Technology

The Chinese market remains an attractive investment hub. Why?

Published

11 months ago

December 22, 2023

BEIJING, Dec. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China.org.cn on why China remains an attractive investment hub:

Siemens, a German multinational technology conglomerate, added another 1.1 billion RMB to its total investment in fixed assets to build an industrial automation production base in China; AstraZeneca, a biopharmaceutical giant, announced its decision to augment investment and production in China; the CEO of Starbucks told the press that the coffee chain will continue its vision of opening 9,000 branches in China by 2025… This year, many foreign investors made firm decisions to invest in China, a testament to their confidence in the Chinese market.

Their confidence in China stems from their positive visions for the nation’s economic outlook, as well as the sound measures China has taken to address concerns around foreign-invested companies.

The year 2023 is one of economic recovery following three years of COVID-19 prevention and control, and China’s economic growth is expected to reach 5.2% by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the country has opened its door wider to the outside world: Grand exhibitions including the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the Canton Fair and the China International Fair for Trade in Services all yielded fruitful results. Among them, the value of intended deals at the 6th CIIE saw a 6.7% year-on-year increase, meanwhile, the number of participating Fortune Global 500 companies and industry powerhouses broke a new record.

Problems encountered by foreign investors and business owners in China are also being addressed. Here are some examples.

In the past, equity investment from foreign investors was not allowed in China. But a few months ago, new policies were issued in China, stating that qualified foreign investors are encouraged to set up investment companies and regional headquarters, and enterprises funded and established by relevant investment companies can enjoy favorable treatment in accordance with relevant regulations.

Cross-border data flow is also an issue garnering broad attention. China also drafted a document and solicited public opinion. Once officially approved and practiced, some of the cross-border data flow processes could be streamlined.

Government procurement is an important channel for foreign-invested companies to share market opportunities in a host country. China has many times broken unreasonable restrictions on government procurement suppliers, to guarantee fair play for domestic and foreign-invested companies alike. The Foreign Investment Law, enacted in 2020, also ensured an equal playing field before the law.

What’s more, to further facilitate exchanges between the people of China and other countries, China has reduced the paperwork required for applying for a Chinese Visa, streamlining the entire process. Recently, China decided to implement a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia on a trial basis. Coming to China for business, education and traveling is becoming increasingly convenient.

These concrete efforts are in line with the requirements from the recently concluded central economic work conference. In the coming year, the world can expect more efforts of its kind from China.

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SOURCE China.org.cn

Technology

CGI convenes telecom leaders to redefine industry transformation

Published

57 minutes ago

November 25, 2024

Roundtable explores the potential of Telecommunications in the hyper agile world and Global Capability Centers changing the landscape

BANGALORE, India, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB), one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, recently hosted Telco Next, the first of its kind industry roundtable, where CGI leaders were joined by industry and technology experts to explore the future of telecommunications and media for enterprises as well as Global Capability Centers (GCCs).

Telco Next highlighted the significant need for a shift in the telecommunications industry and seeding a more collaborative approach between telcos, System Integrators (SIs), hyperscalers, and technology providers. The discussion spotlighted how system integrators turbocharge time-to-market by harnessing their deep expertise in verticals, technology domains, and innovation. It also underscored the transformative shift from transactional supplier dynamics to strategic partnerships that prioritize tangible, outcome-driven success.

Rakesh Aerath, President, CGI Asia Pacific Global Delivery Center of Excellence, speaking at the event said, “At CGI, we recognize the importance of driving value for our partners, vendors, clients, and GCCs by fostering collaboration, innovation, and thought leadership. Hosting Telco Next is a strategic step in bringing together industry leaders and creating an ecosystem that will enable telcos to overcome challenges and geographical boundaries and embrace innovation.”

The event also fostered conversations around communication trends, emerging growth opportunities, digital platforms for new services, and offered insights on addressing industry challenge of transforming from telcos to tech organizations. It featured an insightful keynote, engaging panel discussions from industry veterans, and roundtable sessions focused on digital transformation, the role of GCCs as innovation hubs, and strategies for building value within GCCs. As GCCs expand, CGI leverages its experience in supporting existing GCCs in India to help clients establish new centers and establish partnerships with emerging GCCs

Arun Karna, Managing Director & CEO of AT&T Global Network Services India remarked, “It’s very invigorating and energizing to be at the CGI Telco Next event. It’s a great chance to meet up with peers and leaders and hear their perspectives. And, I would say there is a lot of talk about partnerships and ecosystems, which is so heartening to hear.”

About CGI

Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 90,250 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2024 reported revenue is $14.68 billion CA and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.

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Technology

AU Small Finance Bank’s New AU SPONT Credit Card: 5 Reasons It is Perfect for Daily Transactions

Published

57 minutes ago

November 25, 2024

AHMEDABAD, India, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —

5 Key Features and Benefits

The AU SPONT Credit Card is a RuPay credit card offering extensive rewards and convenience to meet all of one’s spending needs. Enjoy endless cashbacks, coin rewards on purchases, lounge access, card protection, contactless payments, and flexible EMI options. Additional cards are available for family members. Every transaction becomes rewarding with the freedom to spend and save. The card transforms everyday purchases into significant savings and benefits.

With cashbacks, rewards points, lounge access, payment protection, digital payments, loan options, and extra cards, the AU SPONT Credit Card makes spending more convenient and rewarding for the entire family.

5 Reasons It’s Perfect for everyday transactions:

Earn Coins on UPIWelcome Bonus: Get 500 coins for making the first UPI transaction via the AU 0101 appEarning: Get 5 coins on every UPI transaction done through AU 0101 appValidity: Coins earned never expireRedemption: Redeem coins for rewards in the AU Rewardz catalogue1% Cashback on TransactionsRate: 1% cashback on all spends, including UPI, online, POS, contactlessCash Back: Up to Rs.500 cashback per monthExclusions: Fuel, EMI, rent, government fees, education, insurance, cash withdrawalsComplimentary Lounge AccessAirports: 2 free visits per quarter to Domestic Airport lounges on Rs.30,000 quarterly spendsRailways: 2 free lounge visits per quarter for primary & add-on cardholdersOther Key BenefitsFuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver up to Rs.100 per month on fuel spends between Rs.400-5,000Fraud Protection: Zero liability against fraudulent transactions, loss of card, phishing, counterfeit & skimming if reported

What Sets AU SPONT Credit Cards Apart?

The AU SPONT Credit Card stands tall for its immense value across all aspects of payment and usage. With generous, unrestricted cashbacks, an exclusive coin-based rewards system, complimentary domestic and railway lounge visits, fuel surcharge waivers, comprehensive fraud protection, and convenient digital payment options, the card redefines the entire payment experience. Users can enjoy superior savings, privileges, seamless transactions, complete security and assistance whenever required. For spending that transcends into memorable rewards at every swipe or tap, the AU SPONT Credit Card remains unmatched in what it delivers, positioning it as a frontrunner.

About AU Small Finance Bank

AU Small Finance Bank, one of India’s leading small finance banks, is committed to transforming banking by focusing on customer-centric services and a deep understanding of the Indian market. More details on AU Small Finance Bank and its financial products like credit cards can be found online.

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Technology

Veeva Announces AI in Vault CRM

Published

3 hours ago

November 25, 2024

CRM Bot and Voice Control deliver GenAI-powered assistance in Vault CRM

SINGAPORE, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Veeva Systems (NYSE: VEEV) today announced Vault CRM Bot and Vault CRM Voice Control, two new GenAI capabilities in Vault CRM. Unveiled at Veeva Commercial Summit Europe, CRM Bot and Voice Control join a host of new innovations coming to Vault CRM next year. With these new capabilities, companies can deploy AI that will have immediate value by boosting field productivity.

CRM Bot embeds the large language model (LLM) of your choice into Vault CRM to enable a wide range of context-driven tasks including pre-call planning, suggested actions, recommended content, and context-specific learning. Planned for availability in late 2025, CRM Bot is included in Vault CRM for no additional charge and requires the Vault Direct Data API.

AI-powered Voice Control brings the human voice as a user interface into Vault CRM by leveraging Apple Intelligence for hands-free operation of CRM via spoken commands. Planned for availability in late 2025, Voice Control is included in Vault CRM for no additional charge and requires Apple Intelligence and compatible devices.

Delivering AI within its products – like CRM Bot and Voice Control – is part of Veeva’s overall strategy to help enable AI for the life sciences industry. Veeva also provides the Vault Direct Data API for high-speed access to data needed for AI and the Veeva AI Partner Program that enables customers and partners to more easily build AI applications that integrate seamlessly with Vault applications.

“Vault CRM Bot and Vault CRM Voice Control bring the latest advances in generative AI into Vault CRM for more effective, productive reps,” said Arno Sosna, general manager of CRM products at Veeva. “Our product focus is to leverage AI for clear use cases with high impact and ensure smoother more effective deployments of advanced technologies.”

Veeva customers and life sciences industry professionals can learn about these innovations and more in the Vault CRM Product Roadmap session replay in Veeva Connect starting November 25.

About Veeva Systems
Veeva is the global leader in cloud software for the life sciences industry. Committed to innovation, product excellence, and customer success, Veeva serves more than 1,000 customers, ranging from the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies to emerging biotechs. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Veeva is committed to balancing the interests of all stakeholders, including customers, employees, shareholders, and the industries it serves. For more information, visit veeva.com.

Veeva Forward-looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding Veeva’s products and services and the expected results or benefits from use of our products and services. These statements are based on our current expectations. Actual results could differ materially from those provided in this release and we have no obligation to update such statements. There are numerous risks that have the potential to negatively impact our results, including the risks and uncertainties disclosed in our filing on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 31, 2024, which you can find here (a summary of risks which may impact our business can be found on pages 36 and 37), and in our subsequent SEC filings, which you can access at sec.gov.

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SOURCE Veeva Systems