Business
Chinese Firms Race to Contain Job Losses as Coronavirus Batters Economy
BEIJING—When cameraman Mark Xia returned to his job this month after the Lunar New Year holiday, the Shanghai video production house where he worked told him to take three months of leave with no pay, as a coronavirus outbreak takes a toll of China’s businesses.
Now Xia is looking for a part-time job after the company, with a workforce of about 100, rejected his request to pay at least half his monthly salary during the suspension, and left him no choice but to resign.
“I understand the company’s cash-low is tight,” Xia, 25, told Reuters. “We postponed some shooting due to the coronavirus outbreak, and that’s had a huge impact on our revenues, that’s the reality.”
Xia is one of many losing their jobs in the outbreak, sparking strict travel and movement curbs that have kept many businesses shut, disrupting demand and supply for goods and services.
Many small firms like Xia’s former employer face cash crunches because of a lack of orders, forcing them to lay off workers or dock salaries to keep afloat.
But the outbreak has yet to show signs of peaking.
Any rapid rise in unemployment could pose a big challenge to China’s stability-obsessed leaders, with growth in the world’s second-largest economy already slumping to near three-decade lows.
Just 34 percent of nearly 1,000 small and medium-sized firms said they could survive for a month on current cashflow, a recent survey by Tsinghua University and Peking University showed.
A third said they could last for two months, while 18 percent said they could stick it out for three months.
“There could be big layoffs,” said Wang Jun, Beijing-based chief economist at Zhongyuan Bank.
“I think it’s more appropriate to compare the current impact to the global crisis, instead of that of SARS,” he added, referring to the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2002 and 2003.
Mass Layoffs?
During the global financial crisis of 2008 and 2009, about 20 million Chinese…
Business
EFIS Maroc and China Eastern Airlines Set to Launch Service Between Morocco and China
China Eastern Airlines and EFIS Maroc will launch three weekly flights between Casablanca and Shanghai via Marseille starting January 19, 2025, enhancing cargo logistics for Morocco-China trade, particularly in the automotive sector.
New Flight Route Launch
China Eastern Airlines has partnered with EFIS Maroc to introduce three weekly flights between Casablanca (CMN) and Shanghai (PVG) via Marseille (MRS). This service is set to commence on January 19, 2025, operating on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, using Boeing 787-900 aircraft with a capacity of 18 tonnes for cargo.
Supporting the Automotive Industry
The service aims to enhance logistical support for the automotive sector, facilitating the secure and timely transport of high-value components between Morocco and China. This new route will not only strengthen local supply chains but also promote economic growth and trade relations between Africa and Asia.
Innovative Cargo Solutions
Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group, emphasized that this collaboration marks a significant achievement for EFIS Maroc. Leveraging advanced digital tools like Squair for customs optimization and CargoAi for booking, EFIS Maroc will enhance operational efficiency, ensuring a superior cargo management solution tailored for China Eastern Airlines.
Source : EFIS Maroc and China Eastern Airlines to launch Morocco-China service
Business
China Considers Selling TikTok US Operations to Musk as a Viable Option – Bloomberg
China is considering the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to Elon Musk as a potential option, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Potential Sale of TikTok to Elon Musk
Reports suggest that China is considering the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to Elon Musk as a viable option. This development follows ongoing scrutiny over the app’s data privacy practices and its links to the Chinese government. Officials believe that a sale could alleviate international concerns and preserve the platform’s presence in the U.S. market.
Strategic Implications
The potential transaction raises numerous strategic implications, not only for TikTok but also for Musk’s other ventures. If Musk were to acquire TikTok, it could enhance his digital footprint and provide new avenues for advertising and user engagement. Conversely, it could pose challenges in managing regulatory compliance and addressing data security issues.
Regulatory Hurdles Ahead
Despite the intriguing prospect of a sale, significant regulatory hurdles remain. Any acquisition would require approval from U.S. authorities, who continue to assess the risks associated with foreign ownership of tech companies. The outcome of these discussions could have widespread ramifications for both TikTok and the broader social media landscape.
Source : China Weighs Sale of TikTok US to Musk as a Possible Option – Bloomberg
Business
China and the UK Resume Economic and Financial Discussions After Six-Year Break
China and Britain resumed economic talks after six years, aiming to improve relations. Chancellor Reeves seeks cooperation but raises concerns over Russia’s support and Hong Kong’s civil liberties.
Resumption of Talks
Taipei, Taiwan (AP) — China and the United Kingdom have reignited economic discussions after a six-year pause, spurred by British Treasury Chief Rachel Reeves’ recent visit to Beijing. The Labour government aims to mend strained relations with China, the world’s second-largest economy. Reeves met with Chinese leaders and underscored the necessity for a "stable, pragmatic" partnership, emphasizing collaboration on mutual interests while maintaining transparency in disagreements.
Economic Collaboration
During her talks, Reeves sought to address key issues such as reducing economic support to Russia and advocating for basic rights in Hong Kong. Both nations signed agreements expected to infuse £600 million ($732 million) into the U.K. economy over the next five years. These agreements target crucial sectors including finance, with Reeves emphasizing that this renewed engagement may generate up to £1 billion for the U.K.
National Security Concerns
While seeking better ties, there are mounting concerns regarding national security and human rights abuses in China. Critics from the opposition have questioned the balance between economic opportunities and safeguarding Britain’s interests. Reeves acknowledged the importance of national security but highlighted the need for pragmatic relations with global partners, stating that ignoring China is not a viable option for the U.K.’s economic future.
Source : China and the UK restart economic and financial talks after a 6-year hiatus
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