Category: What’s News Asia

The acclaimed island bar becomes the first Sri Lankan venue to receive this prestigious hospitality award

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – Sri Lanka’s celebrated coastal venue Smoke & Bitters has been named winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award in the run-up to Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026.

Voted for by more than 300 members of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, this award recognises an establishment that has delivered exceptional hospitality over the past 18 months, setting a new benchmark for guest experience across the region.

Located on Pehembiya Beach in Dikwella on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Smoke & Bitters has risen steadily since opening in January 2020. In 2025, it ranked No.14 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars and No.67 on the extended list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, becoming the first bar in Sri Lanka to feature on the global ranking. The venue has also been named The Best Bar in Sri Lanka on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for four consecutive years.

The brainchild of co-founders Don Ranasinghe and Lahiru Perera, Smoke & Bitters was created to showcase Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage and ingredients through a contemporary cocktail and dining experience. Their commitment to authenticity means all dishes are cooked using traditional wood fire – either smoked or chargrilled – as signified by ‘Smoke’ in the name, while ‘Bitters’ reflects bitters from indigenous Sri Lankan herbs and spices which dominate a cocktail menu inspired by myriad global cultures.

Beyond its culinary and cocktail philosophy, hospitality lies at the core of the Smoke & Bitters experience. Reflecting Sri Lanka’s culture of warmth and generosity, the team delivers service that is relaxed yet attentive, creating an easy-going beachfront setting where guests feel genuinely welcomed. This balance of informality and care has become a defining feature of the bar and underpins its recognition with the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award.

The drinks menu draws inspiration from early Tiki pioneers while integrating local ingredients and techniques. Signature serves such as the Bananarama combine smoked wild bee honey with Rockland arrack, banana peel, falernum and smoked hellfire bitters, reflecting the bar’s flair for layering smoke and spice. The playful Mai Chai blends Ceylon chai tea with rum, triple sec, spiced orgeat and chai syrup, lifted by elemakule tiki bitters, while Pani Like Dodang balances Sri Lankan sweet orange and gin with ginger honey, triple sec, salt and pepper, mint and orange bitters. The bar has become recognised for its ingredient-led cocktails built around seasonal local produce such as rambutan, mangosteen and woodapple, underscoring its commitment to celebrating Sri Lanka’s natural bounty.

Emma Sleight, Director of Content & Creative for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, says: “Smoke & Bitters has played a pivotal role in redefining perceptions of Sri Lanka’s bar scene. Its commitment to local ingredients, open-fire cooking and heartfelt hospitality creates an experience that feels both deeply personal and globally relevant. Congratulations to Don, Lahiru and the entire team on this well-deserved recognition.”

Don Ranasinghe & Lahiru Perera, Co-Founders of Smoke & Bitters say: “It’s honestly pretty crazy to receive the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award and see Sri Lankan hospitality being recognised on this level. We’ve always believed there’s something really special about the way people welcome and look after you on our island, so this means a huge amount not just to our team, but to the wider hospitality community in Sri Lanka as well. From day one, Smoke & Bitters has been about creating a warm, relaxed space genuinely rooted in our culture—so to be recognised for our hospitality is incredibly meaningful.”

Matt Magliocco, Executive Vice President for Michter’s, says: “Congratulations to Don Ranasinghe, Lahiru Perera, and the entire Smoke & Bitters team on winning the Art of Hospitality Award. Smoke & Bitters has become recognised as a destination for thoughtful hospitality, and we’re delighted to celebrate this well-deserved achievement.”

The Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award is the first of two special accolades to be announced ahead of the 11th edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier. The 2026 edition will culminate in a live awards ceremony at Wynn Palace, Macau on 28 July, featuring a red-carpet celebration and the official unveiling of The Best Bar in Asia 2026.

This year’s programme is designed to encourage dialogue and creative exchange within the drinks industry, with curated events such as the Bartenders’ Feast, highlighting Macau’s vibrant food and beverage culture, and Meet the Bartenders, an intimate media roundtable. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the 50 Best YouTube channel, allowing bar professionals and enthusiasts around the world to take part virtually.

About Asia’s 50 Best Bars

Asia’s 50 Best Bars is the first regional event of The World’s 50 Best Bars brand, created in 2016 with the purpose of showcasing the best and most innovative talent in the drinks industry in this region. The annual ranking is based on the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, comprising the most knowledgeable and travelled members of the bar industry, drinks media and mixology experts from across Asia. The Academy spans dozens of cities across the continent, reflecting the relative development and importance of bar scenes in different locations and the diversity of the drinking scene in Asia. Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The World’s 50 Best Bars, North America’s 50 Best Bars and Europe’s 50 Best Bars are owned and organised by William Reed, the group behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Hotels and The World’s 50 Best Vineyards.

About the host destination partners Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace

Wynn Macau is a luxury integrated resort in Macau with two iconic towers featuring a total of 1,014 spacious rooms, luxury retail, 11 food and beverage outlets, two spas, a salon and a pool. The resort proudly boasts three distinct entertainment experiences, including the choreographed Performance Lake, blending lofty plumes of water, gracefully choreographed, powerful LED lights and fire effects.

For more information, visit press.wynnmacau.com.

Wynn Palace is Wynn’s second luxury integrated resort. Located in the Cotai area, it features a 28-storey hotel with 1,706 exquisitely furnished rooms, versatile meeting facilities, renowned luxury retail, 12 food and beverage outlets, an upmarket food hall featuring 6 standalone restaurants and a variety of additional food offerings, Macau’s largest spa, a salon and a pool. The resort also features a variety of entertainment experiences, including the dazzling eight-acre Performance Lake, the unique SkyCab, an immersive entertainment center, largescale floral sculptures and an extensive collection of Western and Asian art displays.

For more information, visit press.wynnpalace.com.

About the Award Sponsor Michter’s:

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Michter’s celebrates an extraordinarily rich heritage tracing back to 1753. The Michter’s team spares no expense in its efforts to produce the greatest American whiskey possible, with tremendous attention given to every step in the production process. Michter’s has received extensive critical acclaim for its line of Bourbon, Rye, Sour Mash, and American whiskeys.

Our Partners

• Wynn Resorts Macau – Official Host Destination Partner
• Perrier – Official Water Partner, sponsor of The Best Bar in Asia
• SevenRooms – Official Booking Platform Partner, sponsor of SevenRooms Best Bar Design Award
• Doordash – Official Delivery Partner
• Michter’s – Official American Whiskey Partner, sponsor of Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award
• Nikka Whisky – Official Whisky of the World Partner, sponsor of Nikka Highest Climber Award
• Ketel One – Official Vodka Partner, sponsor of Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award
• Three Cents – Official Mixers Partner, sponsor of Three Cents Best New Opening Award
• Siete Misterios – Official Mezcal Partner, sponsor of Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award
• NOAM – Official Beer Partner
• Roku Gin – Official Gin Partner, sponsor of Roku Industry Icon Award
• Altos Tequila – Official Tequila Partner, sponsor of Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award
• Cointreau – Official Orange Liqueur Partner, sponsor ceremonial scarves
• Rémy Martin – Official Cognac Partner, sponsor of Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award
• Langjiu – Official Baiju Partner
• Torres Brandy – Official Brandy Partner, sponsor of a Best in Destination Award
• Monkey Shoulder – Official Scotch Whisky Partner, sponsor of a Best in Destination Award
• Disaronno – Official Italian Liquor Partner, sponsor of a Best in Destination Award
• Amaro Lucano – Official Amaro Partner
• Campari – Official Bitters Partner
• Mancino Vermouth – Official Vermouth Partner
• Back to the Roots – Official Root Beer Liqueur Partner

Hashtag: #Asia’s50BestBars

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在訓練場上，8 歲的啓朗球技明顯「超班」，他帶球的動作、射門力度等，已儼然是一個小小的職業球員。隊內賽期間，他也獨取多球。

但真正令教練和老師微笑點頭的時刻，並不是啓朗展現的球技，而是一些微小卻暖心的行為，例如他會幫助隊友扶著吹氣龍門以方便練習射球；比賽期間被撞倒，即使教練沒有判罰，啓朗也沒有抱怨，笑笑便起來繼續追逐皮球。

當優秀也成為壓力：被「勝負」困住的孩子

「佢性格偏向對勝負比較執著，因為自己表現唔好，或者同學表現未符合佢要求，有時會因此有情緒起伏。」任教體育科的呂老師坦言啓朗球技出眾，但性格較執著，曾令他與隊友、同學間出現磨擦。呂老師直言，啓朗本身已是校隊準備隊的成員，所以推薦啓朗參加「童踢同樂」不是要他「學踢波」，而是期望他學習與人相處。

因此令呂老師最感觸的，不是啓朗的「入球騷」，而是在比賽中，當其他學員刻意搬走吹氣龍門時，啓朗沒有像以往般投訴、發脾氣，而是面帶笑容地繼續玩，「佢以前可能會話唔公平、有情緒波動，但今日佢冇投訴，甚至覺得件事幾好笑……唔再執著於勝負。」

在爸爸阿聰眼中，啓朗從小就是一個對自己要求極高、追求完美的孩子，「無論係功課或者行為上，佢都希望做一個好榜樣，希望好乖。」但阿聰亦提到，追求完美的性格，也是啓朗的壓力來源。

待人接物較球技更重要

阿聰坦言，啓朗過往對勝負相當執著：「佢以前同哥哥踢波輸咗，會唔忿氣，細個甚至試過打哥哥。」上場踢球時渴望入球、追求勝利固然合理，但阿聰也認為，待人接物、與同儕的相處等，也是成長過程的重要一環，因此讓啓朗參加「童踢同樂」。

「足球是天然的教材。」香港救助兒童會香港項目總監黃碩紅表示，在運動比賽中必然會經歷勝負與挫敗，便正好可以讓兒童藉此學習情緒管理。她解釋，「童踢同樂」源自英國救助兒童會，為約旦及印尼的兒童提供的社區足球計劃。計劃的核心在於將「社交情緒學習」融入足球訓練中，幫助兒童建立社交情感的五個核心能力，包括自我認識、自我管理、社交覺察、人際關係、負責任的決策。而且計劃對象不分性別、種族或背景，讓所有兒童在多元包容的環境下，掌握自我覺察、情緒調節及團隊溝通的技巧。

非一般的足球訓練

由於不同於一般足球訓練，每位教練均需接受專業培訓，涵蓋「守護兒童」及情緒支援知識。黃碩紅舉例指，在每節訓練結束後的「解說時間」（debriefing），教練都會引導兒童重溫球場上的體驗，嘗試轉化為情緒素養，最終目的是「讓兒童學習如何成為『情緒的主人』。」

展現個人成長、培育領導才能

呂老師便留意到，啓朗參加計劃後，除了個人的情緒管理上有進步，更懂得從他人的角度去思考。啓朗在體育課中變得更願意主動幫助同學，也學會了接納能力不同的隊友，甚至會主動教導其他人，「佢同同學相處融洽咗好多，冇咗以前嗰種隔膜。」呂老師更透露，班主任因為觀察到啓朗的成長，在下學期正式選他出任班長。

爸爸阿聰則觀察到，啓朗參加計劃後，展現了以往少見的韌性。他憶起一次比賽中，啓朗擔任隊長兼龍門，即使面對失球、落後，「佢第一時間冇好氣餒，而係喺後面不斷鼓勵隊友繼續跑、繼續進攻。」

黃碩紅便重申，這正是「童踢同樂」的理念，「我哋強調嘅係『足球第二，成長第一』……讓兒童即使輸了球賽，也在過程中學習處理情緒與溝通合作。」

建立抗逆力：透過足球改變人生

香港救助兒童會總幹事曾迦慧表示，一直深信足球運動是建立兒童抗逆力的一個強大工具，「我們一直關注兒童的身心健康。足球不單是一項體育運動，在磨練球技以外，更可藉此建立兒童的韌性。『童踢同樂』透過將足球訓練與『社交情緒學習』結合，在受過專業培訓的教練指導下，讓兒童在球場上的汗水，轉化為自我覺察與情緒管理的能力。」曾迦慧亦指，啓朗的成長正正體現了計劃的成果。她說：「看到啓朗從起初的情緒起伏，到後來能自信地與隊友合作、正面面對勝負從個人層面，以至到與同儕相處都有所進步，我們都深感欣慰。」

至於啓朗自己，年僅 8 歲的兒童難以具體形容自己的轉變。但當被問到自己有甚麼不同，他天真地笑著說，「以前會怪隊友唔傳波，而家學識咗唔好怪隊友……我會同佢講：『唔緊要，下次再傳過……(一齊)搶返個波。』」

「童踢同樂」計劃自2023年在香港展開，是一項結合社交情緒學習與足球訓練的服務，旨在為學童營造安全且具支持性的空間，透過體育運動促進其生理、社交及精神健康。計劃目前於全港各區開展，包括在深水埗及天水圍等地區組織社區隊；而校園項目則與全港超過 30 間小學合作，將足球訓練融入校園生活，藉此培訓學童認識和管理情緒的能力、建立健康人際關係的技能，提升信心及抗逆力。針對香港多達 39% 中小學生面臨心理健康挑戰的現況，計劃特別強調社交情緒學習，協助兒童在球場內外，都能掌握有效的溝通技巧與情緒管理能力。

單在 2025 年，「童踢同樂」的社區與校園項目共計舉辦了 744 場訓練，總服務時數超過 1,000 小時。計劃觸及全港 1,120 名兒童及其家庭，並與 32 間學校及 4 個非牟利機構建立了緊密的合作關係。在成效評估方面，參與者對項目的滿意度表現理想，社區項目及校園項目的滿意度分別達到 80% 與 75%。

訪問影片： https://savethechildren.click/PTT-KaiLong-Video-2026

Hashtag: #SavetheChildrenHongKong #香港救助兒童會 #mentalhealth #精神健康 #football #足球 #WorldCup #世界盃

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/savehk

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

香港救助兒童會

救助兒童會（Save the Children）相信每位兒童都應該擁有未來。在香港及世界各地，救助兒童會竭盡所能，在平日及危難時刻，讓兒童健康成長，並獲享學習機會和受到保護。憑藉100多年的經驗與專業，救助兒童會是世界上首間的獨立兒童機構—致力改變生命和未來。

救助兒童會在約100個國家開展工作。成立於2009年的香港救助兒童會是全球運動的一分子，與兒童、家庭、學校、社區和支持者合作，為香港和世界各地的兒童帶來持久的改變。如欲了解更多，瀏覽香港救助兒童會的網站，或追蹤香港救助兒童會的Facebook、Instagram、LinkedIn及YouTube。

World Cup Fever Returns: Learning Emotional Management on the Pitch

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – The four-yearly World Cup is in full swing, and the football fever once again sweeps the globe. The pitch has long been known as a “proving ground” for heroes; even for world-class players with years of experience, the joy of scoring a goal is often balanced by the sight of others in tears, frustrated by a defeat. The prowess of these players will be etched into the hearts of countless children, inspiring a lifelong love for the sport.

Save the Children Hong Kong firmly believes that the football pitch is more than just a venue for competition—it is an ideal classroom for Social-emotional Learning. For eight-year-old Kai-long, the setbacks and failures experienced on the pitch have proven far more vital to his personal growth than mastering technical skills or perfecting “step-overs”.

The Play to Thrive programme empowers children to master emotional management and communication skills while staying active in sports. Compared to a “Zidane turn”, these are the skills that will truly serve them for a lifetime.

On the training ground, eight-year-old Kai-long’s skills are clearly “a cut above the rest”. From the way he carries the ball to the power of his strikes, he already carries himself like a mini professional. During internal matches, he frequently finds the back of the net, scoring multiple goals for his side.

However, the moments that truly bring a smile of approval to the coaches and teachers are not Kai-long’s technical displays, but his small yet heart-warming gestures. For instance, he is seen helping teammates by steadying the inflatable goalposts during shooting drills. Even when knocked down during a match, if the coach does not blow for a foul, Kai-long doesn’t complain; he simply brushes it off with a smile and gets straight back to chasing the ball.

When Excellence Becomes a Burden: Children Trapped by the Need to Win

“He has a personality that tends to be quite fixated on winning and losing. Because of his own performance, or because his classmates’ performance didn’t meet his expectations, he would sometimes experience emotional ups and downs,” explains Mr. Lui, the PE teacher. He admits that while Kai-long’s football skills are outstanding, his stubborn nature previously caused friction with teammates and classmates. Mr. Lui noted that since Kai-long was already a member of the school’s reserve team, he recommended him for the Play to Thrive programme not to “learn football”, but in the hope that he would learn how to get along with others.

Consequently, what moved Mr. Lui the most was not Kai-long’s “goal-scoring show”, but his reaction during a match when other students deliberately moved the inflatable goalposts. Instead of complaining or losing his temper as he might have done in the past, Kai-long continued to play with a smile on his face. “Previously, he might have called it unfair or had an emotional outburst, but today he didn’t complain; he even found it quite funny. He is no longer fixated on winning or losing.”

In the eyes of his father, Chung, Kai-long has been a child with extremely high expectations of himself and a drive for perfection since he was young. “Whether it is schoolwork or his behaviour, he hopes to be a good role model and be very well-behaved.” However, Chung also mentioned that this perfectionist streak serves as a source of pressure for Kai-long.

Interpersonal Skills Are More Important Than Footballing Ability

Chung admits that Kai-long used to be very fixated on winning and losing: “In the past, if he lost a game of football against his elder brother, he would be resentful; when he was younger, he even tried to hit him.” While it is natural to crave goals and seek victory on the pitch, Chung also believes that how one treats others and interacts with peers is a vital part of growing up, which is why he enrolled Kai-long in Play to Thrive.

“Football is a natural educational tool,” says Ms. Wong Shek Hung, Director of Hong Kong Programmes at Save the Children Hong Kong. She explains that experiencing victory, defeat, and frustration is inevitable in sports, providing the perfect opportunity for children to learn emotional management. She adds that Play to Thrive originated from a community football programme developed by Save the Children UK for children in Jordan and Indonesia.

The core of the programme lies in integrating Social-emotional Learning into football training to help children build five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Furthermore, the programme is open to all children regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background, allowing them to master self-awareness, emotional regulation, and team communication skills within a diverse and inclusive environment.

No Ordinary Football Training

As this is unlike conventional football training, every coach is required to undergo professional training covering “Child Safeguarding” and emotional support knowledge. Ms. Wong Shek Hung notes that during the “debriefing” session at the end of each practice, coaches guide the children to reflect on their experiences on the pitch, attempting to translate these moments into emotional literacy. The ultimate goal is “to let children learn how to become ‘masters of their own emotions’.”

Demonstrating Personal Growth and Cultivating Leadership Skills

Mr. Lui noticed that after joining the programme, Kai-long not only showed progress in his personal emotional management but also learned how to consider things from others’ perspectives. During PE lessons, Kai-long has become more willing to take the initiative to help his classmates and has learned to accept teammates with different abilities, even proactively coaching others. “He gets along with his classmates much more harmoniously now; the barriers that existed before have disappeared,” Mr. Lui remarked. He further revealed that Kai-long’s form teacher, having observed this growth, officially appointed him as a class monitor for the second term.

His father, Chung, observed that since joining the programme, Kai-long has demonstrated a level of resilience rarely seen before. He recalled a match where Kai-long served as both captain and goalkeeper; even when facing conceded goals and falling behind, “his first instinct wasn’t to feel discouraged, but rather to keep encouraging his teammates from the back to keep running and keep attacking.”

Ms. Wong Shek Hung reaffirmed that this is precisely the philosophy of Play to Thrive: “We emphasise ‘Football Second, Growth First’, ensuring that even if children lose a match, they learn to handle their emotions, communicate, and cooperate throughout the process.”

Building Resilience: Transforming Lives Through Football

Ms. Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong, stated that she has always believed football is a powerful tool for building resilience in children: “We have always been concerned about children’s physical and mental well-being. Football is more than just a sport; beyond honing technical skills, it can be used to build a child’s resilience. By combining football training with Social-emotional Learning, and under the guidance of professionally trained coaches, Play to Thrive ensures that the sweat shed by children on the pitch is transformed into self-awareness and emotional management skills.” Ms. Tsang also noted that Kai-long’s growth perfectly embodies the programme’s success. She said, “We are deeply gratified to see Kai-long progress from initial emotional fluctuations to confidently cooperating with teammates and facing victory or defeat positively—improving both on a personal level and in his interactions with peers.”

As for Kai-long himself, it is difficult for an eight-year-old to describe his transformation in detail. But when asked what was different about him, he said with an innocent smile, “I used to blame my teammates for not passing the ball, but now I’ve learned not to. I tell them: ‘It’s okay, pass it again next time. We’ll win the ball back together.’”

Launched in Hong Kong in 2023, the Play to Thrive programme is a service that integrates Social-emotional Learning with football training. It aims to create a safe and supportive space for schoolchildren, promoting their physical, social, and mental health through sport. The programme currently operates across various districts in Hong Kong, including community teams in areas such as Sham Shui Po and Tin Shui Wai. The school-based project collaborates with over 30 primary schools across the territory, integrating football training into school life to help students recognise and manage their emotions, build healthy interpersonal relationships, and enhance their confidence and resilience. In response to the current situation where up to 39% of primary and secondary students in Hong Kong face mental health challenges, the programme places special emphasis on SEL to help children master effective communication and emotional management both on and off the pitch.

In 2025 alone, the community and school projects of Play to Thrive held a total of 744 training sessions, with total service hours exceeding 1,000 hours. The programme reached 1,120 children and their families across Hong Kong, establishing close partnerships with 32 schools and 4 non-profit organisations. In terms of impact assessment, participant satisfaction was high, with satisfaction rates for the community and school projects reaching 80% and 75%, respectively.

Interview Video: https://savethechildren.click/PTT-KaiLong-Video-2026
Hashtag: #SavetheChildrenHongKong #香港救助兒童會 #mentalhealth #精神健康 #football #足球 #WorldCup #世界盃

https://savethechildren.org.hk/en/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/save-the-children-hong-kong
https://www.facebook.com/savethechildrenhk
https://www.instagram.com/savethechildrenhk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/savehk

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Save the Children Hong Kong

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first and leading independent children’s organisation – transforming lives and future.

Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world.

According to data released by Hainan Province during the visit, Hainan’s foreign trade has surged since the launch of special customs operations. As of June 17, the province’s total goods imports and exports reached RMB 173.98 billion (approximately US$24 billion), up 54.6% year on year. Imports of zero-tariff goods hit RMB 2.645 billion, a 120% jump that generated tariff savings of RMB 440 million. A total of 172,100 new market entities were registered—a 61% increase—including 1,240 foreign-invested enterprises. Zero-tariff items now account for 74% of all tariff lines, benefiting more than 12,000 market entities.

During the Hong Kong visit, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Hainan Provincial Committee (CCPIT Hainan) signed separate deepened cooperation MOUs with the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Under the MOUs, the parties will establish a regular liaison mechanism for the periodic exchange of economic and trade information, and will promote collaboration in areas including professional services, green finance, the digital economy, supply chain management, and cultural tourism. Mutual enterprise service desks will be set up to provide consulting services regarding policies and projects. The parties will leverage their complementary strengths to help Chinese mainland enterprises access overseas markets via Hong Kong, while facilitating Hong Kong companies’ entry into the Chinese mainland through Hainan.

The delegation also held talks with the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, exploring ways for British and American businesses to leverage Hainan’s value-added processing tariff exemptions and multifunctional free trade accounts to position themselves in regional supply chains and cross-border investment and financing. HSBC, De Beers, and other British firms are already active in Hainan, and the UK served as the Guest of Honor country at the 2025 China International Consumer Products Expo.

According to industry analysts, amid the shifting international trade landscape, Hainan is leveraging Hong Kong’s “super-connector” role to accelerate its integration with global capital and business networks, while simultaneously offering the Hong Kong business community a policy testing ground for entering the Chinese mainland market.

Hashtag: #CPITHainan

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Along the banks of the Yellow River, Binzhou in Shandong Province is witnessing a surge in industrial development. In the smart workshops of Weiqiao Pioneering Group, robotic arms move with precision and agility; at the command center of Chambroad Holdings, data from pipelines spanning thousands of miles updates in real time; at the port terminals, high-end aluminum products and fine chemical goods are continuously loaded onto vessels, setting sail for global markets.

This industrial hub boasts 37 out of the country’s 41 industrial categories, forming six trillion-yuan-level industrial clusters, including high-end aluminum, fine chemicals, and smart textiles. A total of 82 products rank among the top in China or hold leading global market shares. Binzhou has been listed among China’s Top 100 Advanced Manufacturing Cities for four consecutive years.

In 2025, the industrial enterprises above designated size in Binzhou achieved operating revenue exceeding RMB 1.06 trillion, crossing the trillion threshold for the second consecutive year. Total profits reached RMB 77.73 billion, with a profit margin of 7.3%, both ranking first in Shandong Province. Value-added industrial output above designated size accounted for 38.9% of the city’s GDP growth, cementing industry as a key pillar of economic development.

Binzhou’s transformation has been driven by extending technological upgrading from individual enterprises to entire industrial chains. From 2023 to 2025, three clusters, i.e., lightweight aluminum new materials, intelligent textiles, and functional nutritional products, were successively selected as provincial-level advanced manufacturing clusters. The proportion of R&D investment in GDP has remained the highest in Shandong for five consecutive years. Six national-level excellent smart factories, 32 provincial-level advanced smart factories, and 66 green factories above the provincial level have taken root here, turning intelligent manufacturing and green transformation from blueprints into reality.

From an industrial city to an intelligent manufacturing powerhouse, Binzhou is steadily advancing on the path of new industrialization with practical actions, writing a new chapter of high-quality development.

Hashtag: #BinzhouInformationOffice

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“Weiqiao Town is the birthplace of Weiqiao Pioneering Group. Giving back to and building up our hometown remains our unwavering original aspiration,” said Zhang Bo, Chairman of Weiqiao Pioneering Group, at a symposium on the “Revitalization of Weiqiao Town” on June 17.

Since the launch of the “Revitalization of Weiqiao Town” initiative in February 2025, Zouping City and Weiqiao Pioneering Group have worked hand in hand to drive the town’s development. From January to May 2026, the town’s gross industrial output value of industrial enterprises above the designated size grew by 6.97% year-on-year, while fixed-asset investment surged by 168.23%; total tax revenue and local-level fiscal revenue increased by 76.32% and 58.69%.

Leveraging the industrial chain resources and investment network of Weiqiao Pioneering Group, Weiqiao Town has attracted 28 industrial projects, of which 12 are now operational.

As the core engine of Zouping City’s industrial economy, Weiqiao Pioneering Group adheres to the government-enterprise collaboration concept of “joint planning, shared industrial growth, and shared responsibility for public well-being.” The Group has proactively opened up its upstream and downstream industrial chain, with 13 of the introduced projects serving as supporting facilities within its ecosystem. It has also reserved 300,000 tons of electrolytic aluminum production capacity to provide key support for extending, supplementing, and strengthening Weiqiao Town’s aluminum industry chain.

Thirty years ago, the enterprise led the town to share the benefits of industrialization; thirty years later, its aspiration to repay the hometown remains unchanged. Through its Shiping Public Welfare Foundation, the Group has donated a total of RMB 186 million over the past two years to improve education, medical care, transportation, and other infrastructure, enhancing the people’s sense of gain and happiness.

Together, Weiqiao Pioneering Group and Weiqiao Town are forging a revitalization path characterized by industrial prosperity, improved livelihoods, and rural beauty. Their partnership stands as a vivid example of the deep bond between an enterprise and its hometown, and of how mutual support can drive shared prosperity.

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