Analysts: China’s property stock surge unsustainable – Asia Times

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The long-awaited rally of Chinese property shares this month has sparked cheers from stock investors, but analysts warn that the upsurge wo n’t be sustained over the medium term. &nbsp,

Reason: The People’s Bank of China ( PBoC )’s ( PBoC ) proposed home purchase scheme is too small and wo n’t be able to reverse the market’s declining trend.

Analysts predict that property developers ‘ profitability wo n’t improve over the next six months, and that their shares will once again be under pressure. They claim to be bullish on other stocks because the Chinese economy’s weak domestic consumption continues to be the biggest issue.

Asia Times interviewed Arthur Budaghyan, key emerging markets and China planner of BCA Research, a Canada- based funding research organization, to find his take.

” Four to six months from today, Chinese home companies will probably be lower than yesterday’s level”, Budaghyan said. ” Over the medium term, elements will prevail, but in the short term, stock areas can be unreasonably driven by some false beliefs,” the statement goes.

He claimed that the Chinese government has been working to stimulate the economy and property markets for two and a half decades, but the work has failed. For example, he said, the government decided in late 2022 to provide 1.88 trillion yuan ( US$ 259 billion ) funding to property developers to complete unfinished apartments but the move failed to boost property prices and sales.

He claimed that the funding for local governments ‘ purchases of unsold houses from the industry is very little in comparison to property developers ‘ total profits in 2023.

Exceptional housing stock&nbsp,

In a bid to lower property inventory in the market, the PBoC announced on May 17 that it would establish a global program to launch a low-cost 300 billion yuan funding program.

The central bank will provide loans to national banks to protect 60 % of the scheme’s borrowing, which means that the banks will have to provide SOEs with another 200 billion yuan, increasing the total to 500 billion renminbi.

However, the number is just equivalent to 4.3 % of China’s home selling number, which was about 11.66 trillion yuan in 2023.

Does the new cash bring the housing market back to its former glory days? Almost certainly not”, Harry Murphy Cruise, an analyst at Moody’s Analytics, says in a study word. Given the size of empty stock, the 300 billion yuan money is a drop in the ocean.

According to estimates, the value of China’s remarkable housing stock has increased by more than 7.5 trillion renminbi since 2018. He claimed that only 4 % of that is funded by the new package.

He continued, saying that Chinese officials appear to have only attempted to decrease the property firm’s decline and bide until it finds a floor naturally rather than attempt to return to its former glory days.

This month, the stocks of many Chinese property developers have already more than doubled. On Wednesday, Shimao Group rose 5 % while China Vanke increased 4 %. &nbsp, &nbsp,

Low fertility level

Beijing, according to experts, wants to regulate the housing markets while avoiding rising house prices, which would lessen the desire of young couples to have children. &nbsp,

In January, the NBS said China’s populace amounted to 1.409 billion at the end of last year, down 2.08 million people from a month earlier.

That was the second time in a column for China to recorded recession in people, after the number dropped by 850, 000 in 2022 from 2021. &nbsp,

” China’s fertility rate is one of the lowest in the world, also lower than that of Japan and Italy”, Budaghyan told Asia Times. ” Young folks say properties are very expensive. The statistical situation will get worse if the government increases home charges right away.

He claimed that the Chinese government wants to lower home costs so that couples can afford to purchase a more luxurious room and have one or two kids. &nbsp,

” The Taiwanese government has a much longer time perception and wants to target on&nbsp, populations, rather of boosting home prices. That’s why it has not been very violent in rousing rates”, he said.

Some home experts believe that it’s possible to quickly raise property prices by removing home purchase restrictions in first-tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but it’s unlikely that the main government will do it.

Debate settlement

Former Hong Kong banker and academic Victor Ng Ming-tak claims on his YouTube channel that the government’s incentives wo n’t help increase the profitability of property developers. &nbsp,

He makes the observation that the PBoC’s residence purchase program appears to be a financial settlement plan intended to settle disputes between consumers and property developers. &nbsp,

” Three years ago, millions of people had threatened to stop paying their mortgages because apartment building designers lacked quality rooms. He claims Beijing agreed to give home developers loans to complete their projects. However, these homebuyers now object to receiving their homes because their price has fallen by 30 %.

He claims that these consumers can now be tenants of the properties under the house purchase program, avoiding a 30 % decrease in home value, while local governments will collect their revenues to pay off bank loans. &nbsp,

” For a deal does not help house developers to create income”, he says. Why are their stock then rising so quickly? He advises property investors to get ready to make the benefits in the current bear market at some point. &nbsp,

” We expect China’s latest assistance measures to help relieve some small- term pressures in the housing market, helping to clean the sector’s deleveraging and minimize structural risks”, Kelly Chen, a vice president and senior analyst at Moody’s Ratings, says in a research note. A” significant and sustained progress in contracted sales for new properties” is unlikely to be sparked by looser loan regulations.

She claims that some local governments ‘ contingent liabilities will increase as a result of the home purchase program’s potential rise in debt for state-owned local governments as a result of its potential to raise debt to buy from property developers ‘ empty stock.

No plane money

In March, Budaghyan published a research report titled” No Game Changer” after the Chinese government announced a 5 % GDP growth target for 2024 during the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress. &nbsp, &nbsp,

Without some significant impulses, he said, China will face a lot of difficulties in achieving its 5 % growth goal. &nbsp,

He claimed for the Asia Times that he still believes that due to a decrease in property sales earnings, the Chinese administration’s spendings in 2024 will fall short of the budgeted amount. &nbsp,

He claimed that it’s simple to use helicopter money to boost the economy, but he did n’t believe the Chinese government had that mindset. ” If things get really bad, it will do it”.

He added that Beijing also wants to avoid quantitative easing, which would put pressure on the Chinese currency. &nbsp,

Read: China unveils property stimuli amid falling sales

Follow Jeff Pao on X: &nbsp, @jeffpao3

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Yellow Line to resume full operations on June 10

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Officials claim steps were taken to prevent future gondola accidents.

PUBLISHED: 22 May 2024 at 21: 14

Yellow Line to resume full operations on June 10
In Bangkok, a Golden Line monorail train crosses Long Phrao Road. ( Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul )

A travel official said on Wednesday that the Golden Line rail system will continue normal operations starting on June 10 after repairs are finished on a damaged wire road.

The repairs come in response to the March 28 accident that caused many vehicles to fall onto a street below the monorail.

Measures have been taken to maintain such accidents do not happen again, said Montri Dechasakulsom, a deputy continuous director for the Ministry of Transport.

Mr. Montri claimed that fresh heat sensors have been installed and are being run to prevent bolts from loosening due to overheating when fastened to the route’s conductor rails, as had previously occurred.

He claimed that the new heat-sensing system’s tests required at least 10 times.

Additionally, Mr. Montri serves on the state commission that regulates the function of the Blue, Yellow, and Pink ranges, for which personal users have received agreements.

The conductor road landed on cars stopped at traffic lights beneath the increased monorail track in northeast Bangkok after soft bolts caused the incident.

Authorities had to shut the line after the incident caused disruption to the metro electronic systems between the Si Udom and Kalantan stations.

The incident caused one of the wires between Hua Mak and Si Iam facilities to be damaged, forcing carriages to go on a single track between the channels. It reopened a day later.

Mr. Montri claimed that the Golden Line has been operating at a lone rate and that cards have been discounted by 20 % since the event. The rail system will resume whole services when the system resumes the regular fare.

The Golden Line operator said he will eventually confirm the date for the resumed normal operations on June 10.

Additionally, he claimed a statement from the council confirmed that security measures have been implemented at all building websites for the Pink Line’s route to Muang Thong Thani.

Two days after the March 28 event, damp- mix cement spilled off a construction site on the increased tracks of the line’s extension, damaging a car and injuring one passenger inside.

Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co. runs the Bright Line, and Northern Bangkok Monorail Co. runs the Pink Line. They are subsidiaries of BSR JV Consortium, a combined walk between three large SET- listed companies: BTS Group Holdings, with a 75 % ownership, Sino- Thai Engineering and Construction, and Ratch Group, a main power producer.

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Using public satellites to track Russia’s missile launchers – Asia Times

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Russian forces are firing rounds of rockets at Ukrainian civil targets in the far south of Ukraine, which is occupied. Each of Russia’s condition- of- the- craft missile launch techniques costs more than US$ 100 million. They make it possible for Russia to start attacks from secure locations far from the front lines.

The S- 300 exterior- to- air weapon app is designed to evade detection. Their sites are closely guarded secrets. We have, however, uncovered telltale signs of the activity of these weapons that reveal their site using publicly available dish images.

This is just one illustration of why forces are becoming more and more concerned about the strategic and tactical usage of publicly available data on the internet. Thus- called “open- source intelligence” ( or OSINT ) has become a top concern of intelligence companies worldwide.

Open-source knowledge has grown to become a powerful tool as more and more information is digitized and made available online. Social media platforms, satellite photos and leaked files can all be resources of knowledge information.

Social media has been a major cause of open-source brains in the Ukraine issue. Soldiers ‘ activities and those of defense vehicles have been extensively documented. Russian data businesses that purport to deceive residents were also exposed.

Open-source knowledge is a cheap and effective way for experts to help with decision-making. In a conflict such as the Russia–Ukraine battle, opened- source intelligence may act as a force multiple.

Tracking weapon devices online

Researchers discovered an unusual use for the Sentinel- 1 dish, a public-access medical satellite run by the European Space Agency, in 2018. It might show where the US Patriot surface-to-air missile methods are located. Radar emissions from the weapon state’s sensor are detected by The Sentinel-1, which appears in the imagery as interference bands.

Surface-to-air missile systems are typically designed to be extremely smart, allowing them to be deployed wherever they want to surprise opponents. Anyone with an online relationship may now be able to locate these goods thanks to open-source knowledge.

This presents new difficulties for military officials. The methods and procedures they have developed to shield people from army drones, weapons, and other property from targeted surface attack may no longer be effective.

How resilient are Belarusian systems?

For Russia and Ukraine, these problems are playing out in actual- period. In Eastern Ukraine, we used Sentinel 1 to get active and smart Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile systems, and if we can get them, but can anyone else.

How did we would it? Second, we looked through various social media sites to find out where the S-300s are located. We therefore increased the awareness to uncover radar interference from the weapon systems by observing Sentinel- 1 pictures of these locations. The detector source is located along a particular range, according to the interference patterns.

False-colour satellite image showing interference bands and marked to show the location of a missile launcher
The disturbance name of an S- 300 program in the Kherson Oblast, a Soviet- held area of Ukraine. Photo: ESA / Tom Saxton / The Talk

The process is illustrated in the photo below. With a known place, it took only a few minutes to get the picture and show the sensor intervention. This image shows an S- 300 system from the Kherson Oblast, a Russian- occupied region of Ukraine, which was neutralized days after the satellite captured the interference.

The S- 300 is widely regarded as Russia’s counterpart to the US Patriot system. It is tasked with defending against missiles and aircraft in Russia’s war against Ukraine, but it has recently been targeted by Ukrainian civilians.

Only nine Russian S-300 missile launchers have been confirmed destroyed over the course of the war to date. This demonstrates how uncommon and highly protected they are, reserved for safeguarding the most crucial assets and regions of the Russian military.

For better and worse

The S- 300 is exported to Iran, China and many other nations. The location of S-300 systems through public satellite imagery could compromise other Russian forces as well. Of course, these systems need to be in operation to emit interference.

This gives advantages to states with less sophisticated militaries and non-state combatants. These forces may be able to locate and potentially destroy hundreds of million dollar assets using publicly available data.

Ukraine’s military has demonstrated how effective low-cost drones can be in destroying expensive air defense systems. Open-source data, such as the electronic emissions from scientific satellites, demonstrates how common and even harmless tools can be used in warfare.

The overall moral ramifications of open-source intelligence are mixed. Public data may be used by malicious non- state actors or terrorist groups, for example.

Analysts and journalists can use these techniques and methods of data gathering and analysis to look into human rights violations and war crimes or produce more accurate events reports.

The Institute for the Study of War, for instance, has employed satellite imagery and social media documentation to demonstrate Russia’s military buildup on Ukraine’s borders in 2021 and 2022, thereby exposing Russian intentions.

The future of open- source intelligence

Open- source intelligence, and the critical skills required to examine public data, have become increasingly important for militaries and intelligence organizations. However, open- source data platforms, such as satellite imagery provided by the European Space Agency, are likely to produce ongoing challenges for militaries.

How will the world respond? Institutions, business, government sites and other bodies may decide to cut off the flow of public data in order to reduce its unintentional impact.

This too would create challenges. The public’s trust in businesses and public institutions would be hampered by the censorship of publicly available data, which would also compromise transparency of information. People and organizations with lower incomes would no longer be able to access information if the public was removed.

Adam Bartley is Postdoctoral Fellow, RMIT Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation, RMIT University and Tom Saxton is Research Associate, Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation, RMIT University

The Conversation has republished this article under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Commentary: Singapore’s SIM card misuse law – a shield against scams or just more cat-and-mouse games?

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Although it may seem like these systems are dereliction of duty, the reality is that moving away from stricter identification conflicts with company goals. The desire to obtain new users and market advertising aligns them with the majority of ordinary users, who are both happy for few identity checks to simplify things.

CAT AND MOUSE GAME WITH Swindlers

Can the same be said about schemes on our favorite e-commerce sites? Thankfully, it has become a standard practice to verify seller accounts using phone numbers linked to our identities. But sadly, as with the range of safety steps companies can implement to protect consumers, various sites mean different standards.

The E-commerce marketplace Transaction Safety Ratings initiative from the Ministry of Home Affairs essentially names and criticizes major sites that do n’t pass muster. However, it only offers suggestions on what to watch out for and does not have the teeth needed to require change. Consumers can continue to buy where they want, despite the lack of fundamental protections, as a result.

What becomes clear is that focusing solely on middlemen in the supply chain of scams will have little impact without taking the identification matter more seriously.

The ownership of a SIM card is just one of the numerous investigations that scammers use to get a direct line to potential patients. As one lock opens, another may pop open due to the constantly evolving character of scams and their preferred channels.

Stemming the source of illegal local figures is most likely to entice scammers to websites that demand the least amount of background checks. And the fight continues.

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Tesla’s in China – It’s just a question of how long – Asia Times

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One evening the&nbsp, Tesla&nbsp, practice in&nbsp, China&nbsp, will be a company school case investigation, though not in a good way.

Elon Musk&nbsp, thinks he has a special connection with strong Chinese leaders. There is data, he says. He points out that Tesla is the first international manufacturer to be exempt from using a local companion by the Chinese government.

However, the Chinese socialists are extremely proficient at playing the world-renowned elite to their own rhythm. And the” special relationship” reels them in every time.

This has nothing to do with the global downturn in&nbsp, energy vehicle&nbsp, income.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is byd.jpeg
Numerous reporters took part in BYD’s display at the Beijing International Motor Show, which is China’s largest Vehicle maker. Photo: Kyodo

China’s international company ‘ power timetable ‘

In Musk and Tesla’s event, the “takeover” was scheduled when Tesla started sniffing around the idea of locating in China. The clock then started ticking on what a friend with decades of experience in China calls the&nbsp, Chinese Communist Party‘s (CCP’s ) “utility timetable” .&nbsp,

The history of foreign ventures in the&nbsp, People’s Republic of China&nbsp, ( PRC ) goes like this: &nbsp,

  • International business prospers thanks to unwavering regional support. &nbsp,
  • International business builds a industry. &nbsp,
  • Local providers can adopt the acting model of a foreign company.
  • Local businesses and their partners occasionally poach key employees and intellectual property to improve their conservation skills. &nbsp,
  • International business begins to fall under&nbsp, strain that has the intention of causing it to exit the market or to force it to promote its assets to a foreign company.
  • Nearby company takes over the&nbsp, market&nbsp, with subsequent- price items. &nbsp,
  • International business exits China.

    In China, a foreign organization serves the party as long as it serves its needs. &nbsp, &nbsp,

    The group knocks the hammer down when it realizes there is no more benefit to be gained. &nbsp, &nbsp,

    This had occurred so many times before before it should have been visible by the time Tesla went into China. Now, the CCP ‘s&nbsp, “utility timetable” for Tesla seems to be accelerating. &nbsp,

    Elon Musk and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing. Photo: from Musk’s April 28, 2024, message on X.

    Reeling In Tesla

    A&nbsp, important &nbsp, an inevitable telltale mark the end is about to come is a part of the schedule where the foreign company is under pressure to put its China functions under the command of a Chinese citizen. This member is likewise subject to the state ‘s&nbsp, national security legislation, including the 2017&nbsp, National Intelligence Law. According to that rules, Chinese citizens and businesses must help PRC intelligence operations.

    Tesla just announced that&nbsp, Tom Zhu&nbsp, may be taking command. He was formerly employed by the company in China as a senior vice president in Austin.

    Zhu, born and raised in China, now holds a New Zealand id. However, to the CCP, a Taiwanese holding a overseas card has no meaning. It is regarded merely as a “flag of comfort” over a Chinese id, allowing easier transportation around the world. Especially to sites, schools, and jobs in nations that are pushing up against the PRC.

    What’s future?

    Over the coming decades, Tom Zhu will leave his present position to oversee the entire Tesla business in China. Zhu and the China operation will turn into crushed dotted lines, as is currently depicted in organization powerpoints and quarterly reports by strong, reliable monitoring to Elon Musk. In addition, the Chinese Communist Party’s monitoring areas will expand to include solid lines in larger style.

    Xiaomi, a Chinese smartphone manufacturer, unveiled its electronic vehicle at the Beijing International Motor Show on March 29. Photo: Sankei / Shohei Mitsuka

    After that?

    Musk may retain some value. Their original purpose for the party was exhausted years ago in the case of large US companies that have spent centuries in China ( for example, Ford ). But these companies nowadays provide a fresh power: de facto campaigning in America – in Washington, DC, in certain – on behalf of the CCP. As activists, they extol the virtues of China in public. &nbsp,

    Completely coincidentally, in a” Mussolini makes the trains run on time” update, one Musk&nbsp, tweet&nbsp, from earlier in the year reads:” China has incredible trains and infrastructure in general” .&nbsp,

    Ultimately, though, the likelihood is that the CCP will” live” with Musk on a merger assessment of Tesla resources in China. &nbsp, &nbsp,

    The art of the package

    Two years later Chinese- made Teslas did fill China’s streets. In addition, China will not be included in drawings showing where Musk-built cars are sold and are used around the world. That place will be plain. Something similar has gone on with Big Macs, &nbsp, as McDonald’s originally got the exact care Elon Musk is now getting.

    The beautiful art-of-the-deal feature of the CCP is that the sufferer may change the outcome if they can see the ending coming weeks or a few years in advance, apparently by promoting the virtues of Chinese railways and hoping to defer the obvious. &nbsp, &nbsp,

    The “art” in the offer, from a CCP view, is that the sufferer has all this day to spin in pain while waiting for the inevitable conclusion to come.

    Shareholder complaint, anyone?

    Former US minister and previous US Marine official Grant Newsham. He is the author of the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-China-Attacks-Warning-America/dp/1684513650″ target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>When China Attacks: A Warning To America.

    JAPAN Forward was the first to publish this content. It is republished with authority.

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    Soft Space enables Tap to Pay on iPhone for stera tap iOS app in Japan

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      Lovers with Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company and&nbsp, GMO Financial Gate, its shareholders

    • enables SMEs to use simple, safe wireless payment processing on an iPhone.

    Soft Space enables Tap to Pay on iPhone for stera tap iOS app in Japan

    The collaboration between Soft Space, a Malaysian fintech company offering payment services in Asia, and Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company, Limited ( SMCC), GMO Financial Gate, Inc. ( GMO- FG), SMBC GMO PAYMENT Inc. (SGP), and GMO Global, Inc. ( SMCC), announced that they have collaborated in Japan to enable Tap to Pay, an iOS app provided by GMO- FG.

    One of Japan’s largest transaction processing firms, GMO- FG invested into Soft Space in March 2024. SMCC, which invested into Soft Space in April 2018, is one of Japan’s leading credit card companies. No information about the investment was made people. GMO-FG and SMCC collaborate on SGP.

    With the company enabled, Japanese businesses can process contactless payments securely and simply using an iPhone. Only the iPhone and the” stera tap” iOS app with simple set-up are now available for merchants to accept contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets. Merchants can begin accepting Visa and Mastercard smart payments in as little as 15 minutes after submitting their software on the game itself. No extra equipment or pay terminals are required.

    Apple Tap to Pay for Stevia Tap is something we’ve been anticipating ever since it first came out on March 25th, 2018, according to Joel Tay ( main pic ), CEO of Soft Space. We anticipate that Apple Tap to Pay’s entrance into Japan will encourage SoftPOS progress and give businesses and acquiring companies the confidence they need to begin introducing SoftPOS solutions to their merchants in large numbers.

    After Soft Space introduced Tap to Paid in Australia in May 2023, Joel stated that Soft Space sees this success as the start of its global expansion strategy. It also serves as a testament to our ongoing commitment to facilitating digital societies. Above all, we think that this is a sign of the powerful synergy and knowledge between us and our trusted owners, SMCC and GMO- Hg, and a sign of the start of greater things to come.

    Contactless payments are becoming more popular in Japan, with a figure of around 60 % of small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) accepting them. The trouble and expense of updating payment terminals has been a major obstacle for SMEs to accepting contactless payments.

    An iPhone Item or afterwards device running the most recent version of iOS is required to use the Apple Tap to Give service.

    Merchants will simply prompt the user to maintain their smart payment near the merchant’s iPhone at checkout, and the transaction will be safely completed using NFC technology, where Apple’s Tap to Give on iPhone technology uses the built-in features of the iPhone to keep the business and customer data private and secure.

    When a payment is processed, Apple does n’t store card numbers or exchange information on the unit or on Apple machines. The privacy-conscious Chinese consumers may enjoy the safety features of the services.

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    US-China trade war puts investors in harm’s way – Asia Times

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    The recent escalation in US-China trade tensions, which was highlighted by the imposition of significant tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles ( EVs ) and a subsequent Chinese anti-dumping investigation, indicates the potential resumption of trade war between the world’s two largest economies.

    The information expands on President Joe Biden’s demand next month to impose tariffs on Foreign aluminum and steel. And it comes as Donald Trump and the president are competing to be seen as hard on China ahead of the US election in November.

    This growth has potential for significant effects on global trade, financial security, and investment strategies. Global investors are confronting an increasing number of complexities to guard their investments and profit from new opportunities as the monetary superpowers implement tit-for-tat measures.

    The current position recalls trade tensions that plagued US-China relations during the Trump administration, when goods were subject to tariffs for hundreds of billions of dollars. &nbsp,

    The Biden administration’s most recent actions, including tariffs on other Chinese imports, increase tariffs from 27.5 % to 100 %, as well as what the White House calls China’s unfair trade practices. &nbsp,

    Particularly, the US accuses China of flooding world markets with intentionally low- priced imports, which in turn undermines American companies.

    China’s hostile move to start an pro- dumping probe into polyoxymethylene ( POM) copolymers, necessary in numerous industries from mechanical to electronics, underscores the tit- for- scar nature of the trade disputes. &nbsp,

    Other locations ‘ participation in this investigation, such as the European Union, Taiwan, and Japan, suggests that China is expanding its protective measures beyond the US, which could lead to a more disjointed international business setting.

    As countries adjust their economic policies in response to taxes, increased market volatility and changes in currency values are usually the result of these changes. &nbsp,

    Buyers should therefore be prepared for short-term fluctuations as the markets react to changing business policies, as well as take into account hedging strategies to reduce risks.

    Companies in the automotive industry can be expected to experience higher prices and disruptions in the supply chain as tariffs on Chinese EVs are set to soar. In consequence, we would urge investors to research mechanical stocks, especially those that heavily rely on imports or exports from China.

    Additionally, it manufacturers that rely on these materials may be affected by the anti-dumping investigation into POM copolymers. Therefore, companies in the software industry are more likely to experience higher costs, which will impact their profit margins and investment performance.

    Businesses affected will normally try to diversify their supply chains to lessen their reliance on Chinese exports. These businesses are the ones we believe will be better able to withstand industry turbulence.

    Additionally, there is likely to be a tendency toward nearshoring or onshoring production to lessen the dangers of global trade wars, with investors looking into opportunities in areas like Southeast Asia or Mexico that could benefit from these shifts.

    As global supply chains reconfigure, emerging markets outside of China may see increased investment and growth opportunities. On the whole, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia should become more attractive as investment destinations.

    Investor focus, as always, should be on quality and resilience. Invest in well-established businesses with robust business models and strong balance sheets. These businesses are typically better suited to deal with economic downturns.

    Also consider sectors that are less exposed to international trade fluctuations, such as healthcare, utilities and consumer staples.

    Global investors have both challenges and opportunities because of the possibility of a new trade war between the US and China. While volatile short-term markets are likely, strategic positioning can help protect investments and profit from potential new growth opportunities.

    deVere Group was founded and led by Nigel Green as CEO and founder.

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    A solar power policy crisis for Pakistan – Asia Times

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    The Muslim government’s recent news to the International Monetary Fund ( IMF) regarding the oncoming switch from net metering to net metering for rooftop solar panels has sparked a lot of problem.

    This scheme change seeks to prevent the use of rooftop solar panels by altering how shoppers are paid for the energy they produce, a demand driven by the need to target economic issues in the energy market.

    However, this decision’s possible effects could make electricity prices go up now and stifle Pakistan’s adoption of renewable energy. Consumers can now use rooftop solar panels to offset their electricity consumption under the shield metering system.

    Consumers can reduce their reliance on expensive generator electricity by using a bilateral meter that measures both the generated and consumed electricity. This technique reduces the burden on the national grid and makes solar investments economically feasible.

    In contrast, gross metering requires consumers to sell all of the electricity produced by solar panels to the grid at a fixed Feed-in-Target ( FITT ) and then pay back the electricity they use at retail rates.

    This installation consists of two linear feet, one measuring the power that is exported to the network and the other measuring the power that is imported from the generator. Although this may make power distribution companies ‘ billing simpler, it considerably lessens the financial incentives for consumers to choose solar power.

    The transition to net metering is likely to have a significant impact on both personal consumers and businesses. Consumers now generate and use their own solar power, which means lower energy bills.

    However, under net metering, they did buy electricity to the grid at 11 rupees per product and buy it back at wholesale rates, which can go up to 62 rupees per unit after including several surcharges and adjustments. Due to this disparity, solar investments would become financially unviable, leading to a decline in solar adoption.

    Industries that are increasingly reliant on solar energy to reduce high grid electricity costs would also suffer.

    The proposed gross metering policy would force them to sell all of their generated power to the grid and repurchase it at higher rates, leading to higher operational costs and possibly lowering their standing in the global market. Moreover, this proposed policy change undermines Pakistan’s efforts to promote renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.

    A more sustainable and diversified energy mix has been made possible by the current net metering system, which has resulted in a rapid rise in rooftop solar installations.

    The government risks stifling progress toward its renewable energy goals and increasing reliance on fossil fuels, which are in conflict with global trends and commitments, by discourage solar adoption. The policy change’s rationale is primarily to manage idle capacity payments and address financial losses suffered by power distribution companies.

    However, this approach seems to prioritize energy security and long-term sustainability over short-term financial gains. To address these challenges constructively, several steps can be considered.

    Instead of entirely shifting to gross metering, a balanced approach could be adopted. This would require implementing gross metering for larger commercial installations while maintaining net metering for smaller residential customers. Achieving this balance can help residential customers continue to receive financial benefit from solar investments while also addressing the financial concerns of power distribution companies.

    In order to lessen the financial strain on the energy sector, the government should also renegotiate capacity payments with Independent Power Producers ( IPPs ).

    While most contracts have been renegotiated, efforts should continue to include Chinese IPPs under the China- Pakistan Economic Corridor ( CPEC ) agreements. This renegotiation could result in significant savings for consumers and the economy as a whole in terms of overall electricity costs.

    Additionally, gross metering’s reduced financial benefits can be offset by offering subsidies or tax incentives for solar panel installations. This approach could ease the transition to the new metering system while encouraging further investment in solar energy.

    Financial incentives would help keep the adoption of solar power high, keeping Pakistan’s renewable energy goals on track.

    Lowering overall electricity costs can be achieved by fixing problems in the power system, such as reducing theft and leakages. Improved grid management and modernizations can improve the distribution of electricity more reliably and effectively. By addressing these systemic issues, the government can establish a more affordable and sustainable energy sector.

    Engaging with stakeholders, including consumers, industry representatives, and renewable energy advocates, is crucial. Their input can help refine policies to balance economic, environmental and social objectives. Open dialogue and collaboration can lead to more productive and fair solutions that benefit all parties involved.

    The proposed switch from net metering to gross metering in Pakistan is a significant policy change with broad-ranging implications. While it is necessary to address financial issues in the energy sector, it is equally crucial to ensure that policies do not inhibit the development of renewable energy or place unnecessary strain on consumers and businesses.

    The government can achieve its financial goals by pursuing a balanced and inclusive approach while supporting sustainable energy solutions and upholding the interests of all parties involved.

    Sehr Rushmeen is an Islamabad–based freelance researcher. She earned her BSc in international relations from University of London ( UL) and her MPhil in strategic studies from National Defense University ( NDU).

    She may be followed on X at @rushmeentweets and reached by email on [email protected]

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    Fresh seafood, new medicine tablets: Convergence of tech helps wholesalers sell to consumers directly

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    FIRMS REQUIRE A NEW TECHNOLOGY

    According to experts, businesses may adopt new innovations like technology if they want to succeed because the logistics supply chain industry is so heavily reliant on technology.

    “ Whenever new technology comes, we are getting affected. We use systems more than any other market, according to Dr. Sugoutam Ghosh, the director of the student diploma program in logistics and supply chain management at the Singapore University of Social Sciences.

    There is a lot of investment required in this field, but I believe the government is backing this up. But this will be the upcoming- things may be automated, ” he added.

    Dr. Ghosh noted that using the best roads and schedules, artificial intelligence can optimize sales and lower carbon emissions from delivery vehicles.

    The Seafood Company employs the Ninja Van shipping service, which it claims is capable of handling the fluctuating consumer demand following TikTok video sales.

    Mr. Chia stated that his company will immediately look into selling lived shellfish directly to consumers and might work with Ninja Van in that regard as well. Last month, the logistics company launched cold chain supply services as part of an effort to expand e-commerce.

    The group’s chief marketing and enablement officer, Mr. Winston Seow, stated:” We can now do that because we have that infrastructure and the network we have built up from our e-commerce capabilities, where formerly standard cold chain logistics companies were unable to handle nationwide. ”

    The Seafood Company’s Mr Chia added: “If Ninja Van … can continue to maintain this level of service, I think end-consumers can expect ( and ) in fact demand higher quality of seafood to reach their homes.

    “ I may say it’s a great plus across the market. ”

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    Sarawak minister pushes back against ‘orangutan diplomacy’ idea, says no need to give apes as gifts

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    A minister from Sarawak has rebuffed a plan to give orangutans as gifts to nations that buy Indonesian palm oil. &nbsp,

    ” There is no need to give away orangutans as gifts”, said Mr Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the state’s tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister, on Monday ( May 20 ).

    ” If you ask me, on a personal note, I do n’t agree”, he told reporters after the launch of the Tourism Destination Resilience Workshop in the state’s capital Kuching.

    Mr. Abdul Karim emphasized the significance of monkeys in Sarawak’s traditions and claimed that their biological settings in Sarawak, Sabah, and Kalimantan in Borneo were the best places for them to survive. In Indonesia, Sumatra likewise has animals.

    ” We look after our animals quite well. We will ensure that their environments are not damaged by cutting plants for plantations, he said, and not by dispensing them as gifts. &nbsp,

    Johari Abdul Ghani, the country’s farm and goods minister, made the suggestion for Malaysia to participate in “orangutan diplomacy” earlier this month to boost relations with key palm oil importers like the European Union, India, and China. &nbsp,

    Malaysia is the world’s subsequent- largest producer of hand fuel. The element is present in everything from ice cream to lotion, but oil finger production has caused biodiversity loss for the critically endangered great apes.

    Mr. Johari had compared Malaysia’s plan to Beijing’s panda diplomacy as a form of soft power, stating that it was a clear demonstration of its unwavering commitment to protecting biodiversity. &nbsp,

    ” Malaysia cannot approach the palm oil problem defensively. Instead, he added, as cited by regional and international media, we need to admonishing Malaysia’s commitment to protecting forests and environmental sustainability to the nations of the world. &nbsp,

    The imports of goods linked to deforestation were banned by the European Union last year, which could hurt the palm oil industry. Malaysia has criticised the law, calling it discriminatory. &nbsp,

    On Monday, Mr Abdul Karim said Malaysia could simply give orangutan dolls, or “patung”, instead of the live animals.

    According to the news website New Sarawak Tribune, Malaysia should follow China’s practice of loaning pandas rather than giving them away if there is to be an orangutan policy.

    ” They ( China ) can give away pandas but you do n’t own the panda. After a few years they will take it back”, he said.

    PROTECTING THE “MAN OF THE FOREST”

    Advocacy and conservation groups have also panned Mr Johari’s suggestion.

    Peter John Jaban, a Sarawak activist, urged Mr. Johari to concentrate on promoting the palm oil industry as a way to improve its reputation. His orangutan diplomacy proposal demonstrated how in tune he is with contemporary conservation principles.

    ” This is not a commitment to biodiversity conservation. Instead, this is a gift with purchase”, he said in a May 19 statement. &nbsp,

    The idea of ( Mr. Johari’s ) sending these delicate, critically endangered animals out into the world sends a clear message that Borneo no longer has rainforests where they can reside.

    Mr. Jaban further stated that Mr. Johari should think about arranging with local oil palm plantation companies and international media to learn more about the conservation of orangutans in Malaysia and offer financial assistance to related projects. &nbsp,

    Justice for Wildlife Malaysia, an advocacy group, said the government should take into account alternative diplomatic measures, stressing the need for more research on the plan’s potential effects and feasibility in relation to other conservation initiatives, according to Reuters.

    The population of orangutans, whose name means “man of the forest” in Malay, is less than 105, 000 on the island of Borneo, according to non- governmental organisation World Wide Fund for Nature ( WWF ).

    According to an official of Sarawak’s Forest Department, the population of orangutans is between 1, 800 and 2, 500 in the state’s national parks.

    WWF Malaysia has suggested that oil palm estates should designate designated wildlife corridors that are safe for primates and has called on the Malaysian government to stop the further conversion of forests into plantations. &nbsp,

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