US$40.9 billion in purchasing contracts signed with 38 partners, bringing the total of seven sessions of CIIE to US$285 billion

SHANGHAI, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386, “Sinopec”) has hosted a forum titled “Building Global Energy Partnerships” and a signing ceremony at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE 2024) in Shanghai. The exhibition, running from November 5 to 10, is focused on the global energy transition and fostering an open, green, and low-carbon ecosystem.

At the signing ceremony, Sinopec signed purchasing contracts with 38 partners from 18 countries, which totaled US$40.9 billion, including 27 products from 10 major categories, including crude oil, chemicals, equipment, materials, consumer goods and more. Since the first CIIE in 2018, Sinopec has signed orders exceeding a total of US$285 billion in seven sessions.

Ma Yongsheng, chairman of Sinopec, remarked in a keynote speech at the forum that the global energy supply as well as demand pattern and governance system are in need of real changes, and the transformational development of energy and chemical industry is already in a new stage.

“In the face of the great momentum of development, Sinopec unswervingly commits to promoting high-quality, intelligent, and green development leveraging advanced technologies,” said Ma. “We also understand deeply that the energy and chemical industries can only achieve sustainable development through cooperation. Sinopec has always adhered to open cooperation and achieve mutual wins with all our partners.”

Sinopec aims to enhance collaboration on oil and gas resources, working with various stakeholders to establish a more stable industry alliance. The company is also committed to expanding its green energy initiatives to further its low-carbon transformation goals. Additionally, Sinopec seeks to foster technology partnerships to unite innovative efforts, aiming to create a harmonious balance between humanity and nature, address climate challenges effectively, and build a cleaner, more sustainable world for future generations.

At CIIE 2024, Sinopec also signed cooperation and procurement agreements with a number of companies at the event. It has signed a framework agreement with TotalEnergies on long-term LNG supply, under which TotalEnergies will supply 2 million tons of LNG per year to Sinopec from 2028, for a total of 15 years. The partnership will enable both parties to further explore opportunities across the whole industry chain and promote global energy transformation.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2549850/Sinopec_signed_purchasing_contracts_38_partners_18_countries_CIIE_2024.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/960416/SINOPEC_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sinopec-hosts-forum-session-at-7th-china-international-import-expo-302297169.html

Fintech leader strengthens position in cross-border B2B payments and trade finance, eyeing rapid growth across Asia, including China and India

AMSTERDAM and SINGAPORE, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — MODIFI, a leading global platform in B2B Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, today announced the successful completion of a $15 million funding round led by SMBC Asia Rising Fund with participation from existing investors Maersk, IntesaSanPaolo, Heliad and other top-tier global investors. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), one of Japan’s leading banks and a major financial force in the APAC region, brings both capital and strategic alignment to the partnership. Beyond the equity investment, MODIFI and SMBC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance digital solutions that support SME exporters across Asia in expanding their international trade operations. Through a series of joint initiatives, MODIFI and SMBC aim to empower SMEs with innovative cross-border financing solutions.

The announcement comes on the sidelines of Singapore Fintech Festival, showcasing MODIFI’s drive for innovation in the global fintech landscape. This new capital infusion will accelerate MODIFI’s expansion, particularly in high-growth markets like China and India, where the company has already made significant inroads. MODIFI’s platform delivers critical liquidity and flexible payment terms to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping them optimize cash flow and expand their international reach.

“The funding underscores the strength of our business and the confidence our investors have in our vision for the future,” said Nelson Holzner, CEO and Co-founder of MODIFI. “As global commerce evolves, MODIFI is at the forefront, providing innovative solutions that empower businesses to scale and succeed across borders.”

MODIFI’s exponential growth has solidified its position as a market leader in cross-border payments and trade finance. Recognized by Financial Times and Statista as one of the Fastest Growing European Fintech Companies in 2024, MODIFI has facilitated over $3 billion in global trade for more than 1,800 companies since it was founded in 2018. The platform offers instant working capital approval, alongside integrated risk management tools that shield businesses from buyer defaults and fraud.

“Our mission is simple: We empower SMEs to compete and thrive in the global market with fast, flexible, and secure payment solutions,” added Holzner. “With this fresh funding, we’re set to redefine global trade finance—ensuring businesses of all sizes can unlock the liquidity and get the protection they need to grow internationally.”

“By transforming cross-border supply chain finance for the digital age with their global presence, we believe MODIFI supports SMEs to scale their export businesses with ease. We look forward to collaborating with MODIFI to empower our corporate clients to expand their businesses globally with agility and financial flexibility overcoming traditional trade barriers,” said Keiji Matsunaga, General Manager of Digital Strategy Department, SMBC.

About MODIFI

MODIFI is redefining global trade finance as a leader in B2B Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions. Trusted by businesses across 55+ countries, MODIFI provides cutting-edge tools that optimize working capital and streamline cross-border payments. Through its extensive global network, MODIFI delivers fast, flexible, and secure financial solutions, helping companies expand their international footprint with ease. By integrating advanced risk management features and seamless payment processes, MODIFI is setting new benchmarks in global commerce, empowering businesses of all sizes to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.

About SMBC and SMBC Asia Rising Fund

Advertisement

SMBC, one of the leading banks in Japan, co-funded SMBC Asia Rising Fund with Incubate Fund which is a corporate venture capital fund, for the purpose of accelerating business development and partnerships through investments in high potential start-ups operating actively in Asia. Through this fund, SMBC Group will enhance its business and provide clients with new solutions by uncovering/ applying new technologies via partnerships with investee firms and the development of new business models and products.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2549272/MODIFI_Strategic_Investment.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2549327/Modifi_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/modifi-secures-strategic-investment-from-smbc-asia-rising-fund-to-fuel-asian-exports-by-smes-302297108.html

GCash’s new top-up solution enables direct funding from overseas within digital wallets

MANILA, Philippines and LONDON, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, today announced a new collaboration with GCash, the leading digital wallet in the Philippines. This ground-breaking initiative enables GCash users to top up their wallet balances directly within the app using funds from their U.K. and European bank accounts. This collaboration makes cross-border top-ups real-time and more cost efficient, offering GCash users in Europe more convenience and financial control.

About 2 million Filipino expatriates live and work in Europe and maintain ties to the Philippines. Those who own a GCash digital wallet can now better support their relatives back home by topping up their wallet instantly, and by ensuring that the money is used as intended, whether for education, healthcare, or household expenses. This innovative initiative highlights the importance that Thunes and GCash place on financial inclusion and community empowerment by helping people improve financial oversight and spending management.

As a Member of Thunes’ proprietary Direct Global Network, leveraging its SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, GCash enjoys unrivaled speed, control, visibility, protection, and cost efficiencies for their customers’ cross-border account top-ups within their GCash account.

Paul Albano, General Manager of GCash International, said, “We are delighted to be a Member of Thunes’ Direct Global Network, to enable GCash users to top up their accounts instantly from their overseas bank accounts. This service will support hundreds of thousands of Filipinos in the U.K. and Europe by improving how they move money across borders into their digital wallets with better control over their finances. In this way, Filipinos living abroad can better utilize GCash to maintain ties with their home communities.”

Floris de Kort, CEO of Thunes, added, “We are expanding our collaboration with GCash, a long-standing valued Member of our Direct Global Network, to transform digital wallet top-ups. Through Thunes’ Direct Global Network, we are now delivering an instant top-up service that simplifies cross-border transactions. Our alliance with GCash is a testament to our passion for innovation, the versatility of our proprietary network, and our dedication to financial inclusion through money movement around the world.”

Notes to Editors:
Many Filipinos have strong family ties and business relationships back in the Philippines. Filipinos utilize GCash to pay bills, goods and services, friends and family, and obtain financing. The wallet facilitates purpose-driven payments to pay medical bills, housing costs and education.
GCash has helped enable unbanked and underbanked Filipinos take part in the internet and gig economy, spurring financial inclusion.

According to the World Bank, the Philippines has the fourth largest market worldwide for inbound remittances, with $39 billion sent in 2024. In 2024, Europe sent $3.8 billion to the Philippines.

About Thunes:
Thunes is the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world. Thunes’ proprietary Direct Global Network allows Members to make payments in real-time in over 130 countries and more than 80 currencies. Thunes’ Network connects directly to over 7 billion mobile wallets and bank accounts worldwide, as well as 15 billion cards via more than 320 different payment methods, such as GCash, M-Pesa, Airtel, MTN, Orange, JazzCash, Easypaisa, AliPay, WeChat Pay and many more. Thunes’ Direct Global Network differentiates itself through its worldwide reach, in-house SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, ensuring Members of the Network receive unrivaled speed, control, visibility, protection, and cost efficiencies when making real-time payments, globally. Members of Thunes’ Direct Global Network include gig economy giants like Uber and Deliveroo, super-apps like Grab and WeChat, MTOs, fintechs, PSPs and banks. Headquartered in Singapore, Thunes has offices in 15 locations, including Abidjan, Barcelona, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Manila, Nairobi, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco, Sao Paulo and Shanghai. For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

About GCash

Advertisement

GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. Its mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion unicorn in the Philippines.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2549551/Thunes_GCash.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/thunes-and-gcash-launch-innovative-cross-border-digital-wallet-top-up-solution-302296854.html