Latest news with #digitaltrade
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong urged to speed up digital shift to protect global trade status
Industry leaders have called for an urgent overhaul of Hong Kong's trade ecosystem, stressing that the city must accelerate its shift from paper-based processes to digital solutions to defend its status as a global hub against rapidly advancing rivals. Advertisement The call to action came on Monday at an event co-hosted by the Trade Development Council and attended by more than 200 small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) attended. Speakers at the 'Digital Trade Masterclass' warned that the city could not afford to be complacent, as other regions, including mainland China and developing countries such as Thailand, were making rapid progress in digitalising their trading systems. The consensus was that embracing digitalisation was no longer a choice but a necessity, especially as local traders navigated the crosswinds of the US-China rivalry. The government is preparing to submit a legislative proposal next year to legally recognise electronic trade documents. The move is based on the UN's Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records, a framework designed for the digital age. There was strong interest in the 'Digital Trade Masterclass'. Photo: Handout Council chairman Frederick Ma Si-hang, recalling his early career in banking, underscored the need for change.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Patron Points Announces Your Direct Path to 2026 AGDC DTP at Tier 4 — Ready Now
WOODBURY, Minn., July 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Patron Points Inc. an industry-leading full stack loyalty and scan data solutions provider dedicated to the convenience industry, announced today its commitment to supporting Retailers to enable the 2026 Altria Group Distribution Company (AGDC) Digital Trade Program (DTP). Patron Points is proud to support retailer enablement at all Tiers of the program right now! Our commitment to creating a strong user experience and engagement plan has resulted in no need for additional development to support the program changes. The 2026 AGDC DTP is a vital initiative for retailers. These changes introduce new opportunities for retailers to maximize their profitability and enhance their customer engagement strategies and retail digital channels. "We are incredibly excited about the advancements AGDC is bringing to their 2026 Trade Program," said Margaret Lind, Senior Business Director at Patron Points. "These changes represent a forward-thinking approach to supporting retailers in a dynamic market. Our team has already started contacting our retail partners to inform them that Patron Points is ready to unlock the full potential of this program. There will be no waiting if you are a retail partner of Patron Points." For retailers, reaching Tier 4 in the 2026 AGDC Digital Trade Program means maximizing every available benefit and connecting with your ATC21+ Customers in new ways. It's a strategic advantage, signaling a commitment to excellence that can lead to greater customer engagement and increased sales volume. With Patron Points' proven expertise and cutting-edge technology, securing this highly profitable status is within reach for retailers of any size. "Many retailers face challenges gaining the full benefits available of AGDC DTP, particularly at the higher tiers," Lind added. "Our unique capabilities, developed through years of experience and a deep understanding of the industry, position us as a leading partner for any retailer aspiring to reach Tier 4. We simplify data reporting, ensure compliance, and help retailers leverage every available opportunity." Retailers who sign up with Patron Points today can be live and fully qualified for AGDC's DTP at Tier 4 when it officially launches in December 2025. This proactive approach ensures a seamless transition and immediate access to the enhanced benefits from day one. Don't miss this opportunity to maximize your earnings and stay ahead in the evolving retail landscape. Call us today! About Patron Points: Patron Points Inc. has been delivering industry-leading loyalty and scan data solutions to the petroleum industry for over 20 years. With a focus on innovation and customer success, Patron Points helps retailers streamline operations, increase profitability, and enhance the customer experience. View source version on Contacts Heather Webb, Director Operations, HeatherW@ 651.714.0113, Erreur lors de la récupération des données Connectez-vous pour accéder à votre portefeuille Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Social media powers rapid increase in e-commerce in Oman
Muscat – The e-commerce sector has recorded exponential growth with over 10,500 businesses licensed to operate online as of mid-July 2025. According to Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the number of e-commerce licences has grown at a compound annual rate of 191% between 2020 and 2025 fuelled largely by increased activity on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp. This rapid expansion is attributed to an increasing preference for digital interaction, especially among small and medium enterprises that now rely on social media to market and sell products. The trend aligns with global shifts in consumer behaviour and is further supported by Oman's first e-commerce regulatory framework which was introduced in September 2023. Hanan bint Hamid al Jabriya, Head of E-Commerce Section in the ministry, said the regulations under Ministerial Decision No 499/2023 provide the legal basis for online businesses to operate. These include websites and social media accounts, with most popular being those dealing in perfumes, cosmetics and ready-made garments. Speaking of challenges, he added, 'Some customers hesitate to pay in advance due to scams they've seen online. Others cancel after placing orders, which creates logistical and financial setbacks.' Despite these hurdles, Oman's e-commerce environment is gaining traction. The National E-Commerce Plan (2022–2027) aims to transform the country into a regional hub by building an advanced digital trade ecosystem. The ministry continues to tighten monitoring of online transactions and promote safer practices across social platforms. As Oman's online business community expands, the government is working to ensure regulatory and technical infrastructure keep pace, supporting both sellers and consumers in a fast-evolving marketplace. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Windward and SGTraDex Sign Strategic Partnership to Advance Digital Trade Finance Solutions
The Maritime AI leader and Singapore's digital trade infrastructure will collaborate to enhance industry tools and promote digital adoption across the trade finance sector LONDON and SINGAPORE, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Windward, the leading Maritime AI™ company today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore Trade Data Exchange Services Pte. Ltd. ("SGTraDex"), Singapore's digital infrastructure for trade data exchange. The strategic partnership aims to advance digital transformation in supply chain financing by co-developing tools and initiatives that strengthen due diligence, enhance compliance, and enable more informed financing decisions across the trade ecosystem. Under the terms of the MoU, both organizations shall endeavor to jointly develop industry solutions for the purpose of accelerating adoption of digital solutions in trade finance. The collaboration will leverage Windward's advanced Maritime AI™ capabilities and SGTraDex's role as a trusted digital utility connecting supply chain ecosystem partners. Together, the organizations will work to address evolving challenges in trade finance by promoting greater interoperability, transparency, efficiency, and digital connectivity across maritime trade operations. "This partnership with SGTraDex represents a significant step forward in our mission to transform global trade through advanced AI and digital connectivity," said Ami Daniel, CEO and Co-Founder of Windward. "Singapore is a strong leader in both the trade finance industry and global shipping, and SGTraDex is a key digital infrastructure leader in the region, making it the ideal partner for advancing maritime AI solutions. We are proud to collaborate with them to foster innovation that strengthens the integrity and resilience of international maritime trade." "Our collaboration with Windward aligns with SGTraDex's mission to facilitate trusted, secure and inclusive data sharing across supply chain ecosystems," said Tan Chin Hwee, Chairman of SGTraDex. "Windward's cutting-edge Maritime AI capabilities complement our digital infrastructure, creating new opportunities to enhance trade and supply chain efficiency, as well as transparency. Together, we will promote the adoption of digital solutions that streamline information flows and build greater connectivity for the supply and trade ecosystem." About Windward Windward is the leading Maritime AI™ company, providing an all-in-one platform to accelerate global trade. Windward's AI-powered decision support and exception management platform, enhanced with Generative AI, offers a 360° view of the maritime ecosystem and enables stakeholders to make real time, predictive intelligence-driven decisions to achieve business and operational readiness. By integrating advanced AI and Generative AI capabilities, Windward delivers deeper insights, automated risk analysis, and enhanced maritime intelligence and context. Windward's Maritime AI™ supports companies across industries. The company's clients range from energy supermajors, shipowners, mining companies, freight forwarders, and port authorities, to banks, insurers, and governmental organizations. For more information visit: About SGTraDex Launched on 1 June 2022, the Singapore Trade Data Exchange ("SGTraDex") is a digital utility that facilitates the sharing of data between supply chain ecosystem partners, streamlining information flows through a common data highway where data can be shared in a trusted, secure and inclusive manner. SGTraDex is a public-private partnership founded by IMDA, PSA, Trafigura, DBS, Jurong Port, OCBC, ONE, Advario, PIL, Standard Chartered and UOB. Their proprietary technology aims to resolve pain points in supply chain ecosystems including a heavy reliance on a paper-based system which lacks efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. The move to digitalise information will increase productivity and build supply chain resilience. New efficiencies and opportunities will be unlocked when ecosystem partners can collaborate to achieve a shared visibility of the end-to-end supply chain. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Singapore Trade Data Exchange Services Pte. Ltd.
CNN
16-07-2025
- Business
- CNN
US launches probe into Brazil's trade practices
The United States has launched an investigation into 'unfair' trading practices by Brazil, escalating President Donald Trump's spat with the world's 10th-largest economy over issues including the criminal case against its former President Jair Bolsonaro. The investigation will focus on digital trade and electronic payment services, preferential tariffs, and anti-corruption interference, as well as intellectual property protection, to determine whether there are 'unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict' American commerce, according to a statement by the United States Trade Representative (USTR). It will also look into ethanol market access and illegal deforestation. 'At President Trump's direction, I am launching a Section 301 investigation into Brazil's attacks on American social media companies as well as other unfair trading practices that harm American companies, workers, farmers, and technology innovators,' Trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer said. 'I have determined that Brazil's tariff and non-tariff barriers merit a thorough investigation, and potentially, responsive action.' Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 is designed to address unfair foreign practices affecting US commerce, and could be used to respond to unreasonable, or discriminatory foreign government practices, according to the USTR statement. This comes after Trump sent Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva a tariff letter last week, accusing him of undertaking a 'witch hunt' over charges against Bolsonaro. The right-wing former president, who has boasted of his close ties with Trump, is currently on trial for allegedly attempting a coup to overturn Lula's 2022 election victory. In its investigation announcement, the USTR expressed concerns that Brazilian authorities could undermine the competitiveness of American digital companies by retaliating against them for failing to censor political speech or restricting their ability to operate in the country. It also accused Brazil of disadvantaging American exports by offering lower tariffs to 'certain globally competitive trade partners,' failing to protect American intellectual property rights, and backtracking from its earlier willingness to grant virtually duty-free access for US ethanol and imposing instead a 'substantially higher tariff.' Most countries targeted by Trump's tariffs are those with which the US runs a trade deficit – meaning the US imports more goods from the nation than it exports to it. But the US ran a $6.8 billion trade surplus with Brazil last year, and it has not had a trade deficit with the country for 18 years. On top of country-specific tariffs, Brazil has also been targeted by Trump's threat of a 10% levy on imports from the BRICS economic group of 10 emerging-market nations, of which Brazil is a founding member along with Russia, India and China. The US president said last week that he plans to impose the tariff to protect the US dollar from potential threats to its dominance, without providing more details on when he would do so. Trump's letter to Brazil last week – threatening a crippling 50% tariff – stood out for the use of the trade levy to influence the country's domestic policies, unlike the letters to 21 other countries issued last week based on US trade deficits. He justified the tariff by citing Brazil's 'attacks on free elections' and Americans' free speech, accusing Brazilian courts of issuing 'unlawful' censorship orders to American social media companies and threatening them with hefty fines. Immediately after Trump issued the letter last week, Lula vowed to reciprocate should Trump follow through on the threat to impose the staggering tariff. On Friday, Lula said Brazil ought to be the side imposing tariffs, given the US trade surplus. 'The United States does not have a trade deficit with Brazil. It's Brazil that has a deficit with the US,' he told a crowd of supporters. 'I should be one taxing them.' The Brazilian president said he plans to 'fight' US tariffs in any way he can, including by filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization, and discussing them with other members of the BRICS bloc, of which Brazil is currently chair. CNN's Elizabeth Buchwald, Max Saltman, Heriberto Freitas and Luciana Lopez contributed reporting.
