分类： business

At the APEC CEO Summit held in Gyeongju, South Korea, leaders and business executives underscored the critical importance of fostering deeper partnerships to enhance trade, investment, and sustainable growth across the Asia-Pacific region. The event, attended by prominent figures from various nations, focused on addressing challenges such as supply chain resilience, digital trust, and regional cooperation. Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the need for global collaboration to combat online scams and cybercrime, while Vietnam’s President Luong Cuong stressed the significance of maintaining a stable environment to facilitate free trade and investment. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, highlighted the nation’s commitment to openness as a cornerstone of its economic growth, advocating for increased global trade amidst rising protectionism. Eric Ebenstein, TikTok’s Senior Director of Public Policy, discussed the pivotal role of trust in the digital ecosystem, citing the economic impact of content creation, particularly the global influence of South Korean culture. He shared an example of a viral TikTok post about gimbap (seaweed rolls) that led to a nationwide sellout in the U.S. Other speakers, including Chang In-hwa, Chairman and CEO of Posco Group, called for multilateral partnerships to build resilient and green supply chains. Posco’s joint venture with Australia’s Hancock Prospecting, Japan’s Marubeni Corp, and China Steel Corporation was highlighted as a model of regional collaboration. Garry Korte, CEO of Hancock Prospecting, emphasized the high level of trust generated through such partnerships, while Paul Grimes, CEO of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, described supply chains as the ‘lifeblood of modern economies,’ underscoring the need for sustainability and resilience. Masayuki Omoto, CEO of Marubeni, echoed the call for public-private partnerships to address global challenges effectively.

The recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump has led to significant trade concessions, sparking widespread celebration among Chinese media and commentators. Washington agreed to halve the 20% fentanyl-related tariff and extend the suspension of the 24% reciprocal tariffs by a full year, rather than the initially anticipated 90 days. This decision came after the two leaders met in South Korea on Thursday morning, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing trade negotiations between the two economic giants. Chinese analysts hailed the compromises as substantial, particularly given the backdrop of the tariff war that began in 2018. Despite a de-escalation agreement in May, Chinese exporters still faced an average tariff rate of 55%, including a 20% fentanyl-related tariff, a 10% reciprocal tariff, and a 25% tariff from the 2018 trade war. The new concessions are expected to save Chinese exporters $43.5 billion annually, providing a much-needed boost to China’s export economy, which saw a 16.9% year-on-year decline in the first nine months of this year. The trade truce also highlighted China’s strategic use of its rare-earth dominance, with the US recognizing the critical role China plays in global rare-earth refining. This leverage has allowed Beijing to secure time for supply chain reforms and industrial upgrades. Meanwhile, the one-year tariff suspension has reignited optimism across China’s manufacturing hubs, with business leaders viewing it as a lifeline for stabilizing production and securing global orders. The US, facing its own industrial challenges, has softened its stance, acknowledging the need for cooperation. However, analysts caution that the US policy of suppressing China’s technological development remains unchanged. The truce also includes agreements to postpone new sanctions rules and reciprocal port fees, further easing trade tensions. As both nations navigate this fragile truce, the focus remains on leveraging the coming year to strengthen economic resilience and deepen bilateral cooperation.

In a strategic shift, major oil companies are now drilling in East Texas, not for oil, but for lithium and other rare earth elements essential for advanced manufacturing. Chevron, Halliburton, and Exxon are leading the charge, with significant projects announced in 2025. The Smackover Formation, a massive brine deposit, has been identified as the most lithium-rich site in North America, sparking a rush of investment and development.

The global design industry is experiencing a seismic shift, propelled by advancements in artificial intelligence, digital experiences, and sustainability. At the forefront of this transformation is India, which is rapidly emerging as a hub for creative education and innovation. The World University of Design (WUD), India’s first university dedicated exclusively to creative disciplines, is attracting a growing number of students from the UAE and beyond, drawn by its forward-thinking programs and global relevance.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of WUD, highlights the evolving role of design in today’s world. “Design is no longer confined to aesthetics; it is driving industries ranging from technology and urban planning to fashion and digital experiences,” he explains. The global design industry, currently valued at $63 billion, is projected to reach $89 billion by 2033, with India playing a pivotal role in this growth.

India’s design sector is expanding at an impressive annual rate of 25%, fueled by innovations in digital products, gaming, animation, and user experience. Government initiatives like Make in India and Digital India, coupled with the rise of global R&D hubs, have positioned design at the core of the country’s economic engine. Design education, in particular, is shaping India’s trajectory toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, with design thinking bridging the gap between technology and human needs in sectors such as healthcare, fintech, and smart cities.

Dr. Gupta emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of future careers in design. “Employers increasingly value professionals who can think across boundaries—engineers who understand aesthetics, entrepreneurs who think like designers, and coders who empathize with users,” he says. WUD’s curriculum integrates design, business, and technology, fostering creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

For UAE students, India offers a unique blend of world-class education, cultural familiarity, and affordability. WUD’s multicultural campus and globally benchmarked programs prepare students for careers in Dubai, London, Mumbai, and beyond. With tuition and living costs significantly lower than in the West, India provides exceptional value for families seeking quality education.

As the UAE continues to invest in its creative industries, collaborations with India’s design education ecosystem are strengthening. Institutions like WUD are at the forefront of this partnership, shaping the future of design, innovation, and the creative economy in the Global South. Admissions for WUD’s 2026 intake are now open, with the WUD Design Aptitude Test (WUDAT 2026) scheduled for January 4, 2026.