Did You Know That...

• 2025 AGM in Boracay is approaching:
  Scheduled for 11-14 March, the AGM has around 100 confirmed participants from approximately 50 countries. Late registrations are still open—interested members can contact Peter Kuijper at peter.kuijper@eaanetwork.com. The latest participants list is attached.

• Kazakhstan/China border customs clearance automated:
  Global DTC and Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) have launched a digital platform for transit cargo clearance at the Kazakhstan/China border, enhancing operations along the Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).

• EU sanctions ripple into China:
  While aimed primarily at Moscow and Tehran, recent sanctions from Brussels and Washington carry a clear message for Beijing. China's response will shape future developments.

• HMM reenters transatlantic trade:
  South Korean carrier HMM is relaunching its Europe-US transatlantic service in February in collaboration with ONE. The alliance also includes strengthening the India-West network.

• CMA CGM to launch battery-powered barge in Vietnam:
  CMA CGM’s new ‘e-barge’ will transport Nike goods along the Dong Nai River to Cai Mep Port. The battery-powered barge will carry sportswear from 31 Nike factories near Ho Chi Minh City to the Gemalink terminal at Cai Mep.

• Zim partners with MSC to boost Indian trade routes:
  Israeli carrier Zim is enhancing its service profile on Indian trades with a vessel-sharing agreement (VSA) with MSC. Plans include launching a direct weekly service from West India to the US east coast.

• Bitcoin surges by 138% this year:
  Bitcoin has climbed above $100,000 per unit, marking a 138% rise since the start of the year. The cryptocurrency market’s capitalization now exceeds $4 trillion, surpassing the total value of Britain’s stock market.

• Abu Dhabi’s CMA Terminal Khalifa Port begins operations:
  The new container terminal commenced operations following its official inauguration on 12 December.

• China losing interest in English:
  Interest in learning English is waning in China. Post-pandemic, fewer Chinese are traveling abroad, and younger generations prefer secure public sector jobs over roles requiring English proficiency.

• India’s economy to surpass Japan’s by 2025:
  India is poised to become the second-largest economy in Asia and the fourth-largest globally by 2025, overtaking Japan. With a population already larger than China’s, India’s rapid growth could cause an “India shock” for the global economy.

• A lifetime of tears:
  The average person cries approximately 80 liters of tears during their lifetime.

Have a great rest of the week ahead