The CAEXPO in Nanning, China, hosted its inaugural milk tea festival, showcasing over 100 brands and highlighting growing economic ties and trade opportunities between China and ASEAN countries.

A Flavorful Debut at CAEXPO

NANNING, China: Adjacent to the lively exhibition hall of the 21st China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO), a unique milk tea festival is making waves, featuring over 100 esteemed brands from domestic and international markets. Enthusiasts can indulge in a diverse range of chilled beverages, including Thai lemon-infused tea and bubble tea crafted from Vietnamese tapioca, showcasing the vibrant spirit of economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN.

Growing Trends Among Tea Lovers

In Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, there’s a noticeable trend where locals enjoy milk tea served in traditional plastic bags, inspired by Thai street markets. Shops like Zhang Guiwen’s Thai-style paper bag outlet cater to this demand, offering refreshing options. Chinese milk tea brands, including Mixue and Naixue, have begun expanding into Southeast Asia, eyeing a youth-driven market of 300 million consumers.

Strengthening Ties Through Trade

Recent statistics indicate that China’s new-style tea drink market reached approximately $27.6 billion in 2023, with projections of growing further. Many tea outlets source their ingredients from ASEAN nations, promoting collaboration. Guangxi’s strategic location, coupled with improved logistics, enhances cross-border exchanges in the tea beverage industry, presenting new opportunities for both Chinese and ASEAN markets.

Source : From bubble tea to business ties: a taste of China-Asean trade integration

Chinese stocks experienced their largest weekly increase since 2008, reflecting significant market optimism and investor confidence amidst economic recovery and supportive government policies.

China Stocks Experience Historic Surge

China’s stock market has witnessed its most significant single-week gain since the 2008 financial crisis. Investors are reacting positively to recent government measures aimed at stabilizing the economy and boosting market confidence. This surge signifies a potential turnaround for the beleaguered market, sparking renewed optimism among traders and analysts alike.

Economic Policies Driving Growth

Several economic policies implemented by the Chinese government have contributed to this growth. These include targeted stimulus measures and incentives to stimulate spending. As a result, projects that had been stalled due to previous economic uncertainty are now showing signs of revival, which further enhances investor sentiment.

Future Outlook

While the recent uptick is promising, analysts urge caution. The foundations of this rally rest on sustained economic recovery and the effectiveness of government interventions. Stakeholders remain vigilant, monitoring the economic landscape for signs of stability to ensure this momentum continues in the coming weeks.

Source : China Stocks Soar in Biggest Single-Week Jump Since 2008 – The New York Times

Japanese business leaders urge China to ensure expatriate safety following a schoolboy’s fatal stabbing. Keidanren’s chairman emphasizes the country’s responsibility for a secure working environment for foreign nationals.

Japan’s Business Leaders Demand Safety in China

Japanese business leaders are deeply concerned following the tragic stabbing of a schoolboy in Shenzhen. They emphasize that, for Japanese companies to safely operate in China, the Chinese government must take decisive steps to ensure the protection of expatriates.

Masakazu Tokura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), articulated this sentiment during a recent news conference in Tokyo. He stressed that it is the obligation of any country, which welcomes foreign business activities, to create a secure environment for international residents.

Tokura also highlighted the troubling presence of anti-Japanese content circulating on Chinese social media, which he deemed to be misleading. This situation underscores the need for fostering safe and respectful relations between Japan and China in the business arena.

Source : Expat safety seen as a must for Japanese firms to keep doing business in China