SHENZHEN, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Seven economic cooperation projects worth 12.1 billion yuan (about 1.7 billion U.S. dollars) between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and ASEAN countries were signed Sunday in the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen.

The signing was completed during the 2023 ASEAN-China Greater Bay Area Economic Cooperation (Qianhai) Forum that ran from July 29 to 30, which covered industrial park construction, digital economy and agricultural cooperation.

The Greater Bay Area-ASEAN International Chamber of Commerce Alliance and the China-ASEAN Think Tank Partnership were established at the forum. The forum also resulted in an initiative concerning a closer Greater Bay Area-ASEAN economic partnership.

The initiative proposes enhanced economic cooperation and strengthened people-to-people connections. Concrete measures include supporting the China-ASEAN Center to set up a representative office in Shenzhen, exploring the establishment of a Greater Bay Area-ASEAN Industrial Development Investment Fund, holding the "Greater Bay Area-ASEAN Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition," and establishing a network for cooperation among universities, think tanks, and research institutions from both sides.

More than 150 foreign guests, including representatives from the governments of all 10 ASEAN countries, diplomatic agencies in China, chambers of commerce, think tanks and enterprises, attended the forum. ■

BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on strengthening basic research to achieve China's high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology will be published on Tuesday.

The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year's 15th issue of the Qiushi Journal, a flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.

Strengthening basic research is an imperative requirement for China to achieve self-reliance and strength in science and technology, the article says, noting that it is also a path that must be taken to build China into a leading country in science and technology.

At present, it is imperative to strengthen basic research and address critical technological issues from the source and at the fundamental level in the face of international scientific and technological competition, the article says.

The article stresses the need to strengthen the forward-looking, strategic and systematic layout for basic research.

The reform of the system and mechanisms for basic research must be deepened, it notes.

The article emphasizes the necessity to establish high-level supporting platforms for basic research.

It calls for stepping up training of talent in the field of basic research.

The article also underlines the importance of extensive international cooperation in basic research, saying that international cooperation is more needed than before when it comes to tackling the challenges of common development.

No country can be an independent innovation center or enjoy the benefits of innovation alone, the article says, calling for shaping an innovative ecosystem that is conducive to basic research. ■

BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The People's Republic of China and Georgia on Monday issued a joint statement on establishing a strategic partnership.

The following is the full text of the statement:

From July 26 to August 1, 2023, Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia, attended the opening ceremony of the 31st Chengdu FISU World University Games in China. During the visit, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Chengdu and Premier Li Qiang met with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Beijing. The two sides had in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest and reached broad consensus. The two sides decided to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

Both sides share the view that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on June 9, 1992, bilateral cooperation has witnessed fruitful results in various fields. In the context of profound and complex evolution of the international and regional situation, both sides share the commitment to expanding cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields, strengthening collaboration in international affairs, deepening bilateral relations, and safeguarding regional and world peace, stability and development together.

1.Political domain

1.1.The two sides reaffirm their respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries. Georgia firmly adheres to the one-China principle.

1.2.The two sides highlighted that given the current international order and economic globalization, the bilateral ties between China and Georgia have gained considerable importance. Both sides regard each other as an important strategic partner and thus regard the deepening of bilateral relations as a priority of their respective foreign policies.

1.3.Georgia believes that Chinese modernization offers a new path and a new option for mankind to achieve modernization. Both sides expressed their readiness to exchange experience in governance to achieve common development and prosperity.

1.4.The two sides are ready to strengthen high-level political consultations on issues of mutual interest and to enhance strategic mutual trust.

1.5.Both sides emphasized the necessity of expanding ties between central and local governments and political groups and parties to exchange experiences and strengthen interactions in various fields.

1.6.Considering the important role of cooperation between legislative bodies of both countries in the expansion and development of the bilateral ties, both sides emphasized the enhancement of exchanges and cooperation between the two countries' legislative bodies in various fields and levels and communication and consultation in relevant regional and international organizations.

2.Economic domain

2.1.Both sides welcomed steady growth of bilateral trade in recent years and expressed readiness to further increase bilateral trade, optimize its structure, expand types of products and increase the export of Georgian goods and services to China.

2.2.Georgia welcomes the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China. The two sides have signed documents including the Bilateral Cooperation Plan between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Georgia under the Framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, to gain greater strengths and opportunities of cooperation. The two sides will strengthen policy coordination and synergy of development planning under the Belt and Road Initiative, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, uphold the principle of consultation and cooperation for shared benefits, and promote open, green and clean cooperation to realize goals of Belt and Road cooperation and promote sustainable development of both sides.

2.3.Both sides expressed readiness to facilitate mutual investment and trade and promote cooperation in the areas of transportation, communications, infrastructure modernization, development and strengthening of the Middle Corridor, digital technologies, manufacturing, upgrading and expansion of railway networks, agriculture and food safety, water resources, environment protection, fighting desertification, water desalination, conformity assessment, usage of Georgia's transit infrastructure for smooth export of Chinese products to Western markets, the exchange of know-how and technology as well as human resource training.

2.4.The People's Republic of China and Georgia have enjoyed a Free Trade Agreement since 2018, which played an important role in promoting economic and trade relations between the two countries. The two countries will continue to enhance their cooperation in the framework of the Agreement, support economic and commercial exchanges between the two countries' institutions and companies based on mutual benefit, and actively explore the possibility of enriching the Agreement.

2.5.Both sides expressed their readiness for the next session of the China-Georgia Economic and Trade Cooperation Commission to enhance information sharing in trade, investment, infrastructure and other topics of cooperation within the scope of the Commission, so as to enhance the quality and efficiency of bilateral exchanges.

2.6.China welcomes Georgia's active participation in the China International Import Expo. China supports Georgian enterprises in promoting their products via Chinese e-commerce channels.

2.7.Both sides expressed their readiness to intensify cooperation in tourism to promote common development of the sector. China welcomes Georgia to participate in travel exhibitions such as the annual China International Travel Mart.

2.8.China highlights the importance and supports the 4th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum themed "Connecting Today, Resilient Tomorrow", which will take place in Tbilisi on October 26-27, 2023.

2.9.Georgia views cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries as a pragmatic, open and beneficial cross-regional cooperation platform. China welcomes Georgia's interest in engaging in activities under the framework of this cooperative mechanism as an observer.

2.10.China will study the provisions of preferential loans for Georgia's implementation of social and infrastructure projects.

3.People-to-People and Cultural domain

3.1.Given the need to deepen bilateral relations under the new conditions, both sides expressed readiness to actively conduct scientific and technological cooperation and renew the agreement on cooperation in the field of science and technology signed between the People's Republic of China and Georgia in 1993.

3.2.In view of their friendly relations and huge potential of cooperation in the people-to-people and cultural fields, the two sides agreed to enhance their cultural cooperation. They will encourage citizens to visit each other's countries and strengthen cooperation in tourism, health, youth, and sports. In addition, they will also enhance their exchanges in the areas of film, press and public diplomacy.

3.3.The two sides will study the possibility of mutually designating cultural years, and continue their consultations regarding mutual establishment of cultural center and provide necessary facilitation.

3.4.The two sides will enhance their cooperation in science and higher education. They will promote exchange of teachers and students, strengthen cooperation in science and commercialization of new technologies and implement joint projects.

3.5.The two sides support universities in both countries in carrying out practical cooperation such as joint training programs, and encourage universities to make full use of high-quality digital education resources and combine online and offline channels for cooperation. The two sides will promote student exchange and joint cultivation by making good use of government scholarships and other channels.

3.6.Both sides attach importance to language exchange and cooperation, encourage schools of both countries to carry out Chinese and Georgian languages teaching, stand ready to strengthen exchanges and training of language teachers and support the building of Confucius Institutes (Classrooms).

4.International domain

4.1.The two sides will strengthen coordination and collaboration in regional and international affairs, jointly uphold true multilateralism, firmly uphold the UN-centered international system, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and promote the establishment of a new type of international relations.

4.2.The two sides support the promotion of humanity's common values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, respect all people's independent choice of development path suited to their national conditions, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

4.3.Georgia supports the Global Development Initiative proposed by China and is ready to actively participate in cooperation under the Initiative to accelerate implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

4.4.Georgia supports the Global Security Initiative proposed by China. The two sides would like to strengthen exchanges and cooperation under the Initiative's framework, make joint effort for a peaceful and stable international security environment, and promote and protect common development of countries in the region.

4.5.Georgia supports the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China. The two sides will cooperate actively to implement this Initiative. ■

(ULSAN, KOREA) ABS issued approval in principle to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for its new ammonia-based ship HVAC refrigeration system.

HHI developed the system in response to shipowners’ requests for refrigeration of HVAC systems using ammonia, a more eco-friendly refrigerant with a zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a Global Warming Potential of zero per the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE).

ABS used its marine vessel rules to conduct technical suitability reviews of the designs, materials, fire and personnel safety equipment, piping, electrical, operations tests and risk assessments.

“This is an exciting development from HHI for the maritime industry’s decarbonization quest to find sustainable solutions. ABS has always been a safety pioneer, so we are well placed to tackle the challenges on board and ashore presented by ammonia’s toxicity and flammability. ABS is committed to leading the industry in supporting ammonia’s safe adoption at sea,” said Panos Koutsourakis, ABS Vice President, Global Sustainability.

Hwan-Sik Lee, head of the ship design office at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, said, “We will continue to make efforts to realize maritime carbon neutrality by strengthening the eco-friendliness of not only the propulsion device but also the overall ship.”

ABS offers industry-leading services and solutions for vessel owners looking at alternative fuel options, including ammonia. More information is available here.

The 15th Annual Capital Link Shipping & Marine Services Forum will take place on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 116 Pall Mall in London. The event is held in cooperation with the London Stock Exchange, and in conjunction with the 2023 London International Shipping Week.

This event aims to provide investors with a comprehensive review and current outlook of the various shipping markets and in addition, cover topics of critical interest to industry participants, financiers and investors.

Capital Link’s investment conferences, which are organized across New York, London, Athens, Limassol, Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Hamburg assembles a high quality line-up of speakers and attendees to debate the recent trends and developments in the shipping and marine services sectors, as well as, the financial and capital markets.

A High Caliber Audience of Shipping Professionals, Financiers & Investors

The Forum presents a unique opportunity to meet and network with a large, high-caliber audience of ship owning and offshore executives, institutional investors, research analysts, industry experts, commercial and investment bankers, risk advisors, private equity and venture capital firms, high-net worth investors, and financial media. The event will be open to the buy and sell side communities as well as the media. By attending, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the current state of the shipping and marine services industry, the subsequent effects on their investments, and a clear focus on the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Capital Link's Forums are known for combining rich informational content with unique marketing and networking opportunities.

Agenda:

International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers' (ICS) London & Southeast (SE) Branch will host a panel discussion as part of London International Shipping Week (LISW).

The theme of the panel discussion is 'The Shipping Debate – decarbonisation, future skills and challenges – is shipping ready for it all?' and will take place on 11 September at 4:45 pm at the London offices of Thomas Miller, management company of ITIC. The panellists will discuss decarbonisation in light of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) updated Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy and the need for the maritime industry to understand the evolving technologies and operational practices, as well as the future skills needed to meet the more stringent regulations.

The panel will comprise of Elly Howe, Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator at Portsmouth International Port; Ian Metzger, Shipping Analyst at Braemar; Nikki Sayer, Managing Director at Casper Customs and Bjoern Sprotte, CEO of Ship Management at V.Group. ITIC's General Manager, Robert Hodge, will chair the discussions.

"The adoption of the IMO’s updated GHG strategy is an important step forward for the industry, and it is crucial that practitioners across all segments of the maritime value chain, including shipbrokers and other third-party service providers, understand how the emerging technologies and regulations could impact them and the potential liabilities they could face, as well as how their businesses may need to adapt.

“As an organisation representing the interests of shipbrokers, ship managers, agents and other marine professionals, together with the ICS, we are taking the opportunity to bring together a panel of highly experienced practitioners to hear their perspectives on how the challenge of achieving the updated emissions targets from the IMO will impact their businesses," said Robert Hodge, General Manager at ITIC.

“The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is a professional body representing many professions in the movement of ships and cargo. It is important that we fully understand what the aims are and the new regulations, any possible impacts and the training required. Global shipping moves significant cargo volumes across the world with the objective of being green and sustainable. The Institute London and SE branch welcomes this panel discussion as part of our contribution to the wider investigation of technical compliance,” said Mike Robarts, FICS, Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (London and SE Branch).

Elly Howe – Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator at Portsmouth International Port
Portsmouth International Port is Britain’s biggest municipal port, with more routes to Europe than any other. Elly is responsible for driving the port forward with its ambitious sustainability goals as they work towards being carbon net-neutral by 2030 and emissions-free by 2050. She supports the port by identifying, developing and delivering projects to help them on their journey to decarbonisation, ranging from shore power provision to renewable energy generation. Elly has a passion for the environment and is a second-year student at The Open University, working towards a degree in Environmental Science.

Ian Metzger – Shipping Analyst at Braemar
Ian Metzger is an analyst with Braemar working on the dry cargo desk. His recent work has focused on analysing the impact of emissions regulations and decarbonisation on the industry, advising clients on how best to navigate shipping's increasingly complexed regulatory landscape.

Nikki Sayer – Managing Director at Casper Customs
Nikki is a driven leader with an unrivalled passion for the logistics, shipping and maritime sectors. She has worked for over 20 years in the shipping industry, both in the UK and worldwide. She is currently a Director at Casper Shipping Ltd, where she proudly heads up their customs division. In 2020, Nikki was invited to be a Commissioner for the Maritime Skills Commission, which is a government and industry lead commission, working through Maritime UK to lead the sectors work in ensuring the maritime sector has a pipeline of talented people to serve all parts of the sector covering shipping, ports, leisure marine, engineering, science and professional services. Nikki received the Tees Businesswomen Award for the Breaking the Mould category in 2021 and Inspirational Female at the Northeast Chamber of Commerce in 2022.

Bjoern Sprotte – CEO of Ship Management at V.Group.
Bjoern joined V.Group from OSM Maritime Group, where he spent four years in a number of senior roles, including chief operating officer, president and, most recently, chief executive officer. His career started at Rickmers Group, where he rose from nautical officer to CEO of maritime services over fifteen years, from which he moved to the position of vice president at Carnival Group, where he was responsible for developing and delivering of ship management strategy. Holding a degree in navigation and maritime transport, Bjoern originally pursued a nautical career at sea and later attended post graduate studies for his Master of Business Consulting.

Robert Hodge – General Manager at ITIC
Prior to joining ITIC as an Account Executive in October 2010, Robert was a claims executive for three years with the TT Club, another business managed by the Thomas Miller group. Robert began his career at sea, crewing on super yachts, after which he joined the merchant navy as a deck officer. He also holds a First Class Honours Law degree from the University of London.

About ITIC

International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) is the world’s leading provider of professional indemnity insurance to transport professionals across the globe.

As a mutual insurer, it has over 90 years’ experience providing cover to companies in the marine, naval architecture, aviation, offshore and hydrographic industries. With 3,490 members in over 110 countries and with a worldwide network of correspondents, ITIC is the acknowledged leader in its field.

ITIC’s insurance has been developed primarily to cover claims of negligence – errors or omissions. Cover can also extend to specialist areas such as debt collection, loss of commission income, cash in transit and directors’ and officers’ insurance. ITIC’s wide cover also includes a unique discretionary insurance which could support claims not normally be paid by other professional indemnity insurers.

ITIC is managed by Thomas Miller. More details about ITIC and the services it offers can be found at www.itic-insure.com

About The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is the professional body for all members of the commercial shipping industry worldwide. It was founded in 1911 and awarded a Royal Charter in 1920. It has 27 branches across the world and sets the exam syllabus for membership. The London and SE Branch represents members in the area providing events on wider topics of shipping business and networking. Members come from a wide range of backgrounds in shipping from shipbrokers, ship operators, agents, law firms, insurers and finance.