NEEDHAM, MASS., Jan 29, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) — Bioxytran, Inc. (OTCQB: BIXT) (“Bioxytran” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing platform technologies spanning glycovirology, hypoxia, and degenerative diseases, today issued a corporate update summarizing previously disclosed program developments and reinforcing the Company’s strategic direction entering 2026. (BioXyTran)Corporate Update Highlights (Previously Disclosed)ProLectin‑M (broad-spectrum antiviral platform)Bioxytran’s lead antiviral program, ProLectin‑M, is being developed under an active U.S. FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) framework, as previously announced by the Company. In October 2025, the Company announced the completion of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial for ProLectin‑M and stated that data from the trial is expected to help inform Phase 3 trial design and be submitted to regulators pursuant to prior regulatory interactions. (BioXyTran)In May 2025, Bioxytran also announced completion of dose optimization work intended to support additional clinical trial planning and agency submissions. Oxygen transport platform (stroke and neurodegenerative diseases)Bioxytran continues to advance its oxygen-transport platform, including development efforts related to a universal oxygen carrier (UOC) and associated measurement/analytical approaches previously described by the Company, including use of the MDX Viewer, which the Company has described as an FDA-approved device to measure tissue oxygenation. In July 2024, Bioxytran announced a joint venture with the Heme Foundation to develop a universal oxygen carrier as an alternative to blood transfusions, including public statements regarding a pledged level of support and reported development progress at that time. Oncology research (Galectin Science)In January 2025, the Company announced a cancer-focused preprint exploring galectin‑3 modulation as a potential strategy to improve response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. (Nasdaq)Management Commentary“Bioxytran enters 2026 with real momentum across our platforms,” said David Platt, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Bioxytran. “Across virology and oxygen transport, our team has stayed focused on disciplined execution—building the data package, advancing the regulatory pathway, and expanding the scientific foundation that supports our programs. We believe our carbohydrate-based approach and galectin science position Bioxytran to pursue meaningful clinical and strategic opportunities as we continue to move forward.” Disclosure NoteThis release is intended as a general corporate update and summarizes information that has been previously disclosed in Company press releases and public filings.About Bioxytran, Inc.Bioxytran is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing platform technologies in glycovirology, hypoxia and degenerative diseases using carbohydrate drug design, including programs that leverage galectin inhibition and programs that aim to address hypoxic conditions and tissue oxygenation. Bioxytran’s common stock trades on the OTCQB under the symbol BIXT.Company Contact:Bioxytran, Inc.75 Second Avenue, Ste 605, Needham, MA 02494Phone: 617‑454‑1199Email: info@bioxytraninc.com Web: www.bioxytraninc.com Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding anticipated regulatory interactions, future clinical trials, trial designs, timing of data submission and publication, and potential therapeutic and commercial opportunities. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Readers are urged to review the Company’s risk factors disclosed in its reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
In Collaboration with MAGO Moon Museum, Opening the “$VIVI RWA MARKET”
Singapore – January 29, 2026 – (SeaPRwire) – LEGENDARY HUMANITY, a Singapore-based company listed on Gate.io, has announced the launch of the “$VIVI RWA MARKET,” a new Real World Asset (RWA) marketplace enabling the purchase of exhibited works by contemporary artist Mago Nagasaka. Developed in collaboration with the MAGO Moon Museum, this launch marks a significant milestone in LEGENDARY HUMANITY’s ongoing efforts to bridge cultural value and digital infrastructure through real-world assetization.
Digitalizing Humanity’s Masterpieces Through AI 3D Scanning Technology – A New Purchasing Experience Led by LEGENDARY HUMANITY
LEGENDARY HUMANITY PTE. LTD. (Headquarters: Singapore; CEO: Takamasa Suzuki) has officially opened the “$VIVI RWA MARKET,” an RWA marketplace where visitors can directly purchase artworks exhibited in the online museum “MAGO Moon Museum,” created by contemporary artist Shingo Nagasaka.
This initiative forms part of the “VIVI PROJECT,” which aims to digitize humanity’s masterpieces into digital assets through high-precision, non-contact AI-integrated 3D scanning technology.
Through this platform, visitors are able to acquire artworks they have viewed within MAGO Moon Museum as RWAs, enabling a deeper engagement with the artist’s worldview and creative philosophy.
Overview
Name: $VIVI RWA MARKET
Opening Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
URL: https://mondo.lhvivi.io/
About “$VIVI RWA MARKET”
The “$VIVI RWA MARKET” is an RWA marketplace dedicated to the acquisition of artworks and is embedded within the online museum MAGO Moon Museum.
Seamless Pathway from Viewing to Purchase
Users can seamlessly transition from an artwork’s exhibition page to its corresponding RWA product page, creating a unified experience from online viewing to ownership.
Integration of Physical and Digital Asset Design
Each artwork includes the following structured information:
Physical artwork details (size, materials, condition, provenance)
High-resolution digital data generated through AI 3D scanning
Artist profile and project background information
along with other curated metadata.
This structure allows users to acquire artworks with a proper understanding of their cultural and artistic value.
Ecosystem Holding Functionality
Acquired works will gradually gain viewing and management functionality within the VIVI ecosystem. While future integration with VIVI COiN is under consideration, the current initiative is focused solely on enhancing the preservation, appreciation, and understanding of the artworks.
About LEGENDARY HUMANITY and the VIVI PROJECT
LEGENDARY HUMANITY promotes the “VIVI PROJECT,” which digitizes legendary masterpieces created by humanity into digital assets using high-precision, non-contact, AI-integrated 3D scanning technology. The project operates under the vision of “Bringing the beauty of humanity to AI and the future.”
Targeted assets include:
Legendary fashion collections
Historical architecture and cultural masterpieces
Famous trading cards
Artworks, including those exhibited at MAGO Moon Museum
and other assets that can be described as humanity’s masterpieces.
The VIVI PROJECT aims to:
Digitize assets as digital cultural heritage
Tokenize them as RWAs for global circulation
Exhibit them in both online and physical museums
thereby building new infrastructure that harmonizes cultural and economic value.
NEXT SOCIETY (Gacha Location): https://nextsociety.lhvivi.io
RWA Market Roadmap
The launch of the “$VIVI RWA MARKET” represents the first phase of RWA market functionality within the VIVI PROJECT. Planned future developments include:
VIVI FASHION (RWA for the fashion domain)
VIVI TRADING CARD (RWA for the trading card domain)
VIVI ART WORK (RWA for art collections)
with future integration under consideration.
About MAGO Moon Museum
MAGO Moon Museum is an online museum created by contemporary artist Shingo Nagasaka, whose works explore themes related to electronic waste issues in Agbogbloshie, Ghana.
The museum provides an online space to view Nagasaka’s representative works, including pieces created from discarded electronic components found in Ghanaian slums, as well as series examining the concept of “Sustainable Capitalism.”
With the implementation of the “$VIVI RWA MARKET,” viewers can deepen their understanding of the artworks while acquiring pieces aligned with the artist’s philosophy in an appropriate and structured manner.
Future Developments
Building on this initiative, LEGENDARY HUMANITY plans to:
Expand collaborations with masterpieces across different regions and genres
Strengthen international networks with artists, collectors, and researchers
Advance technological development for the preservation of cultural assets for future generations
and continue developing as a platform that passes humanity’s masterpieces into the future through real-world assets.
Media Contact
Company Name: LEGENDARY HUMANITY PTE. LTD.
Address: 105 Cecil St, The Octagon 24F-2, Singapore 06953
Representative: Takamasa Suzuki, LEGENDARY HUMANITY / VIVI PROJECT Public Relations Desk
Email: info@lhvivi.com
Related URL: $VIVI RWA MARKET https://mondo.lhvivi.io
SINGAPORE, Jan 29, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - LEGENDARY HUMANITY, a Singapore-based company listed on Gate.io, has announced the launch of the "$VIVI RWA MARKET," a new Real World Asset (RWA) marketplace enabling the purchase of exhibited works by contemporary artist Mago Nagasaka. Developed in collaboration with the MAGO Moon Museum, this launch marks a significant milestone in LEGENDARY HUMANITY's ongoing efforts to bridge cultural value and digital infrastructure through real-world assetization.Digitalizing Humanity's Masterpieces Through AI 3D Scanning Technology - A New Purchasing Experience Led by LEGENDARY HUMANITYLEGENDARY HUMANITY PTE. LTD. (Headquarters: Singapore; CEO: Takamasa Suzuki) has officially opened the "$VIVI RWA MARKET," an RWA marketplace where visitors can directly purchase artworks exhibited in the online museum "MAGO Moon Museum," created by contemporary artist Shingo Nagasaka.This initiative forms part of the "VIVI PROJECT," which aims to digitize humanity's masterpieces into digital assets through high-precision, non-contact AI-integrated 3D scanning technology.Through this platform, visitors are able to acquire artworks they have viewed within MAGO Moon Museum as RWAs, enabling a deeper engagement with the artist's worldview and creative philosophy.OverviewName: $VIVI RWA MARKETOpening Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026URL: https://mondo.lhvivi.io/ About "$VIVI RWA MARKET"The "$VIVI RWA MARKET" is an RWA marketplace dedicated to the acquisition of artworks and is embedded within the online museum MAGO Moon Museum.Seamless Pathway from Viewing to PurchaseUsers can seamlessly transition from an artwork's exhibition page to its corresponding RWA product page, creating a unified experience from online viewing to ownership.Integration of Physical and Digital Asset DesignEach artwork includes the following structured information:Physical artwork details (size, materials, condition, provenance)High-resolution digital data generated through AI 3D scanningArtist profile and project background informationalong with other curated metadata.This structure allows users to acquire artworks with a proper understanding of their cultural and artistic value.Ecosystem Holding FunctionalityAcquired works will gradually gain viewing and management functionality within the VIVI ecosystem. While future integration with VIVI COiN is under consideration, the current initiative is focused solely on enhancing the preservation, appreciation, and understanding of the artworks.About LEGENDARY HUMANITY and the VIVI PROJECTLEGENDARY HUMANITY promotes the "VIVI PROJECT," which digitizes legendary masterpieces created by humanity into digital assets using high-precision, non-contact, AI-integrated 3D scanning technology. The project operates under the vision of "Bringing the beauty of humanity to AI and the future."Targeted assets include:Legendary fashion collectionsHistorical architecture and cultural masterpiecesFamous trading cardsArtworks, including those exhibited at MAGO Moon Museumand other assets that can be described as humanity's masterpieces.The VIVI PROJECT aims to:Digitize assets as digital cultural heritageTokenize them as RWAs for global circulationExhibit them in both online and physical museumsthereby building new infrastructure that harmonizes cultural and economic value.NEXT SOCIETY (Gacha Location): https://nextsociety.lhvivi.ioRWA Market RoadmapThe launch of the "$VIVI RWA MARKET" represents the first phase of RWA market functionality within the VIVI PROJECT. Planned future developments include:VIVI FASHION (RWA for the fashion domain)VIVI TRADING CARD (RWA for the trading card domain)VIVI ART WORK (RWA for art collections)with future integration under consideration.About MAGO Moon MuseumMAGO Moon Museum is an online museum created by contemporary artist Shingo Nagasaka, whose works explore themes related to electronic waste issues in Agbogbloshie, Ghana.The museum provides an online space to view Nagasaka's representative works, including pieces created from discarded electronic components found in Ghanaian slums, as well as series examining the concept of "Sustainable Capitalism."With the implementation of the "$VIVI RWA MARKET," viewers can deepen their understanding of the artworks while acquiring pieces aligned with the artist's philosophy in an appropriate and structured manner.Future DevelopmentsBuilding on this initiative, LEGENDARY HUMANITY plans to:Expand collaborations with masterpieces across different regions and genresStrengthen international networks with artists, collectors, and researchersAdvance technological development for the preservation of cultural assets for future generationsand continue developing as a platform that passes humanity's masterpieces into the future through real-world assets.Media ContactCompany Name: LEGENDARY HUMANITY PTE. LTD.Address: 105 Cecil St, The Octagon 24F-2, Singapore 06953Representative: Takamasa Suzuki, LEGENDARY HUMANITY / VIVI PROJECT Public Relations DeskEmail: info@lhvivi.com Related URL: $VIVI RWA MARKET https://mondo.lhvivi.io Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
香港, 2026年1月29日 - (亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com) - 2026年的中国生猪养殖业，正站在一个结构性变革的关键节点。2025年，反内卷产能调控政策成为生猪市场的核心影响变量，政策持续引导产能有序退出，稳价成为主旋律。市场普遍预期，在调控深化与产能去化的共同作用下，2026年猪价大概率将呈现「前低后高」的走势，行业有望在中期迎来周期性向上拐点，并步入全新的发展阶段。在此背景下，中国生猪养殖龙头牧原食品股份有限公司（下称「牧原股份」或「公司、股份代号：02714.HK）赴港上市，于1月29日开启招股，全球发售273,951,400股，最高发售价为39.00港元，预计于2026年2月6日上市。作为全球最大的生猪养殖企业，牧原股份凭借深耕三十余年的全产业链积淀、领先的科技实力与稳健的盈利表现，充分彰显智慧生猪养殖行业领航者的硬核竞争力。全产业链赋能 盈利韧性领跑行业作为智慧生猪养殖的领航者，牧原股份深耕中国生猪养殖行业30余年，构建了覆盖生猪育种、养殖、饲料生产、屠宰肉食的垂直一体化商业模式，实现了上下游环节的高效协同与标准化管理，建立起全流程可知可控可追溯、精细化成本控制的运营体系，凭借这一模式与核心技术、成本管理能力，达成了规模、增长与盈利的三重平衡。据弗若斯特沙利文统计，自2021年起，牧原股份生猪产能及出栏量连续四年位居全球第一，2024年全球市场份额攀升至5.6%，超过第二至第四位参与者合计份额；屠宰肉食业务同样表现亮眼，2024年按屠宰头数计位列全球第五、中国第一，2021至2024年收入复合增速领跑国内同行。牧原股份坚持科技立业，作为智慧生猪养殖领航者，在生物安全、臭气治理、环境运营及成本管控领域持续叠代技术、突破行业痛点，提升效率、降低成本并创造社会价值。多年深耕下，公司不仅稳固行业领先地位，更实现优异盈利：2014-2024年，总收入、凈利润复合年均增长率分别达48.7%、72.7%，平均凈利润率19.0%，是全球十大猪肉食品上市企业中唯一同期超15%的企业；同期EBITDA复合增速60.2%，利润率30.8%，优于国内同行。全球化布局技术出海 行业前景广阔国际化是牧原股份核心发展战略之一，公司正将国内成熟的技术与成本优势复制至海外高潜力市场。目前，牧原股份以技术输出为先导，在东南亚市场布局成效显著：2024年9月，与越南BAF公司达成战略合作，提供全流程养殖服务，迈出全球化第一步；2025年8月，与正大集团签署协议，围绕多领域深化协同，借助其渠道影响力开拓全球市场；2025年9月，与BAF公司进一步合作，计划在越南西宁省建设高科技楼房养殖及配套饲料厂，总投资32亿元，达产后年供商品猪160万头，集中展现国内前沿养殖模式与成本控制能力。从行业前景看，全球生猪养殖行业蕴藏的重大发展机遇。据弗若斯特沙利文统计，全球猪肉消费量稳步攀升，2020年至2024年从9520万吨增长至11530万吨，复合年均增长率达4.9%。作为全球第一大猪肉消费国，中国市场增长潜力依然可观，2024年人均主要肉类消费量为69.4公斤/人，相较于美国的102.0公斤/人仍有显著提升空间。除中国市场外，东南亚地区已成为猪市增长新引擎，随着当地经济持续发展、人均收入不断提升，越南、泰国、菲律宾等国人均猪肉消费量逐步增长，形成了极具潜力的海外增量市场为牧原股份全球化布局提供广阔展空间。牧原股份凭借港股上市的资本助力、全产业链的核心壁垒、技术输出的先发优势，有望在全球市场竞争中持续领跑。未来，牧原股份将以「A+H」双平台为支撑，将成熟的运营模式与技术经验辐射至更多海外市场，深耕产业互联、推动合作创新，践行联农助农理念、实现双向共赢发展，为广大投资者带来长期稳定的回报。 Copyright 2026 亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
HIROSHIMA, Japan, Jan 29, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) today announced that cumulative global production and sales of the Mazda CX-5 have both reached five million units as of the end of 2025. This milestone makes the third Mazda model to surpass the five-million-units, following the Mazda323 and the Mazda3. Among Mazda vehicles that fully incorporate the SkyactivTechnology and "Kodo - Soul of Motion", the CX-5 reached this landmark in the shortest time.To date, the CX-5 has been sold in more than 100 countries and regions worldwide. It continues to be chosen by customers across the globe as Mazda's crossover SUV, carrying forward and further refining its vibrant, sporty design and effortless driving experience.Upper section: Left First-generation "CX-5", Right Second-generation "CX-5"Lower section: Third-generation New "CX-5"Since production of the first-generation CX-5 began at the Ujina Plant No.2 in 2011, Mazda has expanded its manufacturing footprint to Ujina Plant No.1, the Hofu Plant*1, and facilities in China. Local assembly *2 has also been carried out in Malaysia and Vietnam, allowing the CX-5 to grow into the best-selling model *3 in Mazda's current lineup. The all-new CX-5 was unveiled in Europe in July 2025. Following its European debut, it will be launched in North America and Japan in spring 2026.Koichiro Yamaguchi, Program Manager for the CX-5, commented: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all customers and fans around the world who have supported the CX-5. The all-new CX-5 has been fully changed in eight years, further refines its sporty design and driving dynamics. It offers a spacious cabin where all passengers can enjoy comfort and ease, along with a redesigned Human-Machine Interface*4. Meticulously focused on daily usability, it has evolved into a new-generation SUV that makes driving more comfortable and life itself richer. We will continue to nurture the CX-5 carefully, aiming for it to be cherished for years to come.”Mazda will continue to pursue the "Joy of Driving" and create cars loved by customers under its core value of Radically Human, and aim to deliver the "Joy of Living" by creating moving mobility experiences in the daily lives of its customers.History of the MAZDA CX-5First-generation of the CX-5September 2011World premiere at the “2011 Frankfurt Motor Show”. *5November 2012Won the Japan Car of the Year award.January 2013Ranked first in domestic SUV sales in Japan for 2012. *6January 2014Ranked first in domestic SUV sales in Japan for 2013. *6April 2015Achieved one million units in cumulative global production.Second-generation of the CX-5November 2016World Premiere at the “Los Angeles Auto Show”.February 2022For the ninth consecutive year, the model earned the highest safety rating, “IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+,” in evaluations conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).Third-generation CX-5July 2025Unveiled in Europe.October 2025The All-new CX-5 was exhibited for the first time to visitors at the “Japan Mobility Show 2025 (European specification vehicle)”. *1 Production is not currently carried out at the Hofu Plant.*2 Changan Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. (CMA) produces the CX-5 in China. Locally assembled units in Malaysia (Mazda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.) and Vietnam (Vina Mazda Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd.) are counted as part of domestic production.*3 The bestselling model in Mazda’s product lineup since 2018.*4 It is a generic term referring to a method of exchanging information between humans and machines, as well as the devices and software used for this purpose.*5 The official name is “64th Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung”.*6 According to Mazda. SUVs refer to domestic vehicles classified as off-road 4WD (including some 2WD models) by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
TEC Japan marks its 25th anniversary with the recent refurbishment of its inaugural centre at Cerulean Towers.Profitability has tripled over the last two years, attracting significant interest from major tech and financial institutions.TEC Japan boasts an impressive occupancy rate of over 90%, with prime locations fully occupied, reflecting strong demand for premium workspaces.Photo: TEC Cerulean Towers CentreJAPAN, January 29, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The Executive Centre (“TEC”), the leading premium flexible workspace provider in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, proudly commemorates its 25th anniversary in Japan. Since the unveiling of its first centre at Cerulean Towers in 2001, TEC has established itself as a trusted partner in the business community and has expanded to 12 centres in Japan. To celebrate this significant milestone, the company hosted a special event on January 23, 2026, marking the completion of a comprehensive refurbishment to enhance the centre's offerings.Photo: TEC Cerulean Towers Reopening EventThe refurbishment of the Cerulean Tower facility epitomizes TEC’s commitment to long-term investment and reinvestment in its properties. Liam Owens, Regional Director of TEC Japan, stated, “Our legacy in Japan is built on 25 years of trust and reliability, and reflects a long-term commitment to the region. The five projects completed last year—three expansions and two refurbishments—highlight both our growth and our continued reinvestment in existing assets, reinforcing our dedication to long-standing partnerships with clients and landlords.”As TEC looks to the future, the company recognizes the vast potential of the Japanese market, envisioning a strategic expansion beyond Tokyo. “Japan represents not just a city market, but a burgeoning regional opportunity,” added Owens. “Our intent is to position TEC as a leader throughout the country, meeting the diverse needs of businesses across various sectors.”Photo: Liam Owens, Regional Director of TEC JapanIn the past two years, TEC Japan has experienced remarkable growth, tripling its profitability and attracting a wave of interest from leading tech and financial institutions. This surge indicates the wider market's recognition of Japan as an attractive location for business operations. With an overall occupancy rate exceeding 90%, TEC’s prime locations, particularly in the Tokyo Station area, are fully occupied, underscoring strong demand for its premium workspace solutions.As The Executive Centre celebrates its 25th anniversary in Japan, it remains steadfastly committed to innovation and excellence, looking forward to continued growth and service to its clients.About The Executive CentreThe Executive Centre (TEC) is a premium flexible workspace provider that opened its doors in Hong Kong in 1994 and has over 240 Centres in 37 cities across 15 markets.The Executive Centre caters to professionals and industry leaders. TEC has a global network spanning Greater China, Southeast Asia, North Asia, India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and Australia. Each Executive Centre offers a prestigious address with the advanced infrastructure to meet the needs of its Members.Privately owned and headquartered in Hong Kong, TEC provides Private and Shared Workspaces, Business Services, and Meeting & Events facilities to suit its clients’ business needs.www.executivecentre.comPress EnquiriesThe Executive CentrePebble Lee, Pebble_lee@executivecentre.com, +852 3951 9888 Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
HONG KONG, January 29, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Standard Chartered and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) have jointly released the latest Standard Chartered Greater Bay Area Business Confidence Index (GBAI), which revealed that the business sentiment for most companies in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) remained steady amid persistent external uncertainties in Q4-2025. The GBA Index is released quarterly in January, April, July, and October each year.Following a rebound in the previous quarter, the GBAI indices showed a moderate quarter-on-quarter retreat in the fourth quarter of 2025. This has been seen as the result of diminishing returns from front-loading activities and from a more cautious approach to investment, financing, and capacity utilisation amid ongoing external uncertainties.The “current performance” index for business activity in Q4 retreated to 50.3 from 54.7 in the previous quarter, while the “expectations” index dropped to 51 from 55.7. Despite the drop, both indices remained in expansionary territory, indicating that GBA businesses still maintained a broadly positive outlook.Turning to the sub-indices, a mixed picture emerged for both “current performance” and “expectations” for the quarter overall. More specifically, with regard to “current performance”, the “new orders”, “fixed asset investment” and “profit” sub-indices all fell below the 50 watershed level. This, however, was seen as a correction following the end of the front-loading process in earlier quarters. Subdued growth in loans and fixed-asset investment in the Chinese Mainland also contributed to this slight downward trend.On the contrary, the “expectations” remained relatively positive, with sub-indices for “production/sales”, “new orders” and “profits” all staying in expansionary territory in the fourth quarter last year. Taken together, these upbeat outcomes suggest a strong likelihood that robust demand will persist through the first quarter of 2026 and beyond.In terms of individual GBA city evaluations, Hong Kong's readings were well above the survey average. This confirmed that the city’s economic rebound remained on course at year-end, with the “current performance” sub-index up 5.7 points to 57.9 and the “expectations” reading up 1.8 points to 55.4. Overall, this sustained recovery in growth momentum was attributed to the city’s “professional services” and “retail/wholesale” sectors.Wing Chu, Deputy Director of Research, HKTDC, said: “Following the extension of the trade truce between the US and China, business sentiment in Hong Kong continued to improve, allowing the city to outperform its peer cities across the GBA. This strength stands in contrast to the broader moderation seen in the overall GBA indices amid persistent external uncertainties. This momentum in Hong Kong's recovery is expected to remain intact, supported by buoyant business activity and the professional services sector's solid performance– key factors that underscore the city’s recovery trajectory. The HKTDC will continue to proactively support GBA enterprises in leveraging Hong Kong's professional services to ‘go global’ and capitalise on opportunities in emerging markets, including those in the Middle East.”In order to get a greater understanding of the wider aspirations of GBA businesses, the survey also examined their interest in the expansion into the Middle East. Encouragingly, over half of respondents (54.8%) expressed interest in expanding into the Middle East, with the UAE (53.9%) and Saudi Arabia (53.2%) selected as the top two priority markets.Digging deeper into these findings, of the companies that have already started or are interested in expanding into the Middle East, nearly 60% were engaged in trading/ distribution activity. This was followed by manufacturing (42.7%) and logistics/ storage (28.3%).Despite widespread optimism about emerging opportunities in the Middle East, many GBA businesses were also aware they faced several challenges in ensuring success. Overall, the top three concerns here were: “lack of understanding of local laws and regulations” (50.4%), “opaque local regulatory environment and restrictions on foreign investment” (43.1%) and “cultural and business differences” (42%).Crucially, to help manage such challenges, 99.2% of respondents saw Hong Kong’s world-class services as pivotal to the success of their Middle East expansion plans. Particular emphasis was placed on the decisive contribution of the city’s professional services sector, especially in successfully navigating local regulatory and compliance requirements.Hunter Chan, Economist, Greater China, Standard Chartered, said: “With increasingly complex geopolitical risks, global corporates not only actively diversify their supply chains but also explore new markets in recent years, thereby giving rise to numerous emerging trade corridors. The thematic survey found that the GBA corporates are interested in entering the Middle East, which aligns with Hong Kong Government’s policy focus to set up the ‘GoGlobal Task Force’ to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages as a ‘go global’ platform, and deepen economic ties with the Middle East. The survey also found that almost all respondents indicate that Hong Kong services are needed to help in expansion into the Middle East to address the challenges posed by local regulations and cultural differences. With its advantage in professional services, Hong Kong can further leverage its unique position as a ‘super-connector’, becoming a springboard for enterprises to develop overseas markets.”About the GBAIThe Standard Chartered Greater Bay Area Business Confidence Index (GBAI), jointly presented by Standard Chartered and Hong Kong Trade Development Council, is the first forward-looking quarterly survey in the market that examines business sentiment and synergistic effects in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ("Greater Bay Area" or "GBA"). The index is computed from the analysis of more than 1,000 responses from GBA companies regarding their overall operations, business environment, and expansion plans. The index includes five sub-indices that indicate business confidence for each industry, including manufacturing & trading, retail & wholesale, financial services, professional services, and innovation & technology. It enables investors and businesses to better understand the current business climate, gauge future performance and formulate their market strategies in the Greater Bay Area. Related materialsStandard Chartered GBA Business Confidence Index Report:https://www.sc.com/hk/gba/gba-index-report/HKTDC Research: https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MjIzMTk3MzQwOAMedia enquiriesStandard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Corporate Affairs DepartmentFlora Chiu, Tel: +852 3843 2285, Email: flora.chiu@sc.com HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department:Katy Wong, Tel: +852 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgClayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgAbout Standard CharteredWe are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 54 of the world’s most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.The history of Standard Chartered in Hong Kong dates back to 1859. It is currently one of the Hong Kong SAR’s three note-issuing banks. Standard Chartered incorporated its Hong Kong business on 1 July 2004, and now operates as a licensed bank in Hong Kong under the name of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered PLC.For more stories and expert opinions, please visit Insights at sc.com. Follow Standard Chartered on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.About HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
