Global Prosperity Summit 2025 highlights Hong Kong's role as a super-connector as experts from around the world convene to discuss space innovation, AI and the trade war

HONG KONG, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marked the opening of the 2025 edition of Global Prosperity Summit (GPS2025), Hong Kong's first-ever conference designed to address the most important geopolitical issues facing the world. Following the success of last year's inaugural event, GPS2025 is reinforcing the city's position as a super-connector by bringing together renowned academic and international experts from across the globe to exchange views on subjects that are impacting global prosperity. The co-organisers said they are honoured that Mr Wu Hailong, President of The China Public Diplomacy Association, delivered the keynote address to kick off GPS2025.

Speaking during the keynote address, "China's Worldview", Mr Wu said:

• "There are mainly four trends on the international landscape: the rise of China, the fault line in U.S.-West relations, the rise of the Global South and the shift of the world's centre of gravity to Asia."
• "On Sino-US relations, China will continue to adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. At the same time, we hope the United States can recognise the broader trajectory of historical progress and view China's growth objectively."
• "On Sino-EU relations, this year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. China retains its confidence in Europe and believes Europe can be a cooperation partner. The two sides have the capability and wisdom to address existing issues properly and pave the way together for another promising 50 years."
• "Amid the current global transformation, a new force is emerging, and that is the Global South. Today, the Global South accounts for over 40 percent of global economic output and contributes 80 percent of global growth. It is a pivotal force in safeguarding peace, driving development and advancing global governance. It is reshaping the global political and economic landscapes while causing a historical shift in the global balance of power. A trend is taking shape with the 'rise of the South and decline of the North'. Increasingly, Global South countries are gaining voice and influence in international affairs."
• "As long as we uphold the vision of a shared home, remain committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind and approach issues through equal-footed consultation and mutual accommodation, no problem is unsolvable."

Following the keynote address were three panel discussions: "The Promise of Space – Breakthroughs and Potential", "AI and the Future of Work", and "Trade War, Hot Wars and the Global Economy".

During the panel on trade war, speakers said they consider communications and cooperation to be important in managing the issue going forward. (Highlights of the panel discussions are enclosed in the Annex.)

Mrs Regina Ip, Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Savantas Policy Institute, said, "Global Prosperity Summit is a joint effort by the government, think tanks and chambers of commerce to tell the true story of Hong Kong and help the world recognise the unique role Hong Kong can play in bridging divides and reducing differences."

In addition to the Savantas Policy Institute and Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has joined as a co-organiser this year. GPS2025 is being held from 19 May to 21 May 2025 at The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong. Participants include renowned scholars and experts from mainland China, Europe, North America and Asia, who have arrived in Hong Kong to exchange views and share suggestions on the critical issues that are affecting global development the most.

GPS2025 continues tomorrow with two more panel discussions, "Climate Change and Sustainable Development" and "Hong Kong's Bridging Role in a Changing World".

About Global Prosperity Summit

Global Prosperity Summit was initiated by a group of business, academic and experts in Hong Kong to provide a platform for frank, objective and rational discussion of dominant issues impacting global prosperity. The inaugural Summit was held in Hong Kong in 2024.

About Savantas Policy Institute

Savantas Policy Institute (SPI) was founded in 2006 by a group of Hong Kong belongers with overseas experience who care deeply about Hong Kong. The core vision of SPI is to enhance Hong Kong's transformation into a knowledge-based economy. SPI engages mainly in conducting public policy research and analysis and recommending appropriate long-term developmental strategies, as well as promoting public understanding of and participation in the economic and social development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

About Shanghai Institutes for International Studies

Established in 1960, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) has played a crucial role in conducting strategic research, providing policy recommendations and contributing to the understanding of international politics, economics, security and other related fields. It has evolved into an important institution informing and shaping China's foreign policy and global engagement and has been accredited as one of the most influential think tanks in China and around the world.

About European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong

Initiated in 1997, the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (EuroCham) is a non-governmental business interest group. The EuroCham is a 'Chamber of Chambers' with its membership comprising 16 European Chambers based in Hong Kong. The appointed representatives of these chambers make up EuroCham's Board of Directors. Over 1,600 European companies are operating in Hong Kong. In 2019, Europe maintained its position as Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner after mainland China and Hong Kong's second-largest export destination and third-largest import supplier.

HONG KONG, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marked the opening of the 2025 edition of Global Prosperity Summit (GPS2025), Hong Kong's first-ever conference designed to address the most important geopolitical issues facing the world. Following the success of last year's inaugural event, GPS2025 is reinforcing the city's position as a super-connector by bringing together renowned academic and international experts from across the globe to exchange views on subjects that are impacting global prosperity. The co-organisers said they are honoured that Mr Wu Hailong, President of The China Public Diplomacy Association, delivered the keynote address to kick off GPS2025.

Speaking during the keynote address, "China's Worldview", Mr Wu said:

• "There are mainly four trends on the international landscape: the rise of China, the fault line in U.S.-West relations, the rise of the Global South and the shift of the world's centre of gravity to Asia."
• "On Sino-US relations, China will continue to adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. At the same time, we hope the United States can recognise the broader trajectory of historical progress and view China's growth objectively."
• "On Sino-EU relations, this year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. China retains its confidence in Europe and believes Europe can be a cooperation partner. The two sides have the capability and wisdom to address existing issues properly and pave the way together for another promising 50 years."
• "Amid the current global transformation, a new force is emerging, and that is the Global South. Today, the Global South accounts for over 40 percent of global economic output and contributes 80 percent of global growth. It is a pivotal force in safeguarding peace, driving development and advancing global governance. It is reshaping the global political and economic landscapes while causing a historical shift in the global balance of power. A trend is taking shape with the 'rise of the South and decline of the North'. Increasingly, Global South countries are gaining voice and influence in international affairs."
• "As long as we uphold the vision of a shared home, remain committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind and approach issues through equal-footed consultation and mutual accommodation, no problem is unsolvable."

Following the keynote address were three panel discussions: "The Promise of Space – Breakthroughs and Potential", "AI and the Future of Work", and "Trade War, Hot Wars and the Global Economy".

During the panel on trade war, speakers said they consider communications and cooperation to be important in managing the issue going forward. (Highlights of the panel discussions are enclosed in the Annex.)

Mrs Regina Ip, Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Savantas Policy Institute, said, "Global Prosperity Summit is a joint effort by the government, think tanks and chambers of commerce to tell the true story of Hong Kong and help the world recognise the unique role Hong Kong can play in bridging divides and reducing differences."

In addition to the Savantas Policy Institute and Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has joined as a co-organiser this year. GPS2025 is being held from 19 May to 21 May 2025 at The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong. Participants include renowned scholars and experts from mainland China, Europe, North America and Asia, who have arrived in Hong Kong to exchange views and share suggestions on the critical issues that are affecting global development the most.

GPS2025 continues tomorrow with two more panel discussions, "Climate Change and Sustainable Development" and "Hong Kong's Bridging Role in a Changing World".

About Global Prosperity Summit

Global Prosperity Summit was initiated by a group of business, academic and experts in Hong Kong to provide a platform for frank, objective and rational discussion of dominant issues impacting global prosperity. The inaugural Summit was held in Hong Kong in 2024.

About Savantas Policy Institute

Savantas Policy Institute (SPI) was founded in 2006 by a group of Hong Kong belongers with overseas experience who care deeply about Hong Kong. The core vision of SPI is to enhance Hong Kong's transformation into a knowledge-based economy. SPI engages mainly in conducting public policy research and analysis and recommending appropriate long-term developmental strategies, as well as promoting public understanding of and participation in the economic and social development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

About Shanghai Institutes for International Studies

Established in 1960, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) has played a crucial role in conducting strategic research, providing policy recommendations and contributing to the understanding of international politics, economics, security and other related fields. It has evolved into an important institution informing and shaping China's foreign policy and global engagement and has been accredited as one of the most influential think tanks in China and around the world.

About European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong

Initiated in 1997, the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (EuroCham) is a non-governmental business interest group. The EuroCham is a 'Chamber of Chambers' with its membership comprising 16 European Chambers based in Hong Kong. The appointed representatives of these chambers make up EuroCham's Board of Directors. Over 1,600 European companies are operating in Hong Kong. In 2019, Europe maintained its position as Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner after mainland China and Hong Kong's second-largest export destination and third-largest import supplier.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Global Prosperity Summit 2025 highlights Hong Kong's role as a super-connector as experts from around the world convene to discuss space innovation, AI and the trade war

Global Prosperity Summit 2025 highlights Hong Kong's role as a super-connector as experts from around the world convene to discuss space innovation, AI and the trade war

Global Prosperity Summit 2025 highlights Hong Kong's role as a super-connector as experts from around the world convene to discuss space innovation, AI and the trade war

Global Prosperity Summit 2025 highlights Hong Kong's role as a super-connector as experts from around the world convene to discuss space innovation, AI and the trade war

Global Prosperity Summit 2025 highlights Hong Kong's role as a super-connector as experts from around the world convene to discuss space innovation, AI and the trade war

• CATL opens Middle East's first NING SERVICE Experience Center in Riyadh —currently the largest new energy aftermarket facility outside China.
• The facility offers comprehensive full-lifecycle after-sales support, cultivates local technical talent and accelerates the deployment of advanced electrification and energy storage solutions.
• It also functions as a regional ecosystem hub linking diverse stakeholders and resources to drive industrial synergy and sustainable growth.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 10, 2026, CATL opened the Middle East's first and currently the largest new energy aftermarket facility outside China—the NING SERVICE Experience Center in Riyadh—strengthening its after-sales presence in the Middle East and supporting the region's shift toward cleaner energy systems.

The opening comes as Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East advance ambitious electrification and decarbonization goals under Vision 2030 and similar national initiatives. Taking Saudi Arabia as an example, The Kingdom has set a goal to transition 30% of all vehicles in Riyadh to electric by 2030, as part of a larger strategy to reduce emissions in the capital city by 50%. Sustainability policies are also driving the shift to electric equipment, such as promoting the use of electric forklifts, while encouraging the use of green energy on farms under the Saudi Green Initiative. However, progress is tempered by persistent challenges, including longstanding oil dependency, surging electricity demand, extreme climatic conditions, and limited charging and service infrastructure.

Strategically designed to overcome these obstacles, the Riyadh facility offers comprehensive full-lifecycle after-sales support, cultivates local technical talent and accelerates the deployment of advanced electrification and energy storage solutions. 

Covering more than 7,000 square meters, the Riyadh center combines exhibition areas, diagnostics and maintenance zones, refurbishment facilities, training spaces, and a customer lounge. It is designed to serve not only as a localized service hub for the region and a showcase of CATL's system-level capabilities across electric mobility, energy storage, and intelligent electrification, but also as a platform that links diverse resources, fostering industrial synergy across the ecosystem.

A full-lifecycle approach to new energy services

Relying on CATL's deep R&D and extreme manufacturing capabilities, NING SERVICE Experience Center provides customers with full-lifecycle services that encompass battery diagnostics, repair, maintenance, rework, training, recycling, aftermarket logistics and warehousing. Its services span over seven major product categories—from passenger and commercial vehicles to energy storage systems—along with diverse repair scenarios, setting a new benchmark for new energy service delivery in the region.

Leveraging CATL's advanced diagnostics and repair expertise, along with established service processes, the center's comprehensive after-sales services

helps enterprise customers reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs, and extend asset life, providing greater certainty around long-term performance and residual value while reducing long-term ownership costs and delivering more cost-effective and reliable services for end users.

Advancing localized operations and capability building

The Riyadh center serves as a key platform for CATL's localized operations in the Middle East, supporting talent development and long-term local value creation. Through dedicated training facilities, CATL builds after-sales and technical expertise in the new energy sector, contributing to skilled employment and knowledge transfer across the Middle East. Globally, NING SERVICE operates 10 training centers, totalling 2,300 square meters, and has certified more than 9,700 new energy after-sales professionals through partnerships with vocational institutions.

Beyond talent development, CATL is deepening its localization strategy by reinforcing local infrastructure and building ecosystem partnerships. CATL is in discussion with top-tier local industry players—including fuel network operators to rapidly provide green electricity to gas stations and major infrastructure companies to electrify their truck fleets, as well as energy companies to deploy solar-plus-storage solutions.

These initiatives not only bolster CATL's local service capabilities and market confidence, but also by enabling key partners, jointly drive the scaled adoption of comprehensive new energy solutions across the Middle East.

"As a leading energy company in Saudi Arabia, we see tremendous opportunities in energy transformation. For instance, we plan to deploy solar-plus-storage solutions at our gas stations and electrify forklifts to reduce reliance on oil. We look forward to collaborating with top players like CATL to drive this transition forward," said Ahmed Ibrahim，Assistant General Manager For Procurement of Al Drees, a leading provider of petroleum and logistics services in Saudi Arabia.

"The launch of CATL's Riyadh aftermarket flagship underscores our shared commitment to driving the global energy transition. This milestone not only reflects the growing demand for sustainable solutions in Saudi Arabia but also embodies our collective vision for a cleaner, electrified future. As the investor behind the experience centre, we are confident that this partnership will accelerate electrification and strengthen the region's role in advancing the energy transition." said Lin Chaofan, CEO of F4S. 

Part of a global network

The Saudi Arabia opening builds on CATL's global service footprint, which includes more than 1,200 professional service stations across 76 countries and 73 spare-parts warehouses worldwide. CATL ranks No. 1 globally in spare parts inventory stocked with 100% genuine parts, with a total warehouse area of more than 370,000 square meters. To date, NING SERVICE has supported more than six million electric vehicles, providing professional after-sales services for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage customers.

A long-term commitment to the Middle East

Bruce Li, President of Quality System, Aftermarket Business, Battery Management System Department at CATL, said the Riyadh center reflects a strategic, long-term view of the region.

"Our decision to establish this center in Riyadh is not only a commercial choice, but a long-term commitment," Li said. "As the first NING SERVICE Experience Center in the Middle East, it is more than a service facility. It is a new energy aftermarket ecosystem hub that brings together advanced technology, professional training, and industry collaboration—effectively connecting diverse stakeholders and resources to foster deeper synergy and sustainable growth across the region. Starting from here, CATL will continue to expand its after-sales service network across the Middle East, align closely with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and support the region's energy transition through a reliable, end-to-end service system."

As the Middle East accelerates its shift toward electrification and energy storage adoption, CATL's expanded NING SERVICE presence is poised to deliver the technical reliability and sustained partnerships essential for this transformation.

 

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 10, 2026, CATL opened the Middle East's first and currently the largest new energy aftermarket facility outside China—the NING SERVICE Experience Center in Riyadh—strengthening its after-sales presence in the Middle East and supporting the region's shift toward cleaner energy systems.

The opening comes as Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East advance ambitious electrification and decarbonization goals under Vision 2030 and similar national initiatives. Taking Saudi Arabia as an example, The Kingdom has set a goal to transition 30% of all vehicles in Riyadh to electric by 2030, as part of a larger strategy to reduce emissions in the capital city by 50%. Sustainability policies are also driving the shift to electric equipment, such as promoting the use of electric forklifts, while encouraging the use of green energy on farms under the Saudi Green Initiative. However, progress is tempered by persistent challenges, including longstanding oil dependency, surging electricity demand, extreme climatic conditions, and limited charging and service infrastructure.

Strategically designed to overcome these obstacles, the Riyadh facility offers comprehensive full-lifecycle after-sales support, cultivates local technical talent and accelerates the deployment of advanced electrification and energy storage solutions. 

Covering more than 7,000 square meters, the Riyadh center combines exhibition areas, diagnostics and maintenance zones, refurbishment facilities, training spaces, and a customer lounge. It is designed to serve not only as a localized service hub for the region and a showcase of CATL's system-level capabilities across electric mobility, energy storage, and intelligent electrification, but also as a platform that links diverse resources, fostering industrial synergy across the ecosystem.

A full-lifecycle approach to new energy services

Relying on CATL's deep R&D and extreme manufacturing capabilities, NING SERVICE Experience Center provides customers with full-lifecycle services that encompass battery diagnostics, repair, maintenance, rework, training, recycling, aftermarket logistics and warehousing. Its services span over seven major product categories—from passenger and commercial vehicles to energy storage systems—along with diverse repair scenarios, setting a new benchmark for new energy service delivery in the region.

Leveraging CATL's advanced diagnostics and repair expertise, along with established service processes, the center's comprehensive after-sales services

helps enterprise customers reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs, and extend asset life, providing greater certainty around long-term performance and residual value while reducing long-term ownership costs and delivering more cost-effective and reliable services for end users.

Advancing localized operations and capability building

The Riyadh center serves as a key platform for CATL's localized operations in the Middle East, supporting talent development and long-term local value creation. Through dedicated training facilities, CATL builds after-sales and technical expertise in the new energy sector, contributing to skilled employment and knowledge transfer across the Middle East. Globally, NING SERVICE operates 10 training centers, totalling 2,300 square meters, and has certified more than 9,700 new energy after-sales professionals through partnerships with vocational institutions.

Beyond talent development, CATL is deepening its localization strategy by reinforcing local infrastructure and building ecosystem partnerships. CATL is in discussion with top-tier local industry players—including fuel network operators to rapidly provide green electricity to gas stations and major infrastructure companies to electrify their truck fleets, as well as energy companies to deploy solar-plus-storage solutions.

These initiatives not only bolster CATL's local service capabilities and market confidence, but also by enabling key partners, jointly drive the scaled adoption of comprehensive new energy solutions across the Middle East.

"As a leading energy company in Saudi Arabia, we see tremendous opportunities in energy transformation. For instance, we plan to deploy solar-plus-storage solutions at our gas stations and electrify forklifts to reduce reliance on oil. We look forward to collaborating with top players like CATL to drive this transition forward," said Ahmed Ibrahim，Assistant General Manager For Procurement of Al Drees, a leading provider of petroleum and logistics services in Saudi Arabia.

"The launch of CATL's Riyadh aftermarket flagship underscores our shared commitment to driving the global energy transition. This milestone not only reflects the growing demand for sustainable solutions in Saudi Arabia but also embodies our collective vision for a cleaner, electrified future. As the investor behind the experience centre, we are confident that this partnership will accelerate electrification and strengthen the region's role in advancing the energy transition." said Lin Chaofan, CEO of F4S. 

Part of a global network

The Saudi Arabia opening builds on CATL's global service footprint, which includes more than 1,200 professional service stations across 76 countries and 73 spare-parts warehouses worldwide. CATL ranks No. 1 globally in spare parts inventory stocked with 100% genuine parts, with a total warehouse area of more than 370,000 square meters. To date, NING SERVICE has supported more than six million electric vehicles, providing professional after-sales services for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage customers.

A long-term commitment to the Middle East

Bruce Li, President of Quality System, Aftermarket Business, Battery Management System Department at CATL, said the Riyadh center reflects a strategic, long-term view of the region.

"Our decision to establish this center in Riyadh is not only a commercial choice, but a long-term commitment," Li said. "As the first NING SERVICE Experience Center in the Middle East, it is more than a service facility. It is a new energy aftermarket ecosystem hub that brings together advanced technology, professional training, and industry collaboration—effectively connecting diverse stakeholders and resources to foster deeper synergy and sustainable growth across the region. Starting from here, CATL will continue to expand its after-sales service network across the Middle East, align closely with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and support the region's energy transition through a reliable, end-to-end service system."

As the Middle East accelerates its shift toward electrification and energy storage adoption, CATL's expanded NING SERVICE presence is poised to deliver the technical reliability and sustained partnerships essential for this transformation.

 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

CATL Opens Middle East's Largest New Energy Aftermarket Facility in Riyadh

CATL Opens Middle East's Largest New Energy Aftermarket Facility in Riyadh

CATL Opens Middle East's Largest New Energy Aftermarket Facility in Riyadh