Technology

China Continues as an Attractive Investment Destination

Published

1 year ago

February 26, 2025

GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) today released its 2025 Special Report on the State of Business in South China. The release was attended by over 200 government officials, business executives and members of media including over 40 foreign consulates mostly represented by their consuls general. This publication can be downloaded free of charge from the Chamber’s website at http://www.amcham-southchina.com/amcham/static/publications/specialreport.jsp

The 208-page bilingual 2025 Special Report on the State of the Business in South China, the 21st such endeavor, provides a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the business community and valuable insights into the development trends in South China. This year, 316 companies participated in the study in total. This publication is researched and produced independently by AmCham South China and does not represent the opinions of the US or any other government or organization. AmCham South China does not receive any funds from any government in the production of this publication.

According to the 2025 Special Report on the State of Business in South China, 76% of the companies studied plan to reinvest in China in 2025. A sizeable number of the participating companies have budgeted for reinvestment in China in 2025 under US$10 million, accounting for 77% of the total. A notable 6% have allocated over US$250 million for reinvestment plans in the coming year. It is estimated that member companies have set aside a total of US$14.59 billion from profits in China to reinvest over the next three to five years to expand existing operations and capture additional market share, a surge of 33.18% compared to the previous reinvestment figure.

Dr. Harley Seyedin, Chairman and President of AmCham South China, winner of 2017 Oslo Business for Peace Award (along with Elon Musk, Durreen Shahnaz and Murad Al-Katib), which is awarded by an Award Committee consisting of Nobel Laureates in Peace and Economics, said, “Businesses are increasing their commitments in China to secure a stronger foothold in this critical market. The reinvestment surge signals confidence in China’s future, and their hope for US-China increased cooperation.” Dr. Seyedin continued, “Since nearly 75% of American companies in China are primarily focused on importing components from the US to produce goods and services in China for China, they believe that continued reinvestment in China is essential for their long-term success.”

In 2024, China achieved a GDP growth rate of 5% and a total GDP of RMB 134.91 trillion (US$18.80 trillion). This robust economic performance continues to attract global investors, with 39% of the companies studied ranking China as their top investment destination and 58% of foreign companies placing it among their top three global investment priorities. The 2025 Special Report further highlights strong investor confidence, as 73% of the participating companies report a positive or very positive overall return on investment in China in 2024, while 39% enjoy a higher return on investment in China than in other global markets.

Key Takeaways of the 2025 Special Report on the State of Business in South China:

The proportion of companies that gained over 60% of their global revenue from China has risen by 5 percentage points (pp) to 31%.47% of the companies studied experienced a significant or slight increase in revenue in China. A larger share of American companies (43%, +7pp y-o-y) and manufacturing companies (47%, +17pp y-o-y) experienced revenue growth.In 2024, overall profitability declined, with 85% of companies reporting profitability in China, a 3pp decrease compared to the previous two years.Concerning the companies that are profitable in China, 45% reported to have met their budget expectations. Among companies yet to make profits in China, 88% expect to reach that milestone within two to five years. Only 8% anticipate it will take more than six years.In 2024, 57% of the companies studied remain optimistic about their business prospects in China, a 5pp decrease from the previous year. American companies’ confidence dropped by 14pp, while the manufacturing sector saw the steepest decline, with an 18pp drop in optimism.In 2024, 61% of the companies studied reported to have reinvested in China, marking a 5pp decline compared with the previous year. The reinvestment trend remains consistent for American companies, with 57% reporting to have actually reinvested in China, in line with last year’s figures.3% of the companies studied had each budgeted to reinvest US$250 million or more in China in 2024, while this year’s findings reveal that 7% had actually followed through with reinvestments of this magnitude.59% of the companies studied have plans to expand their operations in China over the coming three years.Guangzhou has been ranked as the top investment destination in China for eight consecutive years, followed by Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing.Fierce local competition remains the greatest challenge faced by the companies studied in South China, followed by rising labor costs and rising operation costs.Not a single company indicated a complete withdrawal from the Chinese market. 91% of the companies studied assert that they will not decouple from the Chinese market due to the US-China trade tensions, a 5pp increase from 2023.One quarter of the companies studied are bullish about the US-China relations in the coming year, a significant decrease of 19pp compared to previous assessments.

The negative effects of both US and Chinese tariffs on the companies studied have been somewhat alleviated. Many companies have found ways to mitigate the impact through supply chain adjustments, strategic sourcing, or absorbing some of the tariff costs.

Dr. Seydin remarked, “American companies have long recognized the importance of the strong economic relationship between the two countries, and they remain committed to the mutual benefits of innovation, job creation, and cultural exchange that this partnership fosters. It is essential that both governments work together to create a more predictable and supportive trade environment where American businesses can continue to thrive and contribute to the long-term economic growth of both countries.”

Special Report on the State of Business in South China

The Special Report on the State of Business in South China is a quantitative study of the business environment, conducted for consecutive years by AmCham South China. Each year, AmCham’s member and non-member companies participate in AmCham’s State of Business study, results of which will be garnered and edited into a separate publication.

The document can be downloaded free of charge from the chamber’s website at http://www.amcham-southchina.com/amcham/static/publications/specialreport.jsp

About the American Chamber of Commerce in South China

The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating bilateral trade between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. Accredited in 1995 by the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC, AmCham South China represents more than 2,300 corporate and individual members, is governed by a fully-independent Board of Governors elected from its membership, and provides dynamic, on-the-ground support for American and international companies doing business in South China. Over the past decade, AmCham South China has hosted on average each year more than 10,000 business executives and government leaders from around the world at its briefings, seminars, committee meetings and social gatherings. All AmChams in China are independently governed and represent member companies in their respective regions.

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SOURCE The American Chamber of Commerce in South China

Technology

TotalEnergies ENEOS signs 15-year PPA with Thailand’s Jintana Intertrade

Published

3 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TotalEnergies ENEOS and Jintana Intertrade Co., Ltd. (Jintana), an established Thai garment manufacturer, signed a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to develop a 650 kilowatt-peak (kWp) rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Jintana’s manufacturing plant in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

The rooftop solar installation, with approximately 1,000 solar PV modules, is expected to generate over 1,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity annually. This will supply around 55% of the site’s total electricity needs and will help avoid more than 480 tons of CO2 emissions annually for Jintana.

Under the PPA, TotalEnergies ENEOS will fully finance, design, install, operate and maintain the system, while Jintana buys the electricity produced throughout the duration of the agreement. This partnership offers Jintana substantial benefits, primarily through electricity cost savings, long-term energy price stability and enhanced sustainability credentials.

“We are pleased to sign this 15-year deal with Jintana, marking the start of our partnership to support their sustainability goals,” said Alexandru Buzatu, Director of TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia Pacific. “More corporates are adopting solar energy to reduce costs and meet sustainability targets. Integrating on-site solar power into manufacturing operations is a practical and effective approach for companies to reduce emissions and secure cleaner electricity for the long term.”

“Signing this project with TotalEnergies ENEOS represents an important milestone in Jintana’s sustainability journey. We are pleased to contribute to emissions reduction through the adoption of renewable energy at our manufacturing site and to take a meaningful step toward more sustainable operations. We hope this project will serve as a strong foundation for further progress, and we remain committed to supporting a lower-carbon future,” said Savitee Thanalongkorn, CEO of Jintana Intertrade Co., Ltd.

To learn more about TotalEnergies ENEOS tailored solar solutions, check out the free brochure, or contact directly for more information.

***

About TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia Pte. Ltd.
The company is a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and ENEOS to develop onsite B2B solar distributed generation across Asia. It is headquartered in Singapore with a plan to develop 2 GW of decentralized solar capacity over the next five years. https://solar.totalenergies.asia

TotalEnergies and electricity
TotalEnergies is building a competitive portfolio that combines renewables (solar, onshore wind, offshore wind) and flexible assets (CCGT, storage) to deliver clean firm power to its customers. At the beginning of 2026, TotalEnergies has more than 34 GW of gross renewable power generation capacity and aims to achieve over 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030.

ENEOS Corporation and renewables electricity
ENEOS Group operates solar power plants in Japan and is also participating in renewable energy projects in the United States, Australia, Vietnam and Taiwan Region. Furthermore, ENEOS is actively engaged in power generation projects using biomass, hydroelectric power, wind power, etc. This joint venture is ENEOS’ first overseas renewable energy project using distributed power sources.

About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas and low-carbon hydrogen, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

About ENEOS Corporation
ENEOS Group has developed businesses in the energy and nonferrous metals segments, from upstream to downstream. The Group’s envisioned goals for 2040 are: becoming one of the most prominent and internationally competitive energy and materials company groups in Asia, creating value by transforming our current business structure, and contributing to the development of a low-carbon, recycling-oriented society with the pursuit of carbon-neutral status in its own CO2 emissions. ENEOS Corporation, one of the principal operating companies in the Group, is contributing to achievement of the Group’s envisioned goals through a broad range of energy businesses.

TotalEnergies ENEOS Contact
Media Relation: contact.solar.asia@totalenergies.com

About Jintana Intertrade Co., Ltd.
Jintana Intertrade Co., Ltd. is a long-established Thai intimate apparel company with more than 65 years of heritage. The company operates across two core business areas: the development and retail of its own brand, and manufacturing for both its branded business and OEM export customers. Built on a foundation of sincerity, quality and continuous improvement, Jintana combines trusted brand heritage with established manufacturing expertise to serve evolving customer needs in both domestic and international markets.

Jintana Intertrade Co., Ltd. Contact
Media Relation: marketing@jintana.com

TotalEnergies on social media

X: @TotalEnergiesLinkedIn: TotalEnergiesFacebook: TotalEnergiesInstagram: TotalEnergies

Cautionary Note TotalEnergies
The terms “TotalEnergies”, “TotalEnergies company” or “Company” in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies’ financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Cautionary Note ENEOS Corporation
The terms “ENEOS”, “ENEOS Group” in this document are used to designate ENEOS Corporation and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by ENEOS Corporation. This document contains certain forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those reflected in any forward-looking statement due to various factors, which include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) macroeconomic conditions and changes in the competitive environment in the energy, resources, and materials industries; (2) the impact of COVID-19 on economic activity; (3) changes in laws and regulations; and (4) risks related to litigation and other legal proceedings.

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SOURCE TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia

Technology

Taiwan’s Smart Tolling Technology Goes Global as Thailand Launches AI-Powered M81 Motorway System

Published

1 hour ago

April 22, 2026

TAIPEI, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sightings of electronic toll collection (ETC) gantries resembling those used on Taiwan’s freeways have recently drawn attention on social media along the Bangkok–Kanchanaburi highway. Far Eastern Electronic Toll Collection Co., Ltd. (FETC) confirmed that the system is part of Thailand’s newly launched M-Flow multi-lane free-flow tolling system on the Intercity Motorway No. 81 Bang Yai – Kanchanaburi Route (M81).

Developed in collaboration with FETC International (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (FETCi Thailand) and the BGSR81 Co., Ltd, the system has officially entered operation, marking a significant milestone in Thailand’s transition toward smart, digitally enabled highway infrastructure.

The launch also strengthens connectivity between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi, effectively creating a “one-day travel corridor” and supporting regional tourism and economic activity.

AI-Driven Tolling Cuts Travel Time to 48 Minutes

According to Kenny Chen, Managing Director of FETCi Thailand, the M81 project demonstrates the flexibility and scalability of Taiwan’s ETC technology in complex international environments.

FETCi Thailand led the design, installation, and implementation of the tolling system and its Traffic Operations Center (TOC). The platform integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enable data-driven traffic management and operational decision-making. It is also designed for future expansion, including applications such as weigh-in-motion enforcement.

Thailand’s diverse vehicle types and more complex license plate formats presented technical challenges. These were addressed through advanced AI-powered automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), ensuring high accuracy in vehicle identification. Combined with multiple digital payment options, the system allows vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping.

Since its launch, travel time between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi has been reduced from nearly two hours to approximately 48 minutes. Weekend traffic volumes have reached around 55,000 vehicles per day, improving both tourism access and logistics efficiency in western Thailand.

M9 Experience Highlights Strong Economic and Environmental Benefits

FETC has also supported Thailand’s Department of Highways (DOH) since 2022 in deploying and operating the M-Flow system on the M9 motorway, including gantry design and operational consulting.

According to DOH data, the system has increased traffic throughput fivefold and saves motorists an estimated 3.33 million hours annually. It has achieved a benefit-cost ratio of 6.94, meaning each dollar invested generates nearly seven dollars in overall societal value.

In environmental terms, the system reduces fuel consumption by approximately 13.91 million liters per year and cuts carbon emissions by more than 36,000 metric tons, contributing to more sustainable transportation.

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SOURCE FETC International

Technology

Critical Link Launches World’s First AI-Driven SOM Recommendation Engine, Powered by Rapidflare

Published

1 hour ago

April 22, 2026

Critical Link and Rapidflare have jointly launched the world’s first AI-driven System on Module Recommendation Engine. Engineers can now describe their requirements in plain language and receive accurate, tailored SOM recommendations in seconds. Together, the two companies are redefining how electronics teams discover and select embedded solutions.

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Critical Link LLC, a leader in system-on-module solutions, has introduced the world’s first AI-driven System on Module Recommendation Engine, powered by Rapidflare’s Rapid Product Selection Agent. The new engine advances Critical Link’s mission to help customers bring embedded products to market faster and more cost-effectively.

Together, Rapidflare and Critical Link are combining their strengths to make the journey from concept to product faster, smarter, and more closely aligned with customer needs. – Amber Thousand, Sr. Director of Marketing, Critical Link

In the electronics industry, selecting the right product often requires manually comparing hundreds of pages of datasheets or relying on rigid parametric search tools. Critical Link’s SOM Recommendation Engine is set to change that. With Rapidflare’s conversational AI agent, customers can describe their requirements in natural language and receive tailored recommendations in a fraction of the time.

“For years customers have asked for a better way to find the right SOM for their application. Launching this AI-driven engine with Rapidflare’s technology is a game changer,” said Amber Thousand, Sr. Director of Marketing at Critical Link. “Their accuracy, domain expertise, and speed of integration made them the clear choice to support our mission.”

Unlike generic AI agents, Rapidflare’s technology is purpose-built for complex product selection workflows. It combines knowledge graph-based reasoning, domain-specific intelligence, and industry guardrails to deliver recommendations that are both fast and reliable for electronics teams.

“The best partnerships happen when your mission aligns with your partner’s mission,” said Navanee Sundaramoorthy, CEO and Founder at Rapidflare. “We’re proud to partner with Critical Link to help make SOM product selection more seamless, intuitive, and efficient for their team and customers.”

Beyond accelerating product selection, the AI engine gives engineers a new way to engage with Critical Link. “We’ve always offered thorough documentation and product support to customers via our website, our engineering wiki, and personal contact. Adding the SOM Recommendation Engine creates a more efficient path for self-discovery, which we see as a growing trend,” said Thousand. “Together, Rapidflare and Critical Link are combining their strengths to make the journey from concept to product faster, smarter, and more closely aligned with customer needs.”

To explore Critical Link’s SOM Recommendation Engine, visit https://www.criticallink.com/som-recommendation-ai-agent/.

To learn more about Rapidflare and its AI-powered product selection solutions, visit Rapidflare’s website: https://www.rapidflare.ai/

About Rapidflare

Rapidflare builds AI-powered domain specific agents for electronics, semiconductors, and other technically complex industries. Its product intelligence powered AI platform gives teams natural-language access to product and engineering knowledge, making it easier to find accurate answers, support customers, and move faster across critical workflows. Rapidflare multiplies the impact of GTM teams by making critical technical knowledge instantly accessible, helping sales, solutions engineering, product marketing, support, and customer success teams move faster and operate with confidence. For more information, visit rapidflare.ai

About Critical Link

Critical Link designs and manufactures CPU-based, FPGA-based, and DSP-based system-on-modules (SOMs) for industrial electronic applications. Its production-ready embedded solutions help customers bring products to market faster and at lower cost by reducing development complexity, risk, and time spent building core processing subsystems from scratch. With a focus on product quality, long-term availability, lifecycle support, and close customer engagement, Critical Link serves OEMs across a wide range of industrial and technically demanding applications. For more information, visit the website: criticallink.com

Media Contact

Balpreet, Rapidflare, 1 2068614231, balpreet@rapidflare.ai, rapidflare.ai

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SOURCE Rapidflare