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Promoting international cooperation in industrial and supply chains

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BEIJING, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — This is an article from China.org.cn:

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized that in a world of economic globalization, only by upholding openness and cooperation in global industrial and supply chains can win-win development be achieved. The resolution adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) proposed facilitating international cooperation in industrial and supply chains. In alignment with these instructions, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) has embraced its mission by safeguarding the public-good nature of industrial and supply chains, fostering connections between government and business, integrating domestic and global markets, and streamlining coordination between supply and demand. As part of these efforts, the CCPIT is meticulously preparing for the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), so as to contribute to the development of an open global economy and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Rapid reconstruction of global industrial and supply chains

The world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century. Profound and complex shifts in the international political and economic landscape are marked by frequent local conflicts and turmoil, intensified rivalries among major powers, and a rising wave of anti-globalization. Against this backdrop, the restructuring of global industrial and supply chains is occurring at an accelerated pace.

On one hand, a new wave of scientific and technological revolutions, represented by information technology, artificial intelligence and new energy, is rapidly advancing. Digitalization and green transition have emerged as the primary directions for upgrading and modernizing industrial and supply chains. In response to these sweeping technological and industrial trends, countries around the world are making forward-looking strategies and investments. Breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies are triggering changes in traditional industrial chains, giving rise to new fields and sectors such as artificial intelligence, green energy and biomedicine. These developments are significantly enhancing the efficiency and quality of supply systems, generating substantial new demand, and creating opportunities for global cooperation in industrial and supply chains while injecting new vitality into development.

On the other hand, due to the rise of protectionism, public health crises and geopolitical turmoil in recent years, industrial and supply chain cooperation has shown tendencies of politicization and securitization. Some nations are promoting “decoupling” and “small yard, high fence” policies, prompting multinational companies to shift their priorities from pursuing “cost and efficiency” to balancing “efficiency and security.” This trend has driven global industrial and supply chains toward onshoring, nearshoring and friendshoring, heightening the risk of economic fragmentation.

Given the diverse resource endowments and development levels of different countries, economic and trade cooperation remains the only viable path to achieving complementary strengths and mutual benefits. As the world’s largest developing country, China has long been committed to its own development while deeply participating in global industrial and supply chain cooperation, continuously making new contributions to the stability and resilience of global industrial and supply chains.

China as a pillar of stability for global industrial and supply chains

Security and stability are the cornerstones of development. Achieving these requires enhancing global resource coordination of key industrial chains, ensuring that countries and businesses have reliable partners and stable development expectations. 

China has the world’s most comprehensive industrial categories and a well-rounded industrial system, with manufacturing value-added accounting for around 30% of the global total, and over 40% of major industrial products ranking first in global output. In recent years, China’s position in mid-to-high-end industries, such as electronics, electrical equipment and machinery, has risen rapidly within the global division of labor. This has provided significant support for the stable operation of global industrial and supply chains, establishing China as a solid and reliable player in the global economic system.

The world economy operates as an interconnected whole. It requires the seamless circulation and effective allocation of production factors, while China plays a pivotal role in driving global connectivity. 

With high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation as a guide, China has focused on strengthening the “hard connectivity” of infrastructure and the “soft connectivity” of rules and standards with partner countries. To date, China has signed over 200 BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations, aligning development strategies, management rules and standards. Landmark projects such as the China-Europe Railway Express, the Hungary-Serbia Railway and the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway have been completed, significantly reducing cross-border transportation and transaction costs while enhancing the quality and efficiency of global industrial and supply chains.

China pursues a proactive strategy of opening up and sharing the benefits of its vast market of over 1.4 billion people with the world. It has become the primary trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions, firmly maintaining its position as the world’s second-largest consumer market and the largest trading nation in goods. More than 90% of foreign-funded enterprises in China are oriented toward the Chinese market. By continuously easing market access, fostering a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment, and attracting foreign investment on a global scale, China provides multinational companies with broad opportunities for growing their global presence.

Openness and inclusiveness are vital for fostering shared development and prosperity. Promoting the integration of global industrial and supply chains while driving the green, low-carbon transition is essential. 

Upholding the principles of harmony and coexistence, China has proposed initiatives on supply chain cooperation at such multilateral platforms as APEC, the G20 and BRICS, urging all parties to eliminate non-economic disruptions in trade relations. China has actively promoted international cooperation in green development. It has significantly enriched global supply with high-quality production capacities in electric vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products, contributing to the green development of global industrial chains. China also hosted the ASEAN Plus Three Industrial Chain & Supply Chain Partnering Conference to help enterprises in relevant countries integrate into global industrial and supply chains.

Building closer global industrial and supply chain partnerships

In line with President Xi’s directives, the CCPIT successfully launched the inaugural CISCE in 2023. This is the world’s first national-level supply chain expo, which has played a pivotal role in facilitating connections across the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors, promoting collaboration among enterprises of all sizes, fostering partnerships between industry, academia and research, and enhancing dealings between Chinese and international businesses. As a new open platform for win-win global partnerships, it strengthens cooperation between China and the world. 

The second CISCE is going to take place in Beijing from Nov. 26 to 30, 2024. We will adhere to the principles of internationalization, specialization, market orientation and green development in organizing the event. We aim to amplify the expo’s role as a hub for trade promotion, investment cooperation, innovation and knowledge exchange, working alongside all stakeholders to build a closer global industrial and supply chain partnership. This will contribute to the recovery and growth of the global economy.

We will enhance CISCE’s role as a window for high-level opening up. This year, CCPIT has hosted over 60 roadshows globally, inviting enterprises and stakeholders from around the world to participate in the second CISCE. Five international organizations – the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization, the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the International Chamber of Commerce – have joined as supporting units. 

The expo has attracted more than 600 companies and institutions from nearly 70 countries, a 20% increase from its debut. Notably, over 60% of participants are either Fortune Global 500 companies or industry leaders. The percentage of overseas exhibitors has risen from 26% to 32%, with equal representation from Europe and the U.S and over 40 BRI partner countries. Delegates from over 100 countries and organizations will gather to explore the theme of “Connecting the World for a Shared Future.”

We will strengthen the platform to serve the new development pattern. The 2024 CISCE serves as a bridge for industrial integration, innovative promotion and market connectivity between China and the world. It uses supply chains as a catalyst for long-term collaboration between Chinese and foreign companies, to foster a precise and dynamic corporate ecosystem.

The new advanced manufacturing chain exhibition area will focus on developing new quality productive forces with nearly 80 leading global enterprises showcasing cutting-edge technological achievements from front-end designs to end-use applications, enhancing exchanges with innovation as well as cooperation. 

Over 70 new products, technologies and services will debut alongside targeted initiatives, such as promoting high-quality industrial chains in the Yangtze River Delta and showcasing investment opportunities in the Hainan Free Trade Port. These efforts aim to turn exhibitors into investors, fostering deeper engagement and investment of global enterprises in China.

We will enrich mechanisms to foster an open and inclusive global economy. The CISCE encourages joint participation by Chinese and international enterprises. For example, Rio Tinto, Bosch, Baowu and XPeng will jointly depict a comprehensive upgrade of the smart and green automotive industry. Fonterra, together with its Chinese supply chain partners, will demonstrate sustainable development of the “farm-to-table” ecological chain. Lenovo and SAP will highlight innovations in private cloud and commercial AI. 

The expo will release the Global Supply Chain Promotion Report 2024, the Global Supply Chain Promotion Index and the Connectivity Index as well as will gather Chinese and foreign guests to discuss sustainable market initiatives and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, thus providing suggestions for promoting open global cooperation.

We will broaden practical pathways for building a community with a shared future for humanity. This year, the CCPIT has been proactively sharing China’s experiences in strengthening cooperation with global supply chains. It facilitated a joint APEC proposal on supply chain resilience with US business leaders, organized a delegation for the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum and co-hosted a seminar on building greener and more resilient supply chains with the ITC at the World Trade Organization Public Forum.

The 2024 CISCE will release a “Beijing Initiative” to promote international cooperation in industrial and supply chains, and support the launch of industrial alliance initiatives across its six key industrial chains and one exhibition area, thus to broaden global consensus. Focusing on expanding unilateral opening up to the least developed countries, the CCPIT will support exhibitors from Africa, the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean, demonstrating in concrete actions China’s commitment to inclusivity and shared prosperity.

The author is chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
This article was written in Chinese and translated by China.org.cn.
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

Promoting international cooperation in industrial and supply chains
http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/2024-11/21/content_117561461.htm

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VibeBeats Launches AI-Powered Music Streaming Service for Businesses globally

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Vibebeats AI gives cafés, gyms, retailers, bars and hotels fully licensed, AI-curated streaming music for business from any phone, tablet or browser — no hardware, no lock-in contracts, no licensing paperwork — from A$29 a month with a 7-day free trial.

BRISBANE, Australia, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — VibeBeats Launches AI-Powered Music Streaming Service for Businesses globally

VibeBeats gives venues fully licensed, AI-curated Music at a fraction of the cost — one app, one licence, one platform.

Vibebeats AI gives cafés, gyms, retailers, bars and hotels fully licensed, AI-curated streaming music for business from any phone, tablet or browser — no hardware, no lock-in contracts, no licensing paperwork — from A$29 a month with a 7-day free trial.

Most venues playing music through consumer apps are doing it on the wrong licence. VibeBeats, an Australian-built, AI-powered streaming music for business platform, has launched across Australia and worldwide to fix that — turning any phone, tablet or browser into a fully licensed venue sound system in under five minutes. One agreement covers commercial performance rights across OneMusic and APRA AMCOS in Australia, and ASCAP, BMI, PRS and other rights bodies internationally — the same platform serving a café in Melbourne or a gym in London.

The “Spotify for business” that actually exists

Every month, thousands of venue owners worldwide search for “Spotify for business” — a product that doesn’t exist. Consumer streaming accounts are licensed for personal use only, leaving businesses that play them exposed under copyright law in Australia and virtually every other market. VibeBeats fills that gap: a business music streaming service where the commercial music rights are handled under one agreement — no separate music licence for business paperwork to manage.

“The number one thing we see is venue owners assuming it’s fine to play their personal Spotify account in the café — most don’t realise a licence fee even applies,” said Damien King, founder of VibeBeats. “It’s not bad intent. Licensing is complex, and when you’re running a small business there are a hundred competing priorities. VibeBeats solves it with one app, one licence, one platform.”

What VibeBeats delivers

Fully Licensed for Commercial Use — one agreement covers the rights that would otherwise involve OneMusic, APRA AMCOS, ASCAP, BMI, PRS and more.No Hardware Required — any phone, tablet or browser becomes the venue sound system — set up in under five minutes.AI-Curated Background Music for Business — stations matched to venue type and time of day, from morning coffee trade to peak gym floor to late-night bar.Smart Scheduling — playlists by daypart, with music that keeps running through connection drops.Multi-Venue Dashboard — manage every location from a single account.Simple Pricing — from A$29 per month per venue with a 7-day free trial — no lock-in contracts.

Pricing and availability

VibeBeats is available now from $29AUD/$20US per month per venue, and globally, with a 7-day free trial at vibebeats.ai. Purpose-built stations are available for cafés, gyms, retail and in-store environments, bars and hotels.

About VibeBeats

VibeBeats is an AI-powered commercial music streaming platform for businesses, offering direct-licensed music for cafés, restaurants, bars, retail stores, gyms and hotels. One agreement covers commercial performance rights that would otherwise involve PROs, OneMusic, APRA AMCOS, ASCAP, BMI, PRS and more. Australian-built and available globally, VibeBeats AI streams to any device with no proprietary hardware required. Learn more at vibebeats.ai.

VibeBeats is not affiliated with Spotify.

Media Contact

Damien King, Vibebeats AI, 61 0408009067, hello@vibebeats.ai, https://vibebeats.ai

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Inside information: Valmet initiates a strategic review to evaluate a potential separation of its two segments

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Valmet Oyj’s stock exchange release (inside information) on July 24, 2026 at 9.01a.m. EEST 

ESPOO, Finland, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of Valmet Oyj (“Valmet” or the “Company”) has decided to initiate a strategic review to evaluate a potential separation of its two core businesses, Biomaterial Solutions and Services, and Process Performance Solutions, into two standalone publicly listed companies. The review will focus on assessing whether a separation of the two businesses and their operation as separately listed companies on Nasdaq Helsinki would create additional value for shareholders compared with the current combined structure.

Both Valmet’s core businesses report as separate segments and they have grown into large, mostly independent profitable businesses, each with strong market positions and scale that allow them to succeed independently. With the recent completion of the Severn acquisition taking Process Performance Solutions to approximately EUR 1.7 billion in annual net sales and the renewed operating model now firmly in place, the Board believes this is the right time to assess whether a separation would unlock shareholder value by enabling each business to better realise its full potential.

The Board also notes that the two core businesses operate relatively independently as they serve mainly different customer industries, exhibit distinct business drivers, and have different capital allocation profiles. Biomaterial Solutions and Services is a global technology and lifecycle services business focused on the pulp, board, paper, tissue and energy industries, where its competitive advantage is anchored in a vast installed base, advanced technology, global presence, strong customer references and global services penetration. Process Performance Solutions is a mission-critical automation and flow control business serving a diversified set of industries. Over the past decade, it has evolved from a business primarily focused on pulp and paper into a diversified industrial platform, with close to 70 percent of net sales generated from other industries today.

Based on the Board’s initial assessment, a separation would allow each business to pursue sustainable profitable growth opportunities more independently and efficiently, with the potential for sharper management focus, greater agility, more tailored capital allocation, and more flexible access to external capital to support both organic and inorganic growth. The Board will also assess whether, if implemented, a separation would improve transparency, simplify governance, and allow capital markets to better recognize the full value of both businesses.

Pekka Vauramo, Chair of the Board, said:
“The Board continuously evaluates how to create the greatest long-term value for Valmet’s shareholders. Today, Valmet consists of two strong businesses with distinct markets, growth opportunities and capital allocation needs. Through this review, we will assess whether they can create more value as independent companies than they can together. We will only proceed with a separation if we conclude after detailed analysis that separation is clearly in the best interests of our shareholders.” 

Thomas Hinnerskov, President and CEO of Valmet, said:
“Both of our businesses are well positioned, with strong customer relationships and market positions, as well as talented employees. The review reflects the strength and maturity of both businesses, which we have built through strong execution, organic growth and strategic investments into sizeable and successful operations with the scale, capabilities and opportunities to create further value both together and, potentially, as independent companies. This review does not change our commitment to our customers or our strategy. It is a priority for us to preserve the strength of our full offering and the value our customers gain from services, automation and technology working together. Throughout the process, our focus remains on serving our customers and delivering value for their success.”

Although the strategic review has been initiated, there is no guarantee that the review will result in any transaction, including a separation. The Board will only execute or recommend changes to the Group’s structure if clear evidence of enhanced shareholder value creation can be attained. Valmet will provide an update on the review latest in connection with the publication of its full-year 2026 results.

Further information, please contact:

For investors: Pekka Rouhiainen, VP, Investor Relations, Valmet, tel. +358 10 672 0020

For media: Valmet Communications, media@valmet.com

VALMET

Katri Hokkanen
CFO

Pekka Rouhiainen
VP, Investor Relations

DISTRIBUTION:
Nasdaq Helsinki
Major media
www.valmet.com

Valmet is a global technology leader in serving process industries. We work with our customers throughout the lifecycle, delivering cutting-edge technologies and services, as well as mission-critical automation and flow control solutions. Backed by more than 225 years of industrial experience and a global team of 18,500 professionals close to customers, we are uniquely positioned to transform industries toward a regenerative tomorrow.

In 2025, Valmet’s net sales totaled approximately EUR 5.2 billion. Our head office is in Espoo, Finland, and we have experts in approximately 40 countries around the world. Valmet’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

Follow us on valmet.com | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram |

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Securitas AB Interim Report Q2 2026 | January-June

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STOCKHOLM, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 

APRIL–JUNE 2026

Total sales MSEK 37 843 (38 564)Organic sales growth 0 percent (5)Adjusted organic sales growth, 3 percent*Real sales growth within technology and solutions 5 percent (4)Operating income before amortization MSEK 2 824 (2 798)Operating margin 7.5 percent (7.3)Adjusted operating margin, 7.6 percent (7.5)*Items affecting comparability (IAC) MSEK –46 (–166) Earnings per share, SEK 2.88 (2.56)Earnings per share before IAC, SEK 2.94 (2.79)Cash flow from operating activities 87 percent (106)

JANUARY–JUNE 2026

Total sales MSEK 74 054 (78 170)Organic sales growth 0 percent (4)Adjusted organic sales growth, 2 ­percent*Real sales growth within technology and solutions 4 percent (5)Operating income before amortization MSEK 5 283 (5 323)Operating margin 7.1 percent (6.8)Adjusted operating margin, 7.3 ­percent (7.1)*Items affecting comparability (IAC) MSEK 138 (–243) whereof MSEK 213 (–5) related to divestitures Earnings per share, SEK 5.68 (4.86)Earnings per share before IAC, SEK 5.40 (5.15)Cash flow from operating activities 65 percent (56)Net debt/EBITDA ratio 2.2 (2.4) 

*A new key ratio, operating margin adjusted for the government business within SCIS in the process of being closed down, was added as of the second quarter 2025. A new key ratio, organic sales growth adjusted for the same business, was added as of the third quarter 2025. Refer to note 5 for further information.

Comments from the President and CEO

“Continued profitability improvement”

Organic sales growth in the second quarter, adjusted for the close-down of the SCIS government business, was 3 percent. Organic sales growth in North America was supported by both the Guarding and Technology business units, while active portfolio management had a hampering effect on organic sales growth in Europe. 

Real sales growth in technology and solutions reached 5 percent in the second quarter, supported by good performance in Technology in North America. Commercial activity remained healthy in the global technology business with strong growth in installation order intake and backlog.

We execute on our strategy with the share of technology and solutions increasing across all segments but we are not fully satisfied with the overall growth. We have built a strong and differentiated technology-led offering and we are intensifying our efforts to commercialize the capabilities we have built.

We delivered an improved adjusted operating margin in the second quarter, reaching 7.6 percent (7.5), driven by both the technology and solutions and the security services business lines. Operating income increased 3 percent and earnings per share 7 percent. For the first six months earnings per share increased 11 percent.

Cash generation was good, cor­re­spond­ing to 87 percent (106) of oper­at­ing income in the quarter, and 65 per­cent (56) for the first six months of the year. The net debt to EBITDA ratio was 2.2 (2.4).

THE TRUSTED PARTNER IN INTELLIGENCE-LED SECURITY

Our recently announced 2030 strategy positions Securitas as the trusted partner in intelligence-led security, combining global presence and deep security expertise with advanced data, analytics and technology. By leveraging actionable risk intelligence and a more consultative approach, we aim to move further up the value chain, delivering proactive, insight-driven security and strengthening our role as a strategic advisor to clients. In an increasingly complex risk environment, growing demand for professional security ­ser­vices supports our continued growth and competitive position.

The close-down of the SCIS govern­ment business is progressing accord­ing to plan and is expected to be concluded by year-end. As no further activities remain, the strategic as­sess­­­ment program was concluded in the second quarter of 2026.

The shift toward technology and solutions continues to drive prof­itabil­ity improvements. We are also strength­en­ing the performance of our security services business and, as of the second quarter of 2026, have completed portfolio management actions related to underperforming contracts in Europe. Going forward, portfolio optimization will continue as part of normal business operations, with a sustained focus on contract profitability.

CREATING LONG-TERM SHAREHOLDER VALUE

In conjunction with the launch of our strategy, we have updated the Group’s financial targets for the period through 2030. The revised targets include a new headline target of achieving 10 percent average annual earnings per share growth over a business cycle, alongside targets for cash flow, leverage and dividend policy. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, we are accelerating our transformation and remain confident in our ability to deliver sustainable earnings growth and create long-term shareholder value.

Magnus Ahlqvist
President and CEO

PRESENTATION OF THE INTERIM REPORT

Analysts and media are invited to participate in a telephone ­conference on July 24, 2026, at 9.30 a.m. (CEST) where President and CEO Magnus Ahlqvist and CFO Matteo Dall’Ora will present the report and answer questions. The ­telephone conference will also be audio cast live via Securitas’ website www.securitas.com

To follow the audio cast of the telephone conference via the web, please follow the link
www.securitas.com/en/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations/

A recorded version of the audio cast will be available at www.securitas.com/en/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations/
after the ­telephone conference.

For further information, please contact:
Micaela Sjökvist, Vice President, Investor Relations +46 76 116 7443

ABOUT SECURITAS

Securitas is a world-leading safety and security solutions partner that helps make your world a safer place. Nine decades of deep experience means we see what others miss. By leveraging technology in partnership with our clients, ­combined with an innovative, holistic approach, we’re transforming the security ­industry. With approximately 322 000 employees in 44 markets, we see a ­different world and ­create sustainable value for our clients by protecting what matters most – their people and assets.

Group financial targets

Securitas has the following financial targets:

Average annual earnings per share growth of 10 percent over a business cycle, excluding items affecting comparability and adjusted for changes in exchange rates, with a >10 percent operating margin ambition long-termOperating cash flow of 80–90 percent of operating income before amortizationNet debt to EBITDA below 2.5xDividend policy of 50–60 percent of annual net income over a business cycle, with excess capital returned to shareholders once stra-tegic growth priorities are met

Securitas AB (publ.)
P.O. Box 12307, SE-102 28 Stockholm, Sweden
Visiting address:
Lindhagensplan 70
Telephone: +46 10 470 30 00
Corporate registration number: 556302-7241

www.securitas.com

This is information that Securitas AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation.
The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above,
at 8.00 a.m. (CEST) on Friday, July 24, 2026.

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