Month: November 2024

Eventhive, a global B2B event servicing company, has announced the highly anticipated return of its flagship event, the Lagos Transport Fest. This festival has become Nigeria’s foremost platform for uniting diverse stakeholders across various sub-sectors of the country’s transport industry.

Each year, leaders from maritime, mobility, logistics, and supply chain industries converge at this event to collaboratively shape the future of the sector. This year’s fest will take place at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos and will delve into a wide array of topics, including the current state of Nigeria’s transport sector, the advancement of e-mobility in the country, opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime industry, and other trending issues affecting logistics.

The event will feature a comprehensive agenda filled with keynote speeches, panel discussions, and extensive networking opportunities for attendees. Speaking about the event set for December 10, Jamiu Ijaodola, the CEO and founder of Eventhive, shared his enthusiasm about partnering with Uber as the headline sponsor, recognizing its prominent role in the mobility sector.

Ijaodola noted, “This year’s event will greatly enhance the experience for attendees and partners, introducing new features like the Executive Networking Lounge designed for C-level interactions, a larger expo area for exploring the latest offerings in the transport ecosystem, and a Pre-Event Networking mixer.”

He emphasized that the fest would also serve as an exceptional platform for solution providers to showcase their innovations to industry leaders, government representatives, and regulators.

Tope Akinwumi, Country Manager for Uber Nigeria, expressed excitement about collaborating with Eventhive as the headline sponsor and mobility partner for the Lagos Transport Fest. “We look forward to engaging with key public and private sector stakeholders, startups, and policymakers about strategies to fuel growth in Nigeria’s mobility sector,” Akinwumi stated.

He continued, “At Uber, we are dedicated to facilitating movement and creating opportunities. Our diverse range of mobility products enables drivers to earn sustainably while offering riders enhanced transportation options.”

Akinwumi also highlighted Uber’s mission, explaining, “We launched in 2010 to address a straightforward question: how can we provide convenient access to rides with just a tap of a button? More than a billion trips later across Africa, we are continuously developing products that bring people closer to their destinations. By transforming the way people, food, and goods traverse cities, Uber is a platform that unlocks new possibilities.”

He went on to share that Uber operates in over 60 cities across Sub-Saharan Africa, including major markets like South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.

On the final day of their royal visit to Australia and Samoa, King Charles III and Queen Camilla participated in a farewell ceremony in the village of Siumu, Samoa. Representatives from 56 nations gathered in Samoa starting on the 21st for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Countries from Africa and the Caribbean have been increasingly vocal in demanding that the UK take responsibility for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, calling for reparations or at least political acknowledgment.

During the summit on the 25th, King Charles III emphasized the need for the Commonwealth to confront its “painful” history. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appears willing to make concessions to these Commonwealth nations, but he has no intention of offering financial reparations, instead considering “non-monetary” options.

Charles stated, “Through listening to voices from across the Commonwealth, I have understood how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate. Therefore, it is crucial to understand our history, as it can guide us to make the right choices in the future.”

According to reports from Central News Agency, calls for the UK to compensate for the transatlantic slave trade have a long history, but there has been a recent surge of momentum, particularly among the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union.

Those opposing reparations argue that nations should not be held responsible for historical wrongs, whereas supporters contend that the legacy of slavery has resulted in pervasive and enduring racial inequalities today.

On the 21st, Sunak told the BBC that the UK would listen to the countries wishing to address this issue at the summit but ruled out the possibility of apologizing for its historical role in the trade.

The Daily Telegraph reported that, faced with demands from Commonwealth nations for reparations potentially totaling up to £18 trillion (around $23.3 trillion), Sunak has rejected economic compensation but is considering options such as debt relief, support for public health initiatives, and preferential educational programs for students from Commonwealth countries.

Frederick Mitchell, the Bahamas’ Foreign Minister, mentioned to the BBC on the 24th that segments calling for discussions on reparations would be included in the draft conclusions expected to be released on the 26th.

Patricia Scotland, a British diplomat and lawyer originally from the Dominican Republic, and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, noted during the summit, “We have demonstrated an unparalleled ability to confront this painful history, which is precisely what has allowed us to sit together as equals for the past 75 years.”

From the 15th to the 19th centuries, at least 12.5 million Africans were forcibly taken by European ships and traders and sold into slavery. Those who survived the brutal voyages ultimately labored under inhumane conditions in the Americas, while others profited from their toil.

In a groundbreaking development poised to transform the gaming landscape in Nigeria, the Lagos government has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom. This historic partnership aims to enhance the enforcement of gaming and lottery operations across international borders. The agreement was finalized during the prestigious International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) conference held in Rome, signaling a potential revolution in the regulatory framework for gaming in Lagos while bolstering protections for consumers and operators alike.

Over the past two decades, Nigeria has witnessed a dramatic increase in internet penetration, fundamentally changing numerous sectors, including gambling. In the early 2000s, internet access was limited and considered a luxury. However, technological advancements and the proliferation of mobile devices have ushered in a new era of connectivity, resulting in over 100 million internet users in Nigeria by 2023—making it one of the largest online markets in Africa.

This surge in internet access has facilitated the rapid expansion of online gambling platforms, allowing operators to connect with a broader audience. However, it has also rendered the Nigerian market vulnerable to cross-border illegal gambling activities. Many international operators exploit regulatory loopholes to target Nigerian consumers, leading to significant revenue losses for local authorities and heightened risks for players.

The urgent need for enhanced enforcement measures has become increasingly evident. To combat the rise of illegal gambling, Nigeria must forge partnerships with international stakeholders to strengthen its regulatory framework, share crucial intelligence, and enforce laws against unscrupulous operators circumventing local regulations. Cross-jurisdictional cooperation is now essential to ensuring consumer protection, promoting fair play, and maintaining the integrity of the Nigerian gambling sector.

Leading these initiatives is the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), Nigeria’s first gaming regulatory body. Under the leadership of CEO Mr. Bashir Are, the LSLGA is dedicated to aligning Lagos’s gaming industry with global best practices. Are, who also serves on the IAGR board of trustees, addressed the conference in Rome with a speech entitled “Navigating Borders: Cross-Jurisdictional Enforcement in Combatting Illegal Gambling.”

During his presentation, Are highlighted the significance of the MoU with the UK, calling it a vital step toward cleansing the Nigerian market. He remarked, “Illegal online gambling is a global challenge, with estimates indicating that this unregulated sector generates between $40 billion and $50 billion annually. These figures may vary due to the difficulty in tracking and reporting in unregulated markets. In some areas, illegal gambling can represent up to 20-30% of the total online gambling market, underscoring the pressing need for robust enforcement.”

As part of the MoU, Lagos and the UK will collaborate to exchange knowledge, expertise, and resources aimed at strengthening the gaming regulatory framework and addressing illegal lottery operations. This partnership allows Lagos to leverage the UK’s world-class regulatory systems, equipping the LSLGA to better monitor the industry and close regulatory gaps. Furthermore, the agreement ensures that operators legally licensed in the UK—known for its stringent gaming regulations—cannot engage in illegal activities within Lagos.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in Lagos State’s quest to become Africa’s premier gaming hub, attracting investment and cultivating a secure, responsible, and fair gaming environment. It also positions Lagos as an example of best practices in the global gaming industry, with the potential to stimulate substantial economic growth through increased tourism and investments.

In alignment with its broader vision, the LSLGA has taken the lead in establishing the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF), aimed at fostering collaboration among African regulators to combat illegal gambling. With this initiative, Lagos State is once again at the forefront, promoting unity among African nations to support a secure and thriving gaming industry.

Are expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State House of Assembly, emphasizing their commitment to establishing Lagos as Africa’s leading gaming hub. “This achievement would not have been possible without the vision and backing of our Governor and the Lagos State House of Assembly. Their leadership has been pivotal in ensuring that Lagos leads in gaming innovation and regulatory excellence in Africa,” he stated.

As Nigeria’s gaming industry evolves in response to technological advancements and growing internet penetration, the collaboration between the Lagos government and the UK is set to play a critical role in shaping the future of gaming and lottery operations in the country. With the LSLGA steering these efforts, Lagos is well on its way to emerging as a model of responsible gaming practices and regulatory excellence throughout Africa.

Researchers have discovered that stroke survivors with irregular heartbeats could significantly reduce their chances of experiencing a second stroke by starting blood-thinning medications earlier than current guidelines recommend.

According to a study presented at the World Stroke Congress 2024, individuals with atrial fibrillation—an irregular heartbeat condition affecting over 1.6 million people in the UK—are five times more likely to suffer a stroke compared to those without the condition. Each year, more than 100,000 people in the UK experience a stroke, and for those with a history of stroke and atrial fibrillation, the risk of having another one increases.

Current UK guidelines recommend waiting at least five days after a moderate or severe stroke before initiating anticoagulant therapy due to the risk of brain bleeds. However, the new studies indicate that starting blood-thinning drugs within four days can reduce the risk of a second stroke without increasing the likelihood of bleeding.

The research team, comprising international experts, conducted a meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials that compared the outcomes of over 5,000 patients who received anticoagulants within four days of a stroke to those who began treatment on the fifth day or later. They found a notable difference: 2.12% of patients on early treatment had a second stroke within 30 days, compared to 3.02% in the delayed treatment group—marking a significant 35% reduction.

In a second study funded by the British Heart Foundation and published in The Lancet, researchers analyzed data from 3,621 patients with atrial fibrillation who suffered a stroke between 2019 and 2024 across 100 UK hospitals. The findings showed no increased risk of brain bleeds among patients who started anticoagulants within four days post-stroke, regardless of the severity of their condition.

David Werring, a professor of clinical neurology at University College London and lead author of both studies, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “It’s not like a magic bullet, but at a population level, it’s really significant. If we could administer anticoagulants earlier to the estimated 20,000 individuals with atrial fibrillation who experience a stroke in the UK each year, we could potentially prevent up to 200 additional strokes, and importantly, there seems to be no increased risk of brain bleeds from this early intervention.”

In response to the results, Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, remarked, “These findings could be transformative, supporting the argument for earlier treatment, which could help many individuals with atrial fibrillation avoid subsequent strokes and their related complications.”

The government has announced that the sale of disposable vapes will be prohibited in England and Wales starting June 1, 2025. This decision, initially revealed by the previous administration in January but not implemented prior to the general election, aims to safeguard children’s health and mitigate environmental harm.

Ministers have collaborated closely with devolved nations to synchronize the enforcement dates for these bans, with Wales already confirming it will comply. However, industry leaders express concerns that this ban might lead to an increase in illegal sales of vaping products.

According to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), there has been a staggering 400% increase in vape usage in England from 2012 to 2023, with 9% of the British public now purchasing and using these items. Notably, the number of individuals vaping without any previous history of smoking has also risen significantly, particularly among young adults.

While it is illegal to sell vapes to anyone under the age of 18, the previous government highlighted that disposable vapes—often packaged in smaller, colorful designs—are a significant factor contributing to the alarming rise in youth vaping. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne stated that banning these products would diminish their appeal to children and protect vulnerable young individuals.

Though vaping is widely regarded as considerably less harmful than smoking, the long-term implications of its use remain uncertain, as noted by the National Health Service (NHS).

The previous government characterized disposable vapes as a “key driver” of increased youth vaping. Additionally, these products pose significant environmental challenges, as they are challenging to recycle and often end up in landfills, where their batteries can leak toxic substances like battery acid, lithium, and mercury. In fact, batteries improperly discarded in household waste lead to hundreds of fires each year in waste collection and processing facilities.

Defra estimates indicate that nearly five million single-use vapes were either littered or discarded as general waste weekly last year, representing a nearly fourfold increase from the previous year. In 2022 alone, discarded vapes contained over 40 tonnes of lithium—enough to power 5,000 electric vehicles.

Mary Creagh, Defra minister focused on waste reduction, condemned disposable vapes as “extremely wasteful,” contributing to litter in urban areas. Priced around £5, disposable vapes are often cheaper upfront compared to refillable kits, which range from £8 to £12. However, when considering long-term costs, refillable options are ultimately more economical.

Countries such as Ireland and Belgium have recently announced plans to ban disposable vapes, while nations like New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, India, and Brazil have already implemented various restrictions.

**Interview with Ouyang Guoqi: A Father’s Heartfelt Journey to Reunite with His Son After 19 Years of Separation**

In the ongoing developments of the “Mei Yi case,” all nine abducted children have been found, yet the infamous “Mei Yi” remains at large. Ouyang Jiahao, who was taken by traffickers at the age of three, met his biological parents when he was 22.

On October 25, Ouyang Guoqi, Jiahao’s father, shared his emotional reunion with Tencent News, recalling how he traveled from Hunan to Zengcheng, Guangzhou on September 20 to see his son, who he hadn’t seen for 19 long years. “Jiahao is a bit taller than me, and his eyes resemble his mother’s,” he remarked. He wasn’t the only parent experiencing this bittersweet moment; another abducted child, Zhong Bin, reunited with his family the same day.

Jiahao was the last of the nine children involved in the “Mei Yi case” to be located. This case has gained nationwide attention, and it was the police from Zengcheng who took charge of the investigation. Officer Wang Ting from the Nanchang Railway Public Security Bureau played a pivotal role, utilizing facial recognition technology to identify Jiahao and Zhong Bin.

“The families of these two children live just about 2 kilometers apart,” Wang said. Zhong Bin was abducted to Zijin County, while Jiahao’s trafficker had connections in nearby Meizhou City.

The mastermind behind the abduction of Jiahao and the other eight children, Zhang Weiping, was executed in April 2023. During his confession, he revealed that he used “Mei Yi” to find buyers for each of the nine boys he trafficked—hence the case’s moniker.

In a prior attempt to gather leads, the Zengcheng police released a composite sketch of “Mei Yi” in 2017. However, her identity remains elusive.

**Assistance from a Young Railway Officer: Rapid Identification of Suspects**

During a phone interview on October 26, Ouyang Guoqi recounted how he and his wife received a call from Zengcheng police in mid-September and made their way to meet their son. After finally breaking bread together, they returned home to Hunan, leaving Jiahao to continue his work in Guangzhou.

“He hasn’t called us ‘Mom and Dad’ yet,” Ouyang Guoqi said, understanding the emotional complexity of their situation. “It’s important to give him time to adjust; there’s no rush.”

Originally from Ningyuan County, Hunan Province, Ouyang Guoqi and his family moved to Zengcheng in 2005 for work. They rented a home in Xian Village, where he worked at a construction site while his wife, Ouyang Chunyu, cared for three-year-old Jiahao.

The month before the disappearance, a man in his thirties moved in next door, introducing himself as being from Sichuan. On May 26, Ouyang Chunyu was tidying up when she noticed Jiahao wasn’t playing outside anymore. After inquiring with neighbors, she learned that he had been taken by the man next door.

That man was Zhang Weiping, who had a history of child trafficking. “He often visited our home and would even bring treats for my son,” Ouyang Chunyu recalled after the incident.

According to Zhang’s confession, he took Jiahao outside the village, boarded a bus to Zengcheng, and met with “Mei Yi” beside the bus depot. They then traveled to a hotel in Zijin County, where he later sold Jiahao to a couple for 13,000 yuan, keeping 1,000 yuan as a referral fee for “Mei Yi.”

After reporting their son’s disappearance, the Ouyang family pressed the police to reveal the findings. Zhang was apprehended in 2016, but it wasn’t until May 2024 that seven of the nine kidnapped children were found, leaving only Jiahao and Zhong Bin still unaccounted for at that time.

In November 2017, Guoqi and others gathered at a hotel in Guangzhou to discuss the search for their missing children. Zhong Bin’s father, Zhong Dingyou, has been searching for his son since the day he was taken by Zhang Weiping in December 2004 when Zhong Bin was just one year old.

**Youthful Determination Combines with Technology to Unite Families**

In his quest to locate his son, Zhong Dingyou reached out to Officer Wang Ting at the Nanchang Railway Police. Wang, who is part of the millennial generation, has honed his skills in big data and facial recognition to find missing persons. He detailed the meticulous process he followed in locating Zhong Bin and Jiahao on October 25.

“Zhong Bin’s father contacted me around September 3 and sent over photos of his son. By the 9th, we had a breakthrough,” Wang explained. As he collaborated with Zengcheng police, he discovered that Jiahao was still missing and ultimately used facial recognition technology to find both boys.

After comparing DNA from suspects, it confirmed that they were indeed Zhong Bin and Ouyang Jiahao.

“Words can’t express my gratitude to Officer Wang and all those who helped us,” Zhong Dingyou said. On September 22, he joyously met his son after 20 years. On the same day, Guoqi also met Jiahao, marking the conclusion of a long chapter of despair.

**The Quest Continues: The People Behind the Crimes**

With all nine abducted children now found and Zhang Weiping executed, the focus shifts to “Mei Yi.” The case sparked public interest, largely due to the relentless search efforts of parents like Shen Junliang, the father of another victim, Shen Cong.

Shen Junliang, who lived in Zengcheng, dedicated himself entirely to finding his son after he was stolen at just one year old. For over a decade, he crisscrossed various cities, distributing thousands of flyers, yet his son remained missing.

In July 2017, he found artist Lin Yuhui, known for creating a composite of a suspect in a high-profile missing person case in the U.S., who helped to draw a likeness of Shen Cong as a teenager. After Lin’s involvement drew media attention, the police identified several suspects involved in the case, including Zhang and others from the same village in Guizhou Province.

In December 2021, Zhang and his accomplices were sentenced to death for their roles in multiple kidnappings. The attention to detail and persistence of families, coupled with advancements in policing techniques, have led to many successful recoveries of abducted children.

To date, not only have Jiahao and Zhong Bin reunited with their families, but the resolution of this ongoing and tragic case raises questions about the still-mysterious “Mei Yi.” Despite the convictions, the identity of “Mei Yi” remains unsolved, adding to the haunting complexities of the case that has resonated deeply within the community.

As the investigation continues, families await justice for their lost loved ones and hope that “Mei Yi” will be brought to light.

Interview with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria

Interviewer: As we gather for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, can you share your thoughts on the significance of this global alliance?

Tinubu: Absolutely. If we didn’t have this global alliance of primarily English-speaking nations based on common law principles, it would be vital to establish one. Our 56 members come together as friends and allies to engage in crucial discussions about free and fair trade, security, and climate action.

Interviewer: There seems to be ongoing debate about the relevance of the Commonwealth, especially with some members transitioning to republics. What’s your perspective?

Tinubu: There’s a common misconception that becoming a republic means leaving the Commonwealth—it’s quite the opposite. Since Nigeria achieved independence in 1960, the Commonwealth has actually expanded. When Nigeria joined, there were ten members, three of which were republics. Now, two-thirds of our 56 members are republics, which doesn’t destabilize the organization; rather, it reflects our evolving identity.

Interviewer: How do you see the Commonwealth’s role in the current global landscape?

Tinubu: The Commonwealth is more relevant now than it has been in decades. The world is increasingly moving towards global networks that prioritize shared interests, rather than just regional ones. Take the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) or the Alliance for Small Island States (AOSIS). Both highlight how nations unite around common goals, just like the Commonwealth.

Interviewer: Given Nigeria’s position, what initiatives do you believe could strengthen intra-Commonwealth trade?

Tinubu: We definitely need to focus more on economic cooperation and mutual political support. For instance, Africa is home to twenty-one Commonwealth countries, all part of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). By establishing bilateral agreements with leading Commonwealth economies, we can create interlinked trade relationships that foster deeper integration.

Interviewer: What specific actions would you like to see from larger Commonwealth economies in this regard?

Tinubu: I urge larger Commonwealth nations to prioritize importing goods from African Commonwealth countries. For instance, we can offer African coffee or fresh produce to Western nations at preferential rates, which could lead to local processing industry investments. This not only benefits our economies but also provides affordable goods to nations like the UK—creating jobs in Africa and reducing migration pressures.

Interviewer: Speaking of global matters, what’s your view on Africa’s representation in the United Nations Security Council?

Tinubu: Africa is currently the only continent without a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the subject of a significant portion of its resolutions. We’re asking the Commonwealth to support Africa’s bid for permanent representation. This step would not only elevate Africa’s voice but also bolster the Commonwealth’s significance in global governance.

Interviewer: How do you see the future of the Commonwealth in that context?

Tinubu: The Commonwealth has only recently begun to operate as a cohesive group at the UN. Securing an African seat with the Commonwealth’s backing would undeniably enhance the relevance of our organization and silence any doubts about its future. The time for the Commonwealth is now, and we have the opportunity to step into a more prominent role on the world stage.

In June of this year, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defense and cooperation treaty, marking a significant strengthening of ties between the two nations since the Cold War. Recently, Ukraine reported that North Korean troops have arrived in the combat zone in Russia’s Kursk region, where Russian forces have been engaged in efforts to repel Ukrainian advances for several months. President Putin did not deny the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia.

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has now lasted over two years. On August 6, Ukrainian forces launched an incursion into Kursk from the northeast, catching Moscow off guard and significantly boosting the morale of the Ukrainian populace.

President Putin and Kim Jong-un’s signing of the mutual defense agreement in June had raised concerns that North Korea has long been supplying weaponry to support Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The actual deployment of North Korean troops on the ground would symbolize a serious escalation of the conflict.

According to a report from Agence France-Presse, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate stated today that “the first forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea have arrived in the combat zone of the Russia-Ukraine war,” with reports indicating these troops were observed in Kursk yesterday.

Ukrainian sources claimed that approximately 12,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia, though they did not specify how many are currently in Kursk. U.S. and South Korean intelligence suggest that thousands of North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia for training.

Putin acknowledged the deployment of North Korean soldiers to Russia, asserting, “Russia has never doubted that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is serious about cooperation with us. We coordinate closely with our North Korean friends.” He added, “What we do is our business.”

Just hours before Putin’s comments, the lower house of the Russian parliament unanimously approved a treaty with North Korea that entails mutual assistance in the event of aggression against either party. This treaty is expected to be approved by the upper house on November 6.

From October 22 to 23, the 2024 ASEAN-China “10+1” Statistical Cooperation and Development Forum took place in Nanning, Guangxi, where two significant publications were officially launched: the “China-ASEAN Statistical Yearbook 2024” and the “China-ASEAN Statistical Exchange Collection.”

The “China-ASEAN Statistical Yearbook” serves as an annual reference that reflects the economic and social development of China and the ten ASEAN countries. This publication is a result of the statistical cooperation and exchange between China and ASEAN, with nine editions published since its inception in 2016.

The “China-ASEAN Statistical Yearbook 2024,” co-edited by the National Bureau of Statistics International Statistical Information Center, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Statistics Bureau, and the National Bureau of Statistics Guangxi Investigation Team, features comprehensive and rich data. It is divided into two main sections, consisting of 20 chapters that compile key statistical data from 2023 and pivotal historical years for both China and the ten ASEAN countries. The yearbook encompasses a wide range of socio-economic indicators, including demographics, employment, national economic accounting, prices, trade and investment, business environments, tourism, transportation, agriculture, economic exchanges, and healthcare. Additionally, it highlights specialized indicators that showcase the unique aspects of economic and social development among the ASEAN nations, presenting these insights through text, data, and graphical formats.

Moreover, the “China-ASEAN Statistical Exchange Collection” marks a historic first by compiling highlights from ten years of cooperation and exchanges in statistical dialogues. This collection features 50 selected articles, representing valuable insights and practical experiences shared by domestic and international representatives during previous China-ASEAN statistical forums.

Officials from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Statistics Bureau noted that the publication of the “China-ASEAN Statistical Yearbook 2024” and the “China-ASEAN Statistical Exchange Collection” will provide vital data support for monitoring the progress of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and offer references for related decision-making. They believe that this initiative will enhance the understanding of the economic and social developments in China and ASEAN countries, fostering deepened exchanges and learning among statistical authorities, sharing statistical resources, and improving government statistical capabilities.

On October 25, during a press conference in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, Jiao Yuzhen, the Vice President of the Shaanxi Provincial Higher People’s Court, emphasized the critical role of modern courts. “It’s our significant responsibility to promptly adapt to changes in the new Company Law and to fairly and efficiently adjudicate disputes involving enterprises and companies. This is essential for fostering the continuous, healthy, and high-quality development of various market entities in this new era,” she stated.

The press conference, themed “Optimizing the Legal Business Environment to Support Healthy Business Development,” featured the release of two important documents: the “White Paper on Company Dispute Cases in Shaanxi Courts (2019-2024)” and “Typical Civil and Commercial Cases Promoting Sustainable Business Development in Shaanxi Courts.”

According to statistics provided at the conference, since 2019, courts across Shaanxi Province have resolved a total of 16,500 company-related disputes. Notably, 83.3% of these cases involved private enterprises. The most common disputes included conflicts over equity transfers, shareholder qualification confirmations, shareholder rights to information, and shareholder contribution disputes.

Jiao pointed out that there has been a steady increase in new types of cases, such as those involving equity valuation adjustment agreements (also known as “gambling agreements”), hidden shareholders, and trust cases. This trend reflects innovations in business models and changes in financing methods. The courts in the province have been updating their commercial adjudication concepts, innovating their judicial mechanisms, and improving the quality and efficiency of their rulings. These efforts aim to continuously optimize the business environment and effectively resolve commercial disputes, thus providing robust judicial services and protections for enhancing property rights, standardizing corporate governance, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, Zhao Xueling, a member of the Judicial Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial Higher People’s Court, highlighted the importance of the judiciary in fostering a legal business climate. “To enhance the legal business environment in Shaanxi and support healthy enterprise development, our court serves as a model, guiding businesses toward standardized operations and healthy growth. We aim to mitigate legal risks in business operations and create a positive legal environment for enterprises through our judicial efforts,” she explained.