分类： business

A groundbreaking economic impact study conducted by global consultancy EY in collaboration with Dubai Police has revealed the profound economic benefits generated by the emirate’s exceptional security environment. The research demonstrates that Dubai’s declining crime rates have contributed between Dh63.9 billion and Dh102.3 billion to the local economy, representing a substantial 14-23% of Dubai’s 2024 economic output.

The comprehensive analysis, which utilized econometric modeling drawing from 50 countries’ data spanning 1995-2021, establishes security as a fundamental economic catalyst rather than merely a social benefit. Dubai Police’s institutional effectiveness was directly linked to an economic contribution ranging from Dh31.8 billion to Dh50.9 billion annually, equivalent to 7-11% of Dubai’s GDP.

Beyond the impressive financial metrics, the study highlights how security excellence has become a powerful driver of tourism and foreign investment. Dubai’s safe environment attracts between 7-12 million tourists annually, with Dubai Police credited with contributing 4-6 million of these visitors. The enhanced security reputation also generated additional foreign direct investment ranging from Dh3.6 billion to Dh5.8 billion in 2024.

The research positions Dubai Police, established in 1956 nearly 15 years before the UAE’s formation, as a pioneering regional law enforcement institution that has implemented advanced techniques to build community trust and quality of life. The study concludes that security represents both a social pillar and a key economic lever that strengthens Dubai’s global position as a premier destination for living, working, and investment within its sustainable growth ecosystem.

Southeast Asian nations are spearheading an innovative financial mechanism known as transition credits to fast-track their transition from coal dependency to renewable energy sources. This specialized form of carbon credit is gaining traction as a viable solution to address the financial challenges associated with retiring coal plants ahead of schedule.

Financial experts and energy analysts confirm that these innovative climate financing tools can effectively attract private capital to support the region’s ambitious decarbonization goals. According to Rajiv Behari Lall, professorial research fellow at the Singapore Green Finance Center, carbon credits serve as crucial instruments in unlocking finance for “sustainable decarbonization, which lies at the heart of transition strategies.”

The mechanism operates by placing a monetary value on emissions avoided through the premature closure of coal facilities. These avoided emissions are converted into tradable assets, creating additional revenue streams that help compensate plant owners, investors, and financial institutions for stranded assets. Mutya Yustika of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis emphasizes that transition credits effectively address the financing gap created by retiring coal assets before their planned operational lifespan concludes.

Singapore has emerged as a regional leader in this initiative, establishing the Transition Credits Coalition (TRACTION) in 2023. This coalition brings together multiple stakeholders, including the governments of Singapore and the Philippines, private banking institutions, and Temasek Holdings. A significant development occurred in August when Temasek-backed GenZero, Keppel, and ACEN signed an agreement to explore the Philippines’ inaugural transition credit project, targeting the early retirement of a Batangas coal plant by 2030—a full decade ahead of schedule.

TRACTION’s recent report reveals that over 30% of coal plants across 15 Asian markets could qualify for transition credit generation, representing approximately 1 gigaton of carbon dioxide equivalent in annual emissions reductions. However, experts caution that scaling these projects requires predictable carbon revenues and robust risk-mitigation frameworks.

Despite the promising framework, challenges remain regarding credit valuation standardization and transaction replication complexities. The region’s continuing reliance on coal—with consumption projected to increase by 5% in 2026 according to International Energy Agency data—underscores the urgency of implementing effective transition mechanisms.

Dinita Setyawati, senior energy analyst at Ember, stresses that establishing “a significant price” on carbon remains more critical than technological breakthroughs or emission-reduction targets for achieving meaningful climate progress. She notes that carbon pricing not only increases operational costs for coal plants but also discourages future investments in the sector.

The successful implementation of transition credits ultimately depends on market demand and governmental commitment to reassess long-term energy strategies, particularly as declining coal exports signal shifting global energy dynamics.

SHANGHAI – The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China’s Shanghai Chapter reinforced its call for strengthened sustainability collaboration between the EU and China during its 9th Annual Sustainable Business Awards ceremony held on December 11, 2025.

The event, which attracted record participation with 78 applications from 45 companies, highlighted environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles as essential long-term business strategies rather than mere compliance exercises. Chamber leadership emphasized the strategic alignment between European technological expertise and China’s ambitious carbon neutrality targets.

Carlo D’Andrea, European Chamber Vice-President and Shanghai Chapter Chair, articulated the mutual benefits of this partnership: ‘EU-China collaboration on sustainability creates genuine opportunities for both sides, with European companies’ decarbonization objectives aligning closely with China’s national ambitions.’

The awards program, inspired by both UN Sustainable Development Goals and China’s domestic policies on rural revitalization and environmental protection, has evolved significantly from its origins. Steven Basart, General Manager of the Shanghai Chapter, noted the program’s transformation ‘from a simple awards initiative into a comprehensive platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.’

This year’s recognition spanned 11 categories including biodiversity conservation, circular innovation, climate action, decarbonization efforts, and Sino-European sustainability collaboration. The rigorous evaluation process, praised by judges including Stina Hinderson of the Swedish Embassy’s CSR Center in Beijing, revealed innovative solutions across companies of all sizes.

Hinderson observed: ‘Across these areas, we have witnessed numerous impressive solutions from both multinational enterprises and small and medium enterprises, demonstrating that all companies have a role to play in the sustainability transition.’

The ceremony underscored the growing business commitment to environmental stewardship while facilitating crucial dialogue between European and Chinese stakeholders on shared ecological challenges.

A prominent Japanese economist has issued a stark warning about the profound vulnerabilities facing Japan’s industrial sector due to deteriorating relations with China. Hidetoshi Tashiro, Chief Economist at Infinity LLC and CEO of Terra Nexus Project Management Services, emphasized that the core risk transcends diplomatic tensions and strikes at the very foundation of Japan’s economic infrastructure—its supply chain integration with China.

Tashiro’s analysis reveals that virtually every major Japanese industry maintains deep and intricate supply chain connections with Chinese manufacturing and production networks. This interdependence, developed over decades of economic cooperation, has created a symbiotic relationship where Japanese companies rely on Chinese components, raw materials, and manufacturing capabilities across multiple sectors including automotive, electronics, and industrial manufacturing.

The expert cautioned that any significant disruption to these supply networks would create immediate and severe operational challenges for Japanese corporations. The warning comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions that have prompted discussions about supply chain diversification and decoupling strategies among some international businesses.

Tashiro’s assessment suggests that Japanese companies lack viable short-term alternatives to replace China’s manufacturing ecosystem, which offers scale, efficiency, and integrated production capabilities that have taken decades to develop. The potential severance of these supply connections could trigger production halts, cost escalations, and competitive disadvantages in global markets.

The analysis underscores the complex reality that while political relations may fluctuate, economic interdependencies create structural bonds that cannot be easily undone without significant economic consequences. This warning serves as a critical reminder of the delicate balance between geopolitical considerations and economic practicalities in today’s interconnected global economy.

China has set a new agricultural milestone with its grain production reaching an unprecedented 714.88 million metric tons in 2025, according to official data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on December 12. This achievement marks another consecutive year of bumper harvest for the world’s most populous nation, demonstrating remarkable resilience in agricultural productivity.

The record output represents a 1.2 percent increase compared to 2024 figures, continuing a positive growth trajectory in China’s agricultural sector. This sustained expansion stems from dual factors: increased planting area and improved yield efficiency. Statistical analysis reveals that grain planting areas expanded for the sixth consecutive year, surpassing 119 million hectares, while output per unit area simultaneously grew by 1.1 percent year-on-year.

NBS official Wei Fenghua highlighted the strategic measures underpinning this agricultural success. “The stable growth in acreage results from China’s comprehensive approach to arable land protection and quality enhancement,” Wei stated. The multifaceted strategy includes optimized planting structures, reclamation of abandoned farmland, and systematic improvements to agricultural infrastructure.

Beyond domestic implications, this agricultural milestone carries significant global importance. The substantial harvest strengthens China’s capacity to stabilize international grain markets and contribute to worldwide food security initiatives. Domestically, the achievement provides crucial support for China’s economic recovery momentum and facilitates the transition toward high-quality development models.

The record harvest establishes a solid foundation for advancing agricultural and rural modernization programs while accelerating comprehensive rural revitalization efforts. This agricultural success story emerges amid global food supply chain uncertainties and climate challenges, positioning China favorably in maintaining strategic food reserves and sustainable development pathways.

In a significant reversal following accusations of cultural appropriation, Italian luxury giant Prada has established a formal manufacturing partnership with Indian artisans to produce Kolhapuri-inspired sandals. The agreement, signed during the Italy-India Business Forum 2025, commits to producing 2,000 pairs of sandals through collaborations with state-backed entities in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The limited-edition collection, branded as ‘Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals,’ represents a reconciliation between global luxury fashion and traditional Indian craftsmanship. Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s head of Corporate Social Responsibility, emphasized the hybrid approach: “We’ll merge the original manufacturer’s standard capabilities with our sophisticated manufacturing techniques.”

Scheduled for global release in February 2026 through Prada’s online platform and 40 select stores worldwide, the sandals will carry a premium price tag of $939 (approximately £800 or 84,000 rupees) – a stark contrast to traditionally priced Kolhapuri sandals.

The partnership includes substantial investment in artisan development, with approximately 200 Kolhapuri craftspeople receiving three years of specialized training in Italy. Additional technical training will be provided locally through LIDCOM, a Maharashtra state entity supporting leather industries. The Maharashtra government has committed financial assistance to support artisans throughout this five-year agreement, though officials express confidence in its long-term extension.

This development follows June’s controversy when Prada showcased sandals bearing striking resemblance to traditional Kolhapuri designs without acknowledging their Indian origins. The subsequent backlash prompted the luxury brand to formally recognize the footwear’s cultural heritage and engage with local trade bodies, including the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture.

Kolhapuri sandals, named after their city of origin in Maharashtra, represent a centuries-old craft tradition dating to the 12th century. Characterized by their durable leather construction, intricate braided patterns, and natural dye techniques, these handcrafted sandals have long been valued for their adaptability to India’s climate and their artisanal heritage.