23 6 月, 2021

HKTDC Export Index 2Q21: Export confidence rises for fifth consecutive quarter

HONG KONG, Jun 23, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced today that its Export Index has risen for the fifth consecutive quarter, soaring from a record low of 16.0 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last year to 48.7 in the second quarter of 2021, which is close to expansionary territory. The sustained upturn indicates that local exporters have gradually regained confidence in the city's export outlook.Presenting the HKTDC Export Index for the second quarter of 2021 and an analysis on opportunities in the "new normal" are researchers at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council: (from left) Assistant Principal Economist (Greater China) Alice Tsang, Director of Research Nicholas Kwan, Assistant Principal Economist (Global Research) Louis ChanHKTDC Director of Research Nicholas Kwan said Hong Kong's exports have grown significantly in recent months, buoyed by the global revival in trade and the resumption of production activities. Total exports in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 33.2% year-on-year to HK$1,107.8 billion, with growth of 24.4% registered in April. "Led by Mainland China and the United States, the global economy has rebounded steadily, which will continue to bolster Hong Kong's export performance," Mr Kwan said.Meanwhile, the HKTDC's Export Index survey showed that local exporters continue to have concerns. These include the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic (41.5%), softening global demand (16.7%), prolonged trade tensions between the mainland and the United States (13.0%) and continuing pandemic-mandated border closures (11.6%)."The global economic recovery is likely to be highly uneven. After taking into account a basket of factors, we decided to revise Hong Kong's export forecast in 2021 upward from 5% to 15%, albeit from a low base. This represents the biggest rebound since the city's recovery from the global financial crisis in 2010," Mr Kwan added.Smaller orders, higher costsMr Kwan pointed out that while concerns remain, the impact of the pandemic has been gradually easing over the past few months. The percentage of respondents reporting that they had been negatively affected by pandemic-related issues fell from 78.2% in the first quarter of 2021 to 56.9% in the second quarter.A reduction in order size (66.4%), increased transportation costs (46.4%) and logistics or distribution disruptions (42.6%) were cited as the three most common problems, Mr Kwan said. In addition to getting accustomed to a new normal of smaller orders and higher transportation costs, Hong Kong businesses have adopted new strategies to weather these challenges such as developing other product categories (53.8%), developing the mainland domestic market (49.5%), developing online sales channels (45.5%) and targeting new overseas markets (28.4%), with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc and Europe the most popular choices for diversification.New opportunities under 14th Five-Year PlanMr Kwan said that China's 14th Five-Year Plan, coupled with the "dual circulation" development model, aims to stimulate domestic demand in the mainland, presenting enormous opportunities for Hong Kong businesses. About 40% of the exporters surveyed have developed or are intending to develop the mainland domestic market, yet are encountering various challenges such as intense competition (81.8%), difficulties in selecting suitable local sales partners and/or distributors (47.4%), and problems with mastering the required sales channels (44.0%)."The HKTDC has formulated strategies to help Hong Kong companies capture domestic sales opportunities through both online and offline channels. We can help them understand business regulations, master market trends, establish contacts and expand their sales network through a series of promotional activities and new services," Mr Kwan said.Major markets and industries reboundThe HKTDC conducts the Export Index survey every quarter, interviewing 500 local exporters from six major industries including machinery, electronics, jewellery, watches and clocks, toys and clothing, to gauge business confidence in near-term export prospects. The Index indicates an optimistic or pessimistic outlook, with 50 as the dividing line.HKTDC Assistant Principal Economist (Greater China) Alice Tsang said: "The Export Index rose by 9.7 points to 48.7 in the second quarter. In line with this, exporter confidence continues to improve across almost all industry sectors and major markets." Looking at specific industries, machinery (up 13.0 points to 55.9) and electronics (up 9.8 points to 48.8) both outperformed the overall average. In terms of export markets, confidence in Mainland China (50.3) returned to expansionary territory while a more optimistic sentiment was seen in Japan (49.8), the European Union (49.2), the ASEAN bloc (49.1) and the US (49.0).Ms Tsang added that the improving export sentiment is further evident in an upward trend in subsidiary indexes, including the Trade Value Index (up 10.7 points to 57.0) and Procurement Index (up 11.9 points to 45.5). The employment sentiment, however, remained subdued (down 1.6 points to 41.6).Tech and eco products take the leadHKTDC Assistant Principal Economist (Global Research) Louis Chan interviewed a number of consuls general and trade commissioners in Hong Kong and shortlisted some of the new opportunities for Hong Kong companies on the road to recovery.United KingdomUnder the new tariff regime, 47% of imported goods are tariff-free while the average tariff is as low as 5.7%. In addition, the UK has announced 10 new freeports as national hubs for trade, innovation and commerce, creating jobs, attracting new businesses and encouraging investment to help drive the country's post-Brexit growth. Collaboration opportunities exist in clean energy projects such as offshore wind power, smart energy systems, sustainable construction, precision agriculture, green finance and electric vehicle manufacture.ItalyItaly was the first European country to be impacted by the pandemic. The Italian government launched its EUR 222 billion five-year National Recovery and Resilience Plan to revive the country's economy. The plan covers six areas including digitalisation, innovation, competitiveness and culture; the green revolution and ecological transition; infrastructure for sustainable mobility; education and research; cohesion and inclusion; and health. It is expected to add an extra 3.6 percentage points to Italy's gross domestic product growth by 2026.Austria40% of Austrian investments in Mainland China go via Hong Kong, while 70% of mainland investments in Austria are done via Hong Kong entities. Many Austrian brands have an eye on opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area arising from its expanding middle-class, and plan to access Greater Bay Area and Belt and Road markets via Hong Kong. Last year, an Austrian fibre producer, making eco-friendly renewable products, achieved a historic first, sending textiles that were 100% made in Austria directly to China by the China Railway Express.PolandDespite the uncertainties brought by the pandemic, Poland has the potential to become the digital heart of Europe. In May 2020, Microsoft announced a US$1 billion, seven-year digital transformation investment plan in Poland, featuring the opening of the company's first data centre in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), in partnership with Poland's leading cloud computing solutions provider, Chmura Krajowa. Around the same time, Google announced the launch of a new Google Cloud region in Warsaw, also a CEE first, with an investment of up to US$2 billion.Mr Chan added that Hong Kong companies producing tech products and services have a better chance to succeed in the post-pandemic market, citing areas such as 5G-related smart devices, clothing made with anti-bacterial fabric, the cold supply chain and e-Health. He added that traditional products with a modern twist are also popular in niche markets, including proprietary IP toys, contemporary jade jewellery, at-home fitness gear, hiking equipment and more.References- HKTDC Research website: http://research.hktdc.com/- HKTDC Export Index 2Q21: Exporter Confidence Rises for Fifth Successive Quarter https://bit.ly/2SBCizE- 2021 Mid-Year Export Review: Strong Recovery but Uneven Outlook https://bit.ly/3vvRpbf- Podcast https://bit.ly/3xMMeF4- Post-Covid Prospects series https://bit.ly/2SG5hSC- Photo download: https://bit.ly/3gPndnfAbout HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInMedia enquiries:HKTDC Communication and Public Affairs DepartmentBeatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

24 5 月, 2021

Sino Biopharmaceutical 2021 First Quarterly Profit attributable to Owners of the Parent Soars 118.5% to RMB1.91 Billion

HONG KONG, May 24, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited ("Sino Biopharmaceutical" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") (HKEX:1177), a leading and innovation-driven pharmaceutical conglomerate in the PRC, has announced its unaudited first quarterly results for the three months ended 31 March 2021.Development Highlights-- Chia Tai - Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. ("CT Tianqing"), a member company of the Group, and Beijing-based Genetron Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GTH) signed a strategic cooperation agreement on early screening of liver cancer. The two parties will work together in the next three years in selected areas in the country to serve those at high risk of developing liver cancer, including Hepatitis B carriers and other liver disease patients, thereby establishing industry benchmarks for early liver cancer screening in China and for the world.-- The Group's 6 products, namely Esomeprazole Magnesium Enteric-coated Capsules, Empagliflozin Tablets, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablets, Canagliflozin Tablets, Bortezomib for Injection and Ticagrelor Tablets, were included in the fourth batch of centralized procurement drugs. Of them, 4 products including Esomeprazole Magnesium Enteric-coated Capsules, are newly approved products which, being qualified for centralized procurement, are expected to quickly gain market share.-- The Group, through its subsidiary C-Lab International Limited, had acquired 100% equity interest in the Belgian private company SOFTHALE NV. SOFTHALE's soft mist inhalation device (SMI) operating on differentiated technology allows more efficient drug deposition in the lungs. It is the next generation transpulmonary drug delivery technology and has good application prospects in treating a board range of diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Group also plans to through the acquisition build a key strategic hub for development in Europe.-- Fosaprepitant Dimeglumine for Injection, a drug developed by CT Tianqing for prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, secured approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is another entry pass to international markets obtained by the product, following that from the European Union. It is also another product developed by CT Tianqing that has been granted approval for launch from three mainstream international markets, namely China, the U.S. and Europe.-- Under the guidance of the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, the Management Committee of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Sino Biopharm, the first "Future Stars" Innovation Achievement Transformation Project Competition hosted by the Institute of Materia Medica at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Beijing Tide Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., a member company of the Group, was held in Beijing between 6 and 7 January, 2021. The competition has helped enhance mutual understanding between R&D institutions and enterprises, and also presented enterprises an effective mechanism to transform R&D institutions' projects into products.Sales of new products as a percentage to revenue increased to 47.4%, driving revenue up 16.4%; profit attributable to the owners of the parent climbed by 118.5%During the period, the Group recorded revenue of approximately RMB7.24 billion, an increase of approximately 16.4% over the same period last year. Among them, sales of new products amounted to RMB3.43 billion, accounting for approximately 47.4% of the Group's total revenue for the period, up from approximately 32.9% last year. Profit attributable to the owners of the parent was approximately RMB1.91 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 118.5%. Earnings per share attributable to the owners of the parent were approximately RMB10.19 cents, an increase of approximately 118.7% over the same period last year.The Group's financial position remains strong and stable, cash and bank balances totaled approximately RMB7.93 billion at the period end.The Board of Directors declares a quarterly dividend of HK2 cents per share (Q1 2020: HK2 cents).Building effective marketing by leveraging emerging online platforms amid the pandemic, which in turn boosted product sales; sales of oncology medicines doubledDuring the period, the Group's marketing and sales team was able to accurately grasped opportunities arising from hospitals resuming service with the pandemic under control and more and more patients going to the hospital for consultation. Abiding strictly with pandemic prevention and control policies, marketing activities fully resumed and an effective marketing and service system was formed by integrating the online academic promotion and patient education and service platforms set up during the pandemic.Sales of oncology medicines amounted to approximately RMB2.64 billion, representing an increase of 31.8%. Its contribution has quickly increased to approximately 36.4% and become the Group's largest product category in terms of revenue. With the well-known innovative drug Anlotinib giving the push, and newly launched products in good number and boasting wide coverage of indications, and by giving support to clinical experts in exploring various combined treatment options, Anlotinib as well as other products continued to see fast growth in sales. These products included Qingkeshu (Abiraterone), a prostate cancer drug on the national drug procurement list, the targeted therapy drugs for myeloma, namely Qianping (Bortezomib for injections), Andxian (Lenalidomide capsules), Anyue (Pomalidomide) and Leweixin (Bendamustine Hydrochloride for Injection), the first generic drug Qingkeyi (Fulvestrant Injection) for treating breast cancer, the first generic drug Weishou (Azacitidine for Injection) for treating leukaemia, and the antiemetic drug Shanqi (Fosaprepitant Dimeglumine for Injection).In the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular segment, 8 products developed by the Group were selected in the past 4 rounds of national procurement. To make the best of those related opportunities, the Group worked hard on ensuring smooth production, logistics and supply of its products. As such, products including Tuotuo, Beilishu and Anxinfen reported satisfactory growth.In the field of orthopedic and analgesia, the Group applied its chronic disease management system, well-established and strengthened during the pandemic period, to enhance services for doctors and patients. Gaisanchun (Calcitriol Capsules), Debaian/Zepolas (Flurbiprofen Cataplasms), Yigu (Zoledronic Acid Injection), Kaifen (Flurbiprofen Axetil Injection), Chia Tai Jiuli (Glucosamine Hydrochloride Tablets), Taiyan (Tofacitinib Citrate Tablets), Fenkexin, Yu An (Parecoxib Sodium for Injection), and Sulibao (Celecoxib Capsules) all achieved remarkable sales performance.In the field of respiratory, the Group's first generic drug for allergic asthma, Tianqingsuchang (Budesonide Suspension for Inhalation), was launched, helping enrich the Group's respiratory product line and providing local patients with a new option for the first time other than imported products. At the prompt decision of the medical and marketing departments to set up a hospital service system pinpointing asthma patients, sales of the product increased markedly. Currently, the Group still has a number of respiratory products under development and the area will be one of its main foci in the future. Digestive products, such as Getai (Diosmin Tablets) and Deyou (Pronase), infusion products Fenghaina (Compound Sodium Acelate Ringer's Injection), and contrast products, such as Qingliming (Iodixanol Injection) and Xianai (Gadoxetate Disodium Injection), performed far better than expected during the period.Strong R&D capabilities has been the key profit driverOver the years, the Group has put immense resources into bolstering its R&D capability to turn it into a key profit driver. It has 50 products on sale launched in or after 2018 and their total revenue grew over 90% during the period. The Group's product lines under development have strong reserves of new products to add to every year.During the period, the Group obtained 7 production approvals: 3 specifications of Anlotinib Capsules' New Indication for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma, 2 specifications of Esomeprazole Magnesium Enteric-coated Capsules, and 2 specifications of Empagliflozin Tablets; and 12 passes of Consistency Evaluation (or are deemed to have passed): 2 specifications of Esomeprazole Magnesium Enteric-coated Capsules (or are deemed to have passed), 2 specifications (or are deemed to have passed) of Empagliflozin Tablets, 2 specifications for Bortezomib for Injections, Parecoxib Sodium for Injection, Docetaxel Injection, 3 specifications of Decitabine for Injection, Alfacalcidol Soft Capsule. 7 pharmaceutical products obtained clinical trial approvals and 8 filed applications for clinical trial. 2 filed applications for production approval and 4 made application for Consistency Evaluation. The Group obtained 39 new invention patent approvals, and made 212 applications for invention patents. Cumulatively, the Group has obtained 963 invention patent approvals. During the period, the total R&D expenditure was approximately RMB1.06 billion, accounting for approximately 14.7% of the Group's revenue.Prospects: deploy the Internet and big data riding on the "Internet + healthcare" national policyAccording to forecasts, the global economic recovery is likely to continue in the second quarter, with further divergence among economies depending on epidemic control, vaccine supply, economic fundamentals and stimulus policies. China's economic activity will continue to show a higher year-on-year growth rate after a full recovery due to its relatively low performance in the same period last year. Health care reform has entered deeper waters. The dynamic adjustment of the National Reimbursement Drug List and the normalization of centralized drug procurement will pave the way for the restructuring of the pharmaceutical industry. R&D innovation capability, production and operational efficiency will be the key to the survival and competitive success of pharmaceutical companies.The Group has been aware of the trend of encouraging and promoting "Internet + healthcare" by national policy, and has started to deploy and will continue to make good use of the Internet and big data to efficiently and cost-effectively conduct academic activities while provide better services to patients through chronic disease management.About Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited (HKEX:1177)Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited is a leading, innovative R&D driven pharmaceutical conglomerate in the PRC. Its business encompasses a fully-integrated chain which covers an array of R&D platforms, a line-up of intelligent production and a strong sales system. The Group's products have gained a competitive foothold in various therapeutic categories with promising potentials, comprising a variety of biopharmaceutical and chemical medicines for tumors, liver diseases, cardio-cerebral diseases, orthopedic diseases, respiratory system diseases and parenteral nutrition.Sino Biopharm is a constituent stock of the following indices: MSCI Global Standard Indices - MSCI China Index, Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, Hang Seng Composite Index, Hang Seng Healthcare Index, Hang Seng SCHK Mainland China Healthcare Index, Hang Seng Composite LargeCap Index, Hang Seng Composite LargeCap & MidCap Index, Hang Seng China (Hong Kong-listed) 100 Index and Hang Seng Stock Connect Hong Kong Index, etc.. Sino Biopharm was ranked as one of "Asia's Fab 50 Companies" by Forbes Asia for three consecutive years in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

13 5 月, 2021

Joy Spreader Included in the MSCI China Small Cap Index

HONG KONG, May 13, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - On May 12th , Joy Spreader (06988.HK), a Hong Kong-listed company, announced that the Company is incorporated into the MSCI China Small Cap Index, with effect upon the closure of the market on May 27, 2021.It is reported that the MSCI China Small Cap Index is one of the China market indices launched by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), which aims to measure the performance of the small cap segment in China's stock market, covering PRC companies with excellent operating results and development potential. It is an important index for global institutional investors to evaluate their investment portfolios.Joy Spreader is a leading MarTech company engaging in mobile new media performance-based marketing and marketing SaaS services in the PRC. It has achieved outstanding performance for years and has received considerable attention in the Hong Kong stock market since its listing.According to the financial report, the revenue of Joy Spreader was HK$262 million, HK$538 million and HK$924 million from 2018 to 2020, respectively, and the earnings (net profit) during the year were HK$45 million, HK$77 million and HK$139 million, respectively. Joy Spreader's performance has maintained rapid growth.The Company's board of directors believes that the inclusion of the MSCI China Small Cap Index shows the recognition of the Company's performance and value by the capital market. It is expected that the inclusion will enhance the confidence of capital market and investors to the Company and increase the liquidity of the Company's shares. At the same time, the inclusion will raise the Company's profile and boost the Company's business and cooperation. Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

11 5 月, 2021

Nissin Foods Delivers Stable 2021 Q1 Financial Results

HONG KONG, May 11, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Nissin Foods Company Limited ("Nissin Foods" or the "Company", and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"; Stock code: 1475) today announced its unaudited 2021 first quarter financial information for the three months ended 31 March 2021 ("the Reporting Period"). The Group's revenue amounted to HK$964.5 million, representing a year-on-year ("YoY") increase of 9.0% from HK$884.6 million. Gross profit increased by 9.1% YoY to HK$309.9 million (2020: HK$284.2 million), while gross profit margin was maintained at 32.1%, due mainly to the increase in sales in the PRC which offsetted the increase in price of raw materials and other production costs. Profit attributable to owners of the Company was HK$93.2 million (2020: HK$99.0 million). Revenue from the Group's PRC operations increased by 19.5% YoY (in local currency: increased by 11.4%) to HK$628.8 million (2020: HK$526.2 million), attributable mainly to the organic growth of the instant noodles business and contribution from the Group's distribution business. Revenue from the Hong Kong operations amounted to HK$335.6 million (2020: HK$358.4 million), following a decrease in sales of bag-type instant noodles during the Reporting Period. During the Reporting Period, the Group has launched the CUPNOODLES MUSEUM Hong Kong in March. The new attraction showcases the Group's vibrancy and ambition to bring new experiences to Hong Kong people and to inspire creativity and curiosity among visitors via educational and entertaining food-related interaction. The Group also reviews regularly its asset utilisation and efficiency of its production facilities to maintain its leadership position. In line with this strategy, the Group has today announced an investment plan of approximately HK$194 million to consolidate production facilities and install new smart production lines (the "Investment Plan") in its Hong Kong production plants at the Tai Po Industrial Estate. Equipping with advanced production technologies and incorporating state-of-the-art automation and robotics, construction of the new production lines is expected to complete by 2023. The Investment Plan will enhance the Group's production and management efficiency and raise quality control, while ensuring a flexible manufacturing system with an ability to produce a variety of products and provide additional areas for warehousing. Mr Kiyotaka ANDO, Executive Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nissin Foods, said, "Amid the ongoing uncertainties in the global economy since the outbreak of COVID-19 last year, the Group continued to keep serving you, underpinned by our dedication to ensuring a stable supply of affordable, safe and tasty food products in spite of the challenging environment. As a leading food manufacturer, we are committed to investing in a variety of businesses to keep up with the sustainable growth and the integration of advanced technology into the manufacturing process in line with the Group's business development strategy. We will continue investing in our businesses in order to strengthen our overall competitiveness and create sustainable value for our stakeholders."For details, please refer to the announcement:https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0511/2021051100334.pdf About Nissin Foods Company LimitedNissin Foods Company Limited (The "Group"; Stock code: 1475) is a renowned food company in Hong Kong and the PRC with a diversified portfolio of well-known and highly popular brands and the largest instant noodle company in Hong Kong. The Group officially established its presence in Hong Kong in 1984. The Group primarily manufactures and sells instant noodles, frozen foods and other food products under its two core corporate brands, namely "NISSIN" and "DOLL" together with a diversified portfolio of iconic household premium food brands. The Group's five flagship product brands, namely "Cup Noodles", "Demae Iccho", "Doll Instant Noodle", "Doll Dim Sum" and "Fuku" are also among the most popular choices in their respective food product categories in Hong Kong. In the PRC market, the Group has introduced technology innovation through the "ECO Cup" concept into the market and primarily focuses its sales efforts in first-and second-tier cities in the PRC. Nissin Foods is a constituent of eight Hang Seng Indexes, namely: Hang Seng Composite Index, Hang Seng Consumer Goods & Services Index, Hang Seng Stock Connect Hong Kong Index, Hang Seng Stock Connect Hong Kong MidCap & SmallCap Index, Hang Seng Stock Connect Hong Kong SmallCap Index, Hang Seng SCHK Mainland China Companies Index, Hang Seng SCHK ex-AH Companies Index, and Hang Seng Small Cap (Investable) Index. For more information, please visit www.nissingroup.com.hk. Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

22 3 月, 2021

HKTDC Export Index 1Q21: Export confidence continues to grow

HONG KONG, Mar 22, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The HKTDC Export Index rose a further 2.8 points to 39.0 in the first quarter of this year compared with the preceding quarter, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced today. "Although the index has risen for four consecutive quarters, it remains in contractionary territory, suggesting a cautiously optimistic export outlook," said HKTDC Director of Research Nicholas Kwan. "The city's export performance will be affected by several uncertainties such as whether there is a revival in consumer and business confidence, and whether the economic stimulus packages implemented in major economies are effective."Presenting the HKTDC Export Index for the first quarter of 2021 and an analysis on smart-city opportunities in the "new normal" are researchers at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council: (L-R) Economist Melissa Ho, Director of Research Nicholas Kwan, Assistant Principal Economist (Global Research) Louis Chan and Economist Samantha YimMeanwhile, resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic (46%) and softening global demand (28.4%) remained local exporters' key concerns, according to the survey."As the impact of COVID-19 begins to diminish and business operations gradually return to normal, the Hong Kong economy is expected to regain the momentum for growth," said Mr Kwan.The survey also found the proportion of exporters who were hard hit by the pandemic dropped significantly, from 56.7% in the previous quarter to 33.1% this quarter. "Reduction in order sizes [53.9%] has been the most common adverse impact but more and more local exporters have experienced challenges brought by the disruptions to logistics and distribution [20.7%, up almost 8 percentage points] such as tight container supply and soaring shipping costs," he added.Half of exporters go onlineTo weather COVID-19-related challenges, nearly half of the exporters surveyed planned to develop other product categories (45.7%) or build up online sales channels (45.4%) in 2021. The most popular channels for those going online included proprietary websites/applications/social commerce (77.3%) and third-party e-commerce platforms (64.9%). Some respondents also indicated they used online sourcing platforms (36.1%) or online exhibitions (19.1%).However, many exporters encountered difficulties when developing online sales, including intense competition in the e-commerce market (56.7%) and ineffective digital market strategies (52.6%), while some were not ready to take small orders (37.6%) or establish long-term relationships with buyers on a virtual basis (32.0%). Other commonly identified issues included potential cybersecurity risks (26.3%) and the need to train e-commerce staff (25.3%).Mr Kwan said many companies now offer a basket of value-added services as a way to stay competitive in the market. The most common free service offered is product design and development (67.9%), followed by preparing trade documentation (56.6%), logistics arrangement (56.6%), facilitating the attainment of quality-certification or product-testing reports (56.6%), and managing production including outward processing and quality control (52.8%).All major industries reboundThe HKTDC conducts the Export Index survey every quarter, interviewing 500 local exporters from six major industries including machinery, electronics, jewellery, watches and clocks, toys and clothing, to gauge business confidence in near-term export prospects. The Index indicates an optimistic or pessimistic outlook, with 50 as the dividing line.HKTDC Economist Samantha Yim said export confidence improved across all major industries. The strongest rebound was in jewellery (42.2) and toys (44.7), which jumped 9.2 and 8.8 points respectively. Among major markets, Hong Kong exporters were relatively more confident in the United States (46.1, up 1.7 points), while Mainland China (48.0) and Japan (47.3) were on par with the last quarter. The outlook for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (45.2) and the European Union (42.9) was less promising, falling 2 and 1.1 points respectively."The improving export sentiment is further evident in an upward trend in the subsidiary indexes including the Trade Value Index [46.3, up 9.8 points] and Employment Index [43.2, up 1.7 points], yet the Procurement Index [33.6, down 1 point] remained subdued, suggesting exporters are worrying orders might drop in the near future," Ms Yim said.The HKTDC's Research Department also conducted a series of company interviews to explore how technologies have promoted smart-city development and helped local enterprises ride out the COVID-19 challenges.Retail industry evolvesHKTDC Economist Melissa Ho said the pandemic has accelerated the transformation of the retail industry. Technological solutions such as data analytics, the Internet of Things and sensors have played a pivotal role in enabling more effective retail management and providing better shopping experiences for consumers. Self-services/self-checkout kiosks, "try-before-you-buy" experiences powered by augmented reality (AR) technology, and the use of sensors for consumption-pattern analysis have become the "new normal" in the retail industry."Technology improves operational efficiency and enhances shopping experiences. It is important for retailers to keep up with the fast-paced change in customer needs and expectations by enhancing their capabilities and competitiveness through digital enablers," she said.Navigate COVID-19 opportunitiesHKTDC Assistant Principal Economist (Global Research) Louis Chan said local companies upgrade and transform in four key areas amid the pandemic: developing new products, expanding sales channels, innovating marketing solutions and optimising work processes. He said medical and healthcare products as well as tech-related (including 5G, artificial intelligence, and AR) products emerged with the rise of "stay-at-home" economy, while the online-to-offline business model continued to grow with cross-border e-commerce becoming a new focus."Content marketing on social media as well as more precise and personalised marketing backed by data analysis will become the new normal. Mobile technology-aided game marketing can help companies win support from the new generation of consumers," said Mr Chan. He noted work optimisation can be achieved by applying various technologies, citing the example that automated systems supported by robots can enhance warehouse efficiency and delivery accuracy. Cloud database, remote and machine learning technology can also help optimise logistics efficiency, improve production management and reduce risks, added Mr Chan.References- HKTDC Research website: http://research.hktdc.com/ - HKTDC Export Index 1Q21: Improved Exporter Sentiment in Expectation of Economic Recovery in the Year Ahead https://bit.ly/3qYc853- Smart City Development: New Retail Experiences https://bit.ly/3eDt1j4- Smart City Facilitators: Robotising the Food and Beverages Sector https://bit.ly/3eDta66- Navigating COVID-19 series https://bit.ly/3rTd1NJ- Photo download: https://bit.ly/314qxSPAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:Beatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

9 3 月, 2021

MHI Selected for Inclusion in All Four ESG Investment Indices Adopted by GPIF

TOKYO, Mar 9, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has been selected as a constituent of all four indices used by Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), the world's largest pension fund, as references for making ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investments into the country's corporate sector. This is the third consecutive year for MHI to be included in all four indices. The Company's selection reflects the high acclaim accorded to MHI Group's ESG-related initiatives, specifically its response to environmental issues and social challenges, and its bolstering of corporate governance.The four ESG investment indices referenced by GPIF are the following:- FTSE Blossom Japan Index: A broad index incorporating overall ESG considerations based on FTSE Russell, an investment index calculator wholly owned by the London Stock Exchange.- MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index: A similar broad index based on MSCI, a U.S. provider of investment indices.- MSCI Japan Empowering Women Index (WIN): An MSCI index monitoring companies? gender diversity performance.- S&P/JPX Carbon Efficient Index: An index used to evaluate corporate performance in terms of carbon efficiency, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices.MHI proactively undertakes diverse initiatives in each aspect of ESG in pursuit of sustainable social development; these include reducing environmental burdens both internally and at customer sites, promoting diversity, conducting CSR (corporate social responsibility) focused procurement, and strengthening corporate governance and information disclosure. In addition, in its 2021 Medium-Term Business Plan (MTBP) spanning the 2021 through 2023 fiscal years, the Company has newly identified materiality it should address in order to enhance its corporate value and grow in the medium to long term through solutions to social issues. Acclaim for these initiatives led to MHI?s selection for inclusion in the four indices cited above and also, for a fourth straight year, inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia/Pacific Index, one of the world?s leading ESG investment indices.Going forward, MHI Group will continue to monitor social trends, strive for enhanced initiatives addressing ESG and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ensure proper information disclosures. Through its business activities, the Company will make ongoing contributions to the building of a sustainable society. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

29 1 月, 2021

Following an almost full year of dramatic decline, the global marketing industry ended 2020 in growth

LONDON, Jan 29, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - WARC has today released an annual review of its Global Marketing Index (GMI) over the 12 months of 2020. WARC's GMI provides a unique monthly indicator of the state of the global marketing industry, by tracking and analysing current conditions among 1000+ marketers, including marketing budgets, trading conditions and staffing levels. This is accompanied by key WARC global advertising spend data.Following a year of disruption brought on by the global pandemic, the key takeaways highlighted in WARC's GMI review of 2020 report are:1. Recovery is apparent across most GMI indices as businesses gain confidence in economies across the worldOver the last 12 months, the GMI has seen the greatest fluctuation in its history. The Headline Global Marketing Index, a summary of how the marketing industry is faring globally, reflects the volatility of 2020. The year began in slight decline, with a dramatic drop over the first half of the year, reaching an all time low in May at 19.7 as a result of the effects of COVID-19.Since then, as optimism for an emergence from the pandemic has grown, the index has returned to growth. The year ended with three consecutive months of increased growth rate finishing at 55.4 largely driven by markets across APAC and the Americas, with the pace of recovery slower in Europe.2. The index for marketing budgets saw both its lifetime high and low index values in 2020The overall index for global marketing budgets mirrored the trends of the Headline Global Marketing Index. Budgets reached an all time low of 13.4 in May, but as economies started to recover, by December, they were at a value of 57.8 with APAC showing the biggest growth rate. WARC Data forecasts indicate that it will take at least two years for the global advertising market to fully recover. When broken down by medium, digital and mobile are the clear drivers of growth from August onwards, driven by the boom in e-commerce as a result of global lockdowns. Digital budgets ended at an index value of 67.4 and mobile at 67.0. TV remains a resilient channel. After returning to growth in October, it ended the year on 56.0. Although radio, OOH and press budgets have started a slow recovery, the indices for these channels have remained in decline. 3. APAC ended the year with the strongest index levels, showing increased rates of growth across most indices going into 2021When broken down by region, the GMI indices show the varying confidence levels across the world. APAC's increase in growth rate in the final few months of 2020 was rapid, whereas the Americas showed steadier growth over the second half of the year, with a particularly strong staffing index compared to other regions. Europe only returned to growth at the end of 2020, but is set for further challenges in 2021 as a result of Brexit and the ongoing second wave of COVID-19.Summing up, Zoe McCready, Research Executive, WARC, says: "The Global Marketing Index trends through 2020 reflect the volatility seen over the past 12 months as advertising budgets were slashed as a result of the global pandemic. Yet the possibility of emerging from the pandemic and increasing business adaptation to the 'new normal' has seen all regions come back into growth for 2021, with APAC seeing the biggest increase in growth rate. WARC's monthly GMI data provide a unique early look at the health of the marketing industry, and point to the ongoing strength of digital and mobile channels into 2021, driven by the continued rise of e-commerce as COVID-19 lockdowns continue in many countries."A complimentary copy of WARC's "Global Marketing Index: A review of 2020" is available to download on lp.warc.com/GMI-report-2020.html. The GMI monthly reports are available by subscription. The next GMI report will be released on 28 January. View on www.warc.com/data/global-marketing-index for more information.Marketers currently working for a brand owners, media owners, creative or media agencies - or any other organisation serving the marketing industry - can apply to take part in the monthly GMI panel. Find out more on www.warc.com/data/global-marketing-index/register.Contact:Amanda Benfell Head of PR & Press +44 20 7467 8125 amanda.benfell@warc.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

27 1 月, 2021

Hitachi Selected as a constituent of ‘FTSE4Good Index Series’ and ‘FTSE Blossom Japan Index’, World-leading ESG Indexes

TOKYO, Jan 27, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - In recent years, ESG investments have been gaining momentum in the capital market, as companies evaluate and decide on investments from ESG perspectives. The "FTSE4Good Index Series" and the "FTSE Blossom Japan Index" are among the most important criteria used by investors worldwide for corporate ESG activities. The "FTSE Blossom Japan Index" has been adopted as a passive ESG investment management benchmark selected by the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), the world's largest public pension fund.Since its establishment, based on the corporate philosophy of "Contributing to society through the development of superior, original technology and products," Hitachi has demonstrated continued growth alongside the development of society. In the 2021 Mid-term Management Plan announced in May 2019, the company put forward goals for simultaneously increasing three types of value for society and the customers - Social value, Environmental value, and Economic value - as part of efforts to achieve a sustainable world. In this Mid-term Plan, milestones for achieving the long-term environmental goals laid out in "Hitachi Environmental Innovation 2050" are reflected in management strategies for business rollout. As a leader in environmental value in particular, Hitachi announced "Hitachi Carbon Neutrality 2030" to assist in building a decarbonized society, and is accelerating activities aimed at achieving carbon neutral in its own business site (factories and offices) by FY2030.Hitachi will strive to develop and provide new solutions that apply digital technologies to take on a variety of challenges, including ESG, for customers and society. By improving Quality of Life and increasing value for customers, Hitachi will contribute to building a sustainable society.About FTSEThe "FTSE4Good Index Series" and the "FTSE Blossom Japan Index" are semi-annually selected by FTSE Russell, a wholly owned subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange Group. These indexes are composed of stocks that meet a variety of criteria related to the environmental, society, and governance.About Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is focused on its Social Innovation Business that combines information technology (IT), operational technology (OT) and products. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2019 (ended March 31, 2020) totaled 8,767.2 billion yen ($80.4 billion), and it employed approximately 301,000 people worldwide. Hitachi drives digital innovation across five sectors - Mobility, Smart Life, Industry, Energy and IT - through Lumada, Hitachi's advanced digital solutions, services, and technologies for turning data into insights to drive digital innovation. Its purpose is to deliver solutions that increase social, environmental and economic value for its customers. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

7 12 月, 2020

Sino Biopharm Invests in Sinovac LS, A Leading COVID-19 Vaccine Company in China

HONG KONG, Dec 7, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited ("Sino Biopharm" or the "Group"; HKEX: 1177) has announced the investment of US$515 million in Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd. ("Sinovac LS", previously known as Sinovac Research and Development Co., Ltd.), which will be funded by internal resources of the Group and result in a 15.03% equity interest in Sinovac LS. The investment will help Sinovac enhance its R&D and production capabilities of CoronaVac, a COVID-19 vaccine, and other development and operational activities of Sinovac LS. The investment also marks Sino Biopharm's foray into vaccine R&D and production.Sinovac LS, which is principally engaged in the business of R&D of vaccines for human use, has made significant progress in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac. It is not only the first to successfully develop an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, but also one of the few enterprises in China that can produce such vaccines on a large scale. On 13 April 2020, clinical research of CoronaVac has been officially approved by China National Medical Products Administration. Its phase III clinical trials have also been approved in Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey and Chile. Currently, Sinovac LS has received orders from various countries. The win-win cooperation is expected to increase the competitiveness of China made COVID-19 vaccines in the global market. According to various estimates, the global demand for COVID-19 vaccines may be on the order of tens of billions of doses, while the vaccine production capacity of enterprises in the PRC is expected to be at least 2 billion doses by the end of 2021. Capitalizing on the Group's strong industrialization capabilities, Sino Biopharm's investment will enable Sinovac LS to rapidly expand the production capacity of the COVID-19 vaccine, so as to rapidly meet the procurement demand from China, and even globally.Entering into the field of preventive vaccines is complementary to the Group's existing curative drug products, and also accelerates the Group's strategy of a "Fully-integrated Biopharmaceutical Value Chain". Moreover, given that preventive therapy products have a lower risk of being impacted by the national centralized drug procurement policies, the investment will enhance the Group's overall operational resilience.As a leading innovative R&D driven pharmaceutical conglomerate in the PRC, Sino Biopharm continues to introduce innovative products through business development, in addition to its internal research and development. The cooperation with Sinovac LS can quickly provide the market with a much-needed innovative product, which is consistent with the strategic direction of Sino Biopharm. Furthermore, Sino Biopharm will expand its business network with foreign governments, regulatory authorities and business partners through the cooperation, commercialization and investment of COVID-19 vaccine in overseas markets, thereby accelerating the Group's internationalization plans through improving market access and scale."Sino Biopharm wishes to help control the COVID-19 pandemic faster through the joint efforts with its partner, contributing to public health prevention in the PRC and around the world, and extending from sole focus on disease treatment to life cycle health management, thereby ultimately realizing its corporate responsibility for people's health, life safety and even the well-being of all mankind." said Ms. Theresa Tse, Chairwomen of Sino Biopharm. About Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited (HKEX:1177)Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited is a leading, innovative R&D driven pharmaceutical conglomerate in the PRC. Its business encompasses a fully-integrated chain which covers an array of R&D platforms, a line-up of intelligent production and a strong sales system. The Group's products have gained a competitive foothold in various therapeutic categories with promising potentials, comprising a variety of biopharmaceutical and chemical medicines for treating tumors, liver diseases, respiratory system diseases, anti-infectious diseases and orthopedic diseases.Sino Biopharm is a constituent stock of the following indices: MSCI Global Standard Indices - MSCI China Index, Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng Index - Commerce & Industry, Hang Seng Composite Index, Hang Seng Composite Industry Index - Consumer Goods, Hang Seng Composite LargeCap Index, Hang Seng Composite LargeCap & MidCap Index, Hang Seng China (Hong Kong-listed) 100 Index and Hang Seng Stock Connect Hong Kong Index. Sino Biopharm was ranked as one of "Asia's Fab 50 Companies" by Forbes Asia for three consecutive years in 2016, 2017 and 2018.About Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd.Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd.,* previously known as Sinovac Research and Development Co., Ltd., is a research-based company incorporated in 2009 that conducts human vaccine research, development, manufacturing, and sales. It develops several human vaccines, including vaccines against pneumonia, DTaP, Hib, and hepatitis B. Sinovac LS also engages to develop several combo vaccines. Sinovac LS was granted 12 patents in vaccine technologies in China. The inactivated COVID-19 vaccine candidate, or CoronaVac, developed by Sinovac LS is being tested in phase III trials in several countries outside of China. Sinovac LS will be the marketing authorization holder of CoronaVac in China with a vaccine production license issued by China National Medical Products Administration if the vaccine is successfully developed. Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

19 11 月, 2020

Fujitsu Chosen for the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for 21st Time

TOKYO, Nov 19, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu today announced that it has been chosen for inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World), the world's leading Socially Responsible Investment (SRI)(1) index. This is the 21st time for Fujitsu to have been included in this index since its creation in 1999.DJSI World is a stock index offered cooperatively by US-based S&P Dow Jones Indices that selects companies for their excellent sustainability, based on an analysis from the perspective of governance and economics, the environment, and society. Annually, 2,500 companies are eligible globally for this designation, and the top 10% of businesses per industry are chosen from the perspective of sustainability. Including Fujitsu, 323 companies were selected for DJSI World in 2020, 39 of which were Japanese companies.Fujitsu achieved high evaluations in the IT services & Internet Software and Services industry group on the basis of its environmental initiatives, such as "Environmental Reporting" and "Climate Strategy", and its efforts related to the area of society, including its "Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy" and "Human Rights" initiatives. Fujitsu will continue to advance business activities from the perspective of the environment, society, and governance (ESG) in order to realize Our Purpose as stated in the Fujitsu Way-"to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation"-and further increase its efforts to contribute to the sustainable development of society and the Earth.(1) Socially Responsible Investment (SRI)A method of investing that, in addition to the usual investment on the basis of financial analysis, also values a company's social responsibility and contributions to society, the environment, and corporate governance. http://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/csr/vision/sri/index.htmlAbout Fujitsu LtdFujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 130,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.9 trillion yen (US$35 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com. Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

18 11 月, 2020

Eisai Selected for Membership in Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index 2020 for Seventh Time

TOKYO, Nov 18, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today that it has been selected for a membership in the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index (DJSI Asia Pacific), the Asia Pacific version of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), which are a family of premier global indices for socially responsible investment (SRI). This marks Eisai?s seventh selection.The DJSI family was jointly established between RobecoSAM AG (Switzerland) and S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (United States) in 1999 and assesses the corporate sustainability performance of eligible member companies based on economic, environmental and social criteria. The DJSI is one of the important investment criteria for the investors around the world who emphasize on corporate initiatives for improving non-financial value focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG).This year, the DJSI Asia Pacific has selected top 158 companies (82 of which are from Japan) from among the approximate major 600 companies in the region. Eisai received high scores in categories such as Innovation Management, Climate Strategy, Environmental Reporting as well as Human Rights.In addition to the DJSI Asia Pacific, Eisai has been selected for the FTSE4Good Index Series, which is another global benchmark SRI index as well as for the MSCI Japan Empowering Women Index (WIN), the FTSE Blossom Japan Index, the MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index and S&P/JPX Carbon Efficient Index, which are the four ESG investment indices for Japanese stocks adopted by the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF).Eisai?s corporate philosophy is to give first thought to patients and their families, and increase the benefits that health care provides as well as address diverse healthcare needs worldwide. By strengthening its ESG initiatives and increasing non-financial value, Eisai is striving to sustainably enhance corporate value based on this corporate philosophy.About EisaiEisai Co., Ltd. is a leading global research and development-based pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. We define our corporate mission as "giving first thought to patients and their families and to increasing the benefits health care provides," which we call our human health care (hhc) philosophy. With approximately 10,000 employees working across our global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to realize our hhc philosophy by delivering innovative products to address unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Neurology and Oncology. As a global pharmaceutical company, our mission extends to patients around the world through our investment and participation in partnership-based initiatives to improve access to medicines in developing and emerging countries.For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit https://www.eisai.comContact:Media Inquiries: Public Relations Department, Eisai Co., Ltd. +81-(0)3-3817-5120 Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

16 11 月, 2020

MHI Included in Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index for Fourth Consecutive Year

TOKYO, Nov 16, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has been selected again this year for inclusion in the Asia Pacific Index of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), one of the world's leading investment indices for ESG (environmental, social, and governance) performance. This is the fourth consecutive year that MHI has been included in the index, beginning in 2017. The high acclaim afforded to the MHI Group as an investment target reflects recognition of the social significance of its business operations and potential for sustainable growth.The DJSI was developed in 1999 by the U.S. firm S&P Dow Jones and the Swiss investment advisory company RobecoSAM. Listed companies around the world, based on long-term shareholder value, are assessed in terms of their overall economic, environmental, and social criteria, with those determined to have exceptional sustainability selected for inclusion in the index. MHI was one of 158 companies selected for the 2020 index (of which 32 were Japanese companies), from a total of around 600 major companies in the Asia-Pacific region.MHI has proactively implemented various ESG measures with the aim of realizing a sustainable society, including reducing the environmental load from its customers and its own operations, promoting diversity, and strengthening corporate governance and disclosure. In addition, to enhance enterprise value and achieve growth over the longer term by providing solutions for social issues, MHI has also recently updated the priority issues (materiality) for the company to address, and announced them in its 2021 Medium-Term Business Plan (MTBP) for the three-year period from FY3/22 through FY3/24.In addition to the DJSI, MHI has been included all four of the ESG indices adopted by Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), the world's largest pension fund, comprising the FTSE Blossom Japan Index, MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index, MSCI Japan Empowering Women Index (WIN), and S&P/JPX Carbon Efficient Index.Going forward, MHI will continue, through constant innovation and industry-leading products and technologies, to contribute to a more secure, sustainable future for all of humanity.About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group (TSE: 7011; US: MHVYF) is one of the world's leading industrial firms. For more than 130 years, we have channeled big thinking into solutions that move the world forward - advancing the lives of everyone who shares our planet. We deliver innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries, covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI Group employs 80,000 people across 400 locations, operating in three business domains: "Power Systems," "Industry & Infrastructure," "Aircraft, Defense & Space." We have a consolidated revenue of around 40 billion USD. We aim to contribute to environmental sustainability while achieving global growth, using our leading-edge technologies. By bringing people and ideas together as one, we continue to pave the way to a future of shared success.For more information, please visit MHI's website: https://www.mhi.com For Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: https://spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com