分类： business

A groundbreaking bonded direct purchase store has recently opened in the comprehensive bonded zone of Xiong’an New Area, Hebei province, offering consumers an innovative shopping experience. This store features a wide array of bonded imported items, allowing customers to enjoy offline trials, place online orders, and receive direct deliveries from nearby bonded warehouses. According to a report by Hebei Daily, one shopper was pleasantly surprised to find a branded skincare product priced at just 588 yuan, significantly cheaper than online alternatives. The affordability is attributed to the 1210 model, which exempts tariffs and provides a 30 percent discount on value-added and consumption taxes, as explained by the Hebei Provincial Department of Commerce. The 1210 model, also known as the bonded warehouse model, enables e-commerce companies to ship international products in bulk to comprehensive bonded zones for storage. This approach allows shoppers to sample items like cosmetics and snacks from Japan, Europe, and South Korea before making online purchases, thereby reducing the risks associated with blind cross-border shopping. The introduction of this model underscores the rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce in Xiong’an, which has achieved full operational modes and attracted major projects, significantly enhancing the consumer experience, according to local authorities.

Dubai’s vibrant economy and modern infrastructure have positioned it as a hub for global professionals and high-net-worth individuals, making it an ideal location for financial advisory services. Anish Devkaran, Partner at St. James’s Place Middle East (SJP), relocated from the UK to the UAE in November 2024, driven by the region’s emergence as a global wealth centre. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Anish saw an opportunity to bring world-class financial advice to the UAE, where demand for regulated and qualified financial advisers is on the rise. SJP, a FTSE 100 advisory giant with $245 billion in assets under management, established its Middle East office two years ago to cater to the growing need for tailored wealth management services, including tax advice, retirement planning, and estate planning. Since receiving regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), SJP has been raising the bar for financial advice in the region. Anish highlights Dubai’s dynamism, safety, and collaborative professional environment as key factors that make it an exciting place to live and work. He balances his UAE client list with his UK business, advising clients on complex financial plans as they relocate between the two countries. Anish’s approach to financial planning is deeply personal, treating each client like family and ensuring transparency and trust. He emphasizes the importance of helping clients gain peace of mind and equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their financial futures. SJP’s presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) reflects its commitment to elevating financial advice in the region, fostering trust and professionalism in the sector.

As Wall Street’s rally shows signs of fatigue and gold loses its shine, global attention is increasingly drawn to China’s economic slowdown. Despite not being in a state of collapse, China’s 4.8% growth rate in the third quarter of 2025—the slowest this year—has raised red flags worldwide. External demand has kept China on track to meet its 5% annual growth target, but mounting trade tensions, including a threatened 130% U.S. tariff, have positioned China as a significant downside risk to U.S. economic growth. Stephen Miran, a Federal Reserve governor, has expressed concerns about China’s potential use of its rare earths monopoly as a retaliatory measure against U.S. tariffs, urging policymakers to consider new tail risks. Miran advocates for a 125 basis point rate cut to mitigate economic vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, global debt has surged to a record $337.7 trillion, with China, the U.S., and other major economies contributing significantly to this increase. The Institute of International Finance (IIF) warns that rising military spending and geopolitical tensions will further strain government finances. In the Eurozone, industrial production has weakened, and Japan faces challenges from trade uncertainties and domestic demand stagnation. China’s ambitious 5% growth target is increasingly threatened by U.S. tariffs, prompting calls for urgent fiscal stimulus and measures to boost domestic consumption. As Chinese Communist Party officials gather for the Fourth Plenum, the focus is on devising strategies to transition China into higher-value-added industries and strengthen social safety nets to encourage spending. The global economic outlook remains fraught with risks, with policymakers worldwide bracing for potential shocks as 2026 approaches.

Dubai’s jewellery stores witnessed an unprecedented surge in demand for gold coins during Diwali, leading to a temporary shortage of smaller denominations. Despite gold prices soaring over 50% this year, the festive season saw a remarkable increase in purchases, particularly for gifting purposes. Jewellers reported that five and 10-gram coins were the most sought-after, with demand surpassing last year’s figures. The rush peaked in the days leading up to Diwali, as customers flocked to buy coins for Lakshmi Puja and festive gifts. While larger denominations and bars remained well-stocked, the sudden spike in demand for smaller coins created a brief supply gap. Industry experts attributed this trend to gold’s dual role as a traditional gift and a safe investment. Suppliers and refineries are now working to replenish stocks, ensuring availability improves swiftly. The festive spirit, coupled with rising gold prices, has reinforced consumer confidence in gold as a valuable asset. Jewellers anticipate this momentum to continue through the wedding and year-end season, driven by both cultural and investment motivations.

A recent seminar in Melbourne has underscored the growing momentum in economic cooperation between China and Australia, with participants emphasizing the potential for deeper collaboration in finance, clean energy, and emerging industries. The event, themed ‘Australia-China Economic Relations: Future Prospects,’ was part of the Bank of China Melbourne Branch’s 30th anniversary celebrations and the Victoria Business Confucius Institute’s Doing Business with China Workshop Series 2025. Craig Emerson, managing director of Emerson Economics and a former Australian trade minister, highlighted the renewed exchanges between the two countries, which he said are helping rebuild goodwill and restore trust. Emerson, who recently co-chaired the latest round of the China-Australia High-Level Dialogue in Beijing, noted that the talks have not only restored the good relationship but are now opening a new chapter. He also pointed out the economic complementarity between the two countries, with trade relationships evolving as China’s demands change what is bought and sold. Fang Xinwen, Chinese consul general in Melbourne, emphasized the resilience and long-term momentum of China’s economy and expressed optimism for deeper bilateral economic collaboration. He mentioned that the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China is convening its fourth plenary session in Beijing to deliberate on a blueprint for China’s development over the next five years, marking the opening of a new chapter in the country’s modernization drive. Fang also highlighted that China will continue to advance reform and opening-up, develop new quality productive forces, and release the potential of its vast market, bringing more opportunities and confidence to countries including Australia. Last month, the Australian state of Victoria released a new strategy outlining its engagement with China over the next five years, envisioning ‘a new golden era’ of cooperation in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and innovation. Fang said the strategy would inject renewed momentum and offer clearer direction for deepening bilateral economic engagement. Li Mang, general manager of Bank of China Sydney Branch and chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in Australia, noted that China is developing new quality productive forces through technological innovation and green transformation, while Australia is prioritizing clean energy, critical minerals, and local manufacturing—areas that align closely with China’s development strategy. Li emphasized that by leveraging complementary strengths and promoting innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable investment, both countries can unlock new drivers of growth and enhance long-term competitiveness. He also stressed the importance of strengthening not only trade and investment ties but also cultural and educational exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and trust between the business and academic communities of both countries. Emerson added that future cooperation could expand into health services and artificial intelligence, noting that home-based rehabilitation, aged care, and AI-assisted medical diagnostics could benefit both countries and the wider region under Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation-related mechanisms.