Media OutReach
China advances services trade, unlocking opportunities for global collaboration
This message resonated strongly at the ongoing 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, which gathered exhibitors from over 80 countries, regions and international organizations.
As China steadily opens its service sector and consumption shifts toward services, the fair provides a crucial meeting point for global companies to access new opportunities, find solutions and share in the benefits of China’s high-quality development.
SURGING DEMAND
Now in its 12th edition, the fair serves as a platform for China to showcase the development of its service industry and highlight its market potential. The core exhibition area alone spans over 100,000 square meters — equivalent to approximately 14 standard football fields — covering a wide array of service sectors such as culture and tourism, education, transport, health, finance, environment, sports and information technology.
This year, CIFTIS offers a unique opportunity for visitors: a one-stop tour of Beijing’s most iconic cultural sites, all within the walls of the culture and tourism services hall.
Among many exhibitors, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and some other renowned destinations in Beijing have set up a collective booth, bringing their popular cultural and creative products to the event. This setup offers international visitors an efficient way to experience the highlights of Beijing’s cultural creativity without having to travel all over the city.
“The fair offers a key platform for us to communicate and collaborate with potential partners across various industries,” said Wang Fang at the Beijing Zoo booth, who had just discussed potential cooperation on eco-friendly souvenirs with a visiting company.
“Our goal is to provide both domestic and international tourists with higher-quality services and added value,” she added.
Instead of hunting for traditional goods, visitors at the CIFTIS are browsing for experiences. As China enters a stage where the service sector takes up more than half of the economy, the demand for high-quality services is on the rise, creating space for domestic industries to lift standards and for international companies to tap into this opportunity.
China’s consumption pattern has evolved into a stage that combines goods consumption with services consumption, said Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping, noting that from January to July this year, service retail sales grew by 5.2 percent year on year, with services accounting for a rising share of total consumption.
Sheng pointed out that the challenge lies in the insufficient supply of high-quality services to meet the rising demand. In this context, CIFTIS plays an important role in expanding imports of quality services.
The fair, gathering nearly 2,000 exhibitors, including close to 500 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry-leading enterprises like Walmart, AstraZeneca and KPMG, offers a glimpse into some of the world’s most innovative service offerings.
Chinese-made humanoid robots drew significant attention by demonstrating capabilities such as delivering food, preparing coffee, playing football, and even engaging in boxing matches.
Honson To, chairman of KPMG China and Asia Pacific, noted that China’s development of new quality productive forces, including cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence, will drive progress in knowledge-intensive services trade.
“As a window of China’s high-standard opening-up, CIFTIS will continue to optimize the services trade structure and inject robust resilience and vitality into the Chinese economy,” he added.
DEEPENING OPENING-UP
Paul Bateman, chairman of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, has visited China for more than 150 times over the past 30 years. “With each visit, I’m more impressed by the vitality and growth of China’s market,” he said while addressing the Global Trade in Services Summit of the CIFTIS.
Paul Bateman, global chairman of JP Morgan Asset Management, addresses the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Noting that the company’s footprint in China has expanded in recent years thanks to China’s decision to open up its service sector, particularly the removal of foreign equity caps in certain financial services, Bateman said the growth of trade in services is creating significant opportunities for the industry.
China has continued to advance the opening-up of its service sector. Last year, the country established a nationwide negative list management system for cross-border trade in services. In certain pilot free trade zones, overseas residents can now open securities or futures accounts to engage in businesses such as securities investment consulting or futures trading advisory services.
These policies have contributed to a notable rise in trade in services. In the first half of this year, China’s total services trade reached a record 3.9 trillion yuan (about 549 billion U.S. dollars), marking an 8 percent year-on-year increase.
During the fair, officials pledged efforts to further open up the sector. China will promote pilot opening-up programs in the fields of telecommunications and medicine, while steadily advancing opening-up in the education and culture sectors, Sheng said.
The country will also deepen alignment with high-standard international economic and trade rules, and foster a transparent, stable, and predictable institutional environment, he added.
“China is willing to work with all countries and parties to strengthen opening up and cooperation in services trade, and promote growth in global trade and world economy,” said Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang at the fair.
SHARED OPPORTUNITY
For international participant at CIFTIS like Australian vocational education provider Chisholm Institute of TAFE, China’s growing demand for high-quality services represents a tangible opportunity.
“We’re looking to find partnerships that allow us to deliver Australian vocational qualifications in the Chinese market,” said Christopher Hogg, global business development manager of the institute, highlighting education as a key area of services trade collaboration between the two countries.
Over the years, CIFTIS has become a key platform that promotes global collaboration, encourages the exchange of advanced services, and creates shared opportunities for global businesses.
Norway’s national pavilion, featuring nine companies across sectors like health, nutrition and aquaculture, exemplifies how China’s changing consumption pattern is creating opportunities for foreign enterprises.
Henning Kristoffersen, commercial counselor of the Norwegian Embassy in China, noted the alignment between Norwegian offerings and rising Chinese health consciousness. “The Chinese consumers are very health-conscious. And for the products that we have in Norway, this is great,” he said, seeing “great opportunities” for Norwegian businesses to find partners and introduce products to Chinese consumers.
Andre Haspels, ambassador of the Netherlands to China, pointed to sports services as a vibrant area for cooperation, citing examples like collaborations in swimming safety and cycling infrastructure. “Sports, of course, is very important for health, mental and physical health,” he said, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in the health sector.
As Sheng noted, by deepening integration with global markets, strengthening industrial collaboration and expanding open cooperation in trade in services, “China will inject stronger momentum into global economic prosperity.”
Hashtag: #CIFTIS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
- “Geopolitical Volatility” is a top five current and future risk, highlighting the growing instability across the region
- 83 Percent of Firms Report Rising Insurable Risk Costs
TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, has released the Japan findings of its 2025 Global Risk Management Survey. The survey reveals that Japanese businesses are navigating a complex landscape marked by persistent cyber threats, supply chain disruptions and weather/natural disasters. The survey, which gathered insights from nearly 3,000 risk managers, C-suite leaders and executives across 63 countries, highlights the unique risks Japan businesses are facing amid global disruption.
Japan’s Top Risks:
“Cyber Attacks/Data Breach” remains the top risk for Japanese businesses, consistent with global trends. “Supply chain or distribution failure” ranks second, as extreme weather events and mounting geopolitical volatility including shifting trade policies force companies to reassess their supply chains. In addition, “Product Liability/Recall” and “Exchange Rate Fluctuation” pose significant risks, reflecting the country’s manufacturing strength and exposure to global market volatility. Notably, 63.6 percent of Japanese respondents reported losses due to product liability or recall issues and 47.6 percent cited losses from exchange rate fluctuations.
Tatsuya Yamamoto, CEO of Japan at Aon, said, “Japanese organisations are operating in an environment of unprecedented complexity. Cyber, weather and geopolitical risks continue to be acute challenges for Japan businesses, underscoring the need for robust risk management frameworks and agile strategies. As market trends shift and competition intensifies, vigilance and adaptability will be key. The interconnectedness of risks – where a cyber attack can disrupt supply chains or geopolitical volatility can trigger regulatory changes – demands a holistic, proactive approach to resilience.”
2025 Top 10 Business Risks in Japan
- Cyber Attacks/Data Breach
- Supply Chain or Distribution Failure
- Weather/Natural Disasters
- Geopolitical Volatility
- Business Interruption
- Economic Slowdown/Slow Recovery
- Exchange Rate Fluctuation
- Commodity Price Risk/Scarcity of Materials
- Product Liability/Recall
- Failure to Attract or Retain Top Talent
Risk Management: Formalisation and Focus on Insurable Risks
Japanese organisations demonstrate a strong commitment to risk management, with 74.7 percent having a formal risk management and insurance department, compared to 68.4 percent globally. Additionally, 75.3 percent measure the total cost of insurable risk and 83.3 percent report that these costs are increasing. While risk awareness is rising, most organisations have yet to quantify their exposures or leverage advanced analytics.
Japanese Businesses Risk Management Assessments for Top Three Risks
For “Cyber Attacks/Data Breaches”:
- 27.2 percent have assessed the risk
- 12.6 percent have developed continuity plans
- 22.3 Percent have risk management plans
For “Supply Chain or Distribution Failure”:
- 25 percent have assessed the risk
- 20 percent have developed continuity plans
- 26.7 Percent have risk management plans
For “Weather/Natural Disasters”:
- 24.1 percent have assessed the risk
- 22.4 percent have developed continuity plans
- 13.8 percent have risk management plans
Future Risks: Rapidly Changing Market Trends and Geopolitical Volatility
Looking ahead, Japanese organisations expect “Weather/Natural Disasters” and “Geopolitical Volatility” to remain critical risks, alongside “Rapidly Changing Market Trends,” which is more prominent in Japan than globally. This highlights the country’s exposure to climate events and evolving consumer preferences.
Japan’s Top Five Future Business Risks by 2028:
- Cyber Attacks/Data Breach
- Weather/Natural Disasters
- Geopolitical Volatility
- Rapidly Changing Market Trends
- Increasing Competition
Shinichi Kandatsu, head of Commercial Risk Solutions for Japan at Aon, said, “Cyber and weather-related risks continue to lead the rankings as top concerns for Japanese businesses today and in the future, with geopolitical volatility also ranking among the top five risks across both periods. This trend reflects the growing instability across the region, with implications for supply chains, regulatory environments and financial performance. In today’s fast-moving market, leveraging advanced data analytics is essential for businesses to anticipate emerging risks, optimise risk capital and build resilience. The findings from Aon’s Global Risk Management Survey provide Japanese businesses with actionable information to benchmark their risk strategies and identify areas for improvement.”
To access the full report and explore how Aon is helping clients navigate today’s disruption dynamic, visit Global Risk Management Survey Japan
Hashtag: #Aon
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.
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Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.
Media OutReach
Sustainable seafood matters to eight in ten consumers, leading to calls for retailers to support sustainable choices
MSC calls on retailers to increase their offer of sustainable seafood products ahead of the Chinese New Year, in response to insights from consumers
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – As families across Singapore and Malaysia prepare to toss yusheng and serve whole steamed fish for Chinese New Year, new research reveals a striking disconnect: more than eight in ten Malaysians (85%) and nearly three-quarters of Singaporeans (74%) say sustainable seafood matters to them.
Despite actively seeking out sustainable sources, a YouGov survey commissioned by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) found that more than half of Singapore consumers (58%) have never noticed an eco-label when shopping. Recognition of the MSC blue ecolabel label sits at 21%.
With seafood consumption expected to rise during Chinese New Year as celebrations take centre stage, it’s a critical moment for sustainable shopping choices.
Malaysia consumes more than double the global average per capita (49 kg versus 21 kg globally), while Singapore imports most of its seafood supply. Without clear labelling and retailer commitment, consumers who want to make sustainable choices often cannot.
In Malaysia, where fishing remains central to coastal livelihoods, 75% of Malaysians believe support and resources are essential for local fishermen to fish responsibly and sustainably.
In Singapore, where nearly all seafood is imported, consumers look to retailers and regulators for assurance, with 55% citing government standards and 54% citing origin information as key drivers of confidence.
“When asked what sustainable seafood means to them, consumers demonstrated a sophisticated understanding: 62% of Singaporeans and 56% of Malaysians associate it with well-managed fisheries operating under clear rules.
“It’s clear that consumers are ready and willing to seek out credible certification, so we’re urging retailers and businesses to make MSC eco-label products visible and accessible,” saidAnne Gabriel, Program Director for Oceania and Singapore at the Marine Stewardship Council.
The research also highlights expectations of retailers. More than half of Singaporeans (52%) believe supermarkets should commit to sourcing sustainable seafood. Even amid cost-of-living pressures, 38% say they are willing to pay more for sustainably sourced seafood, while many others say clear labelling would help them make better choices within their budget.
The findings suggest that as festive demand peaks, clearer eco-labelling could help consumers align their values with their shopping – without changing what’s on the dinner table.
Shoppers can find MSC certified sustainable seafood at Cold Storage Singapore, FairPrice Group and Prime Supermarket in Singapore, and at AEON Retail, Jaya Grocer and Village Grocer in Malaysia.
Key findings at a glance
- 85% of Malaysians and 74% of Singaporeans say sustainable seafood is important
- 63% (MY) and 58% (SG) have never noticed any eco-label on seafood
- 75% of Malaysians believe fishermen need support to fish sustainably
- 52% Singaporeans say retailer commitment to sustainable sourcing would encourage them to choose sustainable seafood
- Malaysia consumes 49kg of seafood per capita annually vs 21kg global average, sources from Malaysia – Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles
About the research
The survey was conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Marine Stewardship Council between 15-19 January 2026. The sample comprised 1,007 adults aged 18+ in Singapore and 1,003 adults aged 18+ in Malaysia. Data was weighted to be representative of the adult population in each country.
Hashtag: #TheMarineStewardshipCouncil #MSC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organisation. Our vision is of the world’s oceans teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations. Our blue fish ecolabel and fishery certification program recognises and rewards sustainable fishing practices. When you see the blue fish label, you can trust the seafood was caught sustainably. For more information visit msc.org
2025 Global Travel Management Company of the Year recognition affirms ATPI’s leadership in localised, enterprise-ready travel management
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – ATPI Taiwan continues to strengthen its position as a trusted global travel management partner for organisations operating in Taiwan, following the recognition of ATPI’s Hong Kong and Singapore operations as Global Travel Management Company of the Year at the Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025.
The Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia recognises organisations demonstrating excellence in operational delivery, technology integration and service innovation. ATPI was recognised for its ability to deliver globally integrated travel programmes supported by personalised service, secure platforms and disciplined governance across complex, multi-market environments.
Building on these globally recognised capabilities, ATPI Taiwan operates as a professional travel management organisation purpose-built for multinational and technology-driven enterprises. Its local operating model addresses key structural gaps in Taiwan’s corporate travel landscape, where many providers remain leisure-focused and reliant on manual processes that limit transparency, control and scalability.
A defining differentiator is financial transparency. Unlike traditional agencies that issue a single “all-in” receipt, ATPI Taiwan provides two separate documents:
- a Travel Agency Receipt detailing the net ticket fare; and
- a Government Uniform Invoice (GUI / 發票) clearly itemising the agreed service fee.
ATPI is currently the only travel management company in Taiwan offering this structure. The model enables procurement and finance teams to perform audit-level cost analysis, eliminates hidden mark-ups and supports compliance requirements for publicly listed, multinational and technology-led organisations.
ATPI Taiwan’s cloud-based global travel management platform integrates directly with ATPI’s worldwide traveller profile and governance framework. This enables organisations to enforce consistent travel policies, approval workflows and duty-of-care standards across Taiwan and international markets. Centralised dashboards provide real-time visibility of both Taiwan and global travel spend, supporting procurement oversight, financial control and data-driven decision-making for high-volume international travel programmes.
Data security is another critical differentiator. While traveller information in Taiwan is often collected via unsecured consumer messaging platforms, ATPI Taiwan operates in line with ATPI Global Standards and international data protection protocols. Traveller data is managed through the ATPI e-Profile platform, supported by PCI-compliant secure links for document submission and mandatory quarterly data-security training. To date, ATPI Taiwan has maintained a zero data-misconduct and zero data-leakage record.
ATPI also provides professional 24/7 global emergency support through its World Support Centres (WSC), ensuring continuity across time zones with full system access and defined escalation protocols — capabilities essential for mission-critical and time-sensitive travel.
“Our focus is on delivering enterprise-grade travel management that combines global consistency with local precision,” said Kelly Jones, Managing Director – Southeast Asia, China, Hong Kong & Taiwan, ATPI. “Clients choose ATPI not only for our global reach, but for the governance, transparency and personalised service that allow their travel programmes to operate with confidence and control.”
“These capabilities translate directly into measurable outcomes for our clients,” added Asa Yang, General Manager, ATPI Taiwan. “In one recent case, our team conducted a strategic fare analysis for a complex five-destination itinerary and identified a more cost-effective routing. Instead of retaining the price differential, we returned 100% of the savings to the client, delivering a direct saving of TWD 160,000. This reflects our commitment to financial transparency, integrity and proactive programme management.”
The dual awards further reinforce ATPI’s long-standing leadership in corporate and specialist travel management. Following ATPI’s acquisition by Direct Travel in September 2025, the combined organisation operates as a global travel management group, bringing together international scale and personalised service across corporate and complex travel sectors, including marine, energy, mining, sports and group travel. Together, Direct Travel and ATPI manage more than USD 6 billion in annual travel volume, with operations spanning over 100 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
Hashtag: #atpi #corporatetravelmanagement
https://www.atpi.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/atpi
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ATPI
ATPI is a global leader in travel and event management, renowned for delivering innovative and highly tailored solutions across various industries including corporate, marine, mining, energy, sports, and group travel as well as event management services. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Manchester, UK, ATPI employs approximately 2,500 people and has an operations network that spans across 100+ locations on six continents. Their robust global footprint, combined with deep local expertise, allows them to meet the unique and complex needs of a diverse clientele.
In September 2025, ATPI was acquired by longstanding partner Direct Travel to create a global Travel Management powerhouse.
About Direct Travel, Inc.
Direct Travel is one of the world’s largest travel management companies, focused on delivering exceptional, groundbreaking solutions to every client and traveller. With a long history of proven market expertise, we blend advanced technology, superior service, and expert insights to drive tangible value and meaningful savings—offering solutions across Corporate Travel, Leisure Travel, and Meetings & Events.
Through Avenir, our next-generation platform developed with leading technology partners, we provide the industry’s broadest inventory and a modern, real-time shopping experience that empowers travellers and simplifies programme management. What truly sets us apart is the human care behind the technology: an experienced, passionate team dedicated to anticipating needs and delivering exceptional service at every step.
For more information, visitwww.dt.com.
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