Thriving courier business mirrors China’s development vitality

By Han Xin, People’s Daily

The courier industry, which integrates online and offline businesses and serves every household, is an important sector that smooths production and consumption, as well as a reflection of a country’s economic development.

According to statistics released by the State Post Bureau, China’s courier industry saw its delivery volume exceed 40 billion parcels this year as of May 4. The 40-billion mark was reached 128 days earlier than in 2019 and 24 days earlier than in 2022.

The achievement reached in only four months indicates the strong resilience of the industry’s development and mirrors the vitality and energy of China.

This year, the sector took 39 days to handle 10 billion parcels and 28 days to reach the second 10-billion mark. A total of 30 billion parcels had been collected and delivered across the country in about three months, and the number hit 40 billion a month later.

The steady rise in the delivery volume demonstrates the ceaseless efforts of the Chinese courier industry to grasp new opportunities.

Express delivery enterprises have constantly developed new technologies and expanded their businesses, fostering new growth points while facilitating economic microcirculation.

Many of them have upgraded their overnight shipping services to same-day delivery, and launched intelligent courier vehicles that are able to not only deliver but also collect parcels. They have also joined hands with multiple parties to serve cross-border e-commerce, constantly improving the cross-border express network.

A series of new measures boast a smoother express service network, high-quality services and an upgraded capacity. The industry has maintained a sound momentum for operation.

The monthly growth in delivery volume manifests China’s consumption turnaround. The courier industry helps improve market circulation and contributes to the gradual release of online consumer demand.

In the first quarter of this year, the online retail sales of physical goods nationwide increased by 7.3 percent year-on-year, and its share in total retail sales of consumer goods also went up by 1 percentage point. During the May Day holiday this year, nearly 1.5 billion parcels were collected and delivered across China, with a daily average increasing 1.2 times from that in 2019.

It proved that the fundamentals sustaining the continuous recovery of the Chinese consumer market remain unchanged. Chinese consumption is still expanding and seeing structural optimization.

The monthly growth in parcel volume manifests a new trend of integration and development among Chinese industries. The constant development of the express network is attributed to the thriving courier business in rural areas and the close collaboration between the courier sector and manufacturing enterprises.

Thanks to the efforts made by courier companies to explore lower-tier markets, more and more industrial products are sold to rural regions, and the logistics channel for agricultural products has been significantly widened. Today, over 100 million parcels are being collected and delivered in rural areas on a daily basis, stimulating the vitality of rural consumption.

By extending courier services to the production end, the courier sector and manufacturing industries have further integrated with each other. Courier companies set up service stations directly in manufacturing factories, integrate warehousing and distribution, and offer regional supply chain services.

The integration helps manufacturers lower costs and improve efficiency, and expands new market space for courier companies.

Today, China has built a gigantic express network that comes with over 410,000 service stations that provide 700 million services on a daily basis. Over 4 million couriers are running on the streets across the country every day.

Relevant policies are implemented to promote consumption and smooth circulation, and consumer confidence is continuously increasing. the courier industry will play a bigger role in serving production, promoting consumption and ensuring the smooth flow of economic activities, and constantly promote high-quality economic development.

China to write new stories of harmony between humanity, nature

By Ping Lun

China is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.

It has two national botanical gardens, the China National Botanical Garden in Beijing and the South China National Botanical Garden in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong province, which serve as the country’s biodiversity conservation bases, reserves of strategic plant resources and important platforms for botany communication.

The two national botanical gardens play a vital role in the protection of biodiversity and mirror China’s firm resolution and concrete actions to turn Earth into a beautiful and biodiverse homeland.

The China National Botanical Garden is home to over 17,000 plant species, including nearly 1,000 rare and endangered ones. In particular, it has introduced 24 species of spruce from across the world, more than half of all the varieties in the world. “Niche” plants in the botanical garden, including the Chinese fringetree, beauty bush and cornus kousa, have become popular in the botanical garden these days.

More than 2,000 kilometers away, the South China National Botanical Garden has introduced more than 1,100 plant species since 2022. It now houses a total of over 17,500 conservative plant species, ranking among the top five globally.

Biodiversity makes Earth full of vigor and vitality, and lays the foundation for human survival and development. Protecting biodiversity helps protect Earth, the homeland shared by all, and contributes to humanity’s sustainable development.

China has made unprecedented efforts to advance ecological progress and attached high importance on biodiversity conservation in recent years .

It has continuously strengthened biodiversity mainstreaming, applied a system of ecological conservation red lines, established a protected areas system with national parks as the mainstay, carried out major biodiversity protection projects, and conducted most stringent enforcement and supervision. A large number of rare and endangered species have been placed under effective protection, and the diversity, stability and sustainability of the ecosystem have kept improving. The country has found a path of biodiversity protection with Chinese characteristics.

The Chinese path to modernization is a process of modernization of harmony between humanity and nature. Respecting, adapting to, and protecting nature is essential for building China into a modern socialist country in all respects.

In 2021, an epic trek of an herd of wild Asian elephants from southwest China’s Yunnan province attracted global attention. Recently, new information about these animals has been released. The elephants are healthy and new members have joined the herd, known as the “short-nose family.” It has split into two groups and explored different areas.

While the number of Asian elephants is on a decline globally, the expanding population of them in China marks a signature achievement of the country in ecological progress and biodiversity conservation.

Besides, the status of wild giant pandas in China has been downgraded from “endangered” to “vulnerable,” and the population of crested ibises, a rare bird species, has increased from seven in 1981 to more than 9,000 at present. Today, it’s not rare anymore to see the migration of Tibetan antelopes or Yangtze finless porpoise swimming in the river.

These stories exactly indicate the new progress made by China in biodiversity conservation.

The conservation of biodiversity calls for higher social awareness and participation. A documentary about China’s ecological progress titled No Poverty Land II – A Treasure Trove was aired on multiple streaming platforms. Many those who watched it were moved. They commented that sustainable development is the real path to a “no poverty land.” Millions of people are working in this country to safeguard the splendid nature. Their stories are also encouraging more people to learn and participate in biodiversity conservation.

China has established a long-term mechanism that draws wide participation from enterprises, public institutions, social organizations and the public, which nurtures a sound environment and strengthens citizens’ consciousness for biodiversity conservation.

Today, China is still facing challenges in biodiversity conservation. To reverse biodiversity loss remains a daunting task that needs to be completed with joint efforts and immediate actions.

China will continue to modernize its biodiversity governance system and capabilities, and will work to improve natural ecosystems and provide more eco-environmental products to achieve a virtuous cycle of natural ecosystems. It is believed that the country will definitely meet people’s growing demands for a beautiful environment

In Nasarawa : Journalists celebrate Lawmaker Hon Abdulaziz for steadfastness, competent, wish him greater things in life

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“… as he bow out of legislative institution after serving for four years…”

Report indicates that the Journalists from various media outfits within and outside Nasarawa State covering the State Assembly yesterday Wednesday celebrated a lawmaker Hon Abdulaziz SK Danladi member representing Keffi East over what they described as his steadfastness, competent and as the most journalists friendly legislator in the House.

The commendation by men of the pen profession was coming shortly after the Valedictory Session of the House to mark the end of the sixth assembly in Nasarawa State.

The members of the forth estate of the realm appreciated Hon SK Danladi for his concern for the journalists in the House and the State at large.

They said is one lawmaker in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly that always identified and acknowledged the efforts and pains of the journalists as they wished him well in his future endeavors.

The journalists who converged at the press gallery to celebrate the lawmaker also prayed God to open more doors of greater things for the lawmaker as he stepped out of the assembly after serving for four years.

Earlier during House proceedings, the lawmaker and chairman. Committee on Works and Transport, Hon. Abdulaziz SK Danladi has lauded journalists covering the activities of Nasarawa State House of Assembly for the promotion of the legislature and reshaping its direction in the last four years.

He gave the commendation while making his valedictory submission as part of the valedictory session of the House to mark the end of the Sixth Assembly in Lafia.

Danladi, who is the member representing Keffi East in the legislature, said their contribution to the House was invaluable and unquantifiable.

Danladi said ‘there was no single day the Assembly press crew had not done their best to ensure the activities of the House and their personal assignments were properly covered and disseminated to the public”

He explained that without the media they would not have been able to achieve what they have done so far in the last four years of the 6th Assembly, urging them to continue to discharge their responsibilities diligently and professionally.

The State Lawmaker however noted that no reasonable government can succeed without the contributions of journalists, hence the need to be supportive and responsive to them by ensuring better welfare packages to motivate them to do more in advancing the cause of development of the State and the country in general.

“After the executive, legislative and judiciary, one to be mentioned and reckoned with is the media because of the role played by members of the profession to accord top priority to the service and well-being of the nation” He added.

Niger Delta Youths Congratulate Tinubu on his Successful Inauguration

..calls for cooperation with NDDC MD

Youths from the Niger Delta region under the auspices of Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide (NDYC) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a successful swearing in ceremony and assumption of office as the 16th democratically elected president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a congratulatory message signed by the trio of Engr. Jator Abido (National Coordinator), Comrade Kede Michael (National Secretary) and Engr. Bekes Apere (BOT, NDYC), the grouped expressed optimism that with the successful swearing ceremony, there is renewed hope in the Nigerian project. The youths also prayed God to fill Mr. President with wisdom, insight, health of mind and sound judgement.

According to the statement, “Mr. President, your victory at the polls and successful inauguration are watershed moments in the history of our country. As law abiding citizens and patriotic citizens, we supported your journey to the presidency and we shall continue to stand by you even as you assume office. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you undertake the onerous task of leading the most populous black nation on earth. Our region as you know is besieged with a lot of challenges but we’re confident in your ability to address these challenges and chart the way forward towards restructuring and true federalism”.

The youth group also appealed to Mr. President not to yield to the shenanigans of politicians regarding the status quo in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), adding further that the current Managing Director (MD), Chief Samuel Ogbuku, management and the Board of the Commission are dedicated and focused sons and daughters of the region who must not be pushed out until they complete their well-deserved tenures.

“Over along period of time Mr. President, the NDDC was hijacked and plundered by very selfish and self-seeking individuals from the region. Through our determined struggles, NDDC has gotten a Board and management team that reflects our wishes and they’re doing excellently. Although we are not unaware of the schemes of desperate individuals, our appeal is that you should work with closely with the current MD Chief Samuel Ogbuku, and Board of the Commission to bring about the much desired change the Niger Delta region desperately needs for peace, security and development of not just the region but Nigeria at large”, the statement added.

While commending the 9th National Assembly for approving the budget of NDDC and confirming state representatives of the NDDC for Delta, Chief Bernard Okumagba, that of his Edo counterpart, Mr. Patrick Aisowieren and Chief Chidiebere Uchegbu of Imo State respectively, the group applauded the MD Chief Samuel Ogbuku of NDDC for his passion and determination as he strives towards ensuring that the Niger Delta is developed and repositioned as an investment and tourism hub in Nigeria with the potential for rapidly growing the nations Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and raising individual standard of living.

Part of the statement reads, “the MD, Chief Samuel Ogbuku has demonstrated uncommon talent and capacity to lead one of the most complex Commissions with a vast mandate. It is therefore our duty as people of the Niger Delta to queue behind him ( Chief Samuel Ogbuku) and give him all the support he needs to succeed as his success is our success. With the forensic audit done and the statue of abandoned and ongoing projects known, it’s just a matter of time before the region wear a new face and enjoy real and sustainable development befitting of its oil producing status”

The statement finally called on Mr. President to as matter of national urgency work towards revamping the three already existing refineries in the country to ensure the steady supply of petroleum products in the wake of his bold and courageous decision to remove subsidy on petroleum products. This according to the group, will “develop not just the nation but also the local economies of the communities they are sited, create more jobs and building the skills of Nigerian youths in the petroleum sector for even global jobs”

Tinubu’s cabinet may feature these names

Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s president-elect
No less than 20 people have been tipped to be in the cabinet of Nigeria’s president-elect, Bola Tinubu, after he alluded on Thursday that competence rather than politics will weigh heavily on his choice of ministers.

The job of Nigeria’s president easily passes as one of the toughest in the world and Tinubu has declared that he is not unmindful of the challenges he and his team face.

Thus, to effectively discharge his duties as provided by the constitution, he said he would hit the ground running by constituting a cabinet that will help him to run the machinery of the Nigerian state.

The people who are being speculated to make his cabinet include:

Babatunde Fashola

Among the names that have been mentioned to be part of Tinubu’s cabinet, Babatunde Fashola tops the list, as a likely candidate for the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, based on his vast experience, age and strength of character.

The senior advocate of Nigeria was the governor of Lagos State between 2007 and 2015. Before then, he had served as a commissioner and chief of staff to Tinubu who was the state governor from 1999 to 2007. After his tenure as governor, Fashola was appointed first as minister of power, works and housing during the first term of President Muhammadu Buhari and then as minister of works and housing in 2019.

Fashola was the director, election planning and monitoring of the presidential campaign council of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Having been a key part of Tinubu’s success story in Lagos as governor, governor for eight years and minister for almost eight years, his wealth of experience is expected to stand him in good stead.

Nasir el-Rufai

A former director-general of the Bureau for Public Enterprises and minister of the Federal Capital Territory and about to serve out his second and final term as the governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai is primed for appointment into the Tinubu cabinet as the president-elect himself told the Kaduna helmsman last year that he should not go out of the country after his tenure but stay to serve the country.

To some within the Tinubu circle, el-Rufai is itching to again mount his former seat at Area 11, Abuja, the FCT Administration Headquarters. Those in the know of things said the Kaduna governor intends to continue with and complete his dream of achieving the FCT master plan, which he started decades ago. While his actions came with pains, many believe it was good for the development of Abuja as the nation’s capital.

Festus Keyamo

Keyamo is a senior advocate of Nigeria and current minister of state for labour and productivity. The Delta-born constitutional lawyer had served as the spokesperson for President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election in 2019, the same role he played in Tinubu’s campaign organisation.

There are strong indications that the lawyer would be a member of the Tinubu cabinet as a sort of reward for defending his principal against all odds. Also, Keyamo would be bringing his wealth of experience in the legal field and public speaking to promote and project government policies for the buy-in of the governed.

Wale Edun

The former Lagos State commissioner for finance was nominated by Tinubu for ministerial appointment in the first tenure of President Buhari but that was scuttled by certain political intrigues. Now that his boss will be president himself, Edun is in a vantage position to be in the cabinet.

Edun’s background in economics, public finance, international finance, banking and corporate finance at both national and international levels make a compelling case for his choice as the finance minister.

Edun’s interview with the Africa Report last month provides an insight into some of the policies he may pursue as finance minister.

He showed his strong resistance to the continuation of the petrol subsidy, multiple exchange rates, revenue leakages in the oil and gas sector and inefficient tax waivers.

Edun said this would save the country N24 trillion, about the size of Nigeria’s federal budget for 2023.

Edun has served as an economist at the World Bank in the 1980s before taking on a series of senior posts with investment banks in Wall Street, such as Chase Manhattan and the ill-fated Lehman Brothers.

He would later be appointed commissioner of finance in 1999 on his return to Nigeria after Tinubu won the governorship of Lagos State as the ruling generals returned to the barracks.

Dele Alake

Dele Alake was commissioner for information and strategy to the then governor of Lagos, Tinubu, between 1999 and 2007, and has remained with him as media aide. He is currently the director of media and communication of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

Having remained and worked with Tinubu despite leaving office almost 20 years ago, the ace journalist and public affairs analyst is likely to be a member of his boss’ cabinet.

Hanatu Musa

Hanatu Musa, a lawyer and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, is the deputy spokesperson of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, working hand in hand with Keyamo and others on the media team to portray the Tinubu candidacy in good light.

The columnist, women and children advocate is likely to be part of Tinubu’s cabinet.

Hadiza Usman

Hadiza Bala Usman, a former managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, also served as the chief of staff to the governor of Kaduna State. She is presently the deputy director-general (administration) of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. The graduate of Business Administration and Development Studies is expected to be a member of the incoming cabinet.

Nyesome Wike

The outgoing governor of Rivers State, though a member of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is primed to be a member of the next APC government’s cabinet. This is considering the role he played in the emergence of the ruling party’s candidate, who against all expectations won Rivers State.

APC won Rivers State with 231,591 votes to defeat the Labour Party, which secured 175, 071, and PDP, which got 88,468 through the support of the governor and he is likely to be rewarded with a major appointment in the Tinubu government. Wike had served as minister of state for education in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Amb. Ginika Tor-Ijeomah

Hon. Mrs. Ginika is presently a Federal Commissioner, Representing Enugu state at the Federal Character Commission.
She contested for House of Rep. in 2019 and later emerged as APC Deputy Governorship Candidate Enugu State in 2019 general election.

She mobilized the Igbo across the 36 states of federation for Tinubu victory through her group, the Omaluegwuoku progressive initiative ( IGBO KWENU FOR TINUBU/SHETTIMA ) to delivered votes for the APC both at states and federal elections.

Due to cultural diversity she has been penciled for humanitarian ministry and special duties minister.

Gboyega Oyetola

Gboyega Oyetola is the immediate past governor of Osun and a close ally of Tinubu and he is believed to have family ties with the president-elect. Oyetola, who was chief of staff to his predecessor, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, is expected to be in Tinubu’s cabinet if his efforts to return to Osun as governor prove abortive.

Ibikunle Amosun

A former governor of Ogun State and current senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Amosun stepped down for Tinubu at the presidential primary election of the APC. He went ahead and supported Tinubu to achieve his ambition.

Ben Akabueze

Ben Akabueze is a chartered accountant and the current director-general of the Budget Office for the Federation. He was commissioner for economic planning and budget in the eight years of Tinubu‘s tenure as Lagos State governor.

He is likely to be appointed into the cabinet of the president-elect. If that be, the former CEO of NAL Bank Plc, is expected to harness his private and public sector experience to drive the administration’s vision.

George Akume

Akume is a former governor of Benue State who served at the same time with Tinubu between 1999 and 2007; he is the current minister of special duties and intergovernmental affairs. The University of Ibadan graduate was elected to the Senate for three terms, in one of which he served as minority leader. Akume has been a political ally of Tinubu since 2011 when he joined the defunct Action Congress, one of the legacies that formed the APC.

The retired permanent secretary is the only leader that delivered for Tinubu/APC in the Benue Plateau axis of the North-Central, comprising the present-day Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa states.

Abubakar Badaru

The outgoing Jigawa State governor, who withdrew from the race for the APC presidential ticket for Tinubu, is also the vice chairman (North) of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. It was only Badaru and his Zamfara counterpart that delivered for Tinubu in their states.

Abdullahi Ganduje

Ganduje, an academic and Kano State‘s governor, whose tenure ends in May this year, is a strong supporter of Tinubu. In the face of stiff opposition, Ganduje managed to muster a fair number of votes for his ally in the presidential election. With their close political association, Ganduje is being touted as one of those to be in Tinubu’s cabinet.

Atiku Bagudu

The outgoing Kebbi State governor and chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum played a critical role in the emergence of Tinubu both as APC presidential candidate and now president-elect. He is undoubtedly the leader of the party in Kebbi and may be in the cabinet of the incoming president.

Bagudu, who had served as a senator in the past but lost in another attempt to return to the green chamber, has experience in both the legislative and executive arms of government.

Ibrahim Masari

Ibrahim Masari, a former national welfare secretary of the APC, stood as a placeholder before the nomination of Kashim Shettima as the substantive vice presidential candidate of the party. The confidence reposed in him by Tinubu and his willingness to play a placeholder role position him for appointment into the next government.

Tanko Al-malkura

Al-malkura, a former governor of Nasarawa and senator representing the southern district of the North-Central state, is a close ally of the president-elect. Some analysts have said the lawmaker lost his bid to become APC national chairman majorly because of his affinity with the former Lagos governor, who was aspiring for the party’s presidential ticket.

Now that Al-malkura lost his second term bid to return to the Senate and his man is the president-elect, there are feelers that he would be engaged in the government at the federal level.

Ben Ayade

The outgoing governor of Cross River and former senator is the leader of APC in the South-South state. Ayade, who lost in a senatorial contest at the Federal 25 election, is poised to be compensated with cabinet responsibility. The professor of biology has had a stint as a lawmaker.

Ade Omole

Ade Omole is a leader of APC in the diaspora and is currently the director of Diasporan Affairs in the APC Presidential Campaign Council. The London-based APC chieftain worked out modalities for Nigerians in the diaspora who have Permanent Voters Cards to return home to vote for Tinubu.

Simon Lalong

The outgoing Plateau State governor is the director-general of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. Lalong, whose tenure ends on May 29, failed in his bid for a senatorial seat. His efforts in steering the campaign that brought about the Tinubu victory could well help make a case for his appointment as minister

China-Thailand railway under smooth construction

By Sun Guangyong, People’s Daily

The construction of the China-Thailand railway, a landmark project representing the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is currently under full swing.

Crossing the most densely populated areas in Thailand, the railway will inject new impetus into the development of the country’s economy and transportation.

Upon completion, the railway is expected to boost economic development along its route. It will be connected to the China-Laos railway, forming a railroad artery that crosses the Indochina Peninsula and accelerating infrastructure connectivity in the region.

Pak Chong district in northeast Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province is an important gateway connecting central Thailand and the country’s northeastern provinces. The Nakhon Ratchasima province is the terminal of the first phase project of the China-Thailand railway. Currently, the construction of the first phase project is in full swing.

At the construction site of the project, piers of viaducts are being erected along the direction of an existing track. To ensure the quality of the construction, Viloth, deputy head of a construction supervising team of the project, takes a boom lift every week to dozens of meters high to inspect the top of the piers.

“The Chinese teams have brought advanced philosophies, modern technologies and management experiences to Thailand’s railway construction. The building of the railway not only better connects Thailand and China, but also brings the two peoples closer,” said Viloth.

The China-Thailand railway promotes the idea of green transport and has applied green and low-carbon technologies during its construction. It will be built into a green railway that features technological innovation and ecology-friendly development.

Apart from Nakhon Ratchasima province, the construction of the China-Thailand railway has also commenced in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Saraburi and other provinces along the route.

The section 4-3 in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province is the largest one of the project. So far, 1,912 foundation piles have been driven, 106 bearing platforms built and 17 piers erected. Prefabricated beams are neatly placed at the site and will be used for the viaduct construction.

“We completed a blueprint for the civil works of the first phase project in June 2019. The civil works currently underway include bridges, roadbeds, tunnels, and station buildings,” said Ma Shengshuang, head of the Thai branch of China Railway Design Corporation.

The first phase project connects Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima province, and the second phase will extend the track to Nong Khai province, an important town for border trade in northeast Thailand that faces Lao capital Vientiane just across a river. The second phase is expected to connect the railway with the China-Laos railway.

The Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok will be made into a transfer station for the China-Laos-Thailand high-speed railway and the Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore high-speed railway.

According to Nirut Maneephan, governor of the State Railway of Thailand, 16.72 percent of the China-Thailand railway’s first phase project construction had been completed as of mid-January this year, and the railway is expected to be put into operation in 2027.

The second phase of the project is expected to start in 2024, and aims to open in 2028, he said.

Recently, a delegation of Thai railway and customs officials visited Laos to discuss cooperation. The China-Laos-Thailand railway is likely to cut the cost of cargo transport by 30 to 50 percent in the next three to five years.

Thailand has stepped up its efforts in the past year to integrate itself into the China-Laos-Thailand railway, including upgrading its domestic transport network and railway facilities, and improving the capacity of cargo warehousing, distribution and inspection in its northeast region.

It is believed that the China-Laos-Thailand railway will significantly promote sub-regional development and bring the Indochina Peninsula into an era of high-speed railways.

Nirut noted that the high-speed railway network will not only connect regions in Thailand, but also form a railway system of the ASEAN. When all high-speed railway projects are connected as a whole, they will become a gigantic railway network for passengers and cargo that links China, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos and Thailand.

Surasit Thanadtang, director of the Thai-Chinese Strategic Research Center under the National Research Council of Thailand, said the railway network is expected to strengthen connectivity among Southeast Asian countries and help them gain more market opportunities.

The alignment between the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and the BRI will further strengthen connectivity, lower logistics costs, and promote personnel exchanges, thus creating more opportunities for countries along the Belt and Road and promoting regional integration.downLoad-20230528095245

Toothbrush manufacturers in E China score big in green transition

By Xu Qing, People’s Daily

“Toothbrushes manufactured in Hangji can be found in every piece of inhabited land.”

This is what’s written in the China Toothbrush Museum in Hangji township, Yangzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province.

Hangji, which covers only 40 square kilometers with a population of less than 40,000, is the world’s largest manufacturing base of oral care products and toiletries. It produces 7.5 billion toothbrushes each year with an annual output of more than 13 billion yuan (about $1.91 billion). One out of every three toothbrushes in the world is manufactured in the township, known as the “toothbrush capital” of China.

Many of the toothbrushes manufactured in Hangji are hotel disposables. In the past, the township had no ways but to engage in price wars and extend its product line to win a share in the market, in which products were highly homogeneous. It was once trapped in destructive competition that forced it to sell its toothbrushes at 0.1 yuan per unit.

As green production and lifestyles gained more and more public foundation, a revolution unavoidably came to the production of disposable toothbrushes, which have a maximum service life of two days and run against the philosophy of green development.

Seeking opportunities and strength from green development, and driving innovation in technologies and products with green philosophies, Hangji found the key to green transition.

Having a good nose for the market, toothbrush manufacturers in Hangji adjusted their development strategies in a timely manner as lifestyles turned greener.

On July 1, 2019, Shanghai issued new regulations on the management of domestic waste, demanding that hotels should not provide disposables for consumers unless asked. The regulations also stipulate that disposable products shall be environment-friendly.

Following the issuance of the regulations, Hangji’s manufacturers launched disposable toothbrushes with detachable heads, whose food-grade plastic handles can be recycled and then made into plastic stools or trashcans. This innovative design not only promotes waste recycling and reduces pollution and wasting of resources, but also has created new space of development for enterprises.

Since 2021, many luxury hotels in Dubai have started using a bamboo-handled toothbrush that’s beautifully designed and environment-friendly. This toothbrush was manufactured in Hangji.

It was seemingly easy to make the bamboo handle of the toothbrush. However, the handle would be rough and fragile if unsuitable materials are adopted. China is known as the kingdom of bamboo. Hangji has made full use of local bamboo resources and manufactured smooth and resilient handles with high-quality bamboos. The upgrading broke new ground and was a move that embodied the philosophy of green development.

Relying on independent innovation, Hangji has improved its capability in green transition.

A toothbrush manufacturer in the township, in cooperation with the National Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology, developed an environment-friendly toothbrush made of sugarcane straws generated in sugar refinery, which is completely degradable. The toothbrush has been recommended by dental clinics in Germany, Sweden and many other countries.

It was because of independent innovation that the Hangji manufacturer with a history of more than 40 years has overcome negative influence from COVID-19 and other factors and blazed a new trail that features high-end and differentiated products.

Small as they may seem, toothbrushes reflect the long-term vision for green development and embody the philosophy of innovation-driven development. The new trend of green consumption has created valuable opportunities for the development of an innovative economy.

When more and more enterprises are taking action to turn the philosophy of green development into the power for innovation, creating new experiences of green consumption and leading the society toward greener lifestyles, a beautiful China featuring participatory social governance is in the making.

Nasarawa Assembly passes 59 bills in 4 years, says Speaker

“… as its holds valedictory session marking the end of the 6th assembly…”

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly, says that it has passed 59 bills and 47 resoutions in the last four years.

Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, the Speaker of the House stated this during the 6th Assembly valedictory session today in Lafia.

He said that the bills and resolutions passed have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state.

” The State House of Assembly has within its four-years life span , passed a total of 59 bills made up of 50 Executive bills and 9 private member bills.

” We have also passed 47 resolutions,”he said.

He noted that the achievements of the House and that of the state government were as a result of good working relationship between the legislature and the executive arms in the state.

” Hon. members, let me also in a very special way appreciate all of you for the wonderful co-operation which you gave me in the past four years,” he added.

The Speaker appreciated Gov. Abdullahi Sule for the support he has given to the House in the last four years.

” I want to thank the state government for providing us with funds to actualize the goals, the hallowed chamber of the legislature was renovated and fitted with state -of- the art equipment. As it is , the State Assembly Chamber stands out as one of the best in the country.

” The Office of the Rt. Hon Speaker and the Executive Room were refurbished and equipped to meet daily administrative and legislative duties,” he said

He also commended the traditional rulers across the state for working tirelessly to complement the efforts of the various arms of government to foster peace and harmony in their communities.

Abdullahi said that his administration has initiated deliberate policy of dialogue with the Executive arm of government with the view of absorbing casual staff working in the House into core civil service.

” I am happy to note that the process of engaging them as permanent and pensionable employees have nearly been finalized following the approval of His Excellency

” I also want to add that the House under my watch have cleared all the wardrobe allowance due to staff of the legislature, ” he said.

The Speaker urged the staff of the assembly to appreciate his efforts by being loyal and dedicated to their duties.

Members during the valedictory session showers encomiums on Speaker Balarabe for his leadership qualities and prayed God to bless him abundantly.

They also sought for forgiveness among themselves, people of their constituents and the state at large even as they shared in their experiences at the House.

In a similar vain, the House has passed four bills into law for the overall development of the state.

The Speaker announced the passage of the bills into law during the House proceedings today in Lafia

The bills passed into law are

A Bill for a Law to Repeal the Nasarawa State Bureau of Statistics Law No.84 of 2012 and Re-Enact Same 2022 and Other Matters Related Thereto.

A Bill For a Law to Amend Nasarawa State Customary Courts Law and Other Matters Connected Therewith

A Bill For a Law to Repeal and Re-Enact the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Service Commission Law and Other Related Matters.

A Bill For a Law to Provide For the Supply and Sanitation of Water in Nasarawa State and other Matters Connected Therewwith

Earlier, Hon Umar Tanko Tunga( APC- Awe North), the Majority Leader of the House moved a motion for the bills to scale third readings.

Hon Abel Bala ( PDP- Nassarawa Eggon West), the Minority Leader seconded the motions

The House unanimously passed the bills into third readings.

Nasarawa Assembly passes 59 bills in 4 years, says Speaker.

“… as its holds valedictory session marking the end of the 6th assembly…”

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly, says that it has passed 59 bills and 47 resoutions in the last four years.

Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, the Speaker of the House stated this during the 6th Assembly valedictory session today in Lafia.

He said that the bills and resolutions passed have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state.

” The State House of Assembly has within its four-years life span , passed a total of 59 bills made up of 50 Executive bills and 9 private member bills.

” We have also passed 47 resolutions,”he said.

He noted that the achievements of the House and that of the state government were as a result of good working relationship between the legislature and the executive arms in the state.

” Hon. members, let me also in a very special way appreciate all of you for the wonderful co-operation which you gave me in the past four years,” he added.

The Speaker appreciated Gov. Abdullahi Sule for the support he has given to the House in the last four years.

” I want to thank the state government for providing us with funds to actualize the goals, the hallowed chamber of the legislature was renovated and fitted with state -of- the art equipment. As it is , the State Assembly Chamber stands out as one of the best in the country.

” The Office of the Rt. Hon Speaker and the Executive Room were refurbished and equipped to meet daily administrative and legislative duties,” he said

He also commended the traditional rulers across the state for working tirelessly to complement the efforts of the various arms of government to foster peace and harmony in their communities.

Abdullahi said that his administration has initiated deliberate policy of dialogue with the Executive arm of government with the view of absorbing casual staff working in the House into core civil service.

” I am happy to note that the process of engaging them as permanent and pensionable employees have nearly been finalized following the approval of His Excellency

” I also want to add that the House under my watch have cleared all the wardrobe allowance due to staff of the legislature, ” he said.

The Speaker urged the staff of the assembly to appreciate his efforts by being loyal and dedicated to their duties.

Members during the valedictory session showers encomiums on Speaker Balarabe for his leadership qualities and prayed God to bless him abundantly.

They also sought for forgiveness among themselves, people of their constituents and the state at large even as they shared in their experiences at the House.

In a similar vain, the House has passed four bills into law for the overall development of the state.

The Speaker announced the passage of the bills into law during the House proceedings today in Lafia

The bills passed into law are

A Bill for a Law to Repeal the Nasarawa State Bureau of Statistics Law No.84 of 2012 and Re-Enact Same 2022 and Other Matters Related Thereto.

A Bill For a Law to Amend Nasarawa State Customary Courts Law and Other Matters Connected Therewith

A Bill For a Law to Repeal and Re-Enact the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Service Commission Law and Other Related Matters.

A Bill For a Law to Provide For the Supply and Sanitation of Water in Nasarawa State and other Matters Connected Therewwith

Earlier, Hon Umar Tanko Tunga( APC- Awe North), the Majority Leader of the House moved a motion for the bills to scale third readings.

Hon Abel Bala ( PDP- Nassarawa Eggon West), the Minority Leader seconded the motions

The House unanimously passed the bills into third readings.

Speakership Race : Nasarawa APC, Gov. Sule endorse incumbent Speaker Balarabe Abdullahi for 7th Assembly

“… why nasarawa assembly never conducted speakership election since inception 24 years back, but go for consensus …..” Investigation reveals.

A very reliable source from the Secretariat of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, has revealed that the party leadership yesterday Tuesday held a marathon meeting of the State Executive Members of APC in Presidential Lodge, Government House Lafia.

This the source said the meeting has just one agenda which was the position of the Speakership of the State Assembly expected to be inaugurated in know distance time.

” I am telling you authoritatively that the meeting took place at Presidential Lodge in Government House Lafia and had Governor Abdullahi Sule in attendance as well as APC State Chairman, Dr.John mamman, his Secretary, Alh. Aliyu Bello and all the Eleven APC members – elect were in attendance as well as the State Deputy Governor Dr Emmanuel Akabe “

“The APC Chairman Dr. John mamman was the one that opens the flow and went straight to the point that the party has resolved and settled for incumbent Speaker Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi for continuity and consolidation, adding that Speaker Balarabe’s leadership was fruitful, peaceful and beneficial to the entire State and John Mamman position was collaborated by the party secretary Alh. Aliyu Bello”

“The flow was opened for comments and contributions from members – elect where some of them spoke before the final submission was made by Governor Sule”

“The Governor was point blank on his position, desire and stands on the choice of incumbent Speaker Balarabe Abdullahi”

“The Governor was not tactical but open and straight that his candidate is Balarabe Abdullahi and the need for Members – elect to support his choice which eventually is the choice of the party”

It was also gathered that Hon. Danladi Jatau (APC Kokona East) who is also contesting for the Speakership position as a loyal party man and for the respect he has for the Governor may thrown off his ambition and support the Governor and party choice.

The meeting was said to commenced around 2pm and lasted for about three hours.

Investigation has revealed that since the inception of Nasarawa State House of Assembly 24 years ago from 1999 to date, election of Speaker was never held for the six term session so far and it was all through consensus.

This was as a result of peace, unity and understanding in the State Assembly as a family affairs and it is believed and hoped that by next week inauguration of the 7th assembly members – elect will sustain same.

A pace has already been set and it is hope that members – elect shall do that in unity and peace by nominating a competent Speaker through consensus which has already been established in the system that produced late Musa Agyo 1999 to 2003, Ogoshi Onawo 2003 to 2007, Musa Ahmed Muhammed 2007 to 2015 and Balarabe Abdullahi 2015 till date.

Though the first, second, third and fourth assemblies in the state were inaugurated all on June 6, but the 5th and present 6th assemblies were inaugurated on 9th and 10th June respectively and this was as a result of the fact that the two dates fall on Thursday and Friday which are not sitting days of the House that are usually Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays hence the shift and may be this June 6th which is Tuesday May likely be the inauguration day of the 7th assembly though it depends on proclamation by the Governor.