powered tug, only the faint hum of electric currents as the equipment runs. Crew members are checking the systems, with screens displaying real-time data on energy consumption and operational status. When mooring operations begin, a single press of a switch on the bridge sets the vessel in motion, and within minutes, the tug departs smoothly from the dock to precisely assist a large ship in berthing or unberthing. Compared with traditional fuel-powered tugboats, the electric model in Lianyungang, the largest port in Jiangsu Province, offers zero emissions and quiet, low vibration operation, greatly improving air quality and crew comfort. They can operate for 1-2 days, meeting the demands of port tug-assist operations, and can be fully recharged within 2-3 hours using high-voltage fast charging at dedicated berths. Thanks to intelligent energy management, they use only one-third of the energy consumed by traditional fuel tugs and require fewer crew members, saving the port about 2-3 million yuan annually in fuel and labor costs. This is part of China's first all-electric tugboat fleet, a three-vessel lineup that forms a key element of Lianyungang's technological and green transformation to become a modern port of global significance, playing a crucial role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). On September 13, 2022, a signed article by President Xi Jinping titled 'Build on the Past to Make Greater Strides in China-Kazakhstan Relations' was published on the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper ahead of his state visit to Kazakhstan, the Xinhua News Agency reported. The article noted that at the China-Kazakhstan International Logistics Base in the eastern Chinese port of Lianyungang, products from Kazakhstan set sail for the Pacific Ocean. The China-Europe freight trains are running through Kazakhstan via more routes, making an important contribution to the stability of global industrial and supply chains. Small port to global hub Yin Deming, captain of the electric tugboat who has worked at the port for 18 years, has taken a front seat to witness the transformation of Lianyungang from a small port to a global hub. Compared with traditional fuel-powered tugboats, the electric tugs feature higher automation and simpler operation, Yin told the Global Times as he skillfully adjusted the tug's angle with a simple control stick in the wheelhouse, smoothly guiding it toward an incoming cargo ship. 'In the past, starting the tug required multiple steps and coordination across departments, making it time-consuming and complex. Now, a single command from the bridge starts everything, eliminating the need for on-site manual operations and improving efficiency,' Yin said, adding that the time from receiving the operation notice to the tug leaving the dock has been cut from 8-10 minutes to less than 2 minutes. The electric tugboat is just one example of the changes at Lianyungang. Xue Xilei, executive deputy general manager of LYG-PSA Container Terminal Co.,Ltd, is well placed to illustrate the transformation of the port. Over the past decades, he has seen it evolve. 'About 30 years ago, the port had only about three companies and an annual throughput of 10 million tons... Today it handles more than 300 million tons of cargo per year, with a vibrant cluster of enterprises, and has become a hub of international trade.' The BRI has given Lianyungang a new launching pad. In 2017, President Xi pointed out in his speech during his state visit to Kazakhstan that the opening of the freight train of China-Kazakhstan cross-border transportation not only brings benefits to China and Kazakhstan but also provides more convenience for transportation and cooperation opportunities for the countries along the 'Belt and Road,' showcasing the organic integration of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Xinhua reported. On the large screen at the dispatch center of the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base, information on destinations, origins, and cargo of China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains between China and Kazakhstan was displayed and updated in real time. And, it provides live video footage of the Horgos Dry Port, known as the 'Eastern Gateway.' 'Now, transport capacity, train frequency, and operational efficiency have all improved a lot compared to 10 years ago,' said Kong Xiangwei, vice general manager of Lianyungang China-Kazakhstan International Logistics Co., Ltd, noting that what once took four hours to load a freight train, can now be done in only two hours, with a maximum daily throughput of seven trains. The China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base, which is part of Lianyungang's free trade zone, is only one key aspect of city's broader integration into the BRI. Since the approval in August 2019, the city's free trade zone has focused on building an Asia-Europe transport hub and promoting cooperation with BRI partner countries, Wang Yunlong, director of the Institutional Innovation Bureau of the Lianyungang Free Trade Zone, told the Global Times. Although occupying only 0.27 percent of the city's total area, the free trade zone contributes nearly one-third of the city's actual foreign investment utilization, one-fifth of its import and export trade, and one-eighth of newly established enterprises. Greater connectivity Besides its role in the BRI, Lianyungang is also strengthening cooperation with many developing countries, helping to promote their high-quality and sustainable development. Located about 13 kilometers from the port in the Lianyungang Economic Development Zone, a local factory was buzzing with activity. It is producing massive wind power blades over 100 meters long for both domestic and overseas market. The factory now operates seven such blade production lines. Some steps in the firm's operations are now automated, Qiao Xiaoliang, general manager of Zhongfu Lianzhong Wind Power Blade (Lianyungang) Co., Ltd, told the Global Times, adding that automated processes include trimming, grinding, painting, and transportation. In recent years, with the promotion of high-quality development of the BRI, the company's wind power blades have gained popularity in overseas market. Taking advantage of its close proximity to Lianyungang Port, the company's export business is expanding quickly. Its products reach countries from Bolivia in South America, to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Europe. There are currently two factories in Lianyungang producing around 240 blades per month. If production runs smoothly, the capacity could rise to 280 blades, Qiao said. Another factory also showcases the industrial muscle of this bustling trade city. At Lianyungang Feiyan Blanket Co., Ltd, which produces everything from warp- and weft-knitted blankets to delicate thin velvet throws, only a handful of workers dot the vast factory floor. 'Our level of automation is very high — from the equipment to the production lines, almost everything is developed and manufactured in-house. The current automation rate has reached 70-80 percent,' Xu Yingxi, general manager of Lianyungang Feiyan Blanket Co, told Global Times. The company's products have gained a reputation for high quality in many parts of the world, including BRI partner countries, with business presence in regions such as South Africa and several in South America. Lianyungang maintains very close ties with many BRI partner countries. Kong told the Global Times that Lianyungang's advantage lies in its dual role as both a port and a freight train hub, making it a key international logistics hub connecting Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, said Kong. Transported cargo includes used cars, auto parts, and other high value-added products. Resilient trade From Lianyungang's sea port and freight-train logistics hub to its manufacturing facilities, the city is promoting global cooperation with an open and forward-looking mindset. The efforts underscore Lianyungang's rising prominence as a promising freight trade hub. In the first half of 2025, Lianyungang's foreign trade reached 119.22 billion yuan, with exports totaling 26.27 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 17.9 percent, according to data from China's General Administration of Customs. Lianyungang has made strides in propelling foreign trade growth, while continuously expanding a network of international partners. Trade with the BRI partner countries has grown by over 20 percent annually for four consecutive years, surpassing 100 billion yuan for the first time in 2024 and setting a historic high, according to Lianyungang Municipal Government. This year, Lianyungang has witnessed many 'firsts.' In July, the Xin Xin Hai 1, a cargo ship, set sail from Lianyungang, marking the first voyage of the China-Russia Arctic 'Ice Silk Road' to Arkhangelsk. In May, the Anji Ansheng, the world's largest car carrier built by China, left Lianyungang on its maiden trip to Europe, showcasing China's automotive sector strength. 'While China is opening more and more shipping routes and our network of foreign trade partners is expanding, our port is leveraging the momentum to continue building, transforming, and upgrading,' Xue said. Although unilateralism and protectionism have brought short-term pressures to global trade, Xue expressed confidence in the resilience and strength of Chinese manufacturing and trade. He noted that exports to ASEAN and other markets have continued to grow, with trade becoming more active under the RCEP framework. For example, cold-chain imports at Lianyungang are on the rise, driven by growing demand for fruit and frozen products from Southeast Asian countries. Looking into the future, Xue noted that the port is embracing automation, which will unleash greater potentials. 'The automated terminal area has already broken ground, though full automation has yet to be achieved, and work is progressing steadily,' Xue said. Pointing to a 90,000-square-meter space now under construction, he described the tall quay cranes and blue yard cranes in view, noting that they will eventually operate without human intervention, consolidating Lianyungang's position as a major trade hub. View original content: SOURCE Global Times
Forbes
07-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Global FDI Stalls Amid Rising Policy Risks And Uncertainty
MG cars are seen before being loaded onto a ship for export at the port in Lianyungang, in China's ... More eastern Jiangsu province on December 10, 2024. Automotive manufacturing and other supply-chain intensive activities are stable despite a global FDI decline. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT (Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images) Global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows are continuing on a subdued trajectory, reflecting persistent macroeconomic headwinds and investor caution. This is the headline finding of UN Trade & Development (known as UNCTAD)'s recap of official FDI data for the previous year. Global FDI flows remained effectively stagnant in 2024, edging up just 4% to $1.5 trillion, according to the World Investment Report 2025, release June 19th. However, this modest rise was largely driven by volatile financial flows through conduit economies in Europe. Stripping out these one-off transactions, underlying FDI fell by 11% — marking a second straight year of double-digit decline as mounting policy risks, regulatory scrutiny and global economic uncertainty continue to weigh on investor confidence. The past few years for FDI flows have been volatile, as a hoped-for recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic was thwarted by a confluence of crises and pressures ranging from economic to geopolitical. In a foreword, António Guterres Secretary-General of the United Nations, warned the report delivered a 'sobering message' about the state of international investment and its implications for vulnerable economies. 'At a time when the world should be deepening cooperation and expanding opportunity, we are seeing the opposite. Barriers are rising,' he writes. 'Rising trade tensions, policy uncertainty and geopolitical divisions risk making the investment environment even worse.' The value of international project finance, crucial for infrastructure investment, continued its recent downfall, dropping by 26% following an already sharp decline the previous year. Cross-border mergers and acquisitions increased by 14% in value to $443 billion but this figure remains below the long-term average. Meanwhile, greenfield project announcements in manufacturing remained stable, in line with an uptick in cross-border activity among supply chain–intensive industries such as electronics, automotive, machinery and textiles. Over the past two years, multinational enterprises (MNEs) have been anticipating the need for strategic rebalancing of production locations, with South-East Asia, Eastern Europe and Central America the main beneficiaries, according to the report. Several countries in these regions registered an increase in investment announcements in 2024, despite the overall downward pressure on FDI. Following earlier supply shortages and current policy-driven efforts to shift production locations, the semiconductor industry has once again emerged as a key driver of investment with several major project announcements. Among the 10 largest new projects globally, four were in semiconductors — three based in the United States and one in India — representing a combined investment of $70 billion. Also highlighted in the report is an evolution in the make-up of the top 100 multinational enterprises (MNEs), as ranked by UNCTAD according by foreign assets, sales and workforce. reflecting shifts from traditional industries to service-oriented and technology-driven ones. Over the past decade, leading technology companies such as Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, Huawei, Tencent and Samsung have increased their share of the sales and assets of the world's largest MNEs. Technology companies now generate over 20% of the total revenue among the top 100 MNE. The report highlights digital economy investment as a key driver of growth and structural change. Growing at an annual rate of 10% to 12%, well above the pace of global GDP, the digital economy is contributing an increasingly significant share to global value creation. In general, however, the outlook for international investment in 2025 looks increasingly negative. 'While modest growth seemed possible at the start of the year, trade tensions have led to downward revisions of most indicators of FDI prospects,' the report states. 'While tariffs have led to some investment project announcements aimed at restructuring supply chains in manufacturing sectors, their main effect has been a dramatic increase in investor uncertainty.' Early data for the first quarter of 2025 points to record-low activity in deals and projects, according to UNCTAD. According to Nan Li Collins, senior director in the Division on Investment and Enterprise at UNCTAD, key factors that are impacting FDI flows include macroeconomic trends, technological innovation, sectoral shifts, and geopolitical and trade risks. 'The trajectory of global FDI in 2025 will be shaped by a complex interplay of economic, geopolitical and policy dynamics,' Li Collins says.
The Standard
26-06-2025
- General
- The Standard
China says it will strengthen approval of rare earths export licenses
Workers transport soil containing rare earth elements for export at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China October 31, 2010. Picture taken October 31, 2010. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ascend Commences Orderly Wind Down of HMD Production Facility in Lianyungang
All other facilities continue to operate as usual; shipments and product delivery to continue in normal course Remains on track to emerge from Chapter 11 this fall HOUSTON, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascend Performance Materials, a leading producer of high-performance and durable engineered materials for everyday essentials and new technologies, announced today its decision to initiate a wind down of operations at its hexamethylene diamine production facility in Lianyungang, China. This decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of the facility's long-term viability amid evolving market dynamics and regulatory landscapes. "Ascend has made significant strides improving the business as we continue to focus on driving operational effectiveness," said Phil McDivitt, President and CEO of Ascend Performance Materials. "In April, with the support of our lenders, we initiated a financial restructuring process to reduce our debt and position Ascend for the future. As we evaluated the market conditions and ongoing trade disputes, we determined that the LYG production facility is no longer the best way to support our customers in the region. Accordingly, we have made the decision to wind down the facility." He continued, "Decisions that impact our people are never easy. The people in our LYG plant showed excellence and dedication in everything they did, and we thank them for their contributions to Ascend, and this decision is not a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the team in LYG. We are committed to supporting our impacted team members, and we are committed to making this a smooth transition process for our customers and partners." Ascend remains steadfast in its commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance throughout the wind down process. The Company will work closely with local authorities to ensure that decommissioning activities meet all applicable environmental and safety standards. The Company expects to complete the wind down process over the next several months. The rest of the Company's Chinese operations, including the Suzhou compounding facility, will continue to operate as usual. Ascend remains focused on creating and delivering high quality performance materials for its customers worldwide, and expects to emerge from the Chapter 11 process later this year. Additional Information Additional information about Ascend's Chapter 11 process is available at Bankruptcy Court filings and other information regarding the case can be found at or by contacting Epiq, the Company's noticing and claims agent, at (888) 890-9917 (for toll-free U.S. calls) or +1 (971) 385-8728 (for tolled international calls). About Ascend Performance Materials Ascend Performance Materials makes high-performance materials for everyday essentials and new technologies. Our focus is on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. Based in Houston, Texas, and with regional offices in Shanghai, Brussels and Detroit, we are a fully integrated material solutions provider with global manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability and the success of our customers and our communities. Ascend Media: Osama KhalifaOkhali@ Rachel Chesley / Rose TempleAscendComms@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Ascend Performance Materials Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Climate Capital Goes Global As U.S. Turns Inward
An aerial view shows solar panels at the fishing-solar complementary photovoltaic power generation ... More base in Lianyungang, in eastern China's Jiangsu province on July 31, 2024. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT (Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images) There's an old adage in politics: presidents propose, but markets dispose. That has never felt more true than in today's climate investment landscape. In the wake of President Donald Trump's return to the White House, a quiet recalibration is underway. Investors—global and clear-eyed—are responding not with panic, but with poise. According to Robeco's 'Global Climate Investing Survey 2025,' a new study covering more than 300 institutional investors managing over $31 trillion in assets, the message is clear: the climate investment story is far from over. In fact, many believe it's only pausing before a stronger rebound. Yes, a shift is happening, as only 46% of investors now say climate change is central or significant to their investment policy, down from 62% last year. But the story isn't one of retreat—it's one of resilience. Across Europe and Asia-Pacific, where policy support remains robust, climate remains a top priority for over 60% of investors. Even in North America, where the dip has been most pronounced, many are choosing not to disengage, but to diversify. Shifting Strategy, Not Commitment The data shows we are not yet seeing a mass exodus from climate investing, but rather a strategic rerouting. Nearly 60% of investors say they're waiting to see how U.S. policy develops before making major moves in sectors likely to be impacted. But what's striking isn't the caution—it's the confidence. A majority—56%—believe the impact of current U.S. policies will be temporary. They're not abandoning climate goals; they're simply adapting their timelines. Similarly, 53% say that while the Trump administration may slow down their portfolio decarbonization efforts, it won't stop them. Less than a third believe it will derail their net-zero ambitions altogether. In fact, the long-term picture is anything but bleak. Nearly two-thirds of respondents expect climate change to become central or significant to their investment policies within the next two years, suggesting that today's lull is more of a policy-induced intermission than a structural shift. And even in the near term, optimism is driving action. A substantial 39% of respondents plan to increase investments in climate solutions. Top targets include electricity grid modernization (39%), renewables (34%), carbon capture and storage, sustainable real estate, and advanced battery technologies—all cited by nearly a third of respondents. The appetite is not shrinking; it's becoming smarter, more global, and more resilient. The Global Opportunity Awakens While some see the U.S. slowdown as a setback, others view it as an opening. Investors are expanding their horizons—and fast. Europe and Asia-Pacific are now emerging as prime destinations for climate capital, thanks to consistent policy signals and supportive regulatory environments. According to the survey, 58% of European and 62% of Asia-Pacific investors are more likely to look beyond the U.S. for climate-related opportunities. Even 38% of North American investors are eyeing international markets for deals in climate solutions and transition-aligned companies. This isn't just a geographic pivot. It's a sign that climate investing has truly gone global. No longer anchored solely to American leadership, the movement for climate-aligned capital is now distributed, diversified, and powered by a mosaic of policy environments. When investors look outside the U.S., they're not giving up—they're hedging against volatility and betting on stability. More than half of European and Asia-Pacific investors expect their own governments to maintain or increase net zero policies over the next five years. That's a compelling draw for global capital seeking policy clarity and long-term alignment. Resilience Is the Strategy Even in the trickier terrain of climate adaptation—where concerns about returns and investable products remain—there's growing recognition of future opportunity. Around half of investors believe climate resilience will become a major growth theme for equity markets in the next three to five years. While barriers persist, from product scarcity to uncertainty around risk-adjusted returns, the seeds of progress are being planted. As Lucian Peppelenbos, Robeco's Climate and Biodiversity Strategist, put it: 'While many investors remain committed to climate goals, the overall prioritization of climate change in investment strategies is showing signs of decline, particularly at the global level.' But even in that realism lies a thread of hope: the commitment remains. What's changing is how and where investors are pursuing those goals. In other words, we are witnessing not a retreat from climate, but a rebalancing—one shaped by political currents but ultimately steered by long-term vision. What this moment reveals is something deeper about markets: they have memory. Investors remember the rapid expansion of clean energy investment under Biden. They see how quickly capital can flow when policy aligns with innovation. And many believe that will happen again—sooner than we might think. Trump's administration may be testing the climate economy's political resilience, but it has not shaken the foundational conviction that the energy transition is inevitable—and investable. The climate investment story isn't ending. It's just flipping to a global chapter, with new characters, new settings, and the same central conflict. And that story, investors believe, still ends in net-zero. The plot may twist, but the arc bends toward decarbonization.
