Technology

Unlocking the “great” economic vitality in “small” counties

Published

1 day ago

December 26, 2024

BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A news report by China.org.cn on China’s county economy:

The Christmas and New Year shopping carnival has arrived again. While, in eastern China’s Yiwu, the hustle and bustle already began months ago. As the largest hub for the world’s Christmas decorations, Yiwu provides more than 20,000 types of Christmas items for over 100 countries and regions every year. Since mid-summer, international merchants have been flocking there, crowding the shops in Yiwu.

Yiwu, as a small county-level city, has shaped its own unique development path based on its own strengths and with the help of policy support. Now, it is home to multiple specialized market clusters with modern logistics campuses. Last year, the city’s GDP exceeded 200 billion yuan (about 28 billion USD) for the first time.

Yiwu is a microcosm of the many Chinese county-level administrative divisions in the “100-billion-yuan-GDP club.”

Back in 2013, only nine counties and county-level cities had such a GDP scoresheet. Ten years later, the number has reached 59 according to the latest statistics. Represented by Yiwu and its like, the rapid progress in the county economy has denoted the vitality of China’s whole economy.

We can start with numbers to back the conclusion up. China now has 2,844 county-level administrative divisions, with their economic output accounting for about 40% of the country’s total GDP. While, the 59 counties in the “100-bln-yuan-GDP club” alone have contributed 7.6% of the country’s GDP, and more than 10% of the country’s output value of industrial enterprises above the designated size.

Moreover, the counties and county-level cities are witnessing industrial transition and upgrading. In an automobile production workshop in Feixi County, Anhui Province, the production line churns out a new energy vehicle every 58 seconds; the county is now the hub for over 100 companies along the industrial chain of new energy vehicles. In Shouguang County, which is known as the “vegetable capital” of China, a smart campus measuring more than 23,000 mu (about 3,788 acres) has been built in collaboration with over 40 scientific research institutions. In accelerating industrial innovation and cultivating new industries, the county economy has exemplified new potential for growth.

What’s more notable is how consumption in counties and county-level cities is bolstering domestic demand. In recent years, an array of tea beverage, dining, and fashion brands have mushroomed in the counties. In 2023, one-third of newly opened cinemas are in counties and county-level cities; coffee consumption is growing even faster than in first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou; more than 60% of the 100-bln-yuan-GDP counties enjoy a consumption capacity higher than the national average. Besides, more and more young Chinese are traveling to counties. For example, Anji County in Zhejiang Province has branded its ecological tourism, attracting numerous tourists with its “Sea of Bamboo in China” and Hello Kitty Park; Liuyang in Hunan Province has built its own tourism brand by hosting the China Liuyang International Fireworks Festival. One can say, the county economy is turning into a significant growth driver for domestic demand.

In China, “county” is a different concept than that in western countries. Chinese county-level administrative divisions cover primarily and mainly the rural areas. Therefore, what we see as a positive momentum in the county economy, is to a great degree the fruits of China’s rural revitalization. Some also believe that it’s living proof of China’s ever-growing solid economic foundation.

The recently convened Central Economic Work Conference proposed to vigorously boost county economies, and placed “expand domestic demand on all fronts” at the top of its agenda. Amid complexities, by growing local specialty industries, strengthening talent pool building, and improving local business environment, even the seemingly smallest counties will unleash gigantic vitality.

China Mosaic
http://chinamosaic.china.com.cn/index.htm
Unlocking the “great” economic vitality in “small” counties
http://www.china.org.cn/video/2024-12/26/content_117630805.htm

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SOURCE China.org.cn

Technology

Strictly Money Launches Crowdcube Campaign, Inviting European Investors to Fuel its Growth Journey

Published

52 minutes ago

December 27, 2024

LONDON, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Strictly Money Ltd, the London-based fintech, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube to invite European investors to fuel its next phase of growth. Crowdcube, Europe’s largest private market investment platform, has powered success stories like Revolut, Qonto, and Monzo. Regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Crowdcube provides a trusted and innovative platform for investors to participate in transformative ventures.

Strictly Money’s primary objective with this campaign is to accelerate its growth, fuel product development, and expand its shareholder base. The funding will enable Strictly Money to launch its payment card and banking app in early 2025 and to strengthen its market presence in Scandinavia, the UK, and Ireland. The company plans to introduce hedge fund returns products, broadening investment options for consumers by the end of 2025.

Discover how you can be part of Strictly Money’s growth journey by visiting our Crowdcube campaign at https://crowdcube.getstrictlymoney.com.

Will Povey, CEO and Co-Founder of Strictly Money, said: “At Strictly Money, our vision is to empower everyday investors with access to wealth-building tools and opportunities that were previously reserved for high-net-worth individuals. With this crowdfunding campaign, we aim to bring together a diverse community of investors who share our passion for financial innovation and inclusivity. This funding will not only help us launch our innovative debit card and app but also drive the development of new products that deliver real value to our users.”

About Strictly Money:

Strictly Money is a UK-based financial technology company set to launch a debit card and a cutting-edge banking app in early 2025. The company aims to democratize access to high-performing hedge fund returns, providing innovative investment strategies and financial solutions tailored to investors, savers, and entrepreneurs. Strictly Money’s mission is to open up premium investment opportunities traditionally limited to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). For more information, visit https://strictly-money.com.

For media inquiries contact:
Mary Prendergast
Email: ir@getstrictlymoney.com

Important Notice:

Investing in startups and early-stage businesses involves risks, including illiquidity, lack of dividends, loss of investment and dilution. It should be done only as part of a diversified portfolio. Crowdcube is targeted exclusively at investors who are sufficiently sophisticated to understand these risks and make their own investment decisions. Please read the full Risk Warning on Crowdcube’s website before deciding to invest.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2588210/Strictly_Money_Logo.jpg

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Technology

HackIndia 2025 Expands to Reach 25,000 Students Across 150 Universities, Breaking Barriers to Web3 and AI Opportunities

Published

52 minutes ago

December 27, 2024

NEW DELHI, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — HackIndia, the nation’s largest Web3 and AI hackathon series, is set to make a groundbreaking return in 2025. Building on the extraordinary success of HackIndia 2024, which engaged 9,000 students across 50 universities, HackIndia 2025 will grow its reach to 25,000 students across 150 universities, further solidifying its position as a transformative platform for India’s budding tech talent.

Organized by CSharpCorner, HackIndia’s mission is clear: to connect Indian students and universities with emerging Web3 and AI technologies by providing education, resources, and opportunities while eliminating barriers to entry. The initiative is not just a hackathon—it is a movement to empower India’s youth by fostering innovation, skill development, and career growth.

Empowering Students Through Innovation
HackIndia 2025 introduces an exciting new feature that will fuel real-world innovation. For the first time, teams will gain access to accelerated grants and industry mentors to develop their Web3 and AI projects beyond the hackathon stage. This initiative will enable young developers to transform their ideas into tangible solutions, pushing the boundaries of Web3 innovation in India.

Furthermore, HackIndia 2025 is addressing a crucial need for students by providing career pathways. The ten events will feature opportunities for participants to network with leading employers, explore career options, and even interview for roles within the Web3 and AI sectors. This addition reflects HackIndia’s broader commitment to not only educating students but also helping them secure meaningful employment.

A Legacy of Impact
HackIndia was created as part of CSharpCorner’s dedication to helping Indian students learn, earn, and grow. As a global community of 3 million developers and tech enthusiasts, CSharpCorner has consistently championed opportunities for Indian students, helping them access cutting-edge technology and mentorship. By expanding HackIndia year after year, the initiative has become a launchpad for India’s next generation of innovators, empowering them to succeed in the global tech economy.

“HackIndia is not just a series of events. It’s a movement,” said Stephen Simon, Director CSharp HackIndia. “By scaling HackIndia to new heights in 2025, we’re investing in India’s greatest asset—its youth—and paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future powered by Web3 and AI.”

HackIndia 2025 promises to be more than just a hackathon—it will be a stepping-stone for students to unleash their potential, build meaningful solutions, and shape the global future of technology.

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SOURCE CSharp Inc

Technology

PEAK6 to Relocate Global Headquarters to Austin, Texas

Published

2 hours ago

December 27, 2024

CHICAGO, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — PEAK6 Investments LLC (“PEAK6”) today announced that, effective January 1, 2025, it will move its global headquarters from its current location in Chicago, Illinois to the company’s existing office in Austin, Texas, which it established in 2021. PEAK6 affiliates PEAK6 Group LLC, PEAK6 Strategic Capital LLC, PEAK6 APX Holdings LLC and PEAK6 LLC will also relocate their global headquarters to Austin. PEAK6 will maintain its office in Chicago.

“Texas has been a cornerstone of PEAK6’s growth for over a decade,” said PEAK6 Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Matt Hulsizer, who continued, “With the majority of our talented workforce now based in Texas and Austin emerging as our largest office, moving our headquarters was an important decision to be closer to our team. We’re excited for the next chapter of PEAK6 that will be written from our new headquarters.”

Austin’s unique blend of creativity, technology and culture provides the ideal environment for PEAK6. The city’s highly educated workforce, business climate, and strong entrepreneurial spirit have enabled us to attract top talent and drive innovation.

About PEAK6

PEAK6 uses technology to find a better way of doing things. The company’s first tech-based solution was developed in 1997 to optimize options trading, and over the past two decades, the same formula has been used across a range of industries, asset classes, and business stages to consistently deliver superior results. Today, PEAK6 seeks transformational opportunities to provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and forward-thinking businesses.

PEAK6’s core brands include PEAK6 Capital Management, PEAK6 Strategic Capital, Apex Fintech Solutions, We Insure, FOCUS, Zogo, Evil Geniuses and Poker Power.

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SOURCE PEAK6 Investments