Vietnam's total installed power capacity jumps to second place in ASEAN

According to data from Vietnam Electricity Group, by the end of 2025, the installed capacity of Vietnam's national power system will reach 87600 megawatts, ranking second in ASEAN and increasing by nearly 6400 megawatts compared to the previous year. Among them, the installed capacity of renewable energy wind power, solar power, and biomass energy is about 24400 megawatts, accounting for 27.9%; Coal fired thermal power accounts for 32.1%, while hydropower accounts for 28.1%. By 2025, the highest electricity load in China is expected to increase by 11.1% year-on-year, and the annual electricity consumption is expected to reach 322.8 billion kilowatt hours. At the same time, the annual investment of the country's power group increased by 14.7% year-on-year, and achieved 100% rural electrification nationwide. Editor/Gao Xue

Guizhou Tire's over 2 billion Moroccan production base project has received full approval

Guizhou Tire recently announced that its intelligent manufacturing project for producing 6 million semi steel radial tires annually in Morocco has been unanimously approved by the board of directors. The total investment of this project is about 299 million US dollars, and it will be located in Tangier Science and Technology City, Morocco. The construction period is expected to be two years. This is the official layout of Guizhou Tire's second overseas production base after its Vietnam base, aiming to leverage Morocco's hub location and advantages in free trade agreements, be close to non core markets in Europe and America, and enhance supply chain resilience and delivery capabilities. The project is expected to generate an average annual sales revenue of 183 million US dollars. The company also revealed that its third overseas factory has entered the early planning stage in Egypt.Editor/Gao Xue

China Railway Construction of Ethiopian Highways

The main line of the Ethiopia Etya to Robbie Highway (IR Highway) upgrade and renovation project, undertaken by China Railway Third Bureau, has been completed and opened to traffic. The total length of the project route is 75.6 kilometers, which is a key passage connecting important agricultural production areas and processing cities in Oromia Oblast. After the opening of the road, the travel time between the two places has been significantly reduced from 6 hours to 1.5 hours, greatly improving local transportation conditions, enhancing the efficiency of agricultural product transportation, and effectively promoting economic development along the route. During the construction process, the project actively promoted localized management and cultivated a total of 230 local technical backbones. This is another achievement of deepening cooperation between China and Egypt and promoting connectivity between people's livelihoods and infrastructure.Editor/Gao Xue

Chinese enterprises or annual purchase of Nigerian lithium concentrate

Chinese lithium-ion material company Shanghai Guili Nickel Cobalt Materials Co., Ltd. recently reached a cooperation framework with Australian mining company Chariot Resources, planning to purchase up to 200000 tons of spodumene concentrate annually from the latter's lithium project in Nigeria, locking in long-term supply. The cooperation also includes exploring the possibility of project financing support and the construction of lithium mining processing facilities in the local area. This move shows that Chinese new energy industry chain enterprises are shifting from simple procurement to deeper participation in the resource side. Shanghai Guili's annual revenue exceeds 4 billion yuan, and its clients include international mainstream battery and vehicle companies. This cooperation aims to lock in resources in advance and enhance supply chain stability. At present, the agreement is still non binding, and due diligence and formal negotiations need to be completed in the future. (This article is from the official website of Jian Dao www.seetao.com. Reproduction without permission is prohibited, otherwise it will be prosecuted. Please indicate Jian Dao website+original link when reprinting.) Jian Dao website international column editor/Gao Xue

Kuwait's $3.2 billion electric submersible pump order landed

On December 29, 2025, Kuwait Oil Company officially signed a contract for an electric submersible pump system worth 3.22 billion US dollars, with six international oil service companies jointly winning the bid. Saudi Arabia's Al Horrif Company gained the largest share, while international giants such as Halliburton, Baker Hughes, and Schlumberger from the United States received orders. It is worth noting that Chinese enterprises Zhongcheng Machinery and Tianjin Rongheng Group have successfully been shortlisted, marking the recognition of China's high-end petroleum equipment in the international core market. This large-scale procurement is a key measure for Kuwait to achieve its "2040 Strategy" and increase crude oil production capacity to 4 million barrels per day, aiming to optimize the production efficiency of mature oil fields through advanced artificial lifting technology. The project will further consolidate Kuwait's global energy supply position and promote the transformation of the regional oil and gas industry towards high efficiency and intelligence.Jiandao Net New Energy Column Editor/Gao Xue

Argentina receives $300 million investment

The International Finance Corporation announced a strategic investment worth $300 million to Central Puerto S.A., an Argentine power generation company. The funds will be used to acquire shares in the 1440 MW Piedra del Á guila hydroelectric power station, which will be awarded as part of the privatization of the Limay River hydroelectric project in December 2025 and plays a critical role in stabilizing the Argentine national power grid. The investment also includes the installation of a 150 MW Nuevo Puerto battery energy storage system (AlmaGBA project), which is the largest utility level energy storage contract in Argentina to date.Editor/Yang Meiling

Hungary announces € 2.2 billion railway upgrade plan, to be launched in 2026

The Hungarian National Railway Company announced that it will launch a series of railway upgrade projects with a total investment of 2.2 billion euros in 2026, setting a historical record for the country's railway investment scale. The funds mainly come from joint financing between the European Investment Bank and the Hungarian government. The project focuses on lifting long-standing speed restrictions, replacing old switches, and renovating critical road sections. Among them, the construction of the Budapest West Line will restore trains to operate at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour; The Mishkolz Nerijhazo section will undergo bridge renovation and other modifications to increase the maximum speed of the line to 120 kilometers per hour. Editor/Gao Xue

250MW/500MWh energy storage project launched in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan State Power Company recently completed the delivery of the first batch of goods for a battery energy storage project with a total installed capacity of 250 megawatts and an energy storage capacity of 500 megawatts. The project is located around the 500 kV Absheron substation and 220 kV Agdash substation near Baku. The first batch of energy storage systems assembled by Great Power has arrived. Currently, 15% of the system has been delivered, and the remaining 85% is expected to be delivered and installed before April 2026.Editor/Yang Meiling

The 14.5GWh project in Poland is planned to be completed by the end of 2028

The Polish government recently announced the final list of supported projects for its energy storage subsidy program worth 41.5 billion zlotys. According to the ranking released by the National Environmental Protection and Water Management Fund, a total of 172 energy storage facilities have been selected and are planned to be completed by the end of 2028. The total installed capacity of these projects is expected to be about 3.9 gigawatts, with a total energy storage capacity of about 14.5 gigawatt hours, and the stored electricity can meet the daily electricity demand of about 3 million households. On December 16th, the Polish Ministry of Climate and Environment held a briefing on large-scale energy storage support measures. Minister of Climate and Environment Pauline Hennig Kloska emphasized the important role of energy storage in stabilizing energy prices.Editor/Yang Meiling

ADB supports modernization of key railways in Bangladesh with 688 million US dollars

Recently, the Asian Development Bank signed a $688 million loan agreement with the government of Bangladesh to upgrade the crucial Chittagong Doha Zari railway. The project aims to modernize 35 kilometers of railway lines and construct new detours to address the severe shortage of railway capacity in the country. Currently, a large number of trains across the country are out of service due to outdated equipment, and the transportation demand at the port of Chittagong can only meet one-third of the demand. After the completion of the project, direct transportation from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar will be realized, significantly improving the efficiency of the core corridor carrying about 32% of passenger and 55% of freight transportation nationwide. This is a key step for Bangladesh to strengthen economic integration and optimize its logistics system, and also brings new market opportunities for international enterprises. Editor/Cheng Liting

China Energy Engineering Group wins bid for 120 MW wind power project in Oman

In the Jalan Bani Bu Ali area along the eastern coast of Oman, China's wind power technology is facing a critical test. On December 15, 2025, a joint venture under China Energy Engineering Corporation successfully won the bid for a local 120 MW wind power project, with plans to install 16 7.5 MW wind turbines and an estimated annual power generation of 400 million kilowatt hours, which can meet the electricity needs of nearly 100000 households. This is not only another breakthrough for Chinese enterprises in the Oman new energy market, but also a proof of China's wind power equipment's ability to adapt to the high temperature, high humidity, and strong sandstorm environment in the Middle East. The project adopts the joint venture model of China Energy Construction Innovation, integrating the overseas resources of China Electric Engineering International Corporation, the design capabilities of East China Institute, and the construction experience of Hunan Thermal Power, forming a one-stop solution covering the entire industry chain. For Oman, the project will enhance the power supply capacity along the eastern coast and support its energy transformation strategy; For Chinese companies, this is an important milestone in achieving rolling development in the high-end market. Through green energy cooperation, Chinese companies are bringing mature wind power technology and engineering experience to the Middle East, helping optimize the local energy structure while also demonstrating professional responsibility in addressing global climate change. Editor/Yang Beihua

China 20th Metallurgical Group Corporation undertakes steel project

On December 18th, the Changshu Longteng Special Steel High end Marine and Ship Steel Project, constructed by China 20th Metallurgical Group Corporation, officially started construction. The main leaders of Suzhou and Changshu cities, Longteng Special Steel Group, and the person in charge of China 20th Metallurgical Group Corporation jointly attended the groundbreaking ceremony. This project is an important measure taken by Longteng Special Steel in response to the national strategy of building a strong maritime nation and promoting the high-quality development of the shipbuilding equipment manufacturing industry. The project covers an area of 335 acres and will construct core production facilities such as heating furnaces and rolling mills, as well as supporting projects such as a main factory building of approximately 111000 square meters. The annual designed production capacity is 800000 tons. The project mainly produces high-end products such as large-sized marine bulb flat steel and full range of marine L-shaped steel, which precisely meet the core needs of marine engineering ships, engineering machinery and other fields. After the completion of the project, it will fill the production capacity gap in relevant domestic segmented markets and provide strong support for the independent and controllable development of China's high-end equipment manufacturing industry. This construction marks a new stage of deep cooperation between China 20th Metallurgical Group Corporation and Longteng Special Steel in promoting industrial upgrading, demonstrating the joint determination of both sides to serve the national strategy and assist in the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry. Editor/Yang Beihua

Baosteel Packaging has reached a cooperation agreement with Carabao Group in Thailand

Shanghai - The strategic cooperation signing ceremony between China Baowu Baosteel Packaging and Thailand Carabao Group was held at Baoshan Hotel. This cooperation marks the establishment of a deep business collaboration and supply chain partnership between the two parties in Southeast Asia, jointly seizing the growth opportunities of the metal packaging market in the region. According to the cooperation agreement, both parties will fully integrate Baosteel Packaging's existing production capacity network in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia with Carabao Group's strong brand channel resources. Baosteel Packaging stated that with its advanced canning technology, regional production capacity layout, and supply chain synergy advantages, it will form a strong alliance with Carabao Group in Thailand and surrounding markets to further enhance its localized service capabilities. Carabao Group, as a leading brand in the Southeast Asian functional beverage market, has long promoted globally through sports sponsorship and other means. The group stated that this cooperation will rely on Baosteel Packaging's technological strength and regional layout to jointly enhance supply chain efficiency and market competitiveness. This strategic cooperation not only strengthens Baosteel Packaging's layout in the Southeast Asian market, but also provides Carabao Group with a more stable and efficient metal packaging supply chain guarantee, demonstrating the pragmatic promotion and win-win vision of Sino Thai enterprises in regional industrial cooperation. Editor/Yang Beihua

Saudi energy giant ACWA Power raises $5.95 billion in financing

Saudi energy giant ACWA Power has recently successfully completed a total financing of $5.95 billion, which will be used to build seven clean energy projects with a total installed capacity of 15 gigawatts. This financing has attracted the participation of multiple financial institutions including Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and Minsheng Bank, demonstrating the firm confidence of international capital in Saudi Arabia's energy transformation. The project includes 3 gigawatts of wind power and 12 gigawatts of photovoltaic power stations, distributed in multiple important regions across the country. All projects are planned to be completed and put into operation between 2027 and 2028, reflecting Saudi Arabia's efficient execution in promoting the development of renewable energy. The project adopts a national capital led investment model, with ACWA Power, Saudi Public Investment Fund, and Saudi Aramco jointly holding shares, forming a stable investment structure. This large-scale financing marks a significant shift in Saudi Arabia's energy strategy, as this traditional oil giant is actively entering the green power sector through large-scale clean energy investments. This not only helps Saudi Arabia achieve economic diversification, but may also have a profound impact on the global renewable energy development pattern. Editor/Yang Beihua

African Development Bank financing Algeria strategic railway

Recently, the African Development Bank approved a loan of 747 million euros to support the construction of the first phase of the north-south strategic railway corridor in Algeria. The over 2000 kilometer long railway from Algiers to Tamanrasset has ushered in a new opportunity for comprehensive construction and has also brought new opportunities for Chinese enterprises. The uneven development between the north and south of Algeria, this railway aims to break down transportation barriers and activate the southern economy. The first phase of the project is of great significance, as it will construct numerous bridges and tunnels and be equipped with advanced facilities. Previously, CRCC has demonstrated its outstanding strength in the construction of local desert railways. With the implementation of this loan, Chinese rail transit and engineering enterprises are expected to exert their talents in this round of infrastructure wave by virtue of the advantages of Chinese enterprises and the "the Belt and Road" cooperation. Editor/Cheng Liting

Investment of 1.5 billion yuan, super factory officially settled

Against the backdrop of profound adjustments in global industrial layout, an international industrial giant has chosen to cast a vote of confidence in the Chinese market with a huge investment. On December 9, 2025, ABB Group officially signed an agreement with Nanjing Jiangning Development Zone, announcing the landing of its super factory project here, with a total investment of approximately 1.5 billion yuan. The project will be constructed in two phases, with an estimated annual output value of no less than 2 billion yuan after full production. In the current environment of fluctuating foreign capital flows, ABB's move is seen as a firm commitment to deepening its "China for China" strategy. Since entering the Chinese market in 1994, ABB has grown into a leader in the field of low-voltage transmission in China. Its business is deeply integrated into the Chinese manufacturing industry, especially in the automotive industry, where ABB robot solutions cover the core process from stamping to final assembly. The new super factory is a crucial step in ABB's localization strategy, aimed at introducing globally leading technologies into China and conducting adaptive innovation. Its core product transmission equipment, as the "heart" of industrial automation, is crucial for precise motor speed regulation and energy efficiency optimization. It will directly assist Chinese industries, especially customers in East and South China, in achieving energy conservation, emission reduction, and intelligent manufacturing upgrades. The Nanjing Jiangning Development Zone where the project is located is a national level high-end equipment manufacturing industry cluster, which has gathered over 120 high-end intelligent equipment enterprises. The joining of ABB will effectively strengthen the regional intelligent manufacturing industry chain, form a more significant agglomeration effect, and promote the further improvement and upgrading of China's high-end manufacturing ecosystem. Editor/Yang Beihua

Algeria's steel exports surge

Algeria has long been an energy exporting country, with natural gas exports dominating its trade with Italy. In the first eight months of 2025, natural gas exports to Italy amounted to 5.94 billion euros, accounting for 84% of total exports. But now the export of steel products has emerged as a rising force, with an export value of 121 million euros, a year-on-year surge of 169.6%, surpassing the traditional non energy categories as the strongest engine for Italian export growth. The Algerian steel dream runs through modern history, being plundered during the colonial period, facing difficulties in development after independence, and facing unresolved challenges after market-oriented reforms. In the 2020s, the 2030 Industrial Strategy was launched to restructure and upgrade enterprises, and to overcome bottlenecks in the resource market. Although facing challenges such as low price competition in Europe, domestic resource constraints, technological dependence on imports, and policy uncertainty, the explosive growth of steel exports to Italy has proven the feasibility of the road, and is embedding industrial products into the European supply chain, carrying the dream of economic sovereignty and industrial dignity. Editor/Cheng Liting

Saudi Arabia launches phosphate railway double track renovation

Saudi Arabia recently launched a double track renovation project for a key phosphate railway, which will be tendered in stages to systematically improve transportation capacity. The second phase of the project (approximately 150 kilometers) is scheduled to be tendered in January 2026, connecting Zabila and Ha'il stations, aiming to efficiently connect the production capacity of the northern mining area with the eastern port. The total investment is expected to reach several billion riyals. Previously, the bidding for the first phase of the project (approximately 100 kilometers) had already started in November 2025, and the entire four-year project also includes the bidding for future vehicle depots and system integration. This railway is the core part of the North South railway freight section in Saudi Arabia, crossing the Nefud Desert and directly serving giants such as Saudi mining companies. This upgrade is a key measure for Saudi Arabia to implement its "2030 Vision" and promote economic diversification. It aims to strengthen its dominant position in the global phosphate industry chain by improving logistics efficiency, supporting advanced systems, and promoting localized material production, supporting its transformation from a resource exporting country to an industrial powerhouse. Editor/Cheng Liting

Shenhua Baotou Coal to Olefins Upgrade Project Enters Equipment Installation Stage

In the vast city of Baotou, Inner Mongolia, a landmark project leading the upgrading and development of modern coal chemical industry is emerging. On December 14, 2025, with the successful hoisting and installation of the first synthesis reactor, the Shenhua Baotou coal to olefin upgrade demonstration project with a total investment of 17.15 billion yuan officially entered the installation peak period from the civil engineering stage, laying a solid foundation for the promotion of 2025 and subsequent projects. This project is an upgrade project of the world's first coal to olefin demonstration plant, with a construction scale of producing 2 million tons of methanol and 750000 tons of polyolefin annually. Its core highlight lies in the deep promotion of low-carbon transformation, exploring the integrated development path of coal chemical industry with green electricity, green hydrogen, and green oxygen through coupling with new energy, reflecting the upgrading direction of high-end and diversified industries. The project also shoulders the mission of significant technological self-reliance. It adopts a single furnace daily coal feeding 2000 ton level pulverized coal gasification technology with completely independent intellectual property rights, and for the first time tested a new process for co firing coal chemical wastewater. These innovations are not only exemplary of collaborative innovation in China's modern coal chemical industry chain, but also open up new technological routes for the green and low-carbon development of the entire industry, which has pioneering significance. Editor/Yang Beihua

Yichun's nearly 6000 ton lithium carbonate technological renovation project approved

Against the backdrop of the rebound in demand for lithium carbonate industry, the upgrading of the industrial chain in Yichun, Jiangxi is quietly accelerating. On December 13, 2025, the Ecological Environment Bureau of Yichun City announced the proposed approval for the battery grade lithium carbonate technology renovation project of Jiangxi Huasai New Materials Co., Ltd., marking the substantive stage of a key capacity upgrade plan. This technological upgrade is located in Wanzai Industrial Park, with a total investment of 80 million yuan. By adding carbonization processes to the existing production line, the original industrial grade lithium carbonate production capacity will be upgraded to battery grade products, ultimately achieving an annual output of 5980 tons of battery grade lithium carbonate. This not only enhances the added value of the product, but also further strengthens Yichun's supply capacity as a national lithium material core base. Faced with market price fluctuations and cost pressures, multiple lithium carbonate enterprises in Jiangxi are actively promoting technological transformation. In addition to Jiangxi Huasai, companies such as Yongxing New Energy and Jiangxi Colan Intelligence have also launched production line renovations since 2025, aiming to reduce costs and increase efficiency by optimizing processes and switching raw materials. With the gradual recovery of downstream demand, the industry generally expects a mild rebound in lithium prices in the future, which also provides a key window for the continuous adjustment and upgrading of the lithium mica industry in Jiangxi. Editor/Yang Beihua

The development project of 25MW offshore wind turbines has officially started

China's far-reaching development of offshore wind power has achieved significant technological breakthroughs. On the morning of December 11, 2025, the "Development and Demonstration Application of Offshore Grid type Wind Turbine Equipment" project was officially launched in Dongying Economic and Technological Development Zone, Shandong Province, marking a crucial step for China in the field of independent research and development of large-scale offshore wind power equipment. The core goal of this project is to develop a 25 MW offshore grid type wind turbine with independent intellectual property rights. The project will focus on tackling key technical challenges including grid control of large capacity units, high stability design of 150 meter long blades, and high-density integration of electromechanical transmission systems. The project is led by CSSC Haizhuang Wind Power (Shandong) Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Shandong University, CSSC Haizhuang Wind Power Co., Ltd., CEPRI Zhangbei Wind Power Research and Testing Co., Ltd., and Shandong Academy of Marine Sciences, among other industry university research units, to jointly build a collaborative research and development system. According to the project plan, after successful industrialization, it is expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 20 units (totaling 500 megawatts), with an annual increase in operating income of over 1 billion yuan, and will effectively drive the coordinated development of the upstream and downstream of the industrial chain, providing key equipment support for the large-scale development of China's far-reaching offshore wind power. Editor/Yang Beihua

Signed a contract for a 1.1GW project and put into operation a 273MW power station

On December 11, 2025, Norwegian renewable energy company Scatec announced the completion of equity contracts for its large-scale "Obelisk" solar energy storage project in Egypt, while the Grootfontein solar power plant in South Africa was officially put into operation. Scatec has signed equity agreements with Norwegian state-owned investment fund Norfund and French power company EDF to jointly promote the Obelisk solar and energy storage project in Egypt. The project has a scale of 1.1GW/200MW, making it Scatec's largest renewable energy project to date. According to the agreement, Norfund will hold a 25% stake in the project holding company, EDF will hold a 20% stake in the operating company, and Scatec will continue to maintain a majority stake. The CEO of the company, Terje Pilskog, stated that the project will combine solar energy and battery storage to provide Egypt with stable and cost competitive electricity. At the beginning of 2025, Scatec has raised over $400 million in funding for the project and plans to introduce more partners to optimize the capital structure. In South Africa, Scatec's 273MW Grootfontein solar photovoltaic power station has officially started operation. This project is developed based on the procurement plan of South African renewable energy independent power producers and holds a 20-year power purchase agreement. Scatec completed project financing in 2023 and owns 51% of its shares, with the remaining shares held by local black economic revitalization partners and community trust funds. Alberto Gambakota, the head of Scatec Africa, pointed out that this project is the company's first power station in the Western Cape province and the first solar project to achieve commercial operation in this round of bidding, demonstrating Scatec's continuous investment and localization commitment in the South African market. Scatec stated that by collaborating with international organizations and local partners, the company aims to improve capital efficiency, create greater value, while maintaining operational control over projects. Previously, Norfund had supported Scatec's 130MW solar project in Colombia. In the South African market, Scatec has accumulated large-scale installed capacity and has won an additional 846MW in the latest round of bidding. This series of trends reflects Scatec's deepening layout and long-term strategy in the field of clean energy in Africa. Editor/Yang Beihua

Investment of 4.13 billion yuan! Jinhu Tire's first European factory has settled in Opole

The small town of Opole, not far from the Czech border, is quietly undergoing a transformation in its industrial layout. On December 1st, Jinhu Tire officially announced that it will build its first production base in Europe here, marking an important step for this tire manufacturing enterprise on the path of globalization. This factory located in Opole, Poland, is planned to have a total investment of approximately RMB 4.13 billion. The project will be promoted in stages, with the first phase expected to produce 6 million passenger car tires annually, and the production scale will gradually expand according to market development. The new factory is not only geographically close to the heartland of the European automotive industry, but is also seen as a key entry point for Jinhu to deepen its penetration into the European market. The European market holds significant strategic importance for Jinhu Tire. In the first three quarters of 2025, Jinhu Tire achieved a cumulative operating revenue of RMB 18.1 billion, of which the European market contributed 27%. Of particular note is that the European market has maintained double-digit growth since 2025, demonstrating strong development potential. Europe is home to numerous high-end car manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Jinhu Tire stated that setting up a factory in Poland is an important measure for the company to continue promoting its globalization strategy and focusing on high-yield markets. By achieving localized production and supply, Jinhu will further enhance its product and service competitiveness, strengthen its high-end brand value, and integrate more closely into the European automotive industry chain. With the implementation of the planning for the Polish factory, Jinhu Tire is entering the fast lane of the high-end manufacturing market in Europe with a more localized attitude, adding new footnotes to the industrial cooperation between China and Europe. Editor/Yang Beihua

Chinese investment of 1.5 billion US dollars to build a new manufacturing hub in Pakistan

Against the backdrop of Pakistan's vigorous promotion of industrial upgrading and attraction of foreign investment, Punjab Province has welcomed key investments. The provincial government has signed an agreement with Chinese enterprises to invest $1.5 billion to build a modern industrial park covering 300 acres. The park focuses on diversified manufacturing industries such as textiles, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals, aiming to form industrial clusters that are expected to create a large number of jobs and drive the development of supporting industries. This move is seen as a microcosm of China's shift from infrastructure to deep industrial cultivation, not only injecting new momentum into the local area, but also marking that Punjab is strengthening its position as a key hub for industrial innovation and attracting foreign investment in Pakistan by improving infrastructure and policy environment. Editor/Cheng Liting

Vietnam Laos Energy Cooperation: Hejing 500 kV Transmission Project Approved

The People's Committee of Hejing Province has approved the investment policy and investors for the 500 kV transmission line project from Cha Lo in Laos to Hejing. The total investment of this project exceeds 2.3 trillion Vietnamese dong (approximately 88 million US dollars), and it will construct approximately 45 kilometers of dual circuit 500 kV transmission lines, expand two bays within the Haijing 500 kV substation, and require 20 hectares of permanent land, 15 hectares of temporary land, and 162 hectares of safe passage. The project will run for 50 years and be implemented in two phases. The first phase will be from the fourth quarter of 2025 to the third quarter of 2026, and the second phase will be fully operational in the third quarter of 2027. It can enhance the national power transmission capacity, alleviate the power shortage in the north, and promote energy cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. Editor/Cheng Liting

China Chengling Motors brings its "Hengshan brand" to Vietnam

A cross-border industrial cooperation story is unfolding. Recently, a delegation led by Yang Chaoxiang, Chairman of Chengling Motors Co., Ltd. and Vice President of Taiwan Bell Group, along with DUYLINK Investment Co., Ltd., Hong Kong financial institutions, and industry partners, conducted on-site research in Taiyuan Province, Vietnam, and officially announced plans to build a large automobile manufacturing base there. The initial investment of the project is about 3.5 billion yuan, and the planned land area is about 140 hectares. The production base will mainly cover product lines such as motorcycles, trucks, dump trucks, tractors, and special vehicles, committed to building a regional hub for automobile manufacturing and export. Although Chengling Motors is relatively unfamiliar to the public, its associated "Hengshan brand" cars carry profound historical memories. As early as January 10, 2025, Chengling Motors signed a cooperation agreement with the People's Government of Hengshan County, Hunan Province for the "Hengshan Automobile" project, aiming to revitalize the assets of the former Hunan Hengshan Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd. This old factory, founded in 1969, was once a national level specialized production unit for military modified vehicles, but was discontinued due to market changes. Chengling Motors plans to retain the "Hengshan Brand" trademark and gradually complete the acquisition within three years, promoting the revitalization of this classic brand. According to the plan, after the first phase of production of the Vietnam base, the annual production capacity is expected to reach 20000 units, and the annual output value is expected to reach 1 billion yuan. The products will cover a variety of vehicle models, including municipal sanitation vehicles, emergency rescue vehicles, new energy buses, high-end business buses, as well as logistics refrigerated trucks, elderly RVs, and more. Editor/Yang Beihua

PowerChina wins Singapore's largest floating photovoltaic project

On the shimmering waves of the Kranji Reservoir in Singapore, an iconic green project is about to unfold. Recently, China Power Construction Corporation Limited and Shengke Singapore Solar Private Limited officially signed the EPC general contract for the Kranji Reservoir Floating Photovoltaic Project in Singapore, marking a new and important breakthrough for China Power Construction in the field of new energy. This project is currently the largest floating solar project in Singapore, located in the northern and central waters of the Kranji Reservoir. According to the contract, PowerChina will undertake the full process EPC general contracting work from design, procurement to construction, with a project capacity of 150 megawatts. The project is expected to commence construction in the first half of 2027 and be put into operation in stages. Since entering the Singapore market in 2011, China Electric Power Construction Corporation has been committed to deepening local cultivation and serving the local market. With solid engineering quality and advanced technology, it has successfully completed more than 20 key projects covering transportation, municipal and energy fields, and established an excellent brand reputation in the local area. The Kranji Reservoir Floating Photovoltaic Project signed this time is the first water surface photovoltaic project won by China Power Construction in Singapore. It not only marks the company's official entry into the country's large-scale floating photovoltaic construction market, but also adds substantial achievements to deepen cooperation between China and Singapore in the field of green energy. The signing ceremony was attended by Jen Tan, CEO of Singapore Shengke Photovoltaic Company, Zhou Jiayi, Deputy General Manager and General Manager of Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters of PowerChina, and Liu Jiajin, Deputy General Manager of East China Institute. Representatives from PowerChina Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters, Singapore Representative Office, and East China Institute also attended the ceremony. Editor/Yang Beihua

The construction of King Salman Airport is accelerating

Recently, the Acting CEO of King Salman International Airport in Riyadh announced that the detailed design plan for the airport has been finalized, and Terminal 6 will begin construction in the second quarter of next year, marking the substantial advancement of Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" aviation hub strategy. The airport is a core project of Saudi Arabia's aviation industry's $100 billion investment plan, covering an area of 57 square kilometers, with 6 planned runways, and a target passenger throughput of 120 million by 2030. China Electric Power Construction and China MCC formed a consortium to participate in the bidding, and the project will promote Riyadh as a transportation hub, contributing approximately 7.2 billion US dollars to Saudi Arabia's non oil GDP.Editor/Cheng Liting

Angola Mozambique Medes Railway launches international franchise bidding

Recently, the Angolan government launched a 30-year international franchise bidding for the Mozambique Mendes Railway. If the railway is extended to Namibia or Zambia during the operation period, the franchise period can be extended for another 20 years. The bidding deadline is May 4, 2026. The railway has a total length of 855 kilometers and is an important trunk line in Angola and part of the Namibe Corridor. At present, Anna and Laos have carried out technical docking on cross-border railways. This bidding requires bidders to have funds and experience, and the Angolan government hopes to increase freight volume, reduce logistics costs, and promote the development of industries along the route. Editor/Cheng Liting

Chinese banks assist in landing 15GW clean energy project

In the global energy transition wave, Saudi Arabia's actions are attracting the attention of the world. Recently, Saudi energy giant ACWA Power announced that it has secured a massive financing of up to $5.95 billion for its 15GW clean energy projects. This funding will be used to support two wind power projects and five photovoltaic projects located within Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the clear strategy of this oil kingdom to extend its energy dominance through new energy. This financing can be regarded as a "national team global tour", attracting 29 financial institutions from the Gulf region, Europe, China, Japan and other places to participate. Among them, several Chinese financial institutions, including Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and China Minsheng Bank, have provided strong support. The loan term is as long as 27 years, reflecting the confidence of international capital in the long-term prospects of Saudi Arabia's new energy development. The equity structure of the project is jointly held by ACWA Power, Badeel, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saudi sovereign fund PIF, and Saudi Aramco Power Company. This national level risk sharing model greatly enhances market confidence. All projects are expected to be fully operational from the second half of 2027 to the first half of 2028. Saudi Arabia's rapid execution capability is in line with its strategy of seizing the future "second pot of gold" - by building a globally leading low-cost green power base, laying the foundation for future industries such as hydrogen energy and green metallurgy, and reshaping its role in the global energy landscape. Editor/Yang Beihua