Argentina to Appeal U.S. Court Order to Transfer 51 % of YPF Shares

Argentina to Appeal U.S. Court Order to Transfer 51 % of YPF Shares

This photo taken on June 30, 2025 shows Argentina's national oil and gas company YPF in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Argentina will appeal the ruling of a court in New York that ordered the South American country to transfer 51 percent of the shares of the national oil and gas company YPF, said President Javier Milei Monday. The U.S. district judge agreed earlier Monday to the request of the plaintiffs to seize YPF shares, after a 2023 ruling that ordered cash-strapped Argentina to pay them about 16.1 billion U.S. dollars. Photo by Xinhua/Meng Dingbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Argentina to Appeal U.S. Court Order to Transfer 51 % of YPF Shares

Argentina to Appeal U.S. Court Order to Transfer 51 % of YPF Shares

A staff member works at a YPF gas station in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 30, 2025. Argentina will appeal the ruling of a court in New York that ordered the South American country to transfer 51 percent of the shares of the national oil and gas company YPF, said President Javier Milei Monday. The U.S. district judge agreed earlier Monday to the request of the plaintiffs to seize YPF shares, after a 2023 ruling that ordered cash-strapped Argentina to pay them about 16.1 billion U.S. dollars. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

Argentina to Appeal U.S. Court Order to Transfer 51 % of YPF Shares

Argentina to Appeal U.S. Court Order to Transfer 51 % of YPF Shares

This photo taken on June 30, 2025 shows a YPF logo in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Argentina will appeal the ruling of a court in New York that ordered the South American country to transfer 51 percent of the shares of the national oil and gas company YPF, said President Javier Milei Monday. The U.S. district judge agreed earlier Monday to the request of the plaintiffs to seize YPF shares, after a 2023 ruling that ordered cash-strapped Argentina to pay them about 16.1 billion U.S. dollars. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

Argentina to Appeal U.S. Court Order to Transfer 51 % of YPF Shares

Argentina to Appeal U.S. Court Order to Transfer 51 % of YPF Shares

This photo taken on June 30, 2025 shows the YPF Tower in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Argentina will appeal the ruling of a court in New York that ordered the South American country to transfer 51 percent of the shares of the national oil and gas company YPF, said President Javier Milei Monday. The U.S. district judge agreed earlier Monday to the request of the plaintiffs to seize YPF shares, after a 2023 ruling that ordered cash-strapped Argentina to pay them about 16.1 billion U.S. dollars. Photo by Xinhua/Meng Dingbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Argentina to Appeal U.S. Court Order to Transfer 51 % of YPF Shares

Argentina to Appeal U.S. Court Order to Transfer 51 % of YPF Shares

This photo taken on June 30, 2025 shows the YPF Tower in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Argentina will appeal the ruling of a court in New York that ordered the South American country to transfer 51 percent of the shares of the national oil and gas company YPF, said President Javier Milei Monday. The U.S. district judge agreed earlier Monday to the request of the plaintiffs to seize YPF shares, after a 2023 ruling that ordered cash-strapped Argentina to pay them about 16.1 billion U.S. dollars. Photo by Xinhua/Meng Dingbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Italy experiences over decade of growth marred by growing inequality

STORY: Italy experiences over decade of growth marred by growing inequality SHOOTING TIME: June 3, 2024 DATELINE: June 4, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: Rome CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Bank of Italy 2. various of streets in Rome STORYLINE: While wealth in Italy grew over the last 15 years, the economic gap between high-income and medium-income families has also widened, a national report recently showed. Italy is the third largest economy in the European Union (EU) after Germany and France, and its total net wealth increased by about 14 percent between 2010 and 2023, according to the latest Bank of Italy's annual report. However, the distribution of wealth was increasingly uneven and mostly benefitted the wealthiest 10 percent of households, while middle-class families saw their relative share of wealth decrease. In terms of wealth distribution, Italy's population can be divided into three groups (top, medium, and bottom group), the central bank said. The top 10 percent of households

Tokyo stocks close mixed on rising interest rates, positive U.S. futures

STORY: Tokyo stocks close mixed on rising interest rates, positive U.S. futures SHOOTING TIME: May 28, 2024 DATELINE: May 29, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:51 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street view in Tokyo 2. various of Tokyo Stock Exchange 3. various of securities company STORYLINE: Tokyo stocks closed mixed on Tuesday amid concerns over rising long-term interest rates in Japan, while the market's downside was buoyed by positive U.S. stock futures. Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 44.65 points, or 0.11 percent, from Monday at 38,855.37. The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 2.14 points, or 0.08 percent, higher at 2,768.50. Market watchers here noted the yield on the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond briefly rose 0.015 percentage point from Monday's close to 1.035 percent, its highest level since April 2012, amid speculation that the Bank of Japan is shifting away from monetary easing measures. The Nikk

Italy's major banks report record profits in 2023

STORY: Italy's major banks report record profits in 2023 SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 7, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 8, 2024 LENGTH: 0:00:39 LOCATION: Rome CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Italy STORYLINE: Italy's two major banks have reported record profits in 2023, signaling the recovery of the country's banking sector from recent difficulties. On Tuesday, Banca Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy's largest bank by total assets, reported a net profit of 7.7 billion euros (8.3 billion U.S. dollars) for 2023, a year-on-year increase of 76.4 percent. A day earlier, Unicredit revealed a record net profit of 8.6 billion euros for last year, 51 percent higher than in 2022. Both exceeded market expectations. The two banks rank among the world's 50 largest banks, according to Standard & Poor's ratings. Over the past three years, Italy's banking sector faced multiple challenges due to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis stemming from the Ukraine crisis. Additionally, four months ago, the Italian p

Florida Governor DeSantis suspends presidential race, endorses Trump

STORY: Florida Governor DeSantis suspends presidential race, endorses Trump SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 21, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 22, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:56 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE (English): RON DESANTIS, U.S. Florida Governor (campaign video from Ron DeSantis's X account) STORYLINE: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Sunday dropped out of the 2024 presidential race just two days before the New Hampshire primary, and endorsed former President Donald Trump. "We don't have a clear path to victory," DeSantis said in a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. In the video, DeSantis said he was endorsing Trump because it had "become clear" that "a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance." DeSantis's announcement came just a few days after the 30-percentage-point loss to Trump in the Iowa caucuses. Trump was leading with 51 percent, and DeSantis came in second with 21 percent. SOUNDBITE (English): RON DESANTIS, U.S. Florida Governor

Italian insurance giant eyes expansion in China

STORY: Italian insurance giant eyes expansion in China SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 11, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 13, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:21 LOCATION: Rome CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Generali's logo 2. various of Italy 3. various of China STORYLINE: Italian insurance giant Generali's plan to buy out its China-based joint venture is part of a wider strategy to gain market share in China, a company official said. Generali announced it would pay around 108 million U.S. dollars to acquire the 51 percent share in Generali China Insurance Company Limited. "China is a large market, and one Generali intends to continue focusing on," a Generali communications official told Xinhua Thursday. According to its statement, Generali's investment will build on China's environmental commitments to expand its "green business insurance" portfolio. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Rome. (XHTV)

U.S. Q3 GDP growth revised down to annual rate of 4.9 pct

STORY: U.S. Q3 GDP growth revised down to annual rate of 4.9 pct SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 21, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 22, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:51 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of U.S. Department of Commerce 2. various of San Francisco STORYLINE: The U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the third quarter of 2023 was revised down to an annual rate of 4.9 percent in its third and final estimate, the Commerce Department reported on Thursday. In the "advance" estimate, U.S. GDP in the third quarter grew by an annual rate of 4.9 percent, and the figure was revised up to 5.2 percent in the second estimate. The update primarily reflected a downward revision to consumer spending. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, were revised down. The increase in real GDP reflected increases in consumer spending, private inventory investment, exports, state and local government spending, federal government spending, residential fixed investment, and nonresidential fi

What has China done amid global efforts to address climate challenges

STORY: What has China done amid global efforts to address climate challenges SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 29, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 30, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:42 LOCATION: DUBAI, UAE CATEGORY: POLITICS/ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of COP28 2. various of China-related footage STORYLINE: As the United Nations climate change conference kicks off in Dubai on Thursday, the issue of climate change again takes center stage. What has China done to address climate challenges? In 2022, China's carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP dropped by more than 51 percent from its 2005 level, according to a report released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) last month. The country has incorporated carbon emission reduction goals into the overall planning of economic and social development, and has pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. To help realize these goals, a national carbon market has been established. With the total installed capacity of renewable energies reachin

Liberia declares Boakai as winner of presidential election

STORY: Liberia declares Boakai as winner of presidential election SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 20, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 22, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:51 LOCATION: Monrovia CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of street view in Monrovia 2. various of NEC announcing the winner of the election 3. various of supporters of Joseph Boakai STORYLINE: Liberia's National Elections Commission (NEC) on Monday evening formally declared Joseph Boakai, leader of the country's main opposition party, as the winner of the 2023 presidential election. Davidetta Lansanah, head of the NEC, made the announcement during a press conference at its headquarters in Monrovia, the national capital. With 100 percent of the votes from all 5,890 polling places across Liberia's 15 counties counted, Boakai, the candidate of the opposition Unity Party and former vice president of the West African country, garnered 814,481 votes, or 50.64 percent of the vote, compared with 793,914, or 49.36 percent, for Weah, the leader of the ruling Coalition for

Disasters cause 3.8 tln USD in crop, livestock losses over 30 years: FAO

STORY: Disasters cause 3.8 tln USD in crop, livestock losses over 30 years: FAO DATELINE: Oct. 14, 2023 LENGTH: 0:02:51 LOCATION: Rome CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of FAO 2. various of "The impact of disasters on agriculture and food security" report 3. SOUNDBITE (English): MAXIMO TORERO, FAO chief economist 4. various of natural disasters affect agricultural production STORYLINE: Over the last 30 years, an estimated 3.8 trillion U.S. dollars worth of crops and livestock production has been lost due to disaster events, corresponding to an average loss of 123 billion U.S. dollars per year or 5 percent of annual global agricultural gross domestic product (GDP), according to a new report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Saturday. A new FAO flagship report entitled "The impact of disasters on agriculture and food security" brings the first-ever global estimation of the impact of disasters on agricultural production focused on crops and livestock. It a

Sexual violence victims in DR Congo in need of help, protection

STORY: Sexual violence victims in DR Congo in need of help, protection DATELINE: Oct. 4, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:33 LOCATION: GOMA, DR Congo CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of shelter camps in Goma, DRC 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Swahili): JUSTINE MBURANO, Sexual violence victim 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (French): RASMAN KABORE, Doctors Without Borders coordinator in Goma 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (French): DESANGE MAYENGA, Head of gender issue within FDAPID STORYLINE: Refuge-seeking women in shelters on the outskirts of Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are under the shadow of gender-based violence (GBV), as many victims said that they are having a hard time recovering from GBV-related trauma. Since the beginning of 2023, more than one and a half million people have been forcibly displaced in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, the three conflict-plagued provinces, bringing the total number of displaced persons in the country to more than 5.8 million. Women represent 51 percent of the dis

China's GDP expands 5.5 pct in H1

STORY: China's GDP expands 5.5 pct in H1 DATELINE: July 17, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): FU LINGHUI, Spokesperson of National Bureau of Statistics STORYLINE: China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.5 percent year on year in the first half (H1) of 2023, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Monday. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): FU LINGHUI, Spokesperson of National Bureau of Statistics "GDP in the first half of this year reached 59.3034 trillion yuan (about 8.3 trillion U.S. dollars), up 5.5 percent year on year calculated at the constant price, or one percentage point faster than Q1. By industry, the value added of the primary industry was 3.0416 trillion yuan, up by 3.7 percent year on year, the secondary industry was 23.0682 trillion yuan, up by 4.3 percent, and the tertiary industry was 33.1937 trillion yuan, up by 6.4 percent. By quarter, GDP grew by 4.5 percent year on year in the first quarter and 6.3 percent in the second q

Malaysia's manufacturing sales rise 3.3 pct in May

STORY: Malaysia's manufacturing sales rise 3.3 pct in May DATELINE: July 13, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:51 LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Malaysia's national flag and Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers 2. various of workshops and factories 4. various of container vessels at Port Klang, Selangor STORYLINE: Malaysia's manufacturing sales value returned to a positive growth of 3.3 percent in May, after recording a decline of 2 percent in the preceding month, official data showed on Wednesday. The Department of Statistics of Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement that the sector's sales value reached 146.8 billion ringgit (31.58 billion U.S. dollars) in May. The expansion was bolstered by a strong 17.3-percent growth registered in transport equipment and other manufactures coupled with the continuously increasing trend in non-metallic mineral products, basic metal and fabricated metal products (8.7 percent); and electrical and electronics products (8.2 percent). On month-on-month comparison, th

Uzbek president re-elected in snap election

STORY: Uzbek president re-elected in snap election DATELINE: July 10, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: Tashkent CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of polling stations 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Uzbek): IRINA, Tashkent voter 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Uzbek): FAYZIEV, Tashkent voter STORYLINE: Uzbekistan's incumbent president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has overwhelmingly won a third term. The Uzbek Central Election Commission said Monday that the president gained 87.1 percent of the vote in a snap election on Sunday. Candidate of the Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, Mirziyoyev promised in his pre-election campaign that he would continue his reform agenda to liberalize the economy and develop green energy, education, health, and tourism, as well as to better protect people's fundamental freedoms. SOUNDBITE 1 (Uzbek): IRINA, Tashkent voter "We vote to fulfil our civic duty. We care about the future of Uzbekistan and therefore should make our choice." SOUNDBITE 2 (Uzbek): FAYZIEV, Tashkent voter "I'm voting for the future

Spanish economist on latest heavy drop in inflation

STORY: Spanish economist on latest heavy drop in inflation DATELINE: June 13, 2023 LENGTH: 0:00:51 LOCATION: BARCELONA, Spain CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE 1-3 (Catalan): MONTSERRAT GUILLEN, Professor of Economics at Barcelona University STORYLINE: The most recent figures from Spain's National Institute of Statistics showed that Spain's inflation fell to 3.2 percent in May from 4.1 percent in April, the lowest for two years. "Right now there's a lot of uncertainty but we have come to accept this uncertainty as natural," Montserrat Guillen, professor of economics at Barcelona University, made the remarks during an interview with Xinhua. SOUNDBITE 1 (Catalan): MONTSERRAT GUILLEN, Professor of economics at Barcelona University "Right now there's a lot of uncertainty but we have come to accept this uncertainty as natural. The Ukraine conflict no longer surprises anyone. In society, there's a feeling that we're in a crisis but because we know about it, it's an uncertainty that we have come to accep

Africa should fix infrastructure to stimulate continental trade: Kenyan president

STORY: Africa should fix infrastructure to stimulate continental trade: Kenyan president DATELINE: May 30, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:51 LOCATION: Nairobi CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the African ministers meeting 2. SOUNDBITE (English): WILLIAM RUTO, Kenyan President 3. various of AfCFTA secretariat 4. various of Nairobi STORYLINE: Africa should fix its infrastructure to stimulate continental trade, Kenyan President William Ruto said Monday. Ruto told a continental forum in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that intra-Africa trade currently stands at approximately 17 percent, compared to 40 percent in Asia and 70 percent in the European Union. "A major enabler of continental economic take-off requiring considerable investment is infrastructure," Ruto said during the African Private Sector Dialogue on the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). SOUNDBITE (English): WILLIAM RUTO, Kenyan President "Similarly, you have been assigned the task of generating viable strategies to resolve Africa's c

Thailand's Move Forward Party seeks coalition after oppositions win majority in general election

STORY: Thailand's Move Forward Party seeks coalition after oppositions win majority in general election DATELINE: May 16, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:51 LOCATION: Bangkok CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Election Commission 2. various of Ittiporn Boonpracong, chairman of the Election Commission 3. various of vote counting at a polling station after the election 4. various of Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party STORYLINE: Thailand's Move Forward Party is seeking to form a coalition government with other opposition parties as unofficial vote counting results showed the oppositions have won the majority of seats in the lower house of parliament. The Move Forward Party, with a strong base among young voters, emerged as the largest party in the House of Representatives with 151 seats, ahead of the other major opposition and pre-election favorite Pheu Thai Party which won 141 seats. As of 99.18 percent vote counting which is completed so far, Move Forward Party and the Pheu Thai Party each

Japan's real wages drop for 12th straight month in March

STORY: Japan's real wages drop for 12th straight month in March DATELINE: May 9, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views of Tokyo STORYLINE: Real wages in Japan declined for a 12th straight month in March from a year earlier, leading to households spending less as a result of rising inflation, the government said in a report on Tuesday. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, nominal wages including base and overtime pay rose 0.8 percent to an average of 291,081 yen (2,100 U.S. dollars). The 0.8 percent increase in yen terms marks the 15th consecutive month of increase, although the monthly rise has remained below the 1 percent threshold for a third straight month, the data showed. The government said in a separate report Tuesday that household spending decreased in March from a year earlier. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said household spending in the reporting period fell 1.9 percent from a year ear

Latest census reveals India is home to over 3,000 tigers

STORY: Latest census reveals India is home to over 3,000 tigers DATELINE: April 10, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:30 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of India gate 2. various of tigers STORYLINE: The latest tiger census data released by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday revealed India is home to 3,167 tigers. The figures were released by Modi in Mysuru of Karnataka on the occasion of 50 years of India's Project Tiger. According to data presented on the occasion, there were 1,411 tigers in 2006. The number grew to 1,706 in 2010. In 2014, the population went to 2,226. "With only 2.4 percent of the world's land area, India contributes to about 8 percent of the known global diversity," Modi said. Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to protect the big cat and ensure its long-term survival. At present, India has 51 tiger reserves spread across 18 states. Xinhua News Agency correspondent reporting from New Delhi. (XHTV)

Land sales on rise in Türkiye after earthquakes

STORY: Land sales on rise in Türkiye after earthquakes DATELINE: April 4, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:51 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of buildings destroyed by the earthquake in Türkiye 2. various of Istanbul city in Türkiye 3. various of land areas open for development around Istanbul 4. various of municipal crews inspect the building's column 5. various of Istanbul city 6. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): ERDINC SAHIN, Real estate consultant 7. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): ERDINC SAHIN, Real estate consultant 8. various of tiny houses in Istanbul 9. SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): GALIP OLMEZ, CEO of Yako Groups 10. various of tiny houses in Istanbul STORYLINE: After two deadly tremors devastated Türkiye's southern part in February, many people in Istanbul are looking to purchase a piece of land in the suburbs or nearby cities to build earthquake-proof houses. Real estate agents say that land sales have increased by 200 percent in Istanbul's outskirts in the last month alone, skyrocketing the prices

CHINA-LIAONING-PANJIN-SAUDI ARAMCO-CHEMICAL PROJECT (CN)

CHINA-LIAONING-PANJIN-SAUDI ARAMCO-CHEMICAL PROJECT (CN)

(230329) -- PANJIN, March 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on March 29, 2023 shows the groundbreaking ceremony of a major chemical project, a joint investment initiative by China and Saudi Arabia, in Panjin City of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The total investment of the project is 83.7 billion yuan (about 12.2 billion U.S. dollars), of which Saudi Aramco holds a 30 percent stake while the North Huajin Chemical Industries Group Corporation and Panjin XinCheng Industrial Group hold 51 and 19 percent, respectively. After it is put into operation, the project is expected to become a world-class petrochemical and fine chemical industry base in China. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

CHINA-LIAONING-PANJIN-SAUDI ARAMCO-CHEMICAL PROJECT (CN)

CHINA-LIAONING-PANJIN-SAUDI ARAMCO-CHEMICAL PROJECT (CN)

(230329) -- PANJIN, March 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on March 29, 2023 shows the groundbreaking ceremony of a major chemical project, a joint investment initiative by China and Saudi Arabia, in Panjin City of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The total investment of the project is 83.7 billion yuan (about 12.2 billion U.S. dollars), of which Saudi Aramco holds a 30 percent stake while the North Huajin Chemical Industries Group Corporation and Panjin XinCheng Industrial Group hold 51 and 19 percent, respectively. After it is put into operation, the project is expected to become a world-class petrochemical and fine chemical industry base in China. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

CHINA-LIAONING-PANJIN-SAUDI ARAMCO-CHEMICAL PROJECT (CN)

CHINA-LIAONING-PANJIN-SAUDI ARAMCO-CHEMICAL PROJECT (CN)

(230329) -- PANJIN, March 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Mohammed Al Qahtani, Aramco Executive Vice President Downstream, speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony of a major chemical project, a joint investment initiative by China and Saudi Arabia, in Panjin City of northeast China's Liaoning Province, March 29, 2023. The total investment of the project is 83.7 billion yuan (about 12.2 billion U.S. dollars), of which Saudi Aramco holds a 30 percent stake while the North Huajin Chemical Industries Group Corporation and Panjin XinCheng Industrial Group hold 51 and 19 percent, respectively. After it is put into operation, the project is expected to become a world-class petrochemical and fine chemical industry base in China. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

CHINA-LIAONING-PANJIN-SAUDI ARAMCO-CHEMICAL PROJECT (CN)

CHINA-LIAONING-PANJIN-SAUDI ARAMCO-CHEMICAL PROJECT (CN)

(230329) -- PANJIN, March 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on March 29, 2023 shows the groundbreaking ceremony of a major chemical project, a joint investment initiative by China and Saudi Arabia, in Panjin City of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The total investment of the project is 83.7 billion yuan (about 12.2 billion U.S. dollars), of which Saudi Aramco holds a 30 percent stake while the North Huajin Chemical Industries Group Corporation and Panjin XinCheng Industrial Group hold 51 and 19 percent, respectively. After it is put into operation, the project is expected to become a world-class petrochemical and fine chemical industry base in China. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

CHINA-LIAONING-PANJIN-SAUDI ARAMCO-CHEMICAL PROJECT (CN)

CHINA-LIAONING-PANJIN-SAUDI ARAMCO-CHEMICAL PROJECT (CN)

(230329) -- PANJIN, March 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on March 29, 2023 shows the groundbreaking ceremony of a major chemical project, a joint investment initiative by China and Saudi Arabia, in Panjin City of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The total investment of the project is 83.7 billion yuan (about 12.2 billion U.S. dollars), of which Saudi Aramco holds a 30 percent stake while the North Huajin Chemical Industries Group Corporation and Panjin XinCheng Industrial Group hold 51 and 19 percent, respectively. After it is put into operation, the project is expected to become a world-class petrochemical and fine chemical industry base in China. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Brazil's President Lula garners 41 pct approval rating: poll

STORY: Brazil's President Lula garners 41 pct approval rating: poll DATELINE: March 21, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:46 LOCATION: Brasilia CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva 2. various of Brasilia STORYLINE: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has garnered a 41 percent approval rating since taking office on Jan. 1 for a third term, an opinion poll has shown. The survey, conducted by pollster IPEC (Intelligence in Research and Strategic Consulting) and published Sunday by news outlet O Globo, showed Lula enjoys higher approval than his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) did at the start of his term (34 percent). Some 41 percent of those surveyed rated his administration as "good" or "excellent," and 30 percent rated it as "regular," said IPEC. Lula received better ratings at the start of his two previous terms with 51 percent approval in 2003 and 49 percent in 2007, the pollster noted. IPEC's executive director, Marcia Cavallari, told O Globo that the Brazi

Traffic passing through Egypt's Suez Canal per day hits record high

STORY: Traffic passing through Egypt's Suez Canal per day hits record high DATELINE: March 14, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:03 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Suez Canal STORYLINE: Egypt's Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced on Monday that the canal recorded its highest-ever daily traffic crossing rate, with 107 ships crossing from both directions without waiting, with a total net tonnage of 6.3 million tonnes. Osama Rabie, head of the SCA, said 56 ships with a net tonnage of 3.4 million tonnes passed through the canal from the north direction, while 51 ships from the south direction crossed the new navigational course of the canal with a total net tonnage of 2.9 million tonnes. He also said that the implementation of a project to develop the southern sector of the canal will allow an increase in navigational safety by 28 percent and in the capacity of the canal by about 6 additional ships. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo. (XHTV)

Hong Kong unveils new budget to bolster speedy economic recovery

STORY: Hong Kong unveils new budget to bolster speedy economic recovery DATELINE: Feb. 23, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:51 LOCATION: HONG KONG, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the HKSAR's Legislative Council 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): PAUL CHAN, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR government STORYLINE: The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Wednesday unveiled a budget for the new financial year, with a focus on measures to support the speedy recovery of the economy. Financial Secretary of the HKSAR government Paul Chan delivered the 2023-24 budget at the HKSAR's Legislative Council. He said that the Hong Kong economy will see a visible rebound this year with growth of 3.5 percent to 5.5 percent for the year as a whole. Chan noted that the Hong Kong economy contracted by 3.5 percent year on year in 2022 amid both external and domestic headwinds, while the underlying inflation rate remained moderate at 1.7 percent last year. He said that the economy will grow by an average of 3.

COVID-19 deaths decrease in Egypt

STORY: COVID-19 deaths decrease in Egypt DATELINE: Feb. 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of hospitals in Egypt STORYLINE: Egyptian Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said on Wednesday that the number of COVID-19-related deaths decreased during the seventh week of 2023, compared to the sixth week of this year. Meanwhile, the minister mentioned the total occupancy rates of the Ministry of Health and Population hospital beds, pointing out that 60 percent of the internal beds are vacant, as well as more than 35 percent of intensive care beds, while 71 percent of respirators are available. With regard to the situation of receiving vaccines, the minister indicated that the total number of people vaccinated with anti-coronavirus vaccines reached 40,865,508 people in the country. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo. (XHTV)

Event celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year held at New Zealand parliament

STORY: Event celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year held at New Zealand parliament DATELINE: Feb. 14, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:51 LOCATION: Wellington CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of an event celebrating the Chinese New Year 2. various of speeches 3. various of performance STORYLINE: An event celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year was held at the New Zealand parliament on Monday. "The Lunar New Year is an important celebration for many of our communities here in New Zealand and there are events being held throughout the country to recognize this important cultural occasion," said Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Priyanca Radhakrishnan, who hosted the event. Radhakrishnan said a 2018 census showed that the population for Chinese ethnic groups in New Zealand has reached nearly 250,000, about 5 percent of the country's total population, acknowledging "the significant contributions the Chinese communities have made -- and continue to make to the economic, social and cultural progress

SAIC-GM-Wuling reports robust sales in 2022

STORY: SAIC-GM-Wuling reports robust sales in 2022 DATELINE: Feb. 4, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: NANNING, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of manufacturing of Hongguang MINIEV 2. various of Hongguang MINIEV STORYLINE: SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), a major automobile manufacturer in China, reported strong sales in 2022. SGMW, based in Liuzhou in south China's Guangxi, saw its vehicle sales surpass 1.6 million units last year. The company said the sales of its new-energy vehicles (NEVs) also posted robust growth, soaring 33 percent year on year to over 600,000 units throughout the year. SGMW also logged strong performance in exports in 2022, with its export sales rising 33 percent year on year to 193,579 units, registering an increase for seven consecutive years. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nanning, China. (XHTV)

Türkiye hit by severe drought amid lack of precipitation: expert

STORY: Türkiye hit by severe drought amid lack of precipitation: expert DATELINE: Jan. 19, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:51 LOCATION: Ankara CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of dams, lakes, wetlands and water of Türkiye (courtesy of Ihlas News Agency) 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): ADIL TEK, Head of Istanbul's Kandilli Meteorology Observatory Laboratory 2. various of dams, lakes, wetlands and water of Türkiye (courtesy of Ihlas News Agency) 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): ADIL TEK, Head of Istanbul's Kandilli Meteorology Observatory Laboratory STORYLINE: A Turkish expert has warned that Türkiye is experiencing a serious drought spell in most of its territory amid a lack of precipitation and an unusually warm winter. Especially during the past three months, precipitations are at least 50 percent below the average of many years in every region of Türkiye, Adil Tek, head of Bogazici University Kandilli Meteorology Laboratory, told Xinhua. The Mediterranean Basin, where Türkiye is located, is becoming drier due to the e

U.S. dollars flow into Egypt currency market after Egyptian pound depreciation: bankers

STORY: U.S. dollars flow into Egypt currency market after Egyptian pound depreciation: bankers DATELINE: Jan. 13, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:03 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. Egypt's central bank 2. U.S. dollars 3. National banks STORYLINE: Bankers said on Thursday that hundreds of millions of dollars have flowed through Egypt's interbank market since the central bank allowed the Egyptian pound to depreciate by 13 percent. According to Reuters, one banker said that more than 800 million U.S. dollars were traded in the interbank market on Wednesday, an amount confirmed by a second banker. Egypt has been suffering a shortage of foreign currency since the war in Ukraine hit tourism revenue, raised commodity import bills and led foreign investors to pull more than 20 billion dollars out of the economy. The Egyptian pound has lost about 51 percent of its value since March. Bankers said there were signs of international institutions pouring money into Egypt ahead of Thursday's auction of local treasur

Zimbabwean president says more investments welcome in mining sector

STORY: Zimbabwean president says more investments welcome in mining sector DATELINE: Dec. 16, 2022 LENGTH: 0:02:11 LOCATION: BUHERA, Zimbabwe CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1 various of the ground-breaking ceremony of the Sabi Star Lithium Mine 2 SOUNDBITE 1 (English): EMMERSON MNANGAGWA, Zimbabwean President 3 SOUNDBITE 2 (English): CONSTANTINO CHIWENGA, Vice President of Zimbabwe 4 various of the mining sector in Zimbabwe STORYLINE: Zimbabwe welcomes more investors to take up opportunities in the exploration, extraction, and beneficiation of natural resources in order to maximize the value of its vast mineral wealth. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa made such remarks during the official ground-breaking ceremony of the Sabi Star Lithium Mine in Manicaland Province. China's Chengxin Lithium Group last year acquired a 51 percent interest stake in Max Mind's Sabi Star Lithium Mine. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): EMMERSON MNANGAGWA, Zimbabwean President "The investment of about 130 million U.S. dollars b

Yamazaki Baking to turn Fujiya into subsidiary by boosting stake

Yamazaki Baking to turn Fujiya into subsidiary by boosting stake

TOKYO, Japan - Yamazaki Baking Co. President Nobuhiro Iijima (R) speaks during a news conference in Tokyo on Nov. 7. Iijima said his company will raise its stake in Fujiya Co. from 35 percent to 51 percent to turn the struggling confectioner into a subsidiary in a fresh bid to help reconstruct Fujiya's scandal-battered business. At left is Fujiya President Yasufumi Sakurai.

Malaysia's wholesale, retail trade sales grow 23.9 pct in September

STORY: Malaysia's wholesale, retail trade sales grow 23.9 pct in September DATELINE: Nov. 10, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:32 LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various shots of street views of Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur 2. various shots of customers choosing bags in store 3. various shots of locals doing grocery shopping in a supermarket STORYLINE: Malaysia's wholesale and retail trade sales value rose 23.9 percent year-on-year to 134 billion ringgit (28.41 billion U.S. dollars) in September, official data showed Wednesday. The positive growth was contributed by all sub-sectors, namely motor vehicles which surged 51 percent, retail trade that jumped 30 percent, and wholesale trade which climbed 13.3 percent, the Department of Statistics Malaysia said in a statement. In terms of volume index, wholesale and retail trade grew 18.4 percent year-on-year to 146 points. The growth was supported by the increase in motor vehicles at 43.9 percent, retail trade at 27.1 percent, and wholesale trade at 3.

Türkiye's inflation hits new 24-year high of 85 pct

STORY: Türkiye's inflation hits new 24-year high of 85 pct DATELINE: Nov. 4, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: Ankara CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Turks shopping STORYLINE: The Turkish Statistical Institute said on Thursday that Türkiye's annual inflation surged to 85.51 percent in October, the highest in 24 years. According to the data, consumer prices increased by 3.54 percent from the previous month. The highest annual price surge was in the transportation sector with 117.5 percent. The cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks increased by 99.05 percent, while furnishings and household equipment prices were up 93.63 percent. The domestic producer price index climbed 7.83 percent month-on-month in October, with an annual rise of 157.69 percent. Inflation in Türkiye has been on an uninterrupted rise since May 2021. Turkish households have seen a sharp decline in their purchasing power despite government anti-inflation measures and salary increases. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting

Italy's new PM, gov't sworn in

STORY: Italy's new PM, gov't sworn in DATELINE: Oct. 23, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: Rome CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Giorgia Meloni sworning in STORYLINE: The new Italian government formed by appointed Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was officially sworn in at the presidential palace on Saturday. Italy held a snap general election on Sept. 25, following the resignation of Mario Draghi as prime minister in July, which put an end to a government of national unity that led the country for some 17 months. Meloni, the leader of right-wing Brothers of Italy, was asked to form the new government after her party won 26 percent of votes in the recent polls, ending up as the most voted force. If Meloni and her cabinet pass confidence vote at the parliament, she will serve as the country's first female prime minister ever. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Rome. (XHTV)

Smart agriculture helps farmers increase output in NE China

STORY: Smart agriculture helps farmers increase output in NE China DATELINE: Oct. 11, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: CHANGCHUN, China CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the farm 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): XIAO YAO, Local farm manager STORYLINE: A farm in the county of Yongji, northeast China's Jilin Province has adopted smart technologies to boost agricultural production during the autumn harvest season. A multi-layered control and monitoring system made up of intelligent technologies, including ground cameras, low-altitude drones and remote sensing satellites, is applied to analyze data on crop growth, diseases and pests and fertilizers. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): XIAO YAO, Local farm manager "Since a smart farm was built, the management and operation have become very simple for us. Many procedures have adopted electrical automation which saves labor. The yield of rice can be increased by about 5 percent compared to the past." Jilin, together with two other northeastern provinces of Heilongjiang and

6 million tonnes of grain transported from Ukraine, easing food supply concerns

STORY: 6 million tonnes of grain transported from Ukraine, easing food supply concerns DATELINE: Oct. 8, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:51 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP 1 (English): ZEYNEP CERMEN, Xinhua correspondent 2. SOUNDBITE (Turkish): BARIS DOSTER, Academic at Istanbul-based Marmara University 3. STANDUP 2 (English): ZEYNEP CERMEN, Xinhua correspondent 4. various of cargo ships 5. various of signing ceremony STORYLINE: STANDUP 1 (English): ZEYNEP CERMEN, Xinhua correspondent "Within the scope of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the grain transported from Ukrainian ports to global markets exceeded 6 million tonnes as of Oct. 4, according to the Turkish Defence Ministry. In a statement on Twitter on Tuesday, the ministry announced that so far 260 vessels have left Ukrainian ports, carrying foodstuffs, such as corn, wheat, sunflower, sugar beet, soybean, and peas, to the rest of the world. According to the United Nations statement released in mid-September, 27 percent of the c

Cambodia raises minimum wage for garment factory workers for 2023

STORY: Cambodia raises minimum wage for garment factory workers for 2023 DATELINE: Sept. 22, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:16 LOCATION: Phnom Penh CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of exterior of the Ministry of Labor 2. various of garment factories in Phnom Penh (File) 3. various of garment factory workers sewing and walking (File) STORYLINE: Cambodia on Wednesday set a new monthly minimum wage for workers in the country's garment, footwear and travel goods sector at some 200 U.S. dollars from 2023, up 3.09 percent from the current level of 194 U.S. dollars, Labor Minister Ith Samheng said. The announcement came after the National Council for Minimum Wage voted on a minimum wage of about 198 U.S. dollars per month for next year, which was then added by 2 U.S. dollars by the government. The 51 council members include representatives of the government, the manufacturers' group, and the trade union. "Today, the National Council for Minimum Wage decided on the monthly minimum wage of 198 dollars and Cambodian Pr

U.S. global military presence poses grave security threat to world

STORY: U.S. global military presence poses grave security threat to world DATELINE: Aug. 25, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:51 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the U.S. military 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): HASSAN ASLAM SHAD, International lawfare specialist and legal director, CMS Pakistan 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SAEB RAWASHDEH, Political analyst at Jordan Press Foundation STORYLINE: For decades, Washington has been using hundreds of military bases to export ideology-driven wars, subvert governments, and instigate violence and crimes. In a special report in 2019, Smithsonian Magazine found that under the name of anti-terrorism, the United States engaged in military operations in 80 nations on six continents, "more than 40 percent of the world's countries." In these military operations, overseas military bases were taken as the bridgeheads for the United States to exercise deterrence and direct military intervention. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): HASSAN ASLAM SHAD, International lawfare speciali

63,000 tonnes of wheat from Romania arrive at Egypt's Safaga port

STORY: 63,000 tonnes of wheat from Romania arrive at Egypt's Safaga port DATELINE: Aug. 22, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: SOCIETY/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of an Egyptian port 2. various of wheat STORYLINE: Egypt General Authority of Red Sea Ports announced on Sunday that 63,000 tonnes of wheat, coming from Romania, arrived at Safaga port, located 53 km south of Hurghada. Early in August, Egyptian Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Ali al-Moselhy said the strategic reserve of wheat can cover domestic consumption for 7.2 months. Moselhy said that the ministry succeeded in getting 2.7 million tonnes of wheat from different countries during the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, including France, Romania, and Bulgaria. In recent years, Egypt has imported nearly 80 percent of its grain from Russia and Ukraine through the Black Sea due to its high quality and competitive prices. Annually, Egypt spends tens of billions of pounds to secure nearly 20 million tonnes of local and imported wheat,

Drought threatens Romania's agricultural production

STORY: Drought threatens Romania's agricultural production DATELINE: Aug. 19, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: Bucharest CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of cropland 2. various of firefighters extinguishing fire 3. various of a government meeting discussing drought problems STORYLINE: Romania's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said on Thursday that persisting drought threatens to reduce agricultural production in most of Romania's counties this year as thirsty cropland is expanding in acreage day by day. According to data from the ministry, the drought has affected 375,423 hectares of cropland in 33 of Romania's 41 counties, causing damages. About 54 percent of the damages are reported in wheat and triticale cultivation, 17 percent in corn and 16 percent in rapeseed and sunflower. Romania has about 10 million hectares of arable land, only 3 million hectares of which are irrigated. Farmers believe the actual acreage of drought-hit cropland is still much larger t

Indian gov't asks telcos to prepare for 5G launch

STORY: Indian gov't asks telcos to prepare for 5G launch DATELINE: Aug. 19, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:47 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of India Gate 2. various of mobile towers 3. various of mobile phone shops STORYLINE: India's federal telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday asked telecom operators to prepare for the launch of 5G in the South Asian country. According to the minister, the letters for spectrum assignment have been issued. "Spectrum assignment letter issued. Requesting telecommunications service providers (TSPs) to prepare for 5G launch," Vaishnaw in a brief update about 5G on social media said. India is in the final stage of rolling out high-speed 5G telecom services in the country. Earlier this month, the Indian government announced it had put 72,098 MHz (72 GHz) spectrum of 5G airwaves to auction. According to the federal ministry of communications, 51,236 MHz, or 51 GHz spectrum, which constitutes 71 percent of the total, has been sold a

China's Qinghai launches clean energy campaign

STORY: China's Qinghai launches clean energy campaign DATELINE: July 30, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: XINING, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of staff fixing photovoltaic power generation facilities 2. various of clean energy facilities in Qinghai STORYLINE: Northwest China's Qinghai Province had generated nearly 9.98 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity using clean energy during a "green power" campaign from June 25 to July 29, equivalent to saving more than 4.53 million tonnes of raw coal or slashing 8.16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. The plateau province, which boasts rich clean energy resources, has launched the "green power" campaign every year since 2017. Qinghai has a vast expanse of land that can be used for setting up photovoltaic power generation facilities and wind farms, with the amount of exploitable solar energy exceeding 3.5 billion kW, accounting for 11 percent of the national total. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Xining, China. (XHTV)