Macroscope | Is there a newfound earnestness in governments towards climate finance?

Globally, we are yet to see an institution that can mandate financial obligations, but there's an emerging awareness among policymakers about the magnitude of the issue.

This approach might eventually be the sole method to garner the necessary financial resources. For instance, among free-market economies, the UK stands out with a strategy to channel state pension funds into capital investments that incorporate environmental projects.

Summary | Major EV players at a crucial juncture, BYD set to surpass Volkswagen with an annual production of 10 million units: 6 must-read articles on China's EV market

The critical situation confronting companies such as Nio, Xpeng, Geely's Zeekr and Leapmotor, among others: a selection of our recent articles on the Chinese EV sector.

1. Chinese electric vehicle producers such as Nio, Xpeng, Geely’s Zeekr, and Leapmotor are at a critical crossroads due to overproduction and tariff issues. The electric vehicle industry in China is at a pivotal point with unprofitable companies being compelled to reduce expenses and introduce new models to stay afloat in an extremely competitive market. Market analysts forecast that only companies that can support themselves will last as the market becomes saturated and tariff complications increase.

2. Brazil embraces investments in new energy vehicles from China; chief diplomat extends an invitation to Beijing amidst the worldwide chaos in the EV sector

The leading Brazilian envoy in Hong Kong has announced that his nation is open to increased investment from Beijing in the fast-growing and profitable EV industry. Despite the swift actions taken by the United States and European Union to curb China's electric vehicle sector through tariffs and trade restrictions, Brazil has no plans to do the same.

3. BYD set to overtake Volkswagen as China's leading automaker due to electric vehicle surge, outdoing the German company in the initial 10 months of 2024

BYD is on the brink of overtaking Volkswagen to become China's leading car manufacturer in 2024, propelled by a spike in electric vehicle sales, which are anticipated to exceed 4 million units this year. The company, based in Shenzhen, has already outperformed Volkswagen's joint venture branches in the first 10 months, showcasing its supremacy in the swiftly expanding electric vehicle sector.

Summary | At a crucial juncture, EV leaders such as Nio, Xpeng, Geely's Zeekr, and Leapmotor face significant challenges; BYD set to surpass Volkswagen with annual production of 10 million vehicles: 6 noteworthy articles on China's EV market.

A pivotal moment for companies like Nio, Xpeng, Geely’s Zeekr, and Leapmotor among others, here are some of our most recent articles on the Chinese electric vehicle sector.

1. Chinese electric vehicle producers Nio, Xpeng, Zeekr from Geely and Leapmotor are at a pivotal point, grappling with surplus production and tariff issues. The companies in China's EV market are under pressure to reduce their expenses and introduce new products to stay afloat in an intensely competitive landscape. Analysts foresee that only companies with self-sustenance will withstand these pressures as the market becomes more saturated and tariff troubles rise.

2. Brazil is open to Chinese investments in new energy vehicles; chief diplomat invites Beijing despite worldwide chaos in the EV industry

Brazil's leading diplomatic representative in Hong Kong expressed that his nation is ready to accept additional funding from Beijing in the rapidly growing and profitable electric vehicle sector. While the US and the European Union have been swift to impose tariffs and trade limitations on China's electric vehicle industry, Brazil has chosen not to do the same.

3. BYD set to overtake Volkswagen as the leading automobile manufacturer in China due to the EV surge, with higher sales than the German company in the initial 10 months of 2024

BYD is on the brink of eclipsing Volkswagen as the premier car manufacturer in China in 2024, propelled by a sharp increase in electric vehicle sales, anticipated to surpass 4 million units this year. The company, based in Shenzhen, has already outperformed the joint-venture units of Volkswagen in the first 10 months, showcasing its supremacy in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry.

Buyers quickly purchase apartments at Wang On's project at 101 King's Road due to a resurgence in the market. Situated at 101 King's Road, close to the Fortress Hill MTR station, the development provides apartments with one to three bedrooms, ranging in size from 244 square feet to 434 square feet.

A new residential development by Wang On Properties in Hong Kong's Eastern district attracted a swarm of potential buyers on Saturday, demonstrating revived interest in the city's property market, encouraged by the government's stimulus initiatives.

By 3:30 in the afternoon, agents reported that 98 out of the 157 available units at 101 King's Road – a housing development featuring a residential tower, a business platform, and open-air commercial space – had been purchased.

"The cost of apartments at 101 King's Road is fairly appealing," stated Sammy Po Siu-ming, the head of the residential division for Midland Realty in Hong Kong and Macau.

The project is popular among many long-term investors due to its diverse range of unit options and its proximity to the MTR. He further mentioned that nearly 40 per cent of the potential homeowners who arrived on Saturday were investors.

The project, situated at 101 King's Road in North Point close to the Fortress Hill MTR station, provides apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms with sizes between 244 and 434 square feet.

The cost has been established in the range of HK$4.88 million to HK$11.87 million, which translates to HK$18,626 to HK$27,357 per square foot.

Commentary | Four measures China could implement to counter Trump's tariffs

As the US prepares to intensify the trade conflict, it's crucial for China to enhance its self-reliance and broaden its alternatives outside of the Western sphere.

Forty minutes and

Trump returns: what does the future hold for China, Asia, and the globe? | A Discussion Post with Yonden Lhatoo

Viewpoint | China's 4 strategies to combat Trump's tariffs

As the US is ready to heighten the trade conflict, China needs to concentrate on enhancing its self-reliance and expanding its alternatives beyond the Western world.

Forty minutes and

Trump returns: what does the future hold for China, Asia, and the globe? | Conversation Column with Yonden Lhatoo

Chinese biotechnology companies are preparing for a potential decrease in profits due to tariffs imposed by Trump, along with a US funding bill. Analysts suggest that initiatives to increase the sale of premium products in China and markets outside of the US could help mitigate the impact.

Analysts indicate that the income of Chinese biotechnology companies in the US, which includes manufacturers of medical equipment, may be at risk due to the incoming Trump administration's intentions to raise tariffs on Chinese goods. Additionally, a proposed law that aims to restrict sourcing of Chinese research and production services funded by the government could further threaten these profits.

Nonetheless, the endeavors of Chinese firms to broaden their product development and sales of premium products within China and foreign markets will soften the impact, they stated.

The incoming President, Donald Trump, has suggested imposing tariffs ranging from 60 to 100 percent on goods imported from China.

"Service providers and manufacturers of devices are expected to face the biggest impact," stated Yurou Zheng, an equity analyst at Morningstar. "A lot of Chinese medical device producers have been focusing on expanding into developing markets…partly due to the fact that the U.S market is already highly competitive and well-established."

Chinese manufacturers of medical equipment, who have a strong presence in the US – the biggest global market for these items, have been dealing with a 25% tariff since July 2018. This was a result of the trade war instigated by the former Trump administration and Beijing. The current Biden administration has decided to maintain this tariff.

Increased production expenses have impacted Chinese gadget manufacturers, compelling them to swiftly advance in the value chain to stay competitive, according to Grace Wang, a partner at L.E.K. Consulting based in Shanghai who specialises in the medical technology industry.

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are at a critical juncture due to increasing competition. Survival will be possible for only those who can maintain their operations without relying on outside financing, amidst issues of excess capacity and tariff problems, according to experts.

Analysts have stated that only companies that can maintain their functions without needing outside financial support will remain in the nation's electric vehicle competition, especially as concerns about overproduction increase.

"Given the fact that the local market is reaching its limit and foreign sales in advanced economies are being hindered by high tariffs, the main players will need to be extremely proficient in managing costs and avoid extravagant expenditures to preserve resources for the challenging business climate in the future," commented Chen Jinzhu, the Chief Executive Officer of Shanghai Mingliang Auto Service, a consultancy within the industry.

"The market has transitioned into a fresh stage, where it is anticipated that all businesses will soon confront a make-or-break situation."

There's a significant discrepancy between capability and real need. By the close of 2023, electric vehicle manufacturers in mainland China had the ability to build 17 million electric cars every year. However, the total rate of factory usage was only 54 per cent, as stated by Goldman Sachs.

Uncovering the Silk Road Again: Innovative Air Cargo Path from China to Europe through Tashkent, Uzbekistan

[This article has been generated by our promotional collaborator.]

The links between Asia and Europe supply chains are increasingly encountering difficulties. Companies are struggling with interrupted logistics due to geopolitical conflicts, limited capacity, extended shipping paths, and escalating transit expenses. In response to these challenges, CargoPoint, a freight forwarding company based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, has introduced a new air service connecting China and Europe through Tashkent. As worldwide commerce demands sturdy and flexible supply chains, this novel transit passage is designed to simplify cargo transport between Asia and Europe, offering businesses quicker transit durations, dependable capacity, and a much-needed substitute to congested routes in other areas.

Uzbekistan, with its capital Tashkent central to this pathway, takes advantage of its crucial geographic location. This fresh air route permits businesses to avoid intricate geopolitical obstacles, like the shutting down of Russian airspace, conflict in the Red Sea, and the wider Middle East, reducing transit times for companies in Europe and Asia.

CargoPoint, in collaboration with its key ally, Turkish Cargo, is significantly influencing the evolving logistics scenario. Turkish Cargo runs approximately 25 flights on a weekly basis, utilizing two widebody aircraft daily, establishing it as the prime capacity supplier linking Tashkent airport with Istanbul and further.

Uber is reportedly considering a $10 million investment in the initial public offering of China's Pony AI, amid the surge in self-driving technology. The ride-sharing behemoth is said to be contemplating the utilization of Pony AI's self-driving tech internationally, according to an insider.

Uber, which is headquartered in San Francisco, is reportedly interested in purchasing over US$10 million worth of shares in the initial public offering of Pony AI, according to sources who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the information. These sources also mentioned that Uber could potentially utilize Pony AI's technology in a collaborative project outside the United States.

Uber recently made an investment in WeRide's IPO in the US, according to individuals familiar with the situation. The company also has a deal in Abu Dhabi for a self-driving taxi service with a provider of autonomous driving technology.

Discussions continue, and the potential investment amount in Pony AI has yet to be determined, according to sources. Both Uber and WeRide representatives chose not to comment. Pony AI did not reply to a request for their input.

Uber has recently partnered with various autonomous driving technology companies, such as robotaxi service provider Waymo, and has also made a confidential investment in Wayve Technologies.

The downward trend of the Hang Seng Index intensifies due to gloomy profit forecasts unsettling investors. Baidu's significant 8.6 per cent decrease positions it as the index's lowest performer, while Alibaba experiences a 4.4 per cent drop.

The Hang Seng Index ended with a 1.9% decline at 19,229.97, bringing the weekly loss to 1%. Just seven out of the 82 index stocks saw an increase. The Hang Seng Tech Index experienced a drop of 2.6%.

Indices on the mainland experienced a drop. Both the CSI 300 Index and the Shanghai Composite Index saw a decrease of 3.1 per cent.

A series of disappointing outcomes from companies on the Hang Seng Index, such as Alibaba and Baidu, highlight the frailty of China's economic rebound and the pressing need for policymakers to take additional steps to boost growth. Investors are losing patience and choosing to leave the stock market after this month's legislative-approved financial actions to sell bonds, intended to address the covert debt crisis in local governments, did not meet market predictions.

Laura Wang, a strategist at Morgan Stanley based in Hong Kong, has suggested that 2025 might see a more turbulent equity market. She highlighted a possible deflationary climate, continuous downward pressure on earnings, and escalating geopolitical issues.

InvestHK facilitates Hong Kong's emergence as a top-tier global art trading hub

The city's government body backs up international auction house Bonhams in launching its new Asian head office, aiming to cater to the growth of the local market.

Known worldwide as a major crossroads for Eastern and Western cultural interactions, Hong Kong also ranks among the top three global art trading hubs. This is quite an impressive feat considering the intense competition in this sector.

The most recent government data reaffirms this position, indicating that the combined trading value of art pieces, collectibles, and antiques last year came close to HK$105.5 billion (US$13.5 billion). There are indications suggesting that there is still significant room for ongoing expansion.

InvestHK, a governmental body tasked with drawing in foreign direct investment and offering actionable guidance and support to businesses from mainland China and abroad aiming to establish or grow in the city, has been a critical contributor to this achievement. It offers assistance to businesses of all types, from new ventures to well-established entities, helping them understand and comply with laws, regulations, and tax codes, ensuring they are on the path to success.

InvestHK has played a significant role in aiding numerous noteworthy corporations in the city to expand, with Bonhams being a recent instance. In October, this well-known auction house launched its new Asia-based head office in Hong Kong. This move is a part of their tactical plan to boost ongoing development in the area and to improve their variety of services and events.

"Hong Kong offers a distinct mix of cultural and business advantages, which makes it a perfect base for catering to our clients across Asia and the world," says Julia Hu, the Asia Managing Director of Bonhams. "Our growth in this area reaffirms the company's enduring dedication to this vibrant marketplace."

Absolutely, since launching its inaugural auction room in the city in 2014, numerous facets of the company have witnessed significant expansion. In the previous two years alone, the staff strength of Bonhams has surged by 20 per cent, thus making it crucial to locate a larger, tailor-made headquarters to facilitate the upcoming stage of growth and seize fresh prospects.