Technology

Two sessions starting gun for Chinese people’s spring of progress: Global Times editorial

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2024

BEIJING, March 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The second session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) will open on March 5 and 4, respectively. 2024 is an extraordinary year shining with multiple commemorative halos, marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of new China, as well as important milestones for the 70th and 75th anniversaries of the NPC and the CPPCC. Additionally, this year’s two sessions are particularly noteworthy as the new government will submit its government work report to the NPC annual session for deliberation for the first time and be fully showcased under the global media spotlight. Therefore, this year’s two sessions have attracted special attention from all sectors of society.

The collective wisdom and concerted efforts of the two sessions are a manifestation of the spirit of unity and struggle of the Chinese people, and also the most vivid portrayal of the broadest, most genuine, and most effective whole-process people’s democracy. During last year’s two sessions, deputies put forward 271 proposals and 8,314 suggestions; by the end of 2023, the proposals had been reviewed by nine special committees, and the suggestions had been handled and replied to by 204 organizations. Over the past year, the CPPCC has organized 94 consultations; by the end of 2023, there had been 350 instructions from relevant officials of central and state organs on 139 advisory opinions, and 68 feedback reports from various departments and regions on 59 advisory opinions. These figures vividly demonstrate the vitality and strong execution of Chinese democratic politics that advance with the times.

In this special year, the two sessions are not only a review and evaluation of past achievements, but also a high focus on and practical planning for the well-being of the people and the future direction of national development. In a February survey on the two sessions by the media, “law-based governance,” “employment,” “rural revitalization,” “medical care,” “high-quality development,” “pension,” “education,” “community governance,” “excellent traditional Chinese culture,” and “national security education” were the top 10 hot topics of concern for netizens. Even before the sessions began, the relevant opinions and suggestions put forward by the representatives and deputies had already sparked heated discussions and attention on the internet. As the saying goes, “the aspirations of the people are what the government always strives for.” The key topics of this year’s two sessions will surely leave a deep imprint on economic, social development and improvement of people’s livelihoods.

We have noticed that in the run-up to this year’s two sessions, the focus of the outside world is particularly on keywords such as high-quality development, new productive forces, and economic growth targets, largely because they outline the future of China. Some foreign media outlets have commented that “China’s current goal is to make people’s lives better through high-quality development.” High-quality development is a hardcore proposition, representing the urgent pursuit of optimizing and upgrading the economic structure, including the deep integration of multiple dimensions such as technological innovation, high-end industrial chain, and green development. And the two sessions are the best window to showcase how China envisions activating and nurturing new productive forces. How the major decisions and arrangements for the economic work in 2024 by the CPC Central Committee will be implemented through the system of the two sessions will greatly shape the development of China in the next stage, and even help drive the global economic recovery process.

The two sessions are a concentrated embodiment and vivid practice of China’s whole-process people’s democracy. This statement, when placed in the context of history, is both grand and profound. Representatives and deputies from all walks of life gather at the “national conference room” of the two sessions, expressing their opinions freely and connecting the decisions of the Party and government with the needs and expectations of hundreds of millions of ordinary people. This requires meticulous organization and planning, as well as a strong sense of political responsibility and execution. When we carefully think about it, we can’t help but feel shocked. Over the decades, the two sessions have continuously adjusted and changed according to the development of the times and practical needs, but the original intention of representatives and deputies to serve the people and hold discussions concerning national policies and principles has remained unchanged. The institutional energy and vitality reflected in this are phenomenal and creative in the history of human political systems.

A year’s plan starts with spring. Spring is traditionally the starting point for the Chinese people to begin a year of hard work. The two sessions in modern China also serve as the starting gun for China to move forward in the new year. Just as the harvest in autumn does not come automatically, Chinese modernization will not come from the sky. Our development in all aspects is steady and progressive, but at the same time, we also see that China is facing increasing complexity, severity, and uncertainty in the external environment. Overcoming difficulties and challenges is necessary to further promote economic recovery and improvement. We need to further unite and focus the attention of the whole society on promoting Chinese modernization, igniting the greatest degree of initiative. This is the historical mission that the two sessions undertake at this special juncture this year.

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SOURCE Global Times

Technology

1-800Accountant Launches Tax Savings Services Designed for 1099 Workers

Published

46 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

New offering helps independent contractors structure their business to reduce their tax burden from day one

NEW YORK, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 1-800Accountant, the nation’s leading virtual accounting firm for small businesses, announced the launch of a new service offering built specifically for 1099 workers and independent contractors. The service helps freelancers and self-employed professionals work with an accountant to select the right business setup for their income, with a focus on reducing taxes from the start.

Growth Is Outpacing Tax Readiness

Independent contractor work has grown significantly in recent years. 1-800Accountant’s client data shows sharp year-over-year growth across contractor-heavy industries, with Consulting up 17%, Construction up 10%, and Service-sector clients growing more than 200% compared to 2024. Despite this growth, many contractors continue to overpay their taxes because they operate without a formal business structure in place or the right tax election.

The gap is particularly visible in industries like Healthcare, Engineering, and Legal, where LLC adoption among 1-800Accountant clients sits at 81%, 72%, and 71%, respectively, well below the 90%-plus rates seen in higher-adoption industries like Construction and Real Estate. 1-800Accountant’s new business tax optimization service closes that gap by matching contractors with the right business type while ensuring their business is set up correctly before they file their first return.

“Independent contractors continue to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the American workforce, and they are also among the most underserved when it comes to strategic tax planning,” said Mike Savage, Founder and CEO of 1-800Accountant. “That lack of planning means that most 1099 workers don’t realize how much they’re leaving on the table. This service changes that. We’re giving contractors access to the same strategic advantages that established businesses have, ensuring the right business setup from the beginning.”

Tax Strategy Built In from Day One

These services walk clients through a structured process that includes accountant-recommended business types, registering with the appropriate state agencies, and coordinating with an accountant to ensure alignment between the structure and the client’s specific tax situation. 1-800Accountant integrates business setup for 1099 earners into a broader tax strategy tailored around each contractor’s income level, filing status, and long-term goals.

“What sets us apart is the tax strategy layer,” said Ryan Teeples, Chief of Strategy at 1-800Accountant. “What contractors and gig workers actually need are professionals to help them understand which tax setup makes the most sense for their income, their industry, and where they want their business to go. Then, we do the work to save on both their business and personal taxes. That’s what we’re delivering here.”

The service is available now to new and existing 1-800Accountant clients. Pricing starts at $19 per month (plus any government filing fees) and includes business setup evaluation, tax return preparation and filing, state registration, federal registration, simple-to-use AI bookkeeping software, and a consultation with a tax expert for onboarding and explanation of their individual tax situation.

About 1-800Accountant

1-800Accountant is the nation’s leading virtual accounting firm for small businesses and independent contractors. With a team of credentialed accountants and tax professionals, 1-800Accountant provides bookkeeping, tax preparation, tax planning, and advisory services to clients across all 50 states. The firm is committed to making professional accounting accessible and affordable for business owners at every stage.

Contact: Wyatt Johnson
Content Manager, 1-800Accountant
920-807-9159 | media@1800accountant.com

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SOURCE 1-800Accountant

Technology

9fin launches in APAC to expand global credit coverage

Published

46 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

With APAC playing a bigger role in increasingly complex global credit markets, 9fin brings the news, data and AI tools professionals need to navigate volatility

HONG KONG, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 9fin, the AI-native information platform for global debt markets, has formally launched in the Asia Pacific region, giving credit professionals access to cutting-edge news, data and analysis across private and public bonds and loans.

As the 9fin team continues to grow quickly across APAC from its initial base in Hong Kong, it is supporting firms locally by providing proprietary credit intelligence, comprehensive data, and AI-powered workflow tools, all within one unified platform.

The launch comes as the tussle between public and private markets intensifies in APAC, making it more important than ever for banks, asset managers, advisors, and law firms to have visibility across the full credit landscape. While bond issuance has dropped amid geopolitical disruption, private credit activity remains robust as borrowers seek alternative financing options.

By combining deal intelligence from local sources with its extensive global credit database and AI tools, the 9fin platform gives users a comprehensive view across fragmented markets. The APAC platform includes coverage of more than 1,800 issuers and 16,000 instruments, with issuance history dating back to 2003 following 9fin’s acquisition of Bond Radar, in March 2025.

9fin is already used by more than 300 institutions globally, including KKR, Apollo, BNP Paribas, and Kirkland & Ellis. The company’s APAC buildout — supported by its $170 million Series C fundraise in March 2026 — marks the next phase of its global expansion.

Steven Hunter, CEO and co-founder at 9fin, commented: “APAC is a complex region and is becoming even more so as private markets expand and geopolitical volatility increases. The region needs a faster, smarter platform covering the full picture across bonds, loans, private credit and distressed. That’s exactly what 9fin provides. With our full platform now live in APAC, we’re giving our users the clarity to make informed decisions, faster.”

9fin’s APAC launch follows its expansion across the US, Europe, and Latin America, with CEEMEA to follow.

About 9fin

9fin is the AI-native platform for global debt markets. Founded by former J.P. Morgan banker Steven Hunter and Deutsche Bank engineer Hussam EL-Sheikh, the company combines data, analytics, and AI-powered workflows in a single platform, helping clients work smarter and faster to outperform their peers.

The company is headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Hong Kong, and Belfast and with teams across Latin America and Asia. For more information, visit 9fin.com.

Media contacts
Jessica Simpkin
jessica.simpkin@9fin.com
Shree Dhond/Katie Nerantzis
Dukas Linden Public Relations | 9fin@dlpr.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/9fin-launches-in-apac-to-expand-global-credit-coverage-302750649.html

Technology

Trimble First Quarter Earnings Call and Webcast

Published

46 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

WESTMINSTER, Colo., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) will hold a conference call on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 8 a.m. ET to review its first quarter 2026 results. The call will be broadcast live on the web at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/544327873. Analysts who wish to dial into the call may do so by first registering at https://events.q4inc.com/analyst/544327873?pwd=s5ilhwSm. Upon registration, dial-in details will be sent via email to the registrant.

About Trimble

Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it is helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress. For more information about Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB), visit: www.trimble.com.

FTRMB

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SOURCE Trimble