Business
Asian Financial Forum (AFF) Features 2,800+ Government, Finance and Business Leaders
Co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the two-day Asian Financial Forum (AFF) came to a successful conclusion today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
This year’s AFF featured more than 90 prominent speakers including top government officials and business and financial leaders from around the world, including today’s Keynote Luncheon speaker Dr Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman of the United States Federal Reserve System (2006-2014).
The forum welcomed more than 2,800 financial experts, CEOs, professional investors and high net-worth individuals from 38 countries and regions.
During the AFF, the HKTDC organised on-site real-time surveys to gauge the views of participating financial and business elites on key issues relating to the global economy and investment environment. Survey results showed that most participants were not optimistic about the prospects for the global economy this year.
Only 15.8 per cent of participants were optimistic about the global economic outlook
whereas 43.7 per cent were pessimistic, and 40.5 per cent expressed a neutral view. When asked about the biggest risk to the global economy this year, 36.3 per cent of the participants cited the potential for a hard landing of the Chinese mainland economy, followed by geopolitical tensions (21.8%), collapse of energy and commodity prices (20.4%), and uncertainty about the pace of US interest rate normalisation (17.9%).
China and US Seen as Offering Best Investment Returns in 2016
When asked about markets offering the best investment returns, China ranked first with 30.3 per cent of the votes followed by the US (23.4%), Southeast Asia (17.5%) and India (12.7%).
In terms of industrial sectors with the greatest potential to drive global growth, 23.4 per cent of respondents picked green industries/environmental goods and services, followed by telecom, media and technology (20.1%), E-commerce (20.1%), and healthcare (18.7%). Other sectors put to the vote were real estate and infrastructure (6.4%) and financial services (6.2%). Food and agriculture (4.3%) and luxury products (0.7%) were seen as having less potential to drive global growth.
Business
BRICS: China Classifies Crypto as Property and Prohibits Business Ownership
China’s Shanghai court ruled cryptocurrencies are property, boosting optimism in the crypto industry while maintaining a ban on business transactions. This may signal a shift in future regulations.
China’s Ruling on Cryptocurrency
In a pivotal decision for the nation and its BRICS alliance, China has officially classified cryptocurrency as property while maintaining prohibitions against business transactions involving digital assets. A notable ruling from the Shanghai Songjiant People’s Court affirmed cryptocurrencies as property, sparking optimism within the crypto industry regarding future regulations.
Implications for the Crypto Industry
As cryptocurrencies gain significance globally, the Chinese ruling is viewed as a potential-positive shift amidst ongoing restrictions. While individuals can hold virtual currency, businesses remain barred from engaging in investment transactions or issuing tokens independently. This decision has generated anticipation for more accommodating regulations in the future.
Future Prospects for Cryptocurrency in China
Experts like Max Keiser believe this ruling indicates China’s growing acknowledgment of Bitcoin’s influence. As BRICS nations explore increased cryptocurrency utilization in trade, this legal shift could enhance market demand and lead to greater acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class, setting the stage for potential developments in 2025.
Source : BRICS: China Rules Crypto as Property, Bars Business Holdings
Business
Wegovy: The Popular Weight-Loss Drug Now Available in China
Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in China after approval, competing with Eli Lilly’s upcoming weight-loss drug. The treatment, costing 1,400 yuan, targets obesity but has potential side effects and isn’t covered by healthcare.
Wegovy Launch in China
Novo Nordisk recently launched its weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in China after obtaining approval from local health authorities in June. The introduction of Wegovy is expected to increase competition with Eli Lilly, which has also received approval for its weight-loss treatment, although it has not yet been released in China’s significant pharmaceutical market.
Cost and Accessibility
In China, a set of four Wegovy injections will be priced at 1,400 yuan (approximately $194), significantly lower than the drug’s U.S. price. However, patients will need to pay the full amount out of pocket since Wegovy is not yet covered by the national healthcare insurance plan.
Benefits and Side Effects
Research indicates that Wegovy can help users lose over 10% of their body weight. The drug contains semaglutide, which assists with appetite control and satiety. While Wegovy has been gaining traction globally, it may cause side effects like nausea. Concerns have emerged about its misuse among individuals who are not obese, prompting medical professionals to remain vigilant.
Source : Popular weight-loss drug Wegovy goes on sale in China
Business
China’s Golden Rooster Film Festival Kicks Off in Xiamen – Thailand Business News
The 2024 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival began in Xiamen on Nov 13, featuring awards, cultural projects worth 31.63 billion yuan, and fostering international film collaborations.
2024 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival Opens
The 2024 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival commenced in Xiamen, Fujian province, on November 13. This prestigious event showcases the top film awards in China and spans four days, concluding with the China Golden Rooster Awards ceremony on November 16.
The festival features various film exhibitions, including the Golden Rooster Mainland Film Section and the Golden Rooster International Film Section. These showcases aim to highlight the achievements of Chinese-language films and foster global cultural exchanges within the film industry.
On the festival’s opening day, a significant milestone was reached with the signing of 175 cultural and film projects, valued at 31.63 billion yuan ($4.36 billion). Additionally, the International Film and Television Copyright Service Platform was launched, furthering the globalization of Chinese film and television properties.
Source : China’s Golden Rooster film festival opens in Xiamen – Thailand Business News
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- Wegovy: The Popular Weight-Loss Drug Now Available in China
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