Over 19 national-level intelligent factories now operate alongside 100 municipal and 1,000-plus smart applications, with over 70 per cent of firms passing evaluations…reports Asian Lite News
Shanghai plans to build 200 new smart factories and 20 demonstration sites by the end of 2025 after 70 intelligent plants in 2023, officials announced, solidifying its intelligent manufacturing stronghold, according to China Daily report.
Covering auto, equipment and IT, this year’s batch features life-cycle, process and supply chain enhancements. As the nation’s largest smart solutions provider and a core equipment hub, the city sees such innovation as vital for industrial competitiveness.
“Intelligent manufacturing plays a key role in new industrialization and is pivotal for Shanghai’s digital economic transition,” said Vice Mayor Chen Jie. Over 19 national-level intelligent factories now operate alongside 100 municipal and 1,000-plus smart applications, with over 70 per cent of firms passing evaluations.
Benefits abound – average efficiency exceeding 50 per cent higher, costs 30 per cent lower and energy consumption cut nearly 14 per cent. “With government support, we’ve achieved automation heights,” said parts maker Aptiv Electrical’s Ops Director Xu Xiaoying.
Output value of Shanghai’s world-class system integration segment has topped US$8.5 billion. Its 383 robots per 10,000 workers also leads globally. Accelerated nurturing of marquee clusters reinforces the upgraded, tech-driven industrialisation push.
“By integrating innovation, Shanghai exemplifies next-gen manufacturing led by technology,” said Chinese Academy of Engineering Academician Qian Feng. (ANI/WAM)
Output value of Shanghai’s world-class system integration segment has topped US$8.5 billion. Its 383 robots per 10,000 workers also leads globally….reports Asian Lite News
Shanghai plans to build 200 new smart factories and 20 demonstration sites by the end of 2025 after 70 intelligent plants in 2023, officials announced, solidifying its intelligent manufacturing stronghold, according to China Daily report.
Covering auto, equipment and IT, this year’s batch features life-cycle, process and supply chain enhancements. As the nation’s largest smart solutions provider and a core equipment hub, the city sees such innovation as vital for industrial competitiveness.
“Intelligent manufacturing plays a key role in new industrialization and is pivotal for Shanghai’s digital economic transition,” said Vice Mayor Chen Jie. Over 19 national-level intelligent factories now operate alongside 100 municipal and 1,000-plus smart applications, with over 70 per cent of firms passing evaluations.
Benefits abound – average efficiency exceeding 50 per cent higher, costs 30 per cent lower and energy consumption cut nearly 14 per cent. “With government support, we’ve achieved automation heights,” said parts maker Aptiv Electrical’s Ops Director Xu Xiaoying.
Output value of Shanghai’s world-class system integration segment has topped US$8.5 billion. Its 383 robots per 10,000 workers also leads globally. Accelerated nurturing of marquee clusters reinforces the upgraded, tech-driven industrialisation push.
“By integrating innovation, Shanghai exemplifies next-gen manufacturing led by technology,” said Chinese Academy of Engineering Academician Qian Feng.
Homegrown cruise line
China celebrated a significant maritime achievement with the trial voyage of its first domestically made large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City. This voyage, commencing from the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal on Sunday, paves the way for the ship’s official inaugural journey scheduled for January 1st, according to a China Daily report.
Prior to its official maiden voyage, the Adora Magic City is set to undertake another trial run with passengers on board. Yang Guobing, Chairman of China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC) Cruise Technology Development Co and its subsidiary, Adora Cruises, emphasised the significance of this maiden voyage as a critical preparatory step for the ship’s commercial operations.
Yang pointed out that until this achievement, a large cruise ship was the one remaining high-value vessel type that had not been constructed by Chinese shipbuilders. With the successful operation of the Adora Magic City, China now joins an exclusive global rank, becoming the only nation capable of building aircraft carriers, large liquefied natural gas carriers, and large cruise ships.
Wang Hong, President and Professor of Management at the China Europe International Business School, reflected on the broader implications of this milestone. He stated, “The maiden voyage of the China-built vessel represents not only a great breakthrough in China’s high-end manufacturing techniques, but also the Chinese people’s pursuit of and demand for a better life.” Wang also noted that by the end of 2019, China had emerged as the world’s second-largest cruise market.
The Adora Magic City is seen as a key development in the evolution of the Chinese consumption model, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. It boasts a crew of approximately 1,300 members from 30 different countries and regions, offering services expected to attract a diverse Chinese clientele.
The maiden voyage ceremony, conducted following the maritime convention, featured an exchange of plaques between Gu Huiquan, general manager of the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, and Captain Niklas Peterstam of the Adora Magic City. Additionally, a flag presentation ceremony was conducted where Sun Wei, CSSC Group vice-president, presented the Adora flag to the ship’s team, led by Captain Peterstam.
During India’s presidency, SCO has touched new milestones in the range, depth, and intensity of engagements and interactions across a wide range of sectors….reports Asian Lite News
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit will be hosted virtually by India under its Presidency on (Tuesday) July 4, 2023, marking an important milestone.
The Summit will be attended by leaders from the 8 member states – China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The SCO is an intergovernmental organization founded in Shanghai on June 15, 2001. The SCO’s objectives are to improve ties among members, advance cooperation in political affairs, economic commerce, scientific-technical, cultural, and educational domains, as well as in energy and the environment, protect regional peace, security, and stability, and develop a democratic, equitable international political and economic order.
Besides the eight Member States, SCO also has four Observer States including Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia, and six ‘Dialogue Partners’ include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.
From Observer to SCO presidency
India’s association with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) began in 2005 as an Observer country. India became a full Member State of SCO at the Astana Summit in 2017, which was a historic moment in India’s engagement with the Organisation. In the past six years, India has played an active and constructive role in all spheres of activities of SCO.
On September 2022, India took over the presidency of SCO from Uzbekistan at the Samarkand Summit of SCO. The theme of India’s chairship of SCO is “SECURE,” derived from the acronym given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2018 SCO Qingdao Summit. It stands for Security, Economic development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Environmental protection.
During India’s presidency, SCO has touched new milestones in the range, depth, and intensity of engagements and interactions across a wide range of sectors. India created five new pillars and focus areas of cooperation in SCO, including startups and innovation, traditional medicine, digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and shared Buddhist heritage.
Two new mechanisms in SCO, Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation and Experts Working Group on Traditional Medicine were created on India’s initiative, we intend to contribute substantially in both these areas.
As Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), India placed significant emphasis on fostering stronger people-to-people connections among member states. To achieve this objective, a series of signature events were organized under the Indian Chairmanship.
Events like SCO Film Festival, SCO Millet Food Festival, SCO Cultural showcase at Suraj Kund Mela, SCO Tourism Mart, Conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage, B2B Conference on Traditional Medicine, and SCO International Conference of Think Tanks aimed to deepen the existing bonds and promote cultural exchange and collaboration.
Vibrant Exchange of ideas & practices
Under the Indian Chairship, an unprecedented level of engagement was witnessed between the SCO Observers and Dialogue Partners. These external participants actively took part in 14 socio-cultural events, which served as platforms for interaction and mutual understanding.
The Indian Chairmanship orchestrated a diverse range of activities to facilitate these very people-to-people connections. These events encompassed various aspects of society, including art, music, dance, literature, sports, and academic exchange. By incorporating such a wide array of activities, the Indian Chair sought to engage individuals from different walks of life, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation.
These events not only provided an opportunity for member states to showcase their cultural heritage but also encouraged a deeper appreciation of each other’s traditions and customs. By promoting cultural exchange, the Indian Chair aimed to create an atmosphere of inclusivity and harmony within the SCO.
The participation of SCO Observers and Dialogue Partners in these events further contributed to the enrichment of the cultural experience. These external participants brought their unique perspectives and traditions, facilitating a diverse and vibrant exchange of ideas and practices.
Strengthening people-to-people ties
The SCO’s socio-cultural events under the Indian Chairmanship not only promoted mutual understanding but also strengthened people-to-people ties. By encouraging interaction at various levels, the Indian Chair sought to bridge gaps and build lasting relationships among member states and external participants.
India celebrated Kashi/Varanasi as the 1st SCO Tourist and Cultural Capital of SCO 2022-23, drawing focus on India’s millennia-old cultural and civilizational heritage.
Youth Empowerment was another focus area of Indian chair, and events like Young Authors Conference, Young Scientist Conclave, Startup Forum, SCO Youth Council and Conference, SCO Resident Researchers Programme were organized.
SCO foreign minister’s meeting sets the tone
As part of its presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), India also organized a significant event in Goa, hosting the Foreign Ministers of the SCO member states on 4-5 May. The meeting was not only marked by substantive discussions but also showcased a vibrant cultural program.
The Foreign Ministers’ gathering in Goa provided an important platform for dialogue and deliberation on various regional and global issues. The discussions held during this meeting allowed the participating nations to exchange views, share perspectives, and strengthen cooperation on matters of mutual interest. These deliberations played a crucial role in shaping the SCO’s agenda during India’s presidency.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated the New Delhi Hall virtually at the SCO Secretariat in Beijing. This symbolized India’s commitment to the SCO and its active engagement with the organization. The establishment of the New Delhi Hall further strengthened India’s presence within the SCO framework, providing a dedicated space for future meetings and interactions.
As a testament to the significance of India’s presidency within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a special commemorative stamp was issued to mark this historic occasion. This stamp holds immense symbolic value, representing India’s prominent role and contributions to the organization during its first-ever presidency.
To sum up, India attaches special importance to the SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic, and humanistic interrelations in the region. The ongoing engagement with SCO has helped India promote its relations with the countries in the region with which India has shared civilizational linkages, and is considered India’s extended neighborhood
India’s SCO presidency gives the country the chance to start global and regional counterterrorism measures as well as regional efforts to combat the illicit drug trade. India has made serious efforts to promote peace, prosperity, and stability throughout the whole Eurasian area, in general, and amongst the SCO members, in particular, since it gained full membership.
Iconic Shanghai skyline goes dark as drought hits power supply
Shanghai recorded actual utilization of foreign investment totaling $103 billion in the past five years, an increase of about 15.8 per cent over the previous five years…report Asian Lite News
Shanghai expects to notch a year-on-year gross domestic product (GDP) growth of over 5.5 per cent this year, according to a government work report released in on Wednesday.
For the second year in a row, Shanghai’s GDP exceeded the 4-trillion-yuan ($590 billion) threshold in 2022, according to the government work report delivered at the ongoing first session of the 16th Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress, reports Xinhua news agency.
Shanghai recorded actual utilization of foreign investment totaling $103 billion in the past five years, an increase of about 15.8 per cent over the previous five years.
Shanghai’s financial sector has also witnessed growth, with total financial markets transactions increasing from 1,428.4 trillion yuan in 2017 to nearly 3,000 trillion yuan in 2022.
Shanghai now is home to 891 regional headquarters of multinational corporations and 531 foreign R&D centres, according to the report.
The container throughput of the Shanghai Port exceeded 47.3 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2022, ranking first globally for 13 consecutive years.
The city aims to keep the surveyed urban unemployment rate within 5 per cent, according to the report.
Looking ahead, the city’s Mayor Gong Zheng said Shanghai will continue to promote the development of the digital economy, green and low-carbon industries, as well as metaverse and intelligent terminals.
The metropolis will strengthen the capacity of the international financial centres in resource allocation, and deepen its roles as a global asset management centre and an international reinsurance centre, said the Mayor.
According to the report, to boost consumption, the city will strive to build itself into an international consumption centre and further the development of first-store economy, night-time economy, and live-streaming economy.
For decades Central Asia was ignored by both the Soviet Union and the emerging new world order afterwards as key to an economic link between China and Eurasia. It was Beijing that first saw an opportunity to bring those countries together under a new coalition. Thus in 1996 with five members, the Shanghai Five was born as a modest attempt by China to build an emerging political and economic coalition … writes Osama Al Sharif
Central Asia promises to be the next big thing in global geopolitical evolution. It could be the hub of the world’s major economic Promised Land or it could easily turn into ground zero for the next apocalyptic world showdown. It all depends on the outcome of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Central Asia today is defined by five former Soviet republics; Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Each has its own troubled ties with the Russian Federation. Break up from the rump Soviet Union was relatively easy, but historical skeletons in the cupboard threaten to conjure up old rivalries. In so many the buried corpses of Joseph Stalin, who forged the current borders by force and at a huge humanitarian cost, may soon rise like zombies to haunt the current leaders.
For decades Central Asia was ignored by both the Soviet Union and the emerging new world order afterwards as key to an economic link between China and Eurasia. It was Beijing that first saw an opportunity to bring those countries together under a new coalition. Thus in 1996 with five members, the Shanghai Five was born as a modest attempt by China to build an emerging political and economic coalition. The Shanghai Five consisted of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. Over the years, and with China as a founding member and major economic power, the SCO has expanded slowly but surely since 2001, boasting nine member states, with Pakistan and India joining in 2017 in addition to Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Today this economic coalition is the world’s largest organization with more than 30 percent of the globe’s GDP. But still few people have heard of it. The SCO has expanded slowly but surely since 2001, boasting nine member states, with Pakistan and India joining in 2017 in addition to Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
At least five other nations, including the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt have been invited as dialogue partners. Iran signed its membership forms this month and will officially join by 2023.
As much as this new coalition presents serious challenges to beleaguered European Union (EU) and other regional groupings like ASEAN, the challenge is that it could easily be penetrated.
Even though the group now covers 60 percent of the area of Eurasia and 40 percent of the world population with Central Asia featuring as its most promising growth region; a strategic part of Beijing’s Belt and Road global initiative, the problem is that with the Russian war in Ukraine it is still vulnerable.
In the recently held summit in the Uzbek capital Samarkand, it was clear that many members were hesitant to side with Moscow in its war in Ukraine. That was clear in the position of China’s President Xi Jinping and India’s Prime Minister and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both did not offer support to Vladimir Putin’s war and opted for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
While India and China prefer to focus on international trade and regional cooperation instead of a showdown with the West, Putin seems to be held hostage by ideological schisms that are a relic of the Cold War.
This is where Central Asia becomes a key factor in the current geopolitical confrontation. For starters some countries in the region have more business ties to Europe than to Russia. Attempts to present the coalition as anti-western were derailed by the host country, Uzbekistan, whose leader was clear in stating that the SCO is not an anti-western alliance, although the leading members, Russia and China, have major issues with the United States and Europe.
The reality is that a number of Central Asian members have important trade ties with the west. For China, these states present themselves as a bridge between East Asia and the EU.
The Central Asian republics represent a soft underbelly for Russia which seeks to buffer its Eurasian frontiers. The recent border skirmishes between Azerbaijan and Armenia are a test to the Kremlin’s ability to keep the peace among former republics. Same thing with the flare up between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan over border disputes. These old disputes could present a major challenge to the Kremlin as it seeks to win a war in Ukraine.
The reality is that Central Asian republics, with huge natural sources, could be the bridge that China seeks to build between the East and Europe as part of its ambitious Belt and Road initiative. But the Russian war in Ukraine could derail such plans. Russia may have to deal with eruptions along its southern borders that could trigger border wars in the old Central Asian republics. That is not what China wants now. The fact is that Putin may find his foray into Ukraine costing him much more than he is willing to pay.
(Osama Al Sharif is a journalist and a political commentator based in Amman)
