NANNING, China, Sept. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Beijing Review:

Viet Nam’s aromatic Trung Nguyen coffee, Malaysia’s Musang King durian, Thailand’s fragrant jasmine rice and Laos’ refreshing beer—what do they all have in common?

The answer is they’ve all made an entrance into the vast Chinese market through the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), earning rave reviews from delighted consumers.

On September 24, the 21st CAEXPO and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit kicked off in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Like a foodie’s fantasy come true and a business bonanza wrapped into one, the expo promised not just to tantalize taste buds but also to turbocharge trade ties between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors.

In addressing the opening ceremony, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said interactions between China and ASEAN have served as the most successful and dynamic model of cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, and are a vivid example of the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Along with the flourishing ties, the expo has become an important supplement to the 10 Plus One cooperation framework between China and ASEAN, providing strong support for regional high-quality development, Luo Yongkun, Deputy Director of the Institute of Southeast Asia and Oceania Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told Beijing Review.

The expo has been standing as a testament to the enduring friendship, cooperation and shared prosperity between China and ASEAN countries over the years, Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of ASEAN, said at the opening ceremony, adding that since its inception in 2004, the event has evolved into an important platform for dialogue, cooperation and development, covering sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, technology, education and tourism.

“China considers ASEAN a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and a key region in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation,” Ding said. “ASEAN countries, on their part, see in China a trustworthy and close partner.”

The shared values of peace, cooperation and mutual respect between China and ASEAN form the foundation of their partnership, Vongsey Vissoth, Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, said, adding he believes that the two sides can achieve more fruitful results through their cooperation in trade and economy, with the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area bringing new opportunities.

China has been ASEAN’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China’s top trading partner since 2020. The cumulative two-way investment has exceeded $400 billion, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce.

The CAEXPO has made important contributions to the economic integration between ASEAN and China, facilitating investment flows and cross-border economic opportunities, laying the foundation for building a more connected, resilient and dynamic region, Kao said.

In 2010, the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area was officially launched, opening a channel for ASEAN enterprises to gain more efficient and convenient access to the Chinese market.

China’s Vice Minister of Commerce Li Fei said mutually beneficial cooperation between China and ASEAN countries has reached new levels.

Bilateral economic and trade cooperation has continued to upgrade over the years, with positive progress achieved in negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, he added.

As early as 2015, China and ASEAN initiated the construction of the China-ASEAN Information Harbor to cultivate new drivers of economic development. Today, nearly 20 projects across nine ASEAN countries in fields such as digital government, digital industries and new communications have been conducted under the framework, Luo said.

“We need to leverage the harbor to promote digital connectivity and information sharing, and work for a digital Silk Road,” Ding said in his speech.

At this year’s CAEXPO, a new section was conducted to highlight strategic emerging industries, showcasing the latest progresses and technologies in fields such as digital technology, new energy and intelligent connected vehicles.

Leading Chinese green technology companies are also working closely with ASEAN enterprises and investing in new facilities to produce innovative and locally adapted products, contributing to ASEAN’s green transition.

The ongoing efforts to advance the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 will lead to a broader opening up in investment and services trade, Lei Xiaohua, a researcher with the Southeast Asia Research Institute at the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences, said, adding that the CAEXPO will be endowed with a new mission in future regional industrial and supply chain cooperation.

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SOURCE Beijing Review

BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) has launched the brand-new National Solar Tour App, now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This cutting-edge app is designed to enhance the experience for attendees of the National Solar Tour, providing a streamlined way to explore and engage with solar and other clean energy installations and sustainable technologies across the country.

The National Solar Tour is the largest grassroots solar event in the United States, connecting thousands of people to learn about solar energy and sustainable solutions from those who live and work with it every day. The showcase weekend traditionally takes place the first weekend in October but is held virtually throughout the year. The new app will make attending the tour even more accessible and interactive for clean energy enthusiasts wanting to learn more about solar energy.

Key Features of the National Solar Tour App:

Interactive Map: Easily browse the ASES National Solar Tour map to find examples of the many types of solar energy and other energy-saving technology near you.RSVP to In-Person Tours: Conveniently RSVP to in-person events and plan your tour stops.Seamless Navigation: Effortlessly navigate to tour sites using your favorite maps app.

“This app opens new doors for clean energy supporters to connect with solar innovations firsthand,” says Carly Rixham, Executive Director of the American Solar Energy Society. “It’s designed to create an engaging experience for tour attendees and make the discovery of local solar projects even more accessible and exciting.”

The app is only intended for National Solar Tour attendees. Tour hosts should continue managing their site and event listings through the existing web portal at map.nationalsolartour.org.

Whether you’re a homeowner curious about installing solar panels or a business interested in adopting clean energy solutions, the National Solar Tour App will guide you to events and installations that inspire sustainable action.

Download the App Today:

Apple App Store: Download for iOSGoogle Play Store: Download for Android

For more information, visit nationalsolartour.org and follow us on social media for updates. The main showcase weekend is October 4-6, but tours take place all throughout the year and can be found on the National Solar Tour Map.

About American Solar Energy Society
The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is a leading nonprofit advocating for sustainable living and 100% renewable energy. Since 1954, ASES has worked to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy economy through education, policy advocacy, and community events, including the annual National Solar Tour, annual National Solar Conference, and Solar Today Magazine.

Contact Information
For media inquiries, please contact:
solartour@ases.org
303-443-3130
Website: https://www.ases.org

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SOURCE American Solar Energy Society

TAIPEI, Sept. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Wall Street Journal reported that Qualcomm has approached Intel for a potential takeover, a story later verified by CNBC. While the news initially sparked a 3% rally in Intel’s share price, significant doubts remain about the feasibility of such a deal.

According to the news report from the technology-focused media DIGITIMES Asia, a takeover could offer strategic value for Qualcomm, but the complexities of acquiring a company of Intel’s size and stature raise numerous questions. Here are the key challenges Qualcomm would need to overcome to make the deal successful:

Regulatory approval

One of the most significant obstacles is likely to be regulatory scrutiny. Given Intel’s size and market position in the semiconductor industry, antitrust authorities in multiple jurisdictions would carefully evaluate any acquisition. Concerns about market monopolization could lead to regulatory pushback or even prevent the merger altogether.

The semiconductor industry is heavily regulated, and any significant changes to the structure or operations of Intel’s foundry could attract scrutiny from antitrust authorities. Qualcomm would need to ensure that any divestitures or restructuring do not violate competition laws, particularly given Intel’s prominent position in the market.

Some argue that Qualcomm’s takeover bid could survive the competition law review because Intel is facing financial difficulties, and the two companies do not compete in the same market spaces, except for PC CPUs. However, the deal would still need to go through reviews in other countries, including China, whose passive disapproval led to the failure of Intel’s acquisition of Tower Semiconductor.

Intel’s internal resistance

Intel’s management may resist a takeover, particularly if they believe the company can turn its fortunes around independently. Qualcomm’s bid could face significant challenges if Intel’s leadership does not support the acquisition or sees it as strategically disadvantageous.

Market reaction, stakeholder support, and existing industry relationships

The success of a bid often relies on the reactions of shareholders and market stakeholders. If Intel’s shareholders see more value in maintaining independence or if there is skepticism about the strategic fit of Qualcomm acquiring Intel, this could lead to difficulties in securing the necessary support for the acquisition.

Qualcomm may need to navigate Intel’s existing relationships with its customers, partners, and suppliers, especially if those entities are concerned about the implications of a takeover.

For example, Intel’s foundry business may have existing contracts with third-party clients, including the recently announced AWS deal. If Qualcomm decides to scale back or eliminate this segment, it could lead to legal disputes or loss of revenue from already established contracts, impacting Qualcomm’s cash flow.

Financial viability

Qualcomm would need to ensure that it has the financial resources to make a competitive bid for Intel while also addressing any existing debts or liabilities Intel carries. According to Qualcomm’s financial report for the third quarter of its fiscal 2024, the three months to June 23, the company had only US$7.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents at its disposal and just over US$23 billion in total assets.

With Intel’s market value around US$93 billion, a stock-for-stock transaction is most likely for the takeover. However, Qualcomm would have to convince investors and financial institutions of the potential profitability of the acquisition, considering Intel’s financial struggles with its foundry business.

Strategic and operational alignment

The takeover offers Qualcomm numerous benefits, including a vast portfolio of intellectual properties (IPs), a significant market share in the PC chip market, and an accelerated entry into edge AI computing, a promising area for future growth.

However, merging two large organizations with distinct cultures and operational methods always presents significant challenges. Qualcomm would need to develop a comprehensive integration plan to address potential disruptions and ensure a smooth transition.

While Qualcomm’s bid to acquire Intel could theoretically provide a significant advantage in the competitive semiconductor landscape, several formidable challenges stand in the way. The success of the takeover would depend on a favorable regulatory environment, the response of Intel’s management and shareholders, solid financial backing, and a well-defined strategy that highlights the expected benefits of the consolidation.

Given the complexities involved, predicting whether Qualcomm’s bid would succeed is challenging, and it could ultimately require careful negotiation, strategic planning, and a willingness to adapt to the responses of various stakeholders.

Original link: https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20240922VL200.html

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SOURCE DIGITIMES ASIA