Ogun: RNII hails court ruling on Adebutu, backs PDP candidate for 2027

….Says Adebutu has capacity to provide purposeful leadership

A foremost civil society organisation, Restore Nigeria Integrity Initiative, has commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic participation following the Federal High Court judgment ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinstate the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, on its list of candidates for the 2027 election.

The organisation also passed a vote of confidence on Adebutu, describing him as a candidate with the capacity, experience and leadership qualities to provide purposeful leadership and advance the development of Ogun State and its people.

In a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Sunday, the Convener of the organization, Comrade Victor Itsede, described the judgment as a significant development for Nigeria’s democracy, noting that the judiciary had demonstrated the importance of protecting citizens’ political rights and ensuring that public institutions operate within the confines of the law.

Recall, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had ordered INEC to restore Adebutu’s name to the list of candidates for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election within 24 hours.

The court held that the electoral commission lacked the constitutional and statutory powers to unilaterally disqualify a candidate validly nominated by a political party.

It also ruled that Adebutu’s right to fair hearing was breached when his name was excluded from the candidates’ list without giving him an opportunity to be heard, declaring the action unlawful, unconstitutional and of no effect.

Reacting to the judgment, Restore Nigeria Integrity Initiative, said the decision reinforced the principle that no institution should exercise powers beyond those expressly conferred on it by law, particularly in matters concerning citizens’ democratic rights and political participation.

The organisation maintained that the judiciary remains a critical pillar of democracy, stressing that its ability to provide legal redress when fundamental rights are threatened is essential to sustaining public confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions.

It further noted that the ruling had provided clarity on the limits of INEC’s administrative powers in the nomination and disqualification of candidates, adding that political parties must be allowed to exercise their statutory responsibilities while electoral institutions discharge their duties in accordance with the law.

Beyond the legal implications of the judgment, the organisation expressed confidence in Adebutu’s capacity to offer purposeful leadership to Ogun State, describing him as a credible contender with the potential to respond to the developmental aspirations of the people.

It said the PDP candidate possesses the leadership capacity required to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development, expressing optimism about his ability to provide direction and promote governance that places the interests of the people at the centre of public administration.

The organisation also maintained that a credible electoral process must provide a level playing field for all qualified candidates, irrespective of their political affiliations, noting that democratic competition should be determined by the electorate through a transparent and lawful process.

It urged political stakeholders and supporters of the various parties to respect the court’s decision and refrain from actions capable of undermining democratic institutions or creating unnecessary tension ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The CSO further called on INEC to uphold the rule of law and ensure strict compliance with judicial pronouncements, stressing that the credibility of the electoral process depends on the impartiality, transparency and accountability of institutions entrusted with its management.

It reaffirmed the need for peaceful political engagement and issue-based campaigns, urging all stakeholders to prioritise the overall interest of Ogun State and its people as political activities ahead of the 2027 election intensify.

Adamawa Tiv Community Honours Bldr Martin Terna Gyado

The Tiv community in Adamawa State, operating under the umbrella of Mzough U Tiv Adamawa State (MUTAS), has honoured prominent community leader and builder, Bldr. Martin Terna Gyado, in recognition of his sustained contributions to community unity, cultural preservation, and grassroots mobilisation across the state.
The recognition formed a major highlight of the 2026 Tiv Day Celebration held at Ribadu Square in Jimeta, Yola on the 14th of November,2026. The event brought together traditional rulers, socio-cultural leaders, government officials, and members of the Tiv diaspora residing in Adamawa State and neighbouring Benue State.

Leaders at the gathering commended Bldr. Gyado for his tireless dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence between the Tiv community and their host communities in Adamawa State. Speakers noted that his leadership has consistently bridged divides, strengthened socio-cultural ties, and provided steady support for Tiv indigenes living and working in the state.
In addition to his professional work in the built environment as Federal Controller Housing,Adamawa state, Bldr. Gyado serves as the Adamawa State Coordinator of Divine Mandate Worldwide

Other personalities honoured at the event include Prof Ibrahim Umar,the 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University,Yola, ESV Godwin Tyoachimin,a former Gubernatorial aspirant in Benue and Engr Barnabas Myaornyi, Regional Controller North West Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)

The celebration attracted several notable personalities, including the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Sir James Aondoakaa Iorpuu, PhD, who led a delegation from Benue State representing His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue state,Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia to Yola to celebrate with the community. Also present were traditional leaders led by the Ter Tiv Adamawa, His Royal Highness, Chief Urbanus Ukor-Ture, alongside executives of Mzough U Tiv Adamawa State, youth groups, and women’s associations.

The President of MUTAS,
Bldr Dr Iorwuese Anum stated that the honour bestowed upon Bldr. Gyado reflects the community’s appreciation for individuals who selflessly invest their time, resources, and influence into uplifting their people and projecting the rich heritage of the Tiv nation in positive light.

In his response, Bldr. Martin Terna Gyado expressed deep gratitude to Mzough U Tiv Adamawa State, the traditional council, and the entire Tiv community for the recognition. He dedicated the honour to the collective resilience and unity of the Tiv people in Adamawa State.
“This recognition is a call to greater service,” Bldr. Gyado remarked. “Our strength lies in our unity, our respect for our host communities, and our shared commitment to progress. I remain dedicated to working alongside our traditional and community leaders to ensure that the Tiv community continues to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the peace and development of Adamawa State.”

The ceremony featured vibrant displays of traditional Tiv music, cultural dances, and goodwill messages from partner socio-cultural organisations, marking a memorable milestone for the Tiv community in Adamawa State.

BAUCHI AGLOW WITH MASSIVE SUPPORT FOR TINUBU…

Bauchi Residents Chant ‘Ba Ma Yi Atiku, Sai Tinubu’ as President Intensifies 2027 Campaign Mobilisation

Residents in Bauchi State have reportedly expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, chanting “Ba Ma Yi Atiku, Sai Tinubu” (We don’t want Atiku, only Tinubu) during a gathering captured in a video circulating on social media.

The chant, which references former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, comes amid growing political activities and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In the footage, a crowd can be seen gathered at what appears to be a public event, chanting the slogan in support of President Tinubu.

The chant, which references former Vice president Atiku Abubakar, comes amid growing political activities, internal wranglings, disputes in court by the other faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, lack of focus of the executives and the call for suspension of Rauf Aregbesola by the youths and other short comings confronting the party ahead of the mobilisation of the 2027 presidential election.

The development comes as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) intensifies its nationwide mobilisation campaign ahead of the next general election.

President Tinubu is seeking re-election for a second term under the APC platform, while Atiku Abubakar remains one of the opposition figures associated with the emerging 2027 presidential contest.

Bauchi State is politically significant in the North-East, particularly as political parties intensify efforts to consolidate their support bases ahead of the election.

The reported chant has added another dimension to the emerging political contest, particularly as the Tinubu administration continues to highlight its economic reforms, infrastructure investments and social intervention programmes as evidence of progress since assuming office in May 2023.

One of the administration’s notable economic milestones is the reported improvement in Nigeria’s GDP growth. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country’s real Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.43 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 3.89 per cent in the first quarter.

The growth was supported by improved performance in the oil and non-oil sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, financial services and information and communications technology.

Similarly, Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 14.63 per cent in September 2026 from 15.39 per cent in August, representing a further easing of inflationary pressure, although the high cost of living remains a major concern for many households but Nigerians are proactive people knowing fully well that the reforms are indeed short term that will eventually turnaround their trajectory for good.

Another significant intervention is the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), established to expand access to tertiary education by providing financial assistance to students who might otherwise struggle to meet their educational expenses.

As of November 9, 2026, NELFUND had disbursed approximately N375.28 billion to students and 320 tertiary institutions, with more than 1.67 million student loan beneficiaries recorded. The initiative represents one of the administration’s major social investment programmes targeting young Nigerians.

On infrastructure, the administration has embarked on major road projects designed to improve transportation, trade and economic integration across the country.

Among the flagship projects are the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Highway and the dualisation of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri road corridor.

The latter is particularly significant to the North-East and North-Central regions, as improved connectivity is expected to facilitate agricultural transportation, commercial activities and the movement of people and goods.

The administration has also pursued reforms in the electricity sector through the Electricity Act 2023, which provides a framework for states to establish and regulate their own electricity markets, potentially encouraging investments and improving power supply.

In the petroleum sector, the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange markets remain among the administration’s defining policy decisions. While the reforms have attracted criticism over their immediate impact on household purchasing power, the government maintains that they are necessary to address longstanding structural weaknesses in the economy.

For the APC, the growing political mobilisation across Northern Nigeria is strategically important, considering the region’s voting strength and influence in presidential elections.

The administration’s infrastructure investments, student loan programme, social intervention initiatives and economic reforms are among the issues likely to feature prominently in its campaign messaging ahead of 2027.

The reported Bauchi chant may therefore be viewed as an indication of the political messaging and support mobilisation taking shape ahead of the election and the people’s endorsement of the policies and programmes of the present administration.

As the political atmosphere gradually intensifies, the APC is expected to rely on its record in government, ongoing development projects and its campaign structures to make the case for another four-year mandate and the recent events have shown that the present administration has mass followership at the grassroots in the North who are desirous to see changes and development percolate to every households.

However, the opposition is also expected to scrutinise the administration’s performance and shortfalls including the overall welfare of Nigerians.

With the 2027 presidential election approaching, the contest is increasingly shaping up around competing arguments over economic management, national development, governance and the future direction of the country. The Chant of ‘Ba Ma Yi Atiku, Sai Tinubu’ as the President Intensifies his 2027 Campaign Mobilisation says a lot of what is to come in the few months ahead and the direction of the North as to who their choice is and what the President really has in stock for the region, coupled with the empirical evidence that the region is ahead in infrastructural development across the country.

JIGAWA WELCOMES THE HERO OF DEMOCRACY AND THE FATHER OF MODERN NIGERIA

By Reuben Angula

In the arid but fertile expanse of Jigawa State, a profound sense of gratitude and renewed hope now permeates communities from Dutse to Hadejia, and from Kazaure to Gumel. The people of this progressive North-West state warmly welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Hero of Democracy and the Father of Modern Nigeria, whose bold reforms have unlocked resources and infrastructure that are transforming lives across the country.

When President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, Nigeria stood at a fiscal crossroads. Decades of unsustainable fuel subsidies and multiple, distorted foreign exchange windows had drained the treasury, starved subnational governments of resources and rewarded rent seekers at the expense of ordinary citizens.

In two courageous policy decisions, he removed the fuel subsidy and unified the foreign exchange market. These decisions were painful in the short term, yet historically necessary. The result has been a dramatic increase in Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements to states, including Jigawa. Governor Umar Namadi has repeatedly affirmed that these reforms provided the fiscal space needed to pursue comprehensive development on a scale that was previously impossible.

Federal projects now advancing in and around Jigawa stand as concrete proof of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Greater Dutse Water Supply Project, valued at approximately ₦59.4–₦59.5 billion, was flagged off in December 2024 after more than two decades of abandonment. Designed to address a chronic daily water deficit, the scheme features 35 industrial boreholes with solar-powered pumps, a 1,000 m³/hr treatment plant, extensive transmission mains and storage tanks. Upon completion within 24 months, it is expected to deliver millions of litres of potable water daily to more than 1.5 million residents of Dutse and its environs, fulfilling a campaign promise President Tinubu made to the late Emir of Dutse.

Equally transformative is the Kaduna–Kano–Jigawa–Katsina–Maradi standard-gauge railway project. By mid-2026, the project had reached approximately 60 per cent completion, with intensive work progressing on the Kano–Dutse branch line, bridges, track laying and earthworks. Fully funded under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Scheme, the rail corridor will open new arteries of commerce, reduce road congestion and strengthen Nigeria’s economic ties with the Republic of Niger. Complementary federal road projects, including sections of the Kano–Maiduguri corridor and the Kwanar Dangata–Gumel–Hadejia route, are also progressing. Institutions such as the Federal College of Agriculture in Kazaure and the Police Training College in Gwaram continue to receive attention. Agricultural interventions for wheat farmers and access to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) further demonstrate the federal government’s presence in the state.

At the state level, Governor Umar Namadi’s administration has leveraged the increased revenue with remarkable discipline and ambition. Road infrastructure has been one of the most visible dividends. Inherited projects covering hundreds of kilometres have been completed, while dozens of new contracts for rural feeder roads and township roads, totalling well over 900–1,000 kilometres, have been awarded, with cumulative investments running into hundreds of billions of naira. Recent approvals alone include multi-billion-naira packages for township roads in Kafin Hausa, Gwaram, Ringim, Garki and Dutse Phase II.

In the health sector, specialist hospitals in Kazaure and Hadejia are advancing, an orthopaedic facility is being developed in Gumel, and primary healthcare centres across political wards are being upgraded or rehabilitated. Free healthcare services for vulnerable groups, children under five and pregnant women have also been expanded. Thousands of health workers have been recruited.

The education sector has witnessed massive teacher recruitment, including thousands of permanent and J-Teach staff, alongside classroom and Tsangaya school renovations, bursaries, Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes, and solar-powered ICT centres. A proposed $110 million partnership with the Islamic Development Bank is also expected to support school infrastructure and teacher development.

Agriculture, the backbone of Jigawa’s economy, is undergoing significant modernisation, with hundreds of tractors and combine harvesters deployed, fertiliser subsidies aligned with federal allocations, greenhouses established for youth agribusiness, and investments in irrigation schemes and agro-processing zones. Major private-sector investments, such as the Dangote Rice Mill, further strengthen the state’s agricultural potential. Renewable energy projects, including multi-billion-naira solar mini-grids for government institutions and water facilities, alongside skills acquisition centres and flood control works, complete a comprehensive development portfolio. State Executive Council approvals of ₦91 billion, alongside other multi-billion-naira packages across these sectors, underscore the scale of development activity made possible by the increased fiscal capacity.

These achievements are not abstract. They are roads that carry farm produce to markets, water that ends decades of scarcity, classrooms that keep children in school, hospitals that save lives and solar power that reduces operating costs. They are tangible outcomes of a President who dared to end a subsidy regime that never truly benefited the common man and correct exchange rate distortions that discouraged genuine investors. Governor Namadi has been unequivocal in his position: the reforms rescued Nigeria from a deeper crisis and equipped Jigawa with the resources to deliver more effectively for its people.

As January 2027 approaches, the people of Jigawa have taken stock. They have seen the water project flagged off, the railway advancing, roads extending across communities, hospitals and schools improving, and the agricultural base strengthening. They recognise that the short-term adjustments introduced in 2023 have given way to sustained capital investment and greater fiscal capacity.

In gratitude for the leadership of the Hero of Democracy and the Father of Modern Nigeria, the people of Jigawa are ready to reciprocate by standing firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all All Progressives Congress candidates in January 2027, ensuring that the momentum of the Renewed Hope Agenda continues to build a greater Jigawa and a more prosperous Nigeria.

Angula is a member of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign council

Embracing the trend of openness and pooling strength for win-win cooperation

By Guo Jiping, People’s Daily


The 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) opens in Shanghai on Nov. 5 and will run through Nov. 10.

This year’s exhibition space exceeds 370,000 square meters for the first time, drawing participants from 162 countries, regions, and international organizations. More than 4,100 overseas companies are participating, and over 480 products are expected to make their debut at the expo, hitting a record high.

At a time when unilateralism and protectionism continue to disrupt the international economic and trade order, the CIIE, now in its ninth consecutive year, has become an irreplaceable international public good in the global economic and trade system.

A closer look at the exhibition layout of the 9th CIIE reveals six major exhibition areas and an Innovation Incubation Special Section, each with its own highlights.

Pavilions dedicated to medical equipment and health care products, consumer goods, and food and agricultural products have all been expanded. More than 2,000 companies are participating in the event for the first time.

Among the newcomers are the U.S.-based Project Management Institute and Germany’s Caparol, a leading producer of architectural coatings.

For the first time, the CIIE will feature a global consumer brands showcase to help expand and upgrade consumption of quality products.

“The CIIE stands as a clear demonstration of China’s commitment to expand opening up,” said Carl Fey, professor of strategy at BI Norwegian Business School. As he has observed, China’s opening up is geared toward pursuing shared development with the rest of the world, and the CIIE highlights China’s key role in global trade.

Over the years, the range of exhibits at the CIIE has expanded from consumer goods and components to high-end equipment, core technologies, and quality services.

This evolution reflects the deeper integration of global industrial and supply chains. Today, exhibitors, including industry giants, emerging players, small and medium-sized enterprises, and specialized businesses, can all connect with market demand more precisely and explore growth opportunities across the entire industrial chain.

The CIIE is increasingly attracting international buyers. Ahead of this year’s event, trade delegations from Shanghai, Guangdong, and other regions secured a number of major buyers with strong purchasing power, well-established brands, and substantial demand.

Dedicated matchmaking events were held in Egypt, Germany, the UK, and other countries, bringing negotiations closer to China’s trading partners. During the expo, a buyers’ corridor will help connect quality products and services directly with the Chinese market.

In the first three quarters of 2026, China’s imports reached 16.74 trillion yuan (about $2.5 trillion), representing a 22.3 percent year-on-year increase. September alone saw monthly imports surpass 2 trillion yuan for the first time.

The CIIE offers a window into China’s vast domestic market, where growing demand is creating more opportunities for business around the world.


The expo is also becoming an increasingly attractive platform for foreign investors.

Through the CIIE, exhibitors including ZEISS Group, Schneider Electric and AstraZeneca have established R&D centers, regional headquarters and advanced manufacturing bases in China.

As global companies unveil debut products, many are simultaneously accelerating plans to deepen local R&D, increase investment, and consolidate regional operations.

Over the past three years, the number of foreign-invested enterprises in China has grown steadily. Between January and April 2026 alone, more than 3,000 foreign-invested firms announced additional capital commitments.

The CIIE continues to witness how exhibits become marketable products and exhibitors become investors, and more global companies deepen their presence in China and create benefits for the world.

Beyond commerce, the expo is strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties. More than a marketplace for goods and services, it serves as a cross-cultural forum. The distinctive Country Exhibition area hosts performances and exhibitions that offer visitors a rich tapestry of global traditions.

This year introduces several firsts: the Premium Collection will feature intangible cultural heritage workshops, the Gourmet Festival will launch a global tasting zone, and the Arts Carnival will collaborate with China Fashion Week. These initiatives foster mutual understanding and enrich economic partnerships with stronger societal connections.


The CIIE provides a broader multilateral platform for open cooperation. In step with the trend of economic globalization, it has established an authoritative platform for high-level dialogue and multilateral economic and trade cooperation.

For the first time, more than 300 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders are participating. Nearly 200 firms and institutions have attended all nine editions, while five countries, including Moldova and Romania, as well as the United Nations Development Programme, are joining for the first time, demonstrating the strong appeal of openness and cooperation.

China advances high-level opening up with the aim of expanding the pie of cooperation with the rest of the world. Its stories of opening up have sent a message to the world that China is not only the world’s factory but also a global market. It is not only a “super seller” but also a “super buyer.”

The two-way engagement does not marginalize other stakeholders; rather, it creates tangible benefits for neighboring economies and fosters regional prosperity.

At this year’s expo, pavilions dedicated to Asian and African products will be expanded, featuring higher-quality displays and enhanced programming. These enhancements aim to help African countries with diplomatic ties to China leverage tariff-free access and encourage more Global South countries to fully utilize the CIIE.

Stephen Jackson, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, noted that the CIIE offers developing economies a practical pathway to integrate more deeply into global value chains and share the benefits of trade.


China will harness the momentum of opening up and pool strength for win-win cooperation. It will firmly uphold multilateralism and continue to make the CIIE a success, helping steer economic globalization toward greater openness, inclusiveness, balance and shared benefits.

Foreign companies strengthen their footprint in Shenzhen

By Li Zong, People’s Daily

At Qianhai in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province, the bonded maintenance center of German health tech company Siemens Healthineers provides global after-sales support for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment.

Simultaneously, next-generation digital elevator technology from Finnish manufacturer KONE is quickly reaching markets across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Foreign banks and financial institutions from the UK, Singapore, and elsewhere are establishing operations in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong International Financial City.

With its high degree of openness and strong economic vitality, Shenzhen continues to strengthen its appeal as a global investment destination.

Throughout the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Shenzhen registered 44,000 new foreign-invested enterprises, and the volume of foreign investment actually utilized in the city surpassed 300 billion yuan (about $45.05 billion). More than 340 Fortune Global 500 companies have invested in the city.

The latest figures show that Shenzhen’s actual utilization of foreign investment exceeded 44 billion yuan in the first nine months of this year, up more than 60 percent year on year.

“When I first came here more than a decade ago, workers were still lining the production lines,” said Zhang Hongliang, vice president of operations for Flex’s Industrial Products business in Asia-Pacific, beside an automated production line at Flextronics Electronics Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

Today, the facility is the company’s only pilot “future factory” in Asia. Automated equipment, integrated digital systems, and AI algorithms drive its production lines, doubling productivity per employee.

In the early years of reform and opening-up, Shenzhen’s flexible policies as a special economic zone and convenient port access attracted large numbers of foreign manufacturers. In 1987, Flex, a technology company founded in Silicon Valley in the U.S., established its first factory in the Chinese mainland in Shekou, Shenzhen. The company has continued to expand its investment in the city ever since.

“Shenzhen’s highly efficient supply chains, robust digital ecosystem, and proactive government support for technological upgrades have laid a solid foundation for the company’s transition to intelligent manufacturing,” Zhang said. The achievements made in Shenzhen are now being rapidly replicated across Flex’s manufacturing facilities worldwide.

As Shenzhen steps up efforts to build a world-class automotive hub, French auto parts maker Valeo is becoming increasingly integrated into the local automotive industry chain, advancing technological upgrades and optimizing production in intelligent driving and smart cockpit systems.

“China is no longer just the world’s largest automotive market. It has also become a global ‘fitness center’ for the automotive industry and a demanding testing ground,” said Zhou Song, president of Valeo China.

Around 30 percent of the value of intelligent connected vehicles comes from the information technology industry, which aligns closely with Shenzhen’s industrial foundation and innovation ecosystem, Zhou added.

At Siemens Healthineers’ Shenzhen base, more than a dozen MRI systems stand in rows as they undergo final testing before being shipped to Australia, Japan, Thailand and other markets. By the end of 2025, the facility had delivered more than 10,000 MRI and angiography equipment to over 120 countries and regions.

Siemens Healthineers established its Shenzhen operations in 2002. Back then, China’s medical device industry was still in its early stages. An MRI system involves thousands of components, and a local supply chain was yet to be established.

“We have remained committed to localizing our operations and helped develop more than 300 local suppliers. Locally sourced components now account for 80 percent of our finished products,” said Ma Tianshi, general manager of Siemens Shenzhen Magnetic Resonance Ltd.

“We remain committed to investing in Shenzhen and deepening our presence in China, strengthening our intelligent manufacturing capabilities to serve both the Chinese and global markets,” said Ma.

As more foreign companies establish and expand their operations in Shenzhen, the city is evolving from a manufacturing base into an important center for global innovation.

In the first half of this year, foreign investment in actual use in Shenzhen’s high-tech industries accounted for more than 70 percent of the city’s total utilized foreign investment. The city is now home to more than 200 foreign-funded R&D centers, employing over 30,000 researchers.

In March this year, KONE officially opened its southern China headquarters in Qianhai.

“KONE’s presence in China has evolved from sales and manufacturing to R&D and, more recently, innovation,” said Xie Jijun, senior vice president of KONE Greater China. The company is now introducing digital, green and energy-efficient technologies in the Chinese market before taking them global.

The rapid growth of emerging and future industries in Shenzhen is also drawing international financial institutions to the city.

HSBC Bank (China) Co., Ltd. has set up a team in Shenzhen to provide financial services for technology and innovation companies. The team focuses on cross-border fintech innovation in the Greater Bay Area and has launched a range of innovative products that leverage digital technology and are tailored to the needs of technology and innovation companies.

“This reflects our confidence in Shenzhen’s technology and innovation companies and its emerging industries, as well as our commitment to supporting their growth,” said Li Qile, general manager for the Greater Bay Area at HSBC Bank (China) Co., Ltd.

Shenzhen has consistently worked to attract and utilize high-quality foreign investment while further opening up its economy. In December 2025, the city introduced measures to further attract and utilize foreign investment, strengthening policy support for opening up key sectors, improving the business environment and facilitating investment.

Going forward, Shenzhen will actively advance institutional opening-up and develop itself into a high-level international trade hub, said an official from the Investment Promotion Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality.

Qinzhou: Bridging rivers and seas, opening to the world

By Zhang Yunhe, People’s Daily

Situated on the Beibu Gulf coast in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Qinzhou has served as a maritime gateway since ancient times, linking inland waterways with the open sea.

Today, propelled by the expansion of the Beibu Gulf International Gateway Port, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, and the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park, the city is forging a dynamic new path toward deeper maritime engagement and global integration.

A modern maritime hub: Streamlining connectivity and multimodal transport

At the automated container terminal of Beibu Gulf Port, cargo operations run continuously around the clock.

Nearby, at a bulk cargo berth, the vessel Dubai Nature — carrying imported soybeans — has just docked. On deck, Bangladeshi crew member Rajib oversees mooring operations. Watching giant vessels pass one after another along the channel, he said: “The port is spacious. Operations run in an orderly manner, and the staff are friendly and responsible. It has left a deep impression on me.”

Qinzhou Port currently has 96 operational berths, including berths capable of accommodating vessels of up to 300,000 tonnes. It operates 92 container shipping routes, connecting with more than 200 ports in over 100 countries and regions worldwide.

In June this year, Moiz Farooq, executive editor of Pakistan Economic Network, visited Qinzhou. At the Smart Port Innovation Center of Beibu Gulf, he watched demonstrations of smart port operations, including the precise dispatching of autonomous container trucks.

“Qinzhou has world-class port facilities, and landmark projects such as the Pinglu Canal give it outstanding advantages in developing foreign trade,” Farooq said.

“I hope to see more Pakistani companies come to Qinzhou and explore cooperation opportunities in areas such as logistics, port development, maritime trade, and the digital economy.”

On September 16, the landmark Pinglu Canal opened for navigation. “The waterway establishes a new link between the inland waterway network and the sea, effectively shortening transport distances and reducing costs. It will also spur industrial clustering and port-related economic development in Qinzhou, enhancing regional competitiveness,” said Philippe Gourbesville, president of the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research, after visiting the canal.

Fostering industrial growth and streamlining business services 

To support business development, Qinzhou has set up dedicated service teams at both municipal and county levels to assist enterprises in the real economy. Staff members regularly visit businesses and follow up on concerns raised through online platforms, providing ongoing support to help businesses resolve operational difficulties.

Han Seong Woo, a South Korean manager at Guangxi Lingshan Delin Toys Co., Ltd. in Lingshan county, Qinzhou, once encountered difficulties with identity verification when applying to change his company’s business address.

Recognizing the complexity, staff members promptly coordinated across departments and guided him through the necessary steps. What he anticipated would be a lengthy bureaucratic process was resolved efficiently.

Thanks to multiple opening-up platforms, including the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park and the Qinzhou Port area of the China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Qinzhou is now home to 211 foreign-invested enterprises. Foreign-funded projects in light industry, aquatic products and port-related industries are steadily being implemented, injecting fresh impetus into local development.

“Qinzhou offers not only a highly supportive business environment but also a rich historical and cultural heritage. Lingshan county, for example, is home to ancient buildings such as those in the ancient Dalu Village,” Han said.

“As Qinzhou continues to open up, it will attract more South Koreans to work and invest here, further strengthening economic, trade and cultural ties between South Korea and China,” he added.

Bridging cultures through education and people-to-people exchange

Inside a classroom at Beibu Gulf University in Qinzhou, students practice conversational Thai under the guidance of instructor Orawee Wei. Standing beside their desks, she uses expressive gestures to help learners master intonation and rhythm.


“After living in Qinzhou for many years, I have come to regard this place as my second home,” she said.

Over recent years, schools in Qinzhou have established sister-school partnerships with their counterparts in Malaysia and other ASEAN countries, organizing a range of people-to-people exchange activities, including cultural and tourism exchange activities and study programs for young people.

Wei, who grew up in a family of teachers in Nakhon Sawan province, Thailand, and joined Beibu Gulf University in 2020.

“When I first arrived, only 80 students were studying Thai. Today, that number has grown to more than 200, with an increasing number of young Chinese people eager to learn the language,” she said.

Wei teaches specialized courses such as Business Thai and Practical Thai for International Trade. She has seen five cohorts of her students graduate.

“My students are actively involved in Thailand-China economic and trade exchanges. They work as accompanying interpreters, business secretaries and foreign trade accountants for Thai and Chinese companies, helping strengthen economic and trade ties between Qinzhou and ASEAN,” she said.

From an ancient port once bustling with sailing ships to a modern gateway now traversed by giant vessels, Qinzhou has become a key hub of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.

Linking mountains and seas and creating opportunities, the city keeps goods moving, businesses thriving and people connected, offering a vivid example of cooperation and exchanges between China and the rest of the world.

CPC’s self-governance offers new insights for global political civilization 

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The international community has paid close attention to the fifth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), highlighting the global significance and contemporary relevance of the century-old Party’s experience in self-governance.

The session, held in Beijing from October 26 to 29, reviewed the major achievements and valuable experience gained in exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance in the new era, and deliberated and adopted the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Certain Major Issues concerning Persevering with Full and Rigorous Party Self-Governance.

International observers have noted that the session demonstrated the CPC’s unwavering commitment to self-reform, further strengthened the century-old Party’s stability and cohesion, and offered valuable experience for countries seeking to explore their own paths of development. 

To understand China today, one must learn to understand the CPC. Looking back on the Party’s more than 100-year history, a key reason for its success in winning one victory after another is that it has consistently attached great importance to its self-governance, had the courage to uphold truth and correct errors, and grown ever stronger by relying on its own efforts and the support of the people to resolve its own problems throughout different periods of its history.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the Party has advanced Party building as a great new project in the new era, securing historic achievements and bringing about historic changes in the cause of the Party and the country, while ushering in a new landscape of governance both within the Party and across China.

“China’s modernization rests on a political strength that deserves greater international attention: the capacity to identify institutional weaknesses and organize sustained action to address them,” says an article published on the website of The Diplomatic Insight, a Pakistani magazine. 

International observers generally believe that the CPC’s continued efforts to step up Party building and improve its governing capacity, together with its sustained commitment to full and rigorous Party self-governance, help improve the country’s governance system and provide a strong political guarantee for advancing Chinese modernization with confidence.

To govern the country well, the Party must first govern itself well, and to make the country strong, the Party must first strengthen itself. 

Today, the international landscape is characterized by intertwined changes and turbulence. Some countries have long been plagued by conflict and disorder, while others remain mired in political infighting and social unrest.

More and more people are looking to China’s experience for answers to a fundamental question: Why can the CPC succeed?

In the more than five years since the opening of the Museum of the Communist Party of China, an increasing number of delegations from foreign political parties have visited this “spiritual home” of the CPC to learn about the century-old Party’s experience in state governance.

After visiting the museum, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov wrote in the visitors’ guestbook that all the brilliant achievements and great victories are the result of the Chinese people’s efforts for the future of their country under the strong leadership of the CPC.

During his visit to China, President of the Council of Ministers of Togo Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé visited Liangjiahe village in northwest China’s Shaanxi province and Yundang Lake in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian province, among other places, and also toured the Museum of the Communist Party of China. He said that during his visit, he personally witnessed the remarkable achievements of Chinese modernization under the leadership of President Xi and gained a deeper understanding of China’s governance philosophy and the key to success.

With unwavering resolve and perseverance, the CPC has continued its efforts to exercise full and rigorous Party self-governance, while enriching and refining its experience in governing the country. 

These efforts have added new dimensions to exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and foreign political parties, while offering valuable experience in party governance to political parties around the world.

As the Party endeavors to supervise, govern, develop, and strengthen itself in the new era, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has put forward a series of new ideas, new thinking, and new strategies in response to the major questions of our times — what kind of long-term governing Marxist party should be built and how it should be built, thereby giving birth to Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building.

This thought has enriched and developed Marxist theory on party building, and it represents a major achievement in advancing the Party’s theoretical innovation through the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and its fine traditional culture. 

The power of truth knows no borders. By persevering with full and rigorous Party self-governance, the CPC has leveraged its own governance to guide and underpin China’s governance. In doing so, it has challenged the notion that the Western model of political parties is the only viable model and contributed Chinese wisdom and solutions to the development and progress of global political civilization.

Madhav Kumar Nepal, co-coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party and former Nepali prime minister, said Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building has offered important insights for the development of political parties around the world. 

Only by consistently attaching great importance to party building and having the courage to renew itself can a political party lead a country toward lasting peace and stability, he said.

More than a century after its founding, the CPC remains in its prime. 

As the world’s largest political party, the CPC stands ready to work with other political parties around the world to deepen exchanges of experience in state governance, promote the exchange and mutual understanding of ideas, and join hands on the path to modernization, forging ahead on the broad path toward building a community with a shared future for humanity.

The Canton Fair: A window into China’s evolving economic and cultural identity

By Peng Fei, Li Zheng, People’s Daily

For seven decades and 140 editions, the China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, has convened without interruption. It is a legend in the history of international trade fairs and serves as a living record of China’s modernization journey.

Through this annual gathering, observers can trace the transformation of entire industries, the rise of dynamic urban centers, and the emergence of new cultural expressions. The fair also sheds light on the foundations, ambitions, and long-term vision guiding China’s development, while reflecting its growing integration into the global economy and its distinct approach to industrial progress.

Manufacturing remains the backbone of any modern economy, and a robust industrial system provides the material and technological foundation for national development.

In 2000, some 50 flashlight manufacturers from Xidian town in Ninghai county, east China’s Zhejiang province, made their debut at the 88th Canton Fair, in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong province.

Lacking permanent booths and marketing budgets, they shared exhibition space and pooled funds to produce promotional materials. At the time, competitive pricing was their primary advantage.

More than two decades later, that same sector has undergone a dramatic shift. Foshan Electrical and Lighting Co., Ltd. and Tsinghua University recently developed an ergonomic desk lamp featuring diffused, glare-free lighting. The product earned top honors at the Canton Fair Design Award, a competition established to recognize excellence and drive industrial innovation.

This progression mirrors a broader trend across Chinese manufacturing. Today’s exhibitors no longer showcase isolated products; they demonstrate integrated supply chains and the technological capabilities underpinning China’s modern industrial base. Currently, 64 percent of participating companies have adopted advanced technologies such as the industrial internet and artificial intelligence. New and environmentally friendly products now represent record-high shares of the exhibition lineup.

From agricultural specialties to the “old three” products (clothing, furniture, home appliances) and the “new trio” products (electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar products); from printed catalogs to face-to-face product displays and transactions, and now to full-chain solutions, the evolution of the Canton Fair reflects the transformation of Chinese manufacturing.

Moving beyond OEM (original equipment manufacturing) to develop their own brands, and shifting from competing on price to creating greater value through innovation, Chinese industries are upgrading by bringing sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation into closer alignment.

China’s drive for innovation is also opening up new opportunities for the world.

China’s exports of new energy equipment are helping developing countries build up their own industrial capabilities. Chinese algorithms and AI models are finding applications around the world, helping bridge the global digital divide. Through innovation and green development, China’s industrial system is bringing greater stability and certainty to the world economy.

China is stepping up efforts to make breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies, develop industries of the future, foster emerging industries as new pillars of growth, and transform and upgrade traditional industries, unlocking tremendous potential and vitality for high-quality development.

The exhibition economy creates value far beyond the factory floor, significantly benefiting host cities.

In Guangzhou, improved sea-air transport links are making logistics more efficient, contactless customs clearance is making trade more convenient, and riverside greenbelts are enhancing the urban environment. Additionally, low-carbon exhibitions and digital technologies are adding fresh momentum to innovation. Located on Pazhou Island in Guangzhou, the Canton Fair Complex, the world’s largest exhibition complex, reflects a new vision for high-level opening-up.


Today, the Canton Fair is more than a platform for bringing buyers and sellers together. It has become a hub for business exchanges across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Leveraging the strength of China’s unified national market, Guangzhou is becoming increasingly adept at allocating high-end global resources. The city has also been named one of China’s “Happiest Cities” for several consecutive years.

An exhibitor badge at the Canton Fair is also an invitation to discover Chinese culture.

Inside the exhibition halls, ChangingTek Robotics Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., uses a robotic hand equipped with tactile sensors to make lacquer fans, bringing traditional Chinese aesthetics to life through technology. Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital’s AI-powered pulse diagnosis device has also caught the attention of overseas buyers, offering them a glimpse of the appeal of traditional Chinese medicine.

By incorporating cultural elements into product design and giving traditional culture a new lease on life through sci-tech innovation, exhibitors are winning over international customers.

Beyond the exhibition halls, Guangzhou has issued 20 million yuan (about $3 million) in dining vouchers, organized a food festival during the fair and arranged complimentary one-day tours exclusively for overseas buyers. Doing business starts with making friends, and a visit to the fair is also an opportunity to experience life in China.


Cultural influence runs deep.

The growing popularity of “China Travel” and “China Shopping,” along with the rise of “Chinamaxxing” on overseas social media, shows that China’s cultural appeal is reaching an ever-wider international audience. Chinese online literature, online drama series and video games are further strengthening the country’s cultural influence abroad.

What draws the world to China is no longer just its goods and services, but also its vibrant, relatable culture and the values and ideas that underpin it.

Amid geopolitical uncertainty and a sluggish global economic recovery, China’s major fairs, including the China International Import Expo, the Canton Fair, the China International Fair for Trade in Services, the China International Consumer Products Expo and the China International Supply Chain Expo, underscore the country’s commitment to common development in harmony, solidarity and win-win cooperation.

“Visiting the fair feels like coming home” and “China remains a reliable hub for global trade” reflect both confidence in Chinese market opportunities and appreciation for China’s cooperative development model

Through its efforts to advance the four major global initiatives, champion the open source and inclusive AI initiative, build platforms for international economic and trade cooperation, and share development experience with other Global South countries, China offers insights into what makes a better life and how humanity can build a better future together.

Innovation behind less invasive treatment for serious diseases

By Meng Fanzhe, People’s Daily

Can serious illnesses be treated with minimally invasive procedures? Traditional cardiac interventions often rely on X-ray guidance and iodine-based contrast agents, which can pose significant risks to pregnant women and patients with compromised kidney function.

Addressing this clinical limitation, researchers in China have developed an ultrasound-guided percutaneous cardiac procedure. By navigating instruments through the skin using real-time ultrasound imaging, surgeons can perform complex heart treatments without open-chest surgery, radiation exposure, or contrast dyes.

Such advancements not only minimize physical trauma and accelerate patient recovery but also underscore a broader principle: persistent medical challenges frequently serve as catalysts for scientific breakthroughs.

This pattern of constraint-driven innovation extends well beyond healthcare. In densely populated urban areas, engineers have designed vertical-shaft tunnel-boring machines that excavate downward to create underground parking spaces, significantly reducing surface disruption.

Similarly, while seawater holds vast potential for clean hydrogen generation via electrolysis, dissolved salts and impurities typically degrade equipment. By integrating physical separation with electrochemical processes, scientists have engineered a selective membrane that filters out contaminants, enabling direct hydrogen extraction from seawater without prior desalination.

Tackling these multifaceted problems demands interdisciplinary collaboration. By moving beyond established approaches, questioning conventional assumptions, and drawing on knowledge from different disciplines, researchers can open up new paths to innovation.

Translating laboratory breakthroughs into widespread public benefit, however, requires deliberate efforts to ensure accessibility. To expand access to the ultrasound-guided cardiac procedure, developers have integrated the necessary equipment into mobile surgical units. These fully equipped vehicles allow medical teams to deploy advanced care directly to remote communities.

Likewise, precision agriculture in China has been transformed by equipping farm machinery with  the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. Coupled with government subsidies and on-site technical training, this integration ensures that cutting-edge positioning tools are not merely technologically advanced, but practically usable for farmers nationwide.

The gap between a functional prototype and a widely adopted solution is often bridged by cost, training, and service infrastructure. Yet high performance and broad accessibility need not be trade-offs. Designing technologies for usability and equitable distribution is, in itself, a critical form of innovation. When development strategies explicitly incorporate deployment logistics and support, emerging technologies can realize their full societal impact.

Currently, the Percutaneous and Non-Fluoroscopic Procedure is used in nearly 2,000 medical institutions across 72 countries, including the UK, France and Kenya, and has helped treat more than 200,000 patients.

Recognizing its global value, the United Nations has initiated training programs to expand medical expertise and patient access. Addressing a shared global health need, this homegrown Chinese innovation is strengthening China’s medical capabilities while giving other countries more treatment options. This is a concrete contribution to building a global community of health for all.

Advanced technologies can benefit people across national borders. In Rwanda, local technicians who learn to grow mushrooms using Juncao grass go on to share their knowledge with women’s cooperatives and youth groups.

China’s Fengyun meteorological satellites also provide early warnings and disaster prevention services to countries and regions around the world, including developing nations.

Protecting lives, preventing disasters and alleviating poverty are shared aspirations of people around the world. By sharing data and technical standards and training talent, China is extending cooperation beyond technology transfer to helping other countries build the capacity to apply these innovations, giving Chinese innovation greater global significance.

The idea of treating serious illnesses with less invasive methods reminds us that technological progress should start with people’s needs. Innovation can better serve humanity when it dares to explore new approaches, works patiently to lower barriers to access and seeks to benefit others.

Looking ahead, China will continue to turn its strengths in independent innovation into drivers of development and improvements in people’s lives, further strengthening the sci-tech foundations of Chinese modernization and creating more opportunities for the world through its own development.