Technology

China.org.cn:Foreign Ambassadors’ Views on China’s Economy in 2025

Published

1 year ago

March 11, 2025

BEIJING, March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In today’s world, with the sluggish global economic recovery and the rising trend of trade protectionism,we are faced with many challenges. As the top contributor of global economic growth, China’s economy has always been the focus of the world’s attention. During this year’s two sessions, China Talk of China.org.cn has interviewed ambassadors and counselors from various countries to share their views on China’s economy in 2025 and the cooperation between China and their countries.

Peter Lizak, Ambassador of Slovakia to China: China has been developing in tremendous ways over the last 40 years, and let me congratulate to the results you have achieved. Over the years, Chinese people have achieved good results and that is really the situation. You are now turning from the extensive development to intensive development, from quantity to quality. As Chinese President formulated, rejuvenation of the country. So you are focusing on the most prominent, more modern part of the economy. And I think these will be discussed during these days.

China is one of the most important players in the world, and global partners expect from China a stable and reliable approach for solutions to world questions and challenges.

John Busuttil, Ambassador of Malta to China: The global economy is in a very difficult situation right now. Europe is also faced with challenges. But China’s economy, we hope that the situation improves and that the plans made during two sessions will help. Because if China’s economy improves, the global economy will also improve. And also we hope that relations and trade between the European Union and China will continue to grow, because more trade we have, more prosperity there will be for the people. Malta, as a member of the European Union, as I mentioned, we hope that trade relations will be increased and the relationship between both global players (China and EU) will get better and better. We have our foreign Minister coming in July to China, and we hope that the discussions between China and Malta will continue. We have very long diplomatic relations with China since 1972, and the relations are very strong. Malta is a neutral country. We hope that peace and prosperity of the the two nations will continue to improve for the best benefit of the whole global economy and the global situation.

Fernando Lugris, Ambassador of Uruguay to China：I think it’s very important for the international community, and especially for countries like Uruguay, that have such a close trade and economic relationship with China, to hear the indications that the government is going to provide to the public during the two sessions.

We hope to hear good news. We hope to hear that China will continue to be the engine of the world economy as it has been in the last decades. We have a new government in Uruguay, and the new authorities are hoping to be able to elevate our comprehensive strategic partnership (with China) to a new level. We have a very close relation with China, and especially China is our number one trading partner. So we are hoping to be able to increase and diversify the goods that we export to China, to be also able to export more services and to negotiate new frameworks for more investments to come.

So we are having a lot of conversations and hoping to have a lot of high-level meetings and visits from both sides in order to make this comprehensive strategic partnership into a new beginning with this new Uruguayan administration.

Alfredo Ortuno Victory, Ambassador of Costa Rica to China: We are very happy to be here to hear the perspective of China for 2025. I hope everything is good for the Chinese people and for the people of my country. I expect China’s economy to be more or less the same as 2024, around 5% of GDP increase. My country Costa Rica is looking forward very pleasantly to major cooperation with China in terms of trade and in terms of more profound cooperation. We have a very interesting matrix of products. We send to China more than 800 different products. And we import a lot from China as well.

Miguel Humberto Lecaro Barcenas, Ambassador of Panama to China: If you were in China many years ago, you can see the difference. You can be a witness of the big development of the economy of China. We have a good relationship in this moment between Panama and China and to develop the commerce and trade with all the world. The main importance of Panama is the geographical position. It’s in the middle of the Americas. And then we play an important role in the trade and commerce of China in the American continent.

Allan Joseph Chintedza, Ambassador of Malawi to China：We always expect the Chinese economy to be stronger because the stronger economy (of China) serves us well because of the Belt and Road Initiative and the relationship that we have under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. You may remember last year in September, we had heads of states from the African continent. And what we have said is that the relationship between China and Africa is quite crucial. Because when you combine the two populations, we can create a huge market, which is win-win for both China and Africa.

Now, specifically for Malawi, Malawi is an agricultural country and having a close relationship with China in terms of the modernization of agricultural sector, which is again a win-win (cooperation). Because we expect exporting raw materials, products like soybeans, chilies, groundnuts and macadamia. So all these China will be able to use. And for us in return, we hope we can be able to import mechanization, tractors, drones, which indeed does bring in mechanization and modernization to our agricultural sector.

Kenneth Rabale, Ambassador of Lesotho to China: The economy of China seems to be kind of balancing. And the cooperation between Lesotho and China seems to be very good for a long time. More than 40 years ago, we have started the relationship with China and everything seems to be smooth, especially with regard to the partnership that exists between the two countries in terms of trade, bilateral relations, etc. I think China seems to be kind of improving technologically. China is the best country in terms of technological development. So we are learning from it. We are actually cooperating closely with China in many aspects.

Arlindo do Rosário, Ambassador of Cape Verde to China：China makes the same target as 2024, 5%, which is a challenge because the global situation is not good, but I think it’s possible. China is a great country, great economy, with very good qualification. So I think if the government sets its target as 5%, I think it will be possible. I think the economy will grow. Maybe with more difficulty, but I think it is possible (for China) to do it. I hope that the cooperation between China and Cape Verde will continue to grow. Next year is the 50th anniversary of the relationship between Cape Verde and China. And so I have a great hope that this cooperation can go to a higher level.

Antonio Monsuy Esono, Counselor of the Equatorial Guinean Embassy in China: China’s economy is developing very fast and China offers a great help to Africa. The relationship between Equatorial Guinea and China goes well in all aspects, I am very happy to work in China to do something for the relationship between the two countries. Equatorial Guinea and China have established diplomatic relations for 55 years, and the cooperation between the two countries in all aspects is very good. I feel that China’s political system is very good. Chinese government works for their people.

Abdullah Almantheri, Counselor of the Embassy of Oman in China: I think the Chinese economy is heading upwards, it might face some challenges, global challenges, and that’s very natural. And the Chinese economy is progressing very confidently. It’s moving on. It’s focusing on high-tech, artificial intelligence, etc. I think it will just keep going on and keep improving. And this is my wish as well, because I’m in love with this country. Most of the things I use are China-made.

Thanks to the long history of cooperation between the two countries, not only commercially, but also politically, the level of cooperation and the economy between China and Oman is improving. It’s going to be even better in the coming days because Oman is now focusing a lot on opening up with the Chinese economy. I think in 2025, we’re going to see a leap in the economic cooperation between the two countries.

Foreign Ambassadors’ Views on China’s Economy in 2025
http://fangtan.china.com.cn/2025-03/09/content_117755787.htm

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Technology

VibeBeats Launches AI-Powered Music Streaming Service for Businesses globally

Published

19 minutes ago

July 24, 2026

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.

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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Technology

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

Published

19 minutes ago

July 24, 2026

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.

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Technology

Securitas AB Interim Report Q2 2026 | January-June

Published

19 minutes ago

July 24, 2026

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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