China to work with other economies to build sustainable, equitable automotive ecosystem: official

China will work with other economies to build a sustainable and equitable automotive ecosystem within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), a senior official from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said on Tuesday.

Addressing the 43rd APEC Automotive Dialogue in Shanghai, Wang Weiming, director of the Equipment Industry Department I under the MIIT, emphasized that China remains committed to contributing its expertise and innovation to the global automotive industry's ongoing transformation.

He highlighted China's recent advancements in key automotive technologies, noting that semi-solid-state batteries have begun deployment on vehicles, while ultra-fast charging systems capable of restoring 80 percent of battery capacity within 15 minutes have entered mass production, he said.

To date, China has opened more than 57,000 kilometers of public roads for intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) testing, with pilot programs for autonomous driving and electrification expanding across multiple cities, according to the official.

On the regulatory front, China has issued 237 sets of national and industry standards for ICVs, with an additional 103 sets of standards currently under development. China has also taken a leading role in shaping global norms, contributing to over 60 international regulations covering electric vehicle safety, autonomous driving systems and related fields, according to Wang.

He noted that the new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, particularly with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and other frontier technologies, has opened new space for the transformation and upgrading of the global automotive sector.

Looking ahead, Wang said, China will continue to deepen international cooperation, uphold open development, and foster a market-oriented, law-based and international business environment.

"We support Chinese and foreign enterprises in deepening practical cooperation in the fields of technology, standards, investment and trade. Meanwhile, we are working to strengthen coordination and mutual recognition in the fields of standards and regulations with other economies. Leveraging platforms such as APEC, we aim to promote technological exchanges, human resources development cooperation, and the global sharing of innovation outcomes," Wang said.

The APEC Automotive Dialogue is APEC's primary public-private forum on automotive policy and emerging vehicle technologies. It convenes government officials, industry leaders and academic experts from across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange views and develop practical, forward-looking policy approaches.

China to work with other economies to build sustainable, equitable automotive ecosystem: official

Famed for its vast range of goods, the Canton Fair not only grabs attention with high-tech innovations, but traditional handicrafts still hold their ground.

Running in three phases from Oct 15 to Nov 4 in Guangzhou of south China's Guangdong Province, the fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, has attracted global buyers arriving with long procurement lists for Chinese products and a keen interest in closer collaboration with Chinese companies.

For 70 years, the Canton Fair has stood as China's enduring gateway to global trade. It is not only a stage for major corporations, but also a launchpad for time-honored handicraft makers.

Yamei Carpet Factory from central China's Henan Province is a beneficiary of this platform, as the fair helps it connect with international clients without traveling the world chasing buyers.

"These are Persian-style handwoven rugs. Our main export destinations are the Middle East, followed by Europe and the United States," said Chen Yufeng, director of Yamei Carpet Factory.

Today, the Henan-based enterprise has grown from a small workshop into a globally renowned supplier of premium handmade rugs, with annual export revenue jumping from a few thousand U.S. dollars to more than 8 million dollars.

"So far it's going very good. I like the product. I'm looking at mixed items, handmade silk rugs. I'm looking at bronze sculptures and other items. They are very popular because of the workmanship, the quality," said Faizan Hamshaid, a buyer from Pakistan.

Handwoven silk rugs come at a steep price, with a single piece costing thousands of U.S. dollars and requiring years of work by highly skilled artisans. The benefits of this booming trade ripple out to rural communities.

"Around 90 percent of our workers are women. At least half of them are local farmers. They can weave rugs at home in their villages while still tending their farmland. On average, a weaver can earn an extra 40,000 yuan (about 6,009 U.S. dollars) every year," Chen said.

Traditional handicrafts attract foreign buyers with unique charm at Canton Fair