Technology

Unlocking the “great” economic vitality in “small” counties

Published

1 year ago

December 26, 2024

BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A news report by China.org.cn on China’s county economy:

The Christmas and New Year shopping carnival has arrived again. While, in eastern China’s Yiwu, the hustle and bustle already began months ago. As the largest hub for the world’s Christmas decorations, Yiwu provides more than 20,000 types of Christmas items for over 100 countries and regions every year. Since mid-summer, international merchants have been flocking there, crowding the shops in Yiwu.

Yiwu, as a small county-level city, has shaped its own unique development path based on its own strengths and with the help of policy support. Now, it is home to multiple specialized market clusters with modern logistics campuses. Last year, the city’s GDP exceeded 200 billion yuan (about 28 billion USD) for the first time.

Yiwu is a microcosm of the many Chinese county-level administrative divisions in the “100-billion-yuan-GDP club.”

Back in 2013, only nine counties and county-level cities had such a GDP scoresheet. Ten years later, the number has reached 59 according to the latest statistics. Represented by Yiwu and its like, the rapid progress in the county economy has denoted the vitality of China’s whole economy.

We can start with numbers to back the conclusion up. China now has 2,844 county-level administrative divisions, with their economic output accounting for about 40% of the country’s total GDP. While, the 59 counties in the “100-bln-yuan-GDP club” alone have contributed 7.6% of the country’s GDP, and more than 10% of the country’s output value of industrial enterprises above the designated size.

Moreover, the counties and county-level cities are witnessing industrial transition and upgrading. In an automobile production workshop in Feixi County, Anhui Province, the production line churns out a new energy vehicle every 58 seconds; the county is now the hub for over 100 companies along the industrial chain of new energy vehicles. In Shouguang County, which is known as the “vegetable capital” of China, a smart campus measuring more than 23,000 mu (about 3,788 acres) has been built in collaboration with over 40 scientific research institutions. In accelerating industrial innovation and cultivating new industries, the county economy has exemplified new potential for growth.

What’s more notable is how consumption in counties and county-level cities is bolstering domestic demand. In recent years, an array of tea beverage, dining, and fashion brands have mushroomed in the counties. In 2023, one-third of newly opened cinemas are in counties and county-level cities; coffee consumption is growing even faster than in first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou; more than 60% of the 100-bln-yuan-GDP counties enjoy a consumption capacity higher than the national average. Besides, more and more young Chinese are traveling to counties. For example, Anji County in Zhejiang Province has branded its ecological tourism, attracting numerous tourists with its “Sea of Bamboo in China” and Hello Kitty Park; Liuyang in Hunan Province has built its own tourism brand by hosting the China Liuyang International Fireworks Festival. One can say, the county economy is turning into a significant growth driver for domestic demand.

In China, “county” is a different concept than that in western countries. Chinese county-level administrative divisions cover primarily and mainly the rural areas. Therefore, what we see as a positive momentum in the county economy, is to a great degree the fruits of China’s rural revitalization. Some also believe that it’s living proof of China’s ever-growing solid economic foundation.

The recently convened Central Economic Work Conference proposed to vigorously boost county economies, and placed “expand domestic demand on all fronts” at the top of its agenda. Amid complexities, by growing local specialty industries, strengthening talent pool building, and improving local business environment, even the seemingly smallest counties will unleash gigantic vitality.

China Mosaic
http://chinamosaic.china.com.cn/index.htm
Unlocking the “great” economic vitality in “small” counties
http://www.china.org.cn/video/2024-12/26/content_117630805.htm

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SOURCE China.org.cn

Technology

NextPlat Regains Compliance with Nasdaq Bid Price Requirement

Published

2 seconds ago

April 27, 2026

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla., April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NextPlat Corp (NASDAQ: NXPL, NXPLW) (“NextPlat” or the “Company”), a global consumer products and services company providing healthcare and technology solutions through e-commerce and retail channels worldwide, today announced that on April 27, 2026, the Company received a letter (the “Compliance Letter”) from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) informing the Company that it has regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 per share under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). As a result, the matter has been closed.

Nasdaq has since determined that, for the last 10 consecutive business days, from April 13, 2026 to April 24, 2026, the closing bid price of the Company’s shares has been at $1.00 per share or greater. Accordingly, the Company has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). With Nasdaq’s confirmation of compliance, NextPlat remains listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “NXPL”.

For more information about NextPlat, please visit www.NextPlat.com and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.

About NextPlat Corp
NextPlat is a global consumer products and services company providing healthcare and technology solutions through e-commerce and retail channels worldwide. Through acquisitions, joint ventures, and collaborations, the Company seeks to provide access to high quality healthcare and pharmacy services and assist businesses in selling their goods online, domestically, and internationally, allowing them to optimize their e-commerce presence and revenue. Through its subsidiaries, NextPlat provides pharmacy and healthcare data management services and prescription fulfilment services in the United States and operates an e-commerce division offering voice, data, tracking, and IoT products and services worldwide.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release constitute forward-looking statements. These statements include the capabilities and success of the Company’s business and any of its products, services or solutions. The words “believe,” “forecast,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions and all statements, which are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, any of which could cause the Company to not achieve some or all of its goals or the Company’s previously reported actual results, performance (finance or operating), including those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), copies of which may be obtained from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no, and hereby disclaims any, obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Media and Investor Contact for NextPlat Corp:

Michael Glickman
MWGCO, Inc.
917-397-2272
mike@mwgco.net

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SOURCE NextPlat Corp.

Technology

Electrosoft Names Former USPTO CIO Jamie Holcombe as COO

Published

6 seconds ago

April 27, 2026

Veteran fed tech executive brings deep cyber and AI modernization expertise

RESTON, Va., April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Electrosoft Services, LLC, a highly respected cybersecurity and digital transformation firm, today announced the appointment of Jamie Holcombe as Chief Operating Officer, reporting directly to Dr. Sarbari Gupta, CEO of Electrosoft. He brings more than 30 years of federal technology and cybersecurity leadership to the role. Previously, Holcombe served as CIO for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where he led one of the federal government’s most significant cloud-first, AI-enabled enterprise modernization efforts.

“The federal market is increasingly seeking integrated cyber, AI and cloud modernization solutions,” said Dr. Gupta. “Jamie has led exactly that kind of transformation at enterprise scale, and we couldn’t be more pleased to welcome him to Electrosoft at this pivotal moment.”

As COO, Holcombe will scale program delivery across Electrosoft’s federal portfolio, align business development pursuits with operational readiness, strengthen the company’s GovCon infrastructure and advance Electrosoft’s AI-enabled cyber offerings.

His career spans civilian, defense and intelligence missions across large defense primes and small, mission-focused firms. He is known for building high-performing teams, driving delivery excellence and positioning organizations to compete for and win complex federal contracts.

“I’ve always believed you shouldn’t ask to be trusted — you should build systems like they never will be. That principle drives my approach to operational excellence, cyber architecture and AI deployment,” said Holcombe. “Electrosoft is doing consequential work for federal agencies that depend on secure, mission-aligned systems, and I’m proud to join the team to scale that impact.”

Holcombe holds a B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he finished first in his class in computer science, an MBA in information systems from Chaminade University and an M.S. in computer science from George Washington University. He began his career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army.

About Electrosoft Services

Electrosoft is a cybersecurity, digital engineering and intelligent automation firm delivering secure, scalable solutions for federal agencies. With 25 years of experience, the award-winning company combines deep mission expertise with modern engineering practices to help agencies operate securely, modernize with confidence and accelerate operational performance. Electrosoft is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. www.electrosoft-inc.com

Press Contact
Jeanne Zepp
jzepp@electrosoft-inc.com

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SOURCE Electrosoft Services, LLC

Technology

Wendy’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Returns to Menus by Popular Demand

Published

9 seconds ago

April 27, 2026

Beloved dipping sauce is back for a limited-time only starting April 27, and it’s up to fans to show Wendy’s why it should stay

DUBLIN, Ohio, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —

WHAT:
Thousands of social media comments. Countless posts and tags. An undeniable wave of fan passion demanding one thing: the return of Wendy’s® Sweet and Sour dipping sauce.

Starting today, April 27, Wendy’s fan-favorite Sweet and Sour sauce is officially back in restaurants across the U.S. after a nearly seven-month hiatus.

To announce the return, Wendy’s partnered with Sweet and Sour sauce superfan and social media creator, Jaz Smith (@JustJazzyIDK). “No dream is too big,” said Jaz Smith. “We asked for Sweet and Sour sauce and Wendy’s delivered!”

While the iconic Sweet and Sour sauce is returning for a limited time, its future is in fans’ hands. Want it to stick around? Let Wendy’s know by ordering the sauce and by liking, commenting and sharing this post. It’s time to get loud!

WHERE & WHEN:
Fans can unwrap Wendy’s Sweet and Sour dipping sauce at participating U.S. Wendy’s restaurants nationwide for a limited time.

HOW:
Sweet and Sour sauce pairs perfectly with Wendy’s Tendys™, chicken nuggets or Hot & Crispy Fries. Order as an add-on to any meal and get to dipping.

Fans can enjoy the iconic Sweet and Sour sauce alongside Wendy’s other six signature sauce lineup for maximum dipping: Wendy’s Signature, Sweet Chili, Scorchin’ Hot, Creamy Ranch, Honey BBQ and Honey Mustard.

WHY:
With one of the industry’s most passionate fan bases, Wendy’s has built a legacy of listening to guests. From bringing back menu favorites to the launch of all new menu items, Wendy’s is committed to giving fans the high quality, fresh ingredients and bold flavors they crave.

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SOURCE The Wendy’s Company