UN refugee agency seeks Chinese partnerships at supply chain expo

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is seeking deeper collaboration with Chinese companies to support displaced populations, spotlighting its efforts at the ongoing China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) .

Themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," the third CISCE opened in Beijing on Wednesday, The five-day event has attracted 651 companies and institutions from 75 countries and regions.

Among over 200 new exhibitors at the China International Supply Chain Expo this year, one exhibitor has stood out among the rest -- the UNHCR. It marks the first time the UN body has participated in the event.

"Because it represents innovation, humanitarian aid, protection," said UNHCR Representative in China Sophie Muller, talking about the agency's presence at the expo.

Chinese companies have been offering increasing support for refugees and UNHCR globally.

"The response that we were able to provide in the Myanmar earthquake, where also products made in China have had a very strong importance," said Muller.

Chinese private enterprises have been actively donating to refugee communities. In appreciation of public support and contributions, products designed and handmade by refugees are being offered to the public.

"Some of them have been made in China. For example, this one. These ones are products produced by Chinese suppliers. This one as well," said Muller.

The UNHCR estimates more than 122 million people globally are forcibly displaced. They need cost-efficient products for living and solutions to make a living.

With a 2024 procurement budget of 1.3 billion U.S. dollars, the UN agency is attracted by Chinese companies' lower prices and efficient production capabilities to stretch resources.

"The supply chain from China is very important for us to make that budget more efficient. If we can supply more with the same amount, knowing that our budget is shrinking, we'll be helping more refugees and providing hope and solutions to them in a more agile way. And right now, as you know, we have a severe financial crisis, and we need that agility," said Muller.

The UN agency aims to expand its network of Chinese partners during the expo.

"The role of Chinese companies is very important for us, and we hope we can have many more. And in this expo, that's exactly what we're trying to do, establishing more networks," said Muller.

UN refugee agency seeks Chinese partnerships at supply chain expo

A new robotic traffic officer began its duty on the streets of Wuhu City in east China's Anhui Province on Saturday.

This domestically developed robot is now undergoing on-the-job training, participating in front-line traffic management and order maintenance.

At the intersection of Chizhushan Road and Huizhou Road in Wuhu, the robotic officer, wearing a white police cap and a traffic vest, was seen directing traffic with standard hand gestures.

It reminded passing vehicles of traffic rules and coordinated with on-site human officers to promote civilized road behavior.

"It looks just like a real person at first sight, while radiating a strong sense of technological sophistication. It serves as a deterrent to both drivers and helmet-less riders alike," said Zhang Xiaoping, a local resident.

The robotic traffic officer is equipped with six cameras and one light detection and ranging system, enabling it to perceive road conditions, avoid obstacles autonomously while moving, and transmit collected data to a backend system.

Currently, the robot is primarily undergoing training for application scenarios such as disseminating traffic regulations, assisting with intersection command and control, and intelligently identifying and advising against uncivilized behavior.

Robotic traffic officer on duty in east China's Anhui