China's booming pet economy propels new consumption scenarios

China's pet consumption market has shown great vitality in recent years with new consumption scenarios continuing to spring up.

With an increasing number of pet lovers who are not unable to keep pets themselves due to various reasons, pet cafes are becoming especially popular in urban areas, as a way for them to compensate for the lack of furry companionship.

In Shanghai, a pet cafe in a shopping mall is always flocked with young individuals who expect to relieve the pressure from petting these adorable and docile animals.

"Dogs are just so cute. After petting them, you will feel that you are free from worries and you will feel very happy," said Wang Chenyu, a pet lover.

"When I feel stressed, I will come here, leaving my mobile phone aside and sitting here for an hour or two, I will then feel very relaxed," said Xu Jingcheng, another pet lover.

To those who are struggling in the issue whether to join the pet-keeping population or not, the pet cafe can also give an answer.

"After visiting our store, there will be more and more customers learning that what kind of dog is suitable for them. They will more rationally know whether they are ready to keep a pet," said Liu Mingjun, person in charge of a petting dog store.

The pet cafes also sell pet peripheral products, offering consumers a chance to own DIY keychains and canvas bags printed with their favorite animals.

Besides, the number of pet supply stores, pet-themed amusement parks, and pet-related workshops have also gradually increased, gaining the favor of many pet lovers.

China's booming pet economy propels new consumption scenarios

Cuba held a grand International Workers' Day rally in its capital, Havana, on Wednesday, as a demonstration of national pride and a protest against the U.S. sanctions.

Cuban revolutionary leader Raul Castro, and Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban President, attended the event at the city's Jose Marti Anti-Imperialist Plaza. The gathering also attracted about 200,000 participants, including thousands of international supporters from 58 countries and 220 organizations.

Under the theme of "For Cuba Together We Create", the rally advocated for national unity as a means to overcome economic challenges and achieve recovery despite the U.S. embargo against Cuba.

"The intensification of the U.S. policy aimed at suffocating our people to the maximum, along with our internal shortcomings, is shaping this scenario. The more complex the environment, the greater the need for unity. It's this unity that has gathered us here together and helped us overcome the tough challenges," stated Ulises Guilarte, General Secretary of the Workers' Central Union of Cuba (CTC), in his rally speech.

"Cuba is a beacon of hope, reminding us that a better world is achievable. Despite adversity, blockades and economic pressures, Cuba demonstrates that resistance is possible," said a rally participant from Chile.

Cuba holds International Workers' Day rally against US sanctions