Big data changes life

  Diversification for Australian companies into neighbouring Asian  markets involves substituting Chinese trade and business partners  in tightly connected supply chains and deep networks of customers  and apply the lessons from operating in the physical, institutional,  digital and commercial infrastructure that constitute the Chinese  business ecosystem to other markets.

  The global macroeconomic environment  has become increasingly uncertain and  complex, driven by a variety of intertwined  forces including political sensitivities,  weakened economic growth, and high  global inflation in 2023. Between 2017  and 2022, Accenture’s Global Disruption  Index (GDI) score tripled over the previous  five years, rising from 30 to 89 out of 100. This increase is especially  significant when compared to the mere 4%  rise seen from 2011 to 2016. Companies  now face a permanent state of change  at an unprecedented pace. In particular,  technology, consumer preferences and  climate change are driving massive  structural shifts in how the world operates.

  Gift giving is becoming a daily habit, with Chinese people gifting more often and casually.  Gifting is vital in strengthening roles within harmonious relationships.  Health/wellness are rising in popularity as gift givers seek ways to support the wellbeing of  others.  Personalization/customization, interactive experiences, and an “expensive yet sophisticated”  look can make products more appealing.  Festive occasions, notably the Chinese New Year, let brands showcase their cultural  understanding through gifts.  Gift givers rely on social media as a source of gifting inspiration

  Hong Kong East saw the most notable decline, while Hong Kong South edged up due to adjustments in building baske

  In our increasingly urbanized world, delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is now more critical than  ever, yet cities are today faced with new emerging challenges and uncertainties that threaten their systems and  communities. Issues such as growing inequalities, climate change, rising pollution and declining biodiversity, natural  disasters, conflict and violence, exclusion and migration, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have sought  cities to rethink their fundamental systems and modalities. Intrinsically linked to the SDGs, cities are key to realizing  the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the local level whereby smart, innovative and bold urban action will  be pivotal to fully realize their potential as facilitators of sustainable development. With a central theme of Localizing  the Sustainable Development Goals, the Shanghai Manual: A Guide for Sustainable Urban Development in the 21st  Century 2022 Annual Report reflects upon the existing challen

  Following the lifting of pandemic control measures at the end of 2022, China's consumer market has enjoved a strong rebound. Nationaltotal retail sales of consumer goods grew by 8.2% y-o-y in H1 2023, with the contribution rate of final consumption expenditure toeconomic growth reaching a record-high 77.2%. Domestic demand has emerged as the main engine of economic growth.

  Employers in Mainland China anticipate a strong staffing climate during the upcoming quarter with a Net  Employment Outlook (NEO) of 34 percentage points. However, Chinese organizations expect the NEO to  worsen by 1 percentage point since last quarter, and to weaken by 9 points compared to the fourth quarter  of 2022.