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Is China exporting too many clean-energy products?

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BEIJING, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — An opinion piece by Michael Zakkour, Beijing Review op-ed contributor and founder and CEO of U.S.-based consulting firms 5 New Digital and China BrightStar: 

Modern China and its wealth were initially forged in the country’s factories, making virtually every category of consumer and industrial product that the rest of the world wanted and for which global companies sought a more cost-efficient manufacturing solution.

Then came the second wave of Chinese development. After deciding to open up and reform its economy in 1978 and establishing itself as a manufacturing power between 1980 and 2005, China added technology, green initiatives, real estate, consumption, digital innovations, and countless other categories to the country’s GDP growth playbook over the following two decades.

China is now years into the process of developing world-class companies, products and services across a wide array of emerging industries, including artificial intelligence, computer chips, and electric vehicles (EVs).

Yet one constant throughout the last 45 years has been that no matter what other industries China has thrived in, and no matter what changes occur in the global economy, the fact remains that “China Makes and the World Takes.” 

The demand for Chinese manufactured products has only seen very small variations in the last two decades. Even among trade negotiations, tariff disagreements and changing geopolitics, China remains the world’s key manufacturing hub.

There was much made of global companies moving most of their manufacturing out of China. So, what do the data tell us? China’s share of global manufacturing output has remained virtually the same (28 percent) over the last decade, with a 1.8-percent dip in 2018 being the exception.

This brings us to the question that economists, corporations and political leaders are asking each other and China’s leaders: Is China’s “overcapacity” and push for increased exports a threat to the global economy? 

My short answer is “no.” Some sectors (solar and batteries for example) have a modicum of overcapacity, but overall, the issue is being overhyped and overblown in the media and halls of power around the world.

The truth is that China has never abandoned its commitment to manufacturing and exports as an economic pillar while adding new growth drivers, and the world is very much buying what China is producing.

To be fair, there is reason for concern outside China. When China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, it was a boon for consumers and Chinese manufacturing, and it did prompt a rebalancing of industry in Western countries.

But overall, the world grew richer and more innovative in the following two decades. Should observers be concerned that China is heading toward an over-reliance on manufacturing, worried about the prospect of it hurting China’s growth and economy in a way that would ripple around the world?

Yes, it is a valid concern. But not one reflective of the near-term reality.

Here we will take a deeper dive into the upsides and concerns regarding China’s increased exports.

The first place we should look to is the EV sector. China’s exports of EVs rose some 70 percent in 2023 and have continued to surge in 2024. There is a consensus around the world that all countries need to cut greenhouse emissions to halt climate change. Solar energy and electric/hybrid vehicles are two of the most oft-cited solutions.

China has invested heavily in building high-quality and affordable EVs as demand has increased. This is a good thing, right? Not according to some who are afraid of Chinese-made EVs disrupting local automakers.

This produces the smell of hypocrisy. On the one hand, leaders are pushing for wide adoption of EVs, but average prices for U.S.-made vehicles hover around $54,000 and producers are not making enough to meet demand. China-made EVs average $30,000. China has solved the puzzle of combining quality and price, but that somehow poses a threat.

I see China building an industry that is good for the Earth and can accelerate the adoption of clean tech. It’s a bit reminiscent of the uproar caused by the introduction of Japanese-made cars in the 1970s.

But let us look beyond EVs. Chinese exports are increasingly focused on the Global South, meeting the needs of developing nations who need new tech products, cars and clothes—at an affordable price.

While China exports extensively, there remains untapped domestic demand within its vast urban and rural areas. By addressing this demand, China can enhance its economic resilience and promote sustainable practices at home. Overcapacity in the new-energy sector is not the issue; rather, it is the shortage of high-quality production capacity that needs attention. 

To be sure though, China will benefit in the long run by balancing capacity and exports while simultaneously reimagining and building additional capabilities into its economy. 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/is-china-exporting-too-many-clean-energy-products-302156771.html

SOURCE Beijing Review

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AFP Launches No Code AI for Finance Certificate to Upskill Finance Teams

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New certificate empowers financial professionals with real-world AI skills that don’t require programming expertise

ROCKVILLE, Md., April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) announced the launch of its No Code AI for Finance Certificate Program. Taught by an AI expert with a background in finance and operations, the virtual on-demand program goes beyond theory, providing practical applications of AI in finance.

Key takeaways

Practical curriculum: The certificate course, developed through feedback from finance practitioners, provides hands-on exercises and lessons on building a data foundation, training and interpreting machine learning models, generating insights with generative AI and embedding ethics in AI adoptionSelf-paced learning: Once registered for the certificate, eight hours of on-demand content across four modules are available in AFP Learn.Professional recognition: The certificate course is eligible for 9.6 CTP, FPAC and CCM Credits and provides a Digital Badge and printable certificate upon successful completion.

Why it matters
The finance function is at a critical turning point. Data volumes are growing while finance professionals are increasingly being asked to do more with less. The No Code AI for Finance Certificate equips teams to scale their impact by automating labor-intensive workflows and speeding up processes while maintaining accuracy.

Comprehensive curriculum
The certificate program includes four modules that are tailored to the specific needs of finance professionals:

Data Foundations for Trustworthy Finance Analytics: Learn about decision cycles AI can shorten, mitigation tactics for AI hallucinations, and the difference between supervised, unsupervised and generative tasks.Understanding the Full Machine Learning Process and Its Results: Learn to frame finance machine learning problems correctly, choose and defend the right success metrics for each task and translate model results into business-ready insights.Generative AI for Finance: Smarter Questions, Faster Insights: Learn to write prompts for GenAI, generate and refine GenAI-supported data-prep code, pressure test insights with GenAI and apply guardrails for GenAI.From AI Capability to Adoption & Ethics by Design: Learn to select and prioritize a first AI pilot, design an operating cadence, draft an ethics and risk control sheet, and define ROI and adoption KPIs.

Each module includes downloadable assets to help learners apply the lessons to their day-to-day work.

Key quote
“At AFP, we recognized a clear need for training that addresses finance-specific applications of AI. This certificate acts as a bridge to connect financial professionals to the transformative power of AI, ensuring they remain the indispensable strategic partners their organizations require,” said Pat Culkin, President & CEO of AFP.

Ready to lead AI adoption in your finance team?
Enroll in the certificate program and begin working toward the No Code AI for Finance Certificate.

FAQs
Who should enroll in this certificate program?
The program is designed for financial professionals at all levels looking to integrate AI into their workflows.

Are there any prerequisites for the course?
There are no prerequisites for this course. It is accessible to professionals of all technical backgrounds. No coding knowledge is required.

How is the course delivered?
The course consists of eight hours of on-demand content across four modules, which can be completed at the learner’s own pace.

How much does it cost to enroll in the certificate program?
The certificate program is $295 for AFP members and $495 for non-members.

About AFP®
Headquartered outside of Washington, D.C., and located regionally in Singapore, the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) is the professional society committed to advancing the success of treasury and finance members and their organizations. Established and administered by AFP, the Certified Treasury Professional and Certified Corporate FP&A Professional credentials set standards of excellence in treasury and finance. Each year, AFP hosts the largest networking conference worldwide for about 7,000 corporate financial professionals.

Media contact
Joe Hodanich
Senior Director, Digital Strategy & Content
Association for Financial Professionals
Email: jhodanich@financialprofessionals.org

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SOURCE Association for Financial Professionals

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KT Corp. Files 2025 Annual Report on Form 20-F

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SEOUL, South Korea, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KT Corporation (NYSE: KT), South Korea’s largest integrated telecom and digital platform service provider, announced that it has filed its Form 20- F Annual Report on April 29th, 2026 for the year ended December 31, 2025 with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States. The report can be accessed on KT’s English website at https://corp.kt.com/eng in the Investors section under Business Report as well as the SEC’s Edgar database at www.sec.gov. Shareholders may also request a hard copy of the Form 20-F Annual Report that includes audited financial statements of 2025, free of charge, by sending an e-mail to the Company’s IR department at ktir@kt.com.

About KT Corporation (KRX: 030200; NYSE: KT)

KT Corporation is the leading integrated telecommunications and platform service provider based in South Korea. Principal services include mobile, Broadband, IPTV, B2B communications, and fixed-line telephony. The Company has industry-leading market presence in Broadband, media services, and fixed-line telephony by maintaining the No.1 market share positions. Also, the Company is the No.1 player in B2B communications and offers a wide range of digital transformation services (DC, Cloud, AI, etc.). Additionally, the Company possesses a well-balanced portfolio of diverse subsidiaries focusing on media/content, financial services, real estate developments, and commerce industries.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and the industries in which we operate. The forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “project,” “should,” and similar expressions. Those statements include, among other things, the discussions of our business strategy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity and capital resources. We caution you that reliance on any forward-looking statement involves risks and uncertainties, and that although we believe that the assumptions on which our forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and, as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions could be incorrect. The uncertainties in this regard include, but are not limited to, those identified in the risk factors discussed above. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not conclude that we will necessarily achieve any plans and objectives or projected financial results referred to in any of the forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to release the results of any revisions of these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

IR department:
+82-70-4193-4036
ktir@kt.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kt-corp-files-2025-annual-report-on-form-20-f-302757200.html

SOURCE KT Corp.

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SK TELECOM CO. LTD. FILES ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 20-F

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SEOUL, South Korea, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 29, 2026, SK Telecom Co., Ltd. filed its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The 2025 Annual Report on Form 20-F can be viewed on www.sktelecom.com, as well as from the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Printed copies of SK Telecom’s complete audited financial statements (including footnotes) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025 can be requested, free of charge, by written request to skt.ir@sk.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sk-telecom-co-ltd-files-its-annual-report-on-form-20-f-302757201.html

SOURCE SK Telecom Co., Ltd

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