Topics: Finance

• Cui Tiankai, former Chinese Ambassador to the United States: cognitive and narrative issues in Sino-US relations
• Professor Huang Renwei, Distinguished Vice President of China Institute for Innovation & Development Strategy, Executive Director-General, Fudan Institute for Belt and Road and Global Governance: the death of Henry Alfred Kissinger, former US secretary of state, inspired a new era in international relations

GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Understanding China Conference, a prestigious event hosted by China Institute for Innovation & Development Strategy, recently took place in Guangzhou, China. The conference, centered on China's New Endeavors Amid Unprecedented Global Changes—Expanding the Convergence of Interests and Building a Community of Shared Future, featured a keynote speech from Cui Tiankai, advisor to the Council of Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs and former Chinese Ambassador to the United States, during the luncheon. The luncheon event was presided over by Zheng Yongnian, Chairman of the Guangzhou Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area Research Institute and Dean of the Qianhai International Affairs Research Institute at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen).

Cui Tiankai underscored the necessity of a precise narrative to grasp China's essence. He highlighted three widespread mistaken acknowledgement about China's foreign policy: China's strategic global intentions, China's peripheral foreign policy, and China's diplomatic style. He also voiced his inclination to select "Sun Wukong" to epitomize China's diplomatic style, marked by loyalty, steadfastness, discernment of good and evil, potent capability, and distinct Chinese cultural aspects.

On November 29, before the conference, former US Secretary of State, Mr. Kissinger, passed away.

"Many people mentioned and commemorated him in their speeches at the Conference. His interest in global strategic stability and his expansive vision for world leadership are well-known," said Professor Huang Renwei, Distinguished Vice President of China Institute for Innovation & Development Strategy and Executive Director-General, Fudan Institute for Belt and Road and Global Governance.

"The passing of Mr. Kissinger has ushered in a new chapter in international relations. Kissinger often said that each visit to China brought fresh insights and knowledge. As a symbol of an era, his passing did not end that era; instead, sparked a new period in international relations."

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Clinical investigators complete enrollment in the 177 patient, randomized, controlled study, STAND (A Clinical Evaluation of the MicroSTent PeripherAl Vascular SteNt in subjects with Arterial Disease Below the Knee, NCT03477604).

WILMINGTON, Mass., Dec. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Micro Medical Solutions (MMS), an innovator in the field of microvascular intervention to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life in patients with CLI/CLTI, announced today that it has completed its U.S. pivotal clinical study enrollment evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the MicroStent System compared to the current standard of care, PTA (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty). The MicroStent System has already obtained CE Mark approval for use in the EEA.

STAND (A Clinical Evaluation of the MicroSTent PeripherAl Vascular SteNt in subjects with Arterial Disease Below the Knee) enrolled its final patient earlier this month marking the completion of the study. MicroStent is a vascular stent specifically designed to achieve and maintain tibioperoneal arterial patency improving blood flow and wound healing for below-the-knee amputation reduction in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) resulting from progressive peripheral artery disease (PAD).

"I would like to thank the investigators and the research teams for their dedication, participation, collaboration and tremendous effort to help this complex and difficult patient population. I'm excited to continue to provide research expertise to the company and discuss the study results when available," said lead investigator, Dr. Robert E. Beasley of Palm Vascular Centers in Miami Beach, Florida.

"CLI/CTI is the most severe clinical manifestation of PAD. We are excited to see the data unfold to further understand the impact of angiosome directed endovascular intervention and its impact on wound healing, limb salvage and patient living independence. We are warmly appreciative to our patient population that participated in the study. The study's goal has always been to demonstrate a lower amputation rate thereby, lowering the devastating mortality rate associated with limb loss," commented Rita Jacob, Vice President of Clinical Affairs.

"This is an encouraging step forward for MMS, millions of patients battling CLI every day and Clinicians treating and caring for these patients," said CEO, Gregory Sullivan. "MMS developed the MicroStent platform in response to patients' needs, and we are excited to move closer to putting MicroStent in the hands of U.S. interventionalists treating CLI."

For more about Micro Medical Solutions, visit www.micromedicalsolutions.net.

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~The new COO to steer innovation in the construction conglomerate's growth journey~

MUMBAI, India, Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infra.Market, India's leading construction material company, has appointed Atul Sanghvi as the Chief Operating Officer for their Tiles, Bath Fittings & Sanitaryware division. Atul comes with an extensive and illustrious career spanning over four decades. A seasoned veteran in the construction material industry, he has demonstrated unwavering dedication, showcasing exceptional expertise with leadership skills.

On this strategic appointment, Aaditya Sharda, Co-Founder, Infra.Market said, "We are thrilled to welcome Atul as the distinguished leader guiding this division within IVAS at Infra.Market. His pivotal role will establish IVAS as a marquee brand in Tiles, Bath Fittings & Sanitaryware and a dominant force within the industry. His transformative vision and expertise instill confidence as we embark on elevating the business to the next level." 

He further added, "In the last one year, Infra.Market has strategically enhanced its talent pool by appointing industry stalwarts, solidifying our position at the forefront of the industry. These visionary leaders align with our commitment to innovation and will play a crucial role in steering us towards sustained success and growth." 

Before joining Infra.Market, he held key roles at ASTRAL Limited and Cera Sanitaryware Ltd., where he served for 22 years, progressing from GM (Sales & Marketing) to Executive Director & CEO. Furthermore, he contributed significantly as the General Manager (Marketing) at Grasim Industries Limited's Cement Division for 11 years.

Powered by Infra.Market, IVAS is the consumer brand dedicated to revolutionizing home construction and renovation. With a commitment to innovation and quality, IVAS aims to redefine the home construction landscape, providing a fresh and compelling approach to enhance living spaces.

About Infra.Market

Founded in 2016 and valued today at $2.5 billion, Infra.Market, India's foremost construction materials company, is reshaping the future of construction, both domestically and internationally. With innovative business planning and smart use of technology, it is the only company in the country to seamlessly supply over 15 different construction material product categories, including Concrete, AAC Blocks, Steel, Pipes & Fittings, MDF, Plywood, Laminates, Tiles, Bath Fittings & Sanitary, Fans, Lights, Kitchen and Electrical Appliances, Modular Kitchens & Wardrobes, Designer Hardware and even Paints.

Equipped with 10,000+ retail touchpoints and 30+ flagship stores, Infra.Market supplies all its products under its own brand name and also from companies that it has invested in including RDC Concrete and Shalimar Paints Ltd. Additionally, it has fortified its market position by launching India's first of its kind multi products and multi categories brand IVAS for home construction and renovation needs. The company takes pride in operating 200+ concrete manufacturing plants and an additional 30+ manufacturing units for other product categories. Fostering transparency and efficiency within the industry, most products supplied by Infra.Market are manufactured in-house.

Its distinctive fusion of conventional solutions with an unconventional, disruptive approach provides a comprehensive range of construction material products consolidated under one roof. This integrated approach efficiently caters to the diverse requirements of both B2B and B2C needs in the construction material industry.

Website: www.infra.market  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inframarket/  
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Working in concert with Ethic Ocean, the Association's World Culinary Council will lobby European ministers to protect biodiversity

PARIS, Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The members of Relais & Châteaux's World Culinary Council has voted to immediately remove eel from their own menus and are sending a call to action to the rest of the group's 580 hotels and restaurants to do the same, after its NGO partner Ethic Ocean launched an alert that public authorities must urgently listen to scientists who recommend suspending European eel fishing.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/9230451-relais-chateaux-chefs-pledge-stop-serving-eel-prevent-extinction/

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla), which is featured in menus all over the world–and revered in certain French, Spanish, Belgian, Dutch and Japanese culinary cultures–is considered critically endangered and features on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Over the last 20 years, European scientists from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) have been warning about all the causes of the alarming decline of this species–but for the last three years, they have recommended suspending fishing.

In this context, the 21 Relais & Châteaux chefs elected to the Association's World Culinary Council gathered in October and voted to approve an immediate ban of European eel from its menus. In partnership with Ethic Ocean, Relais & Châteaux calls on the 27 European Union ministers to hear this chef mobilization and scientific recommendation in order to take the necessary measures this December to safeguard this species.

The effort follows a similar approach taken by the Association, in 2009, to save the bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) stocks in the North-East Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, which were close to collapsing. This action contributed to public mobilization around this species, which encouraged legislators to enact management measures adapted to the situation of the state of the stock.

A Variety of Issues

The situation with eels is very alarming because this species suffers from a numerous challenges including water pollution (particularly rivers), habitat destruction, dams that impede their biological cycle and illegal fishing, which has created a black market, fetching up to €5,000 per kilo. Eels are the only fish that are targeted at their juvenile stage, on top of the fact that it takes them a long time to reach reproductive maturity.

While it is urgent to suspend eel fishing today, it is crucial that the public authorities take the necessary measures to fight against the other causes of the decline of this species.

Mauro Colagreco, Vice President, Chefs of Relais & Châteaux and therefore leader of the World Culinary Council, and chef-owner of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Mirazur in the South of France, said, "Chefs have a critical role to play: we can stop the demand. We have a chance to protect eels from becoming extinct, and of preserving biodiversity to allow future generations to continue to enjoy them, but only if we act now. As the world's largest network of chefs, Relais & Châteaux hopes to save this species."

Gastronomy: Dependent on Nature

The World Culinary Council–an international committee of 21 chefs from across the Relais & Châteaux network–had gathered over October 8-10, 2023, under the Association's president, Laurent Gardinier.

Laurent Gardinier said: "We have an acute understanding that Relais & Châteaux, and our very art de vivre, is dependent on nature. We must lead in sustainability to protect the ecosystems and biodiversity that our culinary and travel experiences rely on. It is these experiences that move our guests emotionally. And this would not be possible without nature."

A Vehicle for Change

The World Culinary Council wishes to draw attention to the plight of eels.

Relais & Châteaux has had a partnership with Ethic Ocean since 2009 and regularly unites its members around actions in favor of the environment, especially marine biodiversity (for example, World Oceans Day). 

Gilles Boeuf, president of Ethic Ocean, said, "I am happy to see the Relais & Châteaux association support this alert, which aims, above all, to preserve an exceptional species that reflects humanity's relationship with the environment. This cause to save the eel touches on many biodiversity issues. Let's act before it's too late."

To learn more about sustainability at Relais & Châteaux, the Association's annual report with 15 objectives for 2025 and 2030 can be found here:

https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/discover/commitments   

About Relais & Châteaux

A MOVEMENT WITH MEANING  

Relais & Châteaux, established in 1954, is an association of 580 unique hotels and restaurants throughout the world, owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs – most often families – who are passionate about their craft and deeply committed to forging warm, lasting relationships with their guests. Relais & Châteaux members protect and promote the wealth and diversity of the world's culinary and hospitality traditions, to ensure they continue to thrive. They are equally dedicated to preserving local heritage and the environment, as articulated in the association's Vision presented to UNESCO in November 2014.  

www.relaischateaux.com 

About Ethic Ocean 

Ethic Ocean is a non-governmental environmental organization dedicated to the conservation of fisheries and marine ecosystems. Its mission is to create opportunities for change and help implement sustainable practices in the fisheries industry. Ethic Ocean works with all stakeholders to help them source species having stocks that are not overfished or which have been farmed responsibly.

For more information, visit www.ethic-ocean.org. 

PRESS CONTACT

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LIST OF WORLD CULINARY COUNCIL CHEFS:

1.  Mauro Colagreco
Vice President, Chefs, Relais & Châteaux
Relais & Châteaux Mirazur, FRANCE

2.  Peter Tempelhoff
Chef Delegate, Africa & Indian Ocean,
Relais & Châteaux Ellerman House, SOUTH AFRICA

3.  Josep Espuga 
Chef Delegate, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific,
Relais & Châteaux Laura at Pt. Leo Estate, AUSTRALIA

4.  Jef Schuur
Chef Delegate, Benelux, Eastern Europe & Scandinavia,
Relais & Châteaux Bij Jef, THE NETHERLANDS

5.  Frédéric Doucet
Chef Delegate, France: Great East & Rhône-Alps,
Relais & Châteaux Maison Doucet, FRANCE

6.  Cédric Béchade
Chef Delegate, France: Great Southern West,
Relais & Châteaux L'Auberge Basque, FRANCE

7.  Mathieu Guibert
Chef Delegate, France: Great West,
Relais & Châteaux Anne de Bretagne, FRANCE

8.  Julien Dumas
Chef Delegate, France: Paris & Champagne,
Relais & Châteaux Saint James Paris, FRANCE

9.  Jacques Pourcel
Chef Delegate, France: Provence, French Riviera, Corsica & Languedoc,
Relais & Châteaux Hôtel Richer de Belleval, FRANCE

10.  Holger Bodendorf
Chef Delegate, Germany & Austria,
Relais & Châteaux Landhaus Stricker, GERMANY

11.  Vicky Lau
Chef Delegate, Greater China, Indian Subcontinent & Southeast Asia,
Relais & Châteaux Tate Dining Room, HONG KONG

12.  Emanuele Scarello
Chef Delegate, Italy,
Relais & Châteaux Agli Amici dal 1887, ITALY

13.  Shinichiro Takagi
Chef Delegate, Japan & Korea,
Relais & Châteaux Zeniya, JAPAN

14.  Marko Gajski
Chef Delegate, Mediterranean, Middle East & Morocco,
Relais & Châteaux Lešić Dimitri, CROATIA

15.  Jason Bangerter
Chef Delegate, North America: Canada,
Relais & Châteaux Langdon Hall, CANADA

16.  Gabriel Kreuther
Chef Delegate, North America: USA East & Caribbean,
Relais & Châteaux Gabriel Kreuther, NEW YORK, USA

17.  Kyle Connaughton
Chef Delegate, North America: USA West & Mexico,
Relais & Châteaux SingleThread Farm-Restaurant-Inn, CALIFORNIA, USA

18.  Norman Brandt
Chef Delegate, South America & Central America,
Relais & Châteaux Pikaia Lodge, GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

19.  Pedro Subijana
Chef Delegate, Spain & Portugal,
Relais & Châteaux Akelarre, SPAIN

20.  Stéphane Décotterd
Chef Delegate, Switzerland & Liechtenstein,
Relais & Châteaux Restaurant Stéphane Décotterd, SWITZERLAND

21.  Michael Caines
Chef Delegate, United Kingdom & Ireland,
Relais & Châteaux Lympstone Manor, UNITED KINGDOM

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