The number of granted patents for inventions increased significantly in January-February 2024
In the first two months of this year, the number of invention patents granted in China rose 77.56 percent year-on-year, according to data from the State Intellectual Property Administration of the People's Republic of China.
According to the latest monthly report released by the aforementioned office, 152,258 invention patents were granted in China from January to February this year. Notably, corporate patents account for the majority and show the highest year-on-year growth rate compared to patents obtained by universities, research institutes and individuals.
The number of utility model patents and industrial design patents decreased compared to the same period last year, resulting in a 9.9 percent year-on-year decline in the total number of patents in these three categories.
China released an action plan to promote high-level opening up and attract foreign investment
Recently, the Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China released an action plan to steadily promote high-level opening up and more actively attract and utilize foreign investment.
The action plan emphasizes that foreign investment is an important force for promoting the process of Chinese-style modernization and the overall prosperity and development of both the Chinese and global economies.
To more vigorously attract and utilize foreign investment, it is necessary to fully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development concept and create a first-class internationalized business environment that respects market principles and the rule of law, thereby strengthening foreign investors' confidence in their ability to develop in China, the action plan said.
The document puts forward 24 measures in five areas, including enhancing market access, making foreign investment more attractive, creating a level playing field, promoting the inflow of innovative factors, and better aligning China's current regulations with international trade and economic rules of high standards.
According to the document, the country will prudently reduce the negative list for foreign investment access and launch pilot programs to lower the threshold for foreign investors in science and technology innovation.
The Eren-Hoto checkpoint on the China-Mongolia border has handled 15,000 freight trains since the launch of the China-Europe freight rail service
A total of 15,000 China-Europe freight trains have passed through the Eren-Hoto border crossing /Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, North China/ as of the morning of March 9 since the launch of this railway service. This was reported by regional authorities.
The Eren-Hoto checkpoint is the largest land port between China and Mongolia. Currently, 70 China-Europe rail routes pass through it, originating in more than 10 provinces and urban districts in China, including Tianjin city, as well as Anhui, Hunan and Sichuan provinces, and ending at more than 60 destinations in more than 10 countries such as Germany, Poland, Russia and Belarus.
Among the goods transported by China-Europe freight trains passing through the Eren-Hoto BCP, there are about 1,000 product categories, including footwear and clothing, mechanical equipment and electrical products, vehicles and auto parts.
Ankara’s new intermodal terminal commences operations
The initial stage of the Ankara Port Başkent OIZ Eti Logistics Ankara Intermodal Terminal has been launched, boasting a container capacity of 500,000 TEUs and a dry bulk capacity of 20,000,000 tons.
Additionally, this development includes the inauguration of a railway connection and a 700-meter platform, facilitating the successful launch of train operations at the terminal.
This new hub is expected to play a pivotal role in Turkish trade, accelerating the integration of Ankara-based companies into global trade networks by ensuring Anatolia's connection to Turkish maritime terminals within a 24-hour timeframe.
Port of Piraeus Authority inks MoU with Port of Guangzhou
In a special event held at its premises, the Port of Piraeus Authority (PPA) established a partnership with the Port of Guangzhou in China, which ranks among the top 10 largest commercial ports worldwide.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed by Panagiotis Tsonis, deputy CEO of PPA, and Song Xiaoming, deputy general manager at Guangzhou Port Group.
According to a statement, this agreement signifies a commitment from both governing bodies to strengthen their collaboration, forming a durable alliance to address current and future challenges. Both parties have pledged to prioritize joint efforts towards sustainable investments, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and fostering environmentally friendly port operations.
Additionally, the parties have agreed to work closely on digitization and automation initiatives, ensuring the continual exchange of expertise and adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
Also, Yu Zenggang, chairman of PPA, expressed profound satisfaction with the signing of this cooperation agreement between the ports of Piraeus and Guangzhou. He emphasized the importance of fostering ongoing development, modernization, and technological advancement through the exchange of knowledge and experiences to address global challenges like climate change. Such collaborative efforts are deemed pivotal for effective port management and decision-making in Piraeus port.
The signing ceremony was attended by Yiannis Moralis and Sun Zhiyang, mayors of Piraeus and Guangzhou, respectively, along with the esteemed ambassador of China to Greece, Xiao Junzheng.