IF Coconut Water Establishes China Headquarters in Hongqiao
IFBH Group, the international company behind popular coconut water products, has set its sights on the promising Chinese market. The company recently announced a strategic partnership with Shanghai Hongqiao Science and Technology Development Co., establishing its first regional headquarters in China within the Hongqiao International Central Business District.
Ponsakon Ponsak, CEO of IFBH Group, emphasized Hongqiao's strategic location and favorable import-export conditions as key factors in the decision. The district's comprehensive logistics network and business-friendly environment position IF Coconut Water for successful market expansion in China.
Walmart Reinvents Florida Stores With Future-Focused Design
Retail giant Walmart continues to invest in Florida with a newly opened Supercenter in Jacksonville's Oakleaf community featuring an innovative "store of the future" design. The upgraded format expands home goods and apparel sections while introducing new amenities like a made-to-order sushi bar, reflecting evolving consumer preferences for diverse shopping experiences.
China Achieves Breakthrough in Underwater Construction Technology
Chinese engineers have made significant progress in deep-sea construction with the successful deployment of the nation's first shield tunneling saturation diving system. The "Deep Sea Space Station" equipment completed its inaugural operation at the Ningbo side of the Jintang undersea tunnel, working safely at unprecedented depths of 75 meters during a 22-day mission to replace 46 cutting tools.
This technological advancement extends the safe working depth for pressurized shield tunneling operations from 60 to 75 meters, providing critical support for constructing what will become the world's longest undersea high-speed rail tunnel.
Hainan Free Trade Port Expands Multimodal Transport Networks
The Yangpu Customs office under Haikou Customs has launched a new waterway transit route connecting Singapore, Yangpu, and Fuqing. The innovative model maintains continuous container transport without transfers, reducing clearance times by over 35% and lowering overall logistics costs by 12-15% per container.
Simultaneously, China Merchants Energy Transportation (Hainan) Co. has established operations in Hainan, with Yangpu serving as its primary base for expanding shipping services and supporting the region's development as an international shipping hub.
Coffee Trade Flourishes in Hainan Free Trade Port
Hainan's coffee industry shows remarkable growth, with imports of coffee beans and related products reaching 9,110.6 tons (valued at 480 million yuan) in 2025—representing 5.6-fold and 8.3-fold increases respectively from the previous year. The tropical island sources beans from 15 countries while also expanding its export volume by 51.9% to 169.5 tons.
China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement Upgrades Focus on Digital and Green Economies
The newly signed 3.0 version of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement emphasizes cooperation in digital economy and green low-carbon development. With bilateral trade reaching 6.82 trillion yuan in 2025 (an 8.5% increase), the upgraded pact aims to accelerate digital technology adoption and strengthen regional industrial chain integration.
Hainan's Lithium Battery Industry Gains Momentum
One month after the Hainan Free Trade Port initiated closed-loop operations, its lithium battery industry shows accelerated growth. The sector benefits from zero-tariff imports of lithium concentrate, attracting leading manufacturers across the supply chain while developing comprehensive recycling systems.
The port's policy advantages continue drawing businesses, with 5,132 new foreign trade enterprises registered in the first month of closed operations.
Coca-Cola Announces Leadership Transition and Digital Focus
In corporate developments, Coca-Cola Company revealed that current COO Henrik Braun will succeed James Quincey as CEO effective March 31, 2026, with Quincey transitioning to executive chairman. Notably, the company created its first Chief Digital Officer position, appointing Sedef Salingan Sahin to lead digital transformation efforts reporting directly to Braun.