Chinese motorcycle maker ZXMOTO has brought a range of high-performance models to the ongoing 139th China Import and Export Fair, or Canton Fair, drawing new interest from global buyers.
The company gained the attention of the motorcycle racing world earlier this month due to its historic double victory in the World Supersport category at the Portuguese round of the Superbike World Championship.
At the Canton Fair, running from April 15 to May 5 in south China's Guangzhou, small crowds gathered around the championship-winning 820RR, on display at ZXMOTO's exhibition space.
"I looked at many motorcycles before, but it's my first time looking here in the Canton Fair. They have a good design, they have good models," said an overseas purchaser
ZXMOTO brought five flagship bikes to the fair, ranging from entry-level to large-displacement models. Endorsed by its race-winning strength and high cost-performance advantages, the bike maker has quickly gained popularity in overseas markets.
"[Whether it's in] design, the speed and the innovation, right now, I think Chinese products are more and more recognized in the world. Hopefully, we can maybe try to bring the motorbikes to Mexico," said a Mexican purchaser.
A ZXMOTO representative at the fair announced that over 20 overseas buyers have expressed initial interest in collaborating, with Europe and South America identified as key export markets. The first batch of vehicles destined for Europe is expected to be officially shipped in June this year, and the company expects to enjoy a significant price advantage.
"Our price is only 70 to 80 percent of that of overseas brands. While China produces over 20 million motorcycles annually, the majority have historically been small-displacement models. However, as our industry upgrades and Chinese manufacturing standards rise, we are now capable of producing high-displacement motorcycles featuring cutting-edge technology and superior quality," said Huang Qin, director of ZXMOTO's foreign trade department.
ZXMOTO accelerates global push at Canton Fair, fresh from Superbike podium
ZXMOTO accelerates global push at Canton Fair, fresh from Superbike podium
ZXMOTO accelerates global push at Canton Fair, fresh from Superbike podium
Kenya's health authorities have intensified health screening for truck drivers whose movements span thousands of kilometers across multiple countries, as East Africa remains on heightened alert following the latest outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the DR Congo had risen to 896, including 232 deaths, the country's public health authorities said Thursday.
Everyday, hundreds of trucks leave Kenya's capital carrying goods destined for Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the DR Congo.
At the Inland Container Depot in Embakasi, Stephen Kihima is preparing for another long journey westward. Kihima said he has to take extra caution as he frequently passes through busy border crossings where thousands of travelers and transport workers converge each day.
"We no longer shake hands. We do fist bumps or just wave, but we don't fear crossing borders because this is our job," Kihima said.
Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have enhanced health screenings, temperature checks, and awareness campaigns at border points. For truck drivers, these measures have now become part of their routine.
"Most of us drivers have stopped eating food in those countries, we move with our own stoves and cook our food, most of us don't go to the hotels to eat. We fear that the hotels might have the disease," Kihima said.
Experts said truck drivers have always been a critical link in regional trade, but their extensive movement across countries also creates opportunities for infectious diseases to spread if proper measures are not followed.
"When truck drivers are well informed about how the disease is spread when they now go to those areas where maybe the disease, where there are cases of that disease of the Ebola virus disease they would also know how to stay safe; how to interact with the population there; they will know what preventive measures to take," said Samuel Njenga, an infectious diseases expert.
Kenyan authorities have strengthened monitoring systems at key entry points and are working closely with regional partners to prevent cross-border transmission.
Mary Muthoni, principal secretary for public health under the Kenyan Health Ministry, said while inspecting the border epidemic control situations that the authorities are going to have weekly briefs for truck drivers at the border point, and continue to provide relevant health trainings.
Kenya enhances health screening for truck drivers as Ebola outbreak continues
