The ongoing 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is promoting international trade and collaboration in the global energy sector, with the event witnessing a large deal to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) into China.
As one of the world's largest energy markets, China plays a crucial role in the global energy transition. This week in Shanghai, major international energy companies are gathering at the CIIE to form partnerships with Chinese enterprises.
A signing ceremony titled "Building Global Energy Partnership" was held at one of the event's venues. There, China's Sinopec Group finalized contracts valued at over 40 billion U.S. dollars with 38 partners from 18 countries and regions worldwide.
One significant agreement is a long-term LNG supply framework between Sinopec and TotalEnergies. Under this contract, TotalEnergies will supply Sinopec with approximately 2 million tons of LNG annually over a 15-year period beginning in 2028.
"As you know, Sinopec is one of the largest LNG (liquefied natural gas) importers in China. And we are also number three in the world. It's a contract to supply 15 years LNG from our global portfolio, our worldwide portfolio, to Sinopec, with delivery in China to meet the fast and growing demand of the gas market in China," said Stephane Michel, president of TotalEnergies.
According to Sinopec's President, the group leverages the extensive platform of the CIIE to fulfill its commitment to transforming the Chinese market into a marketplace accessible to all.
"China is the world's largest importer of liquefied natural gas, and TotalEnergies is a key partner of Sinopec. We utilize the CIIE as a platform to collaboratively develop a green energy supply chain and enhance our international competitiveness. The signing of this agreement will further solidify the strategic partnership between the two companies in the natural gas sector, contributing positively to global energy governance and efforts to combat climate change," said Zhao Dong, board director and president of China Sinopec Group.
Since the inaugural CIIE in 2018, Sinopec has signed contracts totaling over 285 billion U.S. dollars across seven expos. Last year, the group secured an LNG contract with Qatar Energy during the 6th CIIE, underscoring the significant potential for state-owned enterprises to expand their international collaborations.
Running from Nov. 5 to 10 under the theme of "New Era, Shared Future," the 7th CIIE has attracted participants from 152 countries, regions, and international organizations to participate in its country exhibition and business exhibition.
CIIE helps promote global energy collaboration with large natural gas deal signed
After a nearly-four-day journey from Mexico, the first boat of a humanitarian flotilla to Cuba docked at a harbor in Havana, the capital city of Cuba, on Tuesday.
This marked the arrival of the second group of the “Nuestra America” or “Our America” convoy, an international humanitarian effort aimed at assisting Cubans struggling with a severe economic and energy crisis due to U.S. sanctions.
On board, around 30 activists waved flags and banners reading "Let Cuba Live!" They brought with them medicines, solar panels, food and other essential items.
The humanitarian movement includes unionists, doctors, parliamentarians and friends of Cuba from over 30 other countries. It began last week with air shipments carrying approximately 50 tons of aid.
"It is remarkable. I mean it is the least we can do. I'm from the United States and my government is imposing this cruel, illegal policy. But the people, like the Cuban people, they want to survive, they want to do more than survive, they want to thrive," said a convoy activist.
"For me inside, it's a great honor to be here. We are just representing hundreds and millions of hearts and solidarity movements and people from around the world, Latin America, [including] Addy Ayala, that bring to us and to Cuba this aid," said another convoy activist.
This international action comes as Cubans face a severe energy crisis, along with shortages of basic food, medicines and services exacerbated by the U.S. sanctions.
Activists, including well-known politicians, have visited several hospitals and healthcare centers where they delivered donations of medicine, including drugs for cancer patients.
"We have arrived with our own suitcases full, even the people from my office have brought 60 kilos of medical equipment to Cuba, and we've got lots, lots more coming by sea later on, so we are trying to break the blockade in that way," said Jeremy Corbyn, a British politician.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and other officials welcomed the first activists who arrived in Cuba by air last week at a gathering at Havana's Convention Center.
"This convoy, 'Nuestra America', has special meaning for us because they are our brothers and sisters bringing us part of what they've got, depriving themselves of certain things only to support Cuba," said Argelio Abad, Cuba's First Deputy Energy Minister in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
Many activists have also taken time to meet and engage with the Cuban people at cultural and recreational centers.
The activists have pledged that, in the face of tough times, Cubans can always count on their support, and also pledged their commitment to stand with Cuba.
More humanitarian aid arrives as Cuba struggles under weight of U.S.-imposed energy blockade
