Month: November 2024

During the recent Creative Africa Nexus Weekend summit in Algiers, Algeria, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, underscored the critical need to empower Africa’s fashion and textile ecosystem.

In her keynote address, Musawa celebrated Africa’s rich textile heritage, referencing renowned fabrics like Adire, Kente, Bogolan, and Ankara, which reflect the history, identity, and pride of the African people.

Her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, shared her statement, in which Musawa pointed out the irony that many beloved fabrics, like Ankara, are largely produced outside of Africa. “Currently, nearly 90 percent of the Ankara consumed in our continent is imported,” she noted. “This results in an annual loss of around $3 billion to foreign manufacturers. We need to change this dynamic. It’s essential that we reclaim our fashion narrative by enhancing local production capacities and ensuring that the benefits of this vibrant industry stay within our borders.”

As the whistle blew, the finals of the 2024 National Fitness Games kicked off in the Yuecheng neighborhood of Heze’s Luxi New District. After 13 preliminary rounds and competition across 10 fun sports events, 220 participants made it to the finals, engaging in activities such as hoop tossing, jump rope, and ball squeezing. These athletes poured their sweat into the games, celebrating the joy of sports.

In recent years, the Luxi New District has made significant strides in promoting its cultural and sports initiatives, focusing on enhancing infrastructure and cultivating unique event brands to maximize the overall impact of sports events.

The district has also established high-standard fitness plazas and successfully hosted numerous events, including the 2024 Heze City and Meixian Village Basketball Tournament, community basketball leagues, and five-a-side football matches. Throughout these events, the district has effectively capitalized on its strengths by integrating sports with tourism, driving a deeper synergy between sports and cultural activities, and injecting new energy into rural revitalization.

In Feicheng, within the Shuyuan community’s small square, a community sports event themed “Healthy Living, Happy Sports” recently took place. Residents turned out in high spirits, cheering enthusiastically and creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Xiao Hua, the Party Secretary of the Shuyuan community, shared that even before the competition began, ping pong paddles sold out at nearby shops, showing the event sparked public interest in the sport. “Hosting the community sports event here not only benefits the residents but also stimulates local consumption. Many surrounding businesses offered quality products and services through promotions and sponsorships, achieving a ‘win-win’ situation,” he noted.

With the success of various grassroots sports events, Feicheng’s “Sports Plus” development model is maturing. The district has organized a range of community sports events and popular activities like card games, chess, tug-of-war, and square dancing. These events are not confined to traditional sports venues; instead, they are breaking into commercial areas, communities, and tourist attractions, turning foot traffic into economic growth.

In the expansive rural areas, the fusion of sports events and cultural tourism is also yielding notable economic benefits, empowering rural revitalization. This year, Anqiu City in Weifang hosted two major events—the “Qilu Tianlu” cycling challenge and the “Mountain Outside Mountain” marathon—attracting over 10,000 sports enthusiasts and volunteers from across the province and beyond, showcasing a new urban image.

As a novel approach to merging sports and tourism, “sports tourism” has become a vital window for Anqiu City’s high-quality economic development and image promotion.

Using sports events as a catalyst, Anqiu is transforming its scattered attractions into a connected route, boosting consumption in accommodations, agricultural products, dining, and intangible cultural heritage. It’s been estimated that the “Anqiu Tianlu” event welcomed nearly one million visitors this year, generating five billion yuan in consumption.

Meanwhile, the 14th National Fitness Games basketball tournament in Linqing City and the 16th provincial basketball competition were recently concluded, generating excitement among residents. “Every match has been thrilling, and I’ve nearly visited every day to show my support. People from other counties and districts come here to compete, making the atmosphere electric,” said local resident Zhang Weixiong.

The basketball games reflect a broader surge in public participation in fitness. Linqing City is committed to advancing its sports initiatives, intensifying infrastructure development, nurturing distinctive event brands, and amplifying the comprehensive impact of sports events.

“Linqing will continue to invest in sports infrastructure, improve public service systems, and expand the variety of sporting activities to ignite the public’s passion for sports. We aim to attract more high-quality sports resources and projects, broaden consumption avenues, and invigorate sports development, while crafting a compelling narrative for national fitness,” said Hao Shupeng, a member of the education and sports bureau in Linqing City.

Fenerbahce manager José Mourinho playfully hinted at the possibility of clinching a fourth Premier League winner’s medal, should Manchester City be stripped of their title. Speaking ahead of his team’s Europa League match against his former club Manchester United, Mourinho reflected on the support Erik ten Hag has received from the club, which he felt was lacking during his time at Old Trafford.

Mourinho, who was dismissed by United just before Christmas in 2018, had previously led the team to both Europa League and League Cup victories in his first season, and finished second in the league the following year—19 points adrift of City. This achievement, he claims, remains one of his proudest moments. With ongoing investigations into alleged financial rule violations by Manchester City, Mourinho remarked, “If they’re punished with points, I could potentially receive that bonus and medal.”

When asked about United’s evolution, Mourinho responded thoughtfully. “Honestly, I haven’t spent a minute worrying about it. I wish the best for Manchester United since my departure. I left with good feelings towards the club and the fans, so it’s disheartening to see them struggling. But dwelling on the past doesn’t help.” He praised the club’s continued faith in Ten Hag, stating, “They are providing him with stability and trust, allowing him the necessary conditions to succeed. That stands in contrast to my experience.”

Mourinho also expressed confidence in United’s potential, saying, “There’s a good chance they could still compete for the league, depending on what unfolds with Manchester City.”

As for the Europa League, he named Manchester United and Tottenham as the frontrunners despite United’s rocky start. “With this new format, top teams can qualify even if they lose a few matches,” he explained. “Top teams like United and Tottenham are certainly favorites to win.”

Reflecting on the difference in competition levels, Mourinho noted, “The Premier League has a unique quality and intensity. Tomorrow, we’ll face one of the strongest teams.”

After a challenging end to his tenure in England with Tottenham, where he was let go just days before a cup final, Mourinho signed a lucrative two-year deal with Fenerbahce this summer but hasn’t ruled out a Premier League return. Addressing United’s challenges under Ten Hag, he stated, “It’s not a bluff; they have a better team than their results suggest. I see the potential for success. Hopefully, it comes soon, before I return to the Premier League and United becomes one of my rivals.”

As the stakes of the upcoming presidential election rise, Wall Street is exhibiting an unusual calm, with investors hesitating to place bets on the outcome. We’re entering the final two months of the presidential election cycle, and typically, the U.S. stock market rallies during this period. However, this year’s race is incredibly tight, and investors are growing increasingly concerned about potential disputes that could lead to a prolonged uncertainty over the victor, potentially triggering a sell-off and unsettling the post-election market.

With just under a month until the November 5 election, the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Democratic candidate Kamala Harris slightly ahead with 46% support compared to Republican candidate Donald Trump’s 43%. Yet, given the Electoral College system, national polls are less critical than state-level support, which currently appears evenly split.

The intense competition has led to a notable pause among investors, dubbed the “smart money,” who are reluctant to make predictions about the election’s outcome. An executive from an investment firm commented, “Given the contentious nature of the race, it’s unwise to place any bets on a result that is too close to call. The volatility makes it difficult to craft a reliable investment strategy.”

On the flip side, following Trump’s contentious attempt to overturn the results after losing to Biden in 2020, investors fear that a similarly close outcome could lead to allegations of fraud.

Tad, the Chief Investment Officer at Green Wood Capital, noted, “This election will likely be extremely tight, and the potential for controversy is higher than usual.” He added, “Markets dislike uncertainty, and there’s no doubt that they wouldn’t welcome a situation where we still don’t know who the U.S. president is a day or two after the election.” He warned that if a definitive result isn’t reached within days, stocks could experience significant sell-offs.

Unlike the 2020 election, when the market remained relatively stable despite Trump’s efforts to challenge the results, investors today may not share the same level of optimism. Concerns grow especially if either party voices doubts about the election and garners support from fellow legislators and election officials in key swing states.

Recalling the heated contest between George W. Bush and Al Gore in the 2000 election, where a recount in Florida left the nation in suspense for over a month, it caused steep declines in the stock market during that period. From Election Day until Gore conceded in mid-December, the S&P 500 dropped by 5%, with total losses reaching 7.6% in November and December.

Experts are now advising investors seeking to hedge against election-related volatility to consider purchasing put options, as well as looking into utility stocks and gold.

Moreover, both Harris and Trump are planning to increase spending, but the bond market anticipates that Congress will remain divided, hindering the administration’s initiatives. Some fund managers caution, however, that the bond market may be overly confident, underestimating the chances of a new president implementing bold budgetary measures, which could lead to inflation increases and rising bond yields.

The fifth Beijing Urban Sub-Center Green Development Forum opened in Beijing on October 26. During the forum, the “Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Construction of Beijing as an International Green Economy Benchmark City” were released, outlining the city’s goal to significantly enhance the value added from the green economy by 2035 and establish itself as a leading city in this sector.

Yang Xiuling, the Director of the Beijing Development and Reform Commission, emphasized that a green economy is poised to be a core growth driver in future global economic activities. She highlighted Beijing’s rich resources in green technology innovation, strong capital in green finance, and notable advantages in green professional services, stating that the city is well-positioned to take the lead in cultivating new forms of green productive capacity.

Yang pointed out that Beijing will focus on developing seven strategic foundational green industries. These include advanced energy, synthetic biology manufacturing, alternative proteins, smart connected new energy vehicles, as well as climate resilience and ecological environmental protection, green finance, and new green professional services.

She also mentioned that Beijing plans to target the forefront of the global fossil fuel material substitution industry. The city aims to leverage sustainable and efficient technologies in synthetic biology to create an innovation-driven industrial landscape that influences the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and radiates across the nation, building a hub for synthetic biology development in China.

To support these initiatives, Yang noted that Beijing will enhance its green service ecosystem by fostering new business models and services in the green professional sector. This includes establishing a comprehensive voluntary greenhouse gas emissions trading market, developing carbon emission statistical accounting systems, a product carbon labeling certification system, and a carbon footprint management system, all while promoting the coordinated development of various ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) service industries and actively participating in multilateral cooperation for green development under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Looking ahead, Yang indicated that Beijing will concentrate on five key areas: green technology innovation, green industry cultivation, the creation of livable green cities, cultural green nurturing, and cooperative shared green development. The city will organize and implement a series of benchmark projects to ensure tangible outcomes in these domains.

During a recent press conference in Abuja, a coalition known as the Host Communities Confederation (HCC) robustly defended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in response to allegations regarding the non-remittance of 3% operating expenditures (Opex) to some oil host communities in Akwa Ibom. National Chairman Dr. Mike Emuh, alongside key leaders from various host community groups including Jonathan Usigho, Dr. Emerson Moore, Sam Eribo, and George Bucknor, expressed their views.

Dr. Emuh emphasized that claims of a lack of accountability concerning fund management stem from a misunderstanding of NUPRC’s role. He pointed out that it is illogical to hold the regulator accountable for revenue allocated to communities when the obligation lies with the oil companies responsible for development. “It’s misguided to demand that NUPRC account for the 3% Opex Hostcom fund, which is directly managed by the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), overseen by a board of trustees elected by the communities,” he explained.

He further clarified that NUPRC operates independently from the funds allocated to host communities and thus cannot be expected to account for any sums not remitted to the commission. “The responsibility begins with the settlor to the Host Community Development Trusts,” the group stated.

Addressing the gas flare penalty fund, HCC noted that the matter would be reconsidered once the existing Gas Flare Penalty Act is repealed and revised to align with current global gas revenue realities. Dr. Emuh stated, “The $21 million paid by Mobil for Akwa Ibom to address ecological issues should not overshadow the primary concern, which is ensuring that gas flare penalties are properly remitted to NUPRC by the oil companies.”

He highlighted that NUPRC has implemented mechanisms to facilitate the effective execution of the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), designed to foster development for host communities with an emphasis on fairness, accountability, and transparency. To resolve disputes, NUPRC has established Alternative Dispute Resolution Centres in Lagos and Bayelsa, presenting a more peaceful and efficient method than litigation for addressing issues faced by host communities.

Additionally, NUPRC has introduced environmental monitoring systems to ensure compliant implementation of regulations beneficial to host communities’ ecological concerns. Dr. Emuh mentioned advancements in technology that improve interactions between oil companies and host communities.

He also pointed out the launch of Hostcomp, an industry data automation portal aimed at streamlining HCDT implementation processes to promote sustainable prosperity in host communities. “This initiative has enhanced access, inclusivity, fairness, accountability, transparency, and compliance with regulatory standards,” he added.

To ensure clarity and avoid manipulation, the coalition advised host communities to first engage with operating oil companies before seeking outside assistance. Any ‘malicious and absurd’ demands should be reported to the established ADRC for proper investigation, they urged.

Finally, the coalition reiterated that NUPRC remains committed to the development of host communities involved in oil and gas production as outlined in Chapter 3 of the PIA. Concerning alleged delays in funding projects in Akwa Ibom’s host communities, the group noted that compliance with HCDT establishment remains an issue for many settlors. However, they recognized that NUPRC has instituted mechanisms to safeguard funds, ensuring accountability and transparency in their disbursement process.

In recent days at the 136th China Import and Export Fair, over 93,000 buyers from more than 200 countries and regions have gathered in Guangzhou, eager to explore business opportunities, discuss deals, and make new connections.

With the boost from policies like visa-free transit, the 68-year-old Canton Fair is experiencing significant changes. At Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, reporters noticed a marked increase in the number of foreign arrivals. Currently, the port sees over 22,000 inbound travelers daily, with foreigners making up more than 60% of that number.

An exhibitor from Australia expressed his excitement about attending the fair for the first time: “I’m from Australia, and this is my first time at the Canton Fair; I’m really excited.”

A Danish exhibitor reflected on his experiences, saying, “We’ve been here three times now, and each time I come, I bring some new products we’ve developed.”

The Canton Fair serves as a crucial platform for global buyers seeking opportunities and technological breakthroughs. Many international buyers approached by reporters shared their targeted procurement plans, focusing on “Made in China” offerings in industries such as industrial manufacturing, electronics, new energy vehicles, and fashion.

A participant from Mauritius explained, “I’ve prepared a supplier list, and some suppliers already know we are coming.” Meanwhile, a Lebanese exhibitor mentioned his interest in electronics, toys, and bicycles. An exhibitor from Uganda highlighted the fair’s variety, noting, “I can meet various manufacturers and suppliers here. I’m looking for cosmetic suppliers and raw material manufacturers.”

According to the Guangzhou Baiyun Border Inspection Station, during this Canton Fair, daily peak inbound traffic is expected to exceed 46,000, an increase of 15% compared to the spring fair and a 40% rise over the previous year.

Liu Lei, captain of the 10th patrol team at Baiyun Border Inspection Station, detailed the preparations: “There are eight channels set up exclusively for the fair, with guiding signs and police officers providing assistance throughout the process in 13 languages.”

During the fair, Baiyun Airport also introduced convenient services for exhibitors who applied for visa-free transit, ensuring a streamlined check-in process. To facilitate foreign buyers attending the event, services like on-site application points for documentation and payment assistance were set up at the airport, showcasing China’s allure from multiple angles.

Chen Zehua, a senior investigator with the Guangzhou Cultural, Radio, Television, and Tourism Bureau, stated, “We’ve set up a free one-day tour service at the airport to showcase Guangzhou’s tourism resources and cultural attractions, inviting global merchants to explore the city and enjoy their time here.”

Currently, Baiyun Airport has added and enhanced nearly 50 international passenger routes, with over 1,700 weekly international flights. The port authorities are working hard to boost inspection speeds, demonstrating China’s renowned hospitality to exhibitors from around the world.

In August, the Nansha Port passenger checkpoint in Guangzhou was added to the visa-free transit entry list. During the fair, many foreign visitors arriving from Hong Kong now have new entry options.

Michael from Canada, who didn’t have time to obtain a visa, took a ferry from Hong Kong to the Nansha checkpoint and entered the fair without a hitch: “I just arrived from the Nansha checkpoint to attend the fair, and the 144-hour visa-free policy made it very smooth.”

Similarly, the Pazhou ferry terminal, located just 500 meters from the fair venue, has provided convenient entry for overseas exhibitors for the past three sessions. David Farina from Paraguay, who has 15 years of exhibition experience, chose to enter through the Pazhou terminal upon his friend’s suggestion: “This is my first time entering China through Pazhou, and I think it’s the easiest way ever. There were fewer people on the ferry than at the airport.”

A Chinese supplier noted the improvements: “What used to take three or four days can now be accomplished in just two hours. Our clients are very satisfied.”

Police officer Xiong Ling at the Zhoutouwei border inspection station reported, “During the fair, we have 12 round trips to Hong Kong daily and have established a foreign language service team to assist with inquiries.”

Additionally, the Pazhou passenger terminal has implemented a seamless operation model for those traveling from Hong Kong, allowing exhibitors to check in and have their luggage sent directly to their destination, enjoying a one-stop convenient experience.

An exhibitor from India shared his journey: “I flew from Mumbai to Hong Kong and then took a ferry to Pazhou. My luggage was checked through to Pazhou, and the entire process was very smooth.”

The fair this year features three phases, showcasing advanced enterprises across various sectors at over 74,000 exhibition booths. Covering themes such as “Advanced Manufacturing,” “Quality Home,” and “Better Life,” the event highlights more than one million innovative products that demonstrate China’s transformation from “Made in China” to “Created in China.”

Qin Xu from the Canton Fair organizing committee shared that nearly 4,600 new exhibitors are participating this year. Over 8,000 companies hold national high-tech, specialized, and innovation accolades, marking a 40% increase from the previous session. About 3,600 enterprises in digital technology and intelligence manufacturing are represented, along with more than 14,000 firms with proprietary brands.

At the home appliance exhibition area, a “China Red” multifunctional cooking machine from Shunde gained significant attention from buyers. Local exhibitor Zhao Ying commented, “Customers are increasingly demanding greener, energy-efficient products. Standing firm on consumer perspectives and technological innovation is vital to breaking through homogeneous competition.”

Shunde, a leading region for small appliance manufacturing and exports, saw both an increase in the number of participating companies and exhibition space, reflecting the growing international recognition of its products. Zeng Fan, head of the Shunde Economic Promotion Bureau, revealed, “From January to September this year, the total import and export volume of Shunde reached 174.19 billion yuan, with a double-digit growth in household appliance exports. This year, 319 Shunde companies participated in the fair, marking a historic high for both participation and booth numbers.”

Many provinces and cities organized group participations, with government-backed promotional events occurring back-to-back, boosting enterprises’ efforts to tap into markets and secure orders. The joint efforts underscore the goal of rapidly converting orders into revenue while addressing the final mile in international trade.

A buyer from Jordan noted, “Chinese products are very popular due to competitive pricing, allowing us to place large orders. Timely delivery is crucial; logistics services are our top priority, as any delays could significantly disrupt our operations.”

Reportedly, a considerable portion of bulk commodity orders sealed at the fair will be exported via water. The advantages of water transport—such as lower costs, large capacity, and shorter distances—save on transportation time and logistics costs. Many exhibitors are adopting a “front store, back factory” model, and various departments are collaborating to provide comprehensive support for companies looking to export.

Cao Wenjia, deputy director of the Shunde Border Inspection Station, explained, “At four cargo terminals in Shunde, we implement zero-wait inspections for ships carrying export orders from local enterprises, ensuring effective and speedy clearance for over 3,000 containers of ‘Shunde Intelligent Manufacturing’ products daily.”

The “Dongguan Smart Manufacturing” showcase was also vibrant at this year’s fair, with 420 participating enterprises, including 198 advanced manufacturing and technology companies recognized for their innovations.

Exhibitor Xiao Yanmei shared, “We specialize in household and commercial intelligent mobile robots. The turnout here is impressive, and we are very optimistic about our prospects.”

Lu Jin, deputy chief of the Foreign Investment Promotion Center in Dongguan, commented, “We are attracting countless foreign buyers with increasingly advanced technology and smart products; numerous international clients have confirmed orders.”

Dongguan’s relevant departments have optimized transport routes for converting orders into revenue, promoting a “sea-air combined transport” model. Export products are shipped by short sea routes directly to Hong Kong International Airport, where they are quickly dispatched to their destination countries. Since the sea-air transport project became operational a year ago, it has handled 10 billion yuan in import and export goods.

Deputy captain of the third patrol team at the Dongguan Border Inspection Station, Xi Yuxiao, mentioned that due to the high time sensitivity of these shipments, a special service has been tailored for the route to facilitate immediate inspections and clearance for goods bound for Hong Kong airport.

Xiao Zhi-liang, deputy general manager of Dongguan Port International Air Transport, highlighted, “Our air cargo center is the world’s first cross-border sea-air transport project that goes directly to the airside of the airport, where goods are loaded for transportation to our dedicated pier and then shipped to Hong Kong International Airport for global export.”

Recently, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party, President of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, issued significant directives regarding civil affairs work. He underscored the importance of enhancing basic social welfare systems that cater to the public and emphasized the need for proactive efforts to assist the people effectively.

During the 15th National Civil Affairs Conference held in Beijing on October 25-26, Premier Li Qiang delivered a speech reflecting on Xi’s directives, which acknowledged the remarkable achievements in civil affairs over recent years. He expressed a strong expectation for continued progress in this field, emphasizing the essential role of civil affairs in the broader context of China’s modernization.

Li highlighted that civil affairs embody the essence of humanity, showcase societal conscience, uphold moral standards, and reflect cultural continuity. He stressed that promoting China’s unique modernization requires elevating civil affairs to protect and advance the interests of various groups, including marginalized communities and people with disabilities, fostering unity and collective effort toward shared goals.

In his address, Li called for a profound commitment to serving the people, ensuring that policies are not only formulated based on diverse community needs but also effectively implemented. He urged a balance between rigid policy enforcement and flexible operational approaches, advocating for mechanisms to evaluate and refine these policies continuously.

Li’s speech also emphasized the importance of political responsibility in advancing civil affairs, urging officials to think strategically about how to improve the sector. He called for an active approach, engaging directly with grassroots communities to enhance insight and ensure that local needs are met.

Commissioner Chen Yiqin further reiterated the importance of embodying Xi Jinping’s directives within civil affairs work. She stressed the need to bolster the social assistance system, improve eldercare services, and promote reforms in various areas, including funeral services and charitable initiatives.

The conference recognized outstanding collectives and individuals from the national civil affairs system, with representatives from provinces and related sectors sharing their experiences. In attendance were officials from various governmental levels and organizations, all committed to advancing civil affairs for a new era in China.

In the cotton fields of the 148th Regiment in Shihezi City, part of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, the harvest season has officially begun. The rows of cotton plants, densely packed, have surprised many, including journalist and host Li Yancheng from Phoenix TV in the Philippines, who expressed his amazement, saying, “I never imagined cotton could grow and be harvested like this!”

The transformation occurring in Xinjiang’s cotton industry has exceeded expectations. The Thai newspaper, Star News, remarked on how “modern agricultural technology in Xinjiang is astonishing,” noting that a massive and precise operation has been fully mechanized.

“Is it true that no manual labor is required for cotton picking?” “Can all this cotton really be harvested by machines alone?” These questions flooded in from Chinese-language media outlets from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia as they witnessed cotton-picking machines rumbling through the fields, leaving behind round, two-ton “cotton eggs” in pristine rows.

Behind this technological advancement, staff from Shihezi University explained that Xinjiang has achieved comprehensive mechanization. Each farmer now manages over a thousand acres of land, significantly reducing the need for visible manual labor in the fields. A reporter from Hong Kong 01 documented the process, noting that a self-propelled cotton packing machine took just about two minutes to pick, compress, and package 2 tons of cotton, producing “cotton eggs” adorned in colorful wrapping.

Moreover, every single cotton flower in Xinjiang has its own identification. During the packaging process, a traceable QR code and chip label are affixed, ensuring that every code is unique and independent through standardized coding rules and specialized anti-counterfeiting verification. Thanks to a self-developed high-quality monitoring system, this technology allows for rapid data recording, such as the geographical coordinates of the harvested area, estimations of harvested acreage, impurity rates, moisture content, and images of the cotton being collected.

This advanced system means that scanning the QR code can reveal details about where the cotton came from, which household it belonged to, and the specific field it was grown in. Every aspect of cotton production—from plastic film laying, planting, and irrigation, to the application of defoliants, harvesting, and trading—has undergone significant mechanization and even smart technology integration.

Media representatives have noted the sheer volume of data involved, saying, “It’s hard to fathom how extensive this data collection is. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it.” The cotton big data platform provides real-time insights into weather conditions, soil health (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels), cotton growth metrics, machinery operation status, and yield predictions.

As the Myanmar newspaper, Golden Phoenix, put it, “The world’s cotton looks to China, and Chinese cotton looks to Xinjiang.” They acknowledged that with ongoing technological advancements and increasing levels of mechanization, the cotton harvesting methods in Xinjiang are becoming increasingly widespread.

In May, the UK government rolled out its “Prepare” emergency campaign, urging citizens to stock up on essentials like bottled water, wind-up radios, and non-perishable foods. Personally, while I’ve gathered a few cans of soup, I’ve been more strategic in quietly amassing bags of Co-op’s sea salt and chardonnay wine vinegar crisps. Like millions of Brits, my affection for crisps runs deep.

Crisps are the quintessential survival snack. They’re sealed and salted, yet a great bag can transform into a personal dining experience, where each crunch is savored and evaluated like a Michelin inspector critiquing a meal. They provide comfort and nostalgia, and during the pandemic, they saw a surge in popularity, with Britons purchasing £441 million more snack bags in 2020 than they did the previous year. Historically, they’ve even played a role in lifting spirits during tough times. At the Smith’s Crisps Annual General Meeting back in 1941, chairman Sir Herbert E Morgan remarked that Londoners were bringing crisps to air raid shelters, saying, “As in times of peace our crisps have been a standby, and an always reliable friend – they are additionally so these days.”

It’s reasonable that we turn to our “reliable friend” in times of uncertainty. Research suggests that salt can enhance mood, which may explain our collective affinity for crisps. Nevertheless, crisps also reflect deeper emotions, revealing what the British public appreciates about its own identity.

In the 1950s, food scientists began perfecting artificial flavors, allowing crisps to engage in a uniquely British society conversation. This is exemplified by special editions like Walkers’ coronation chicken flavor, celebrating King Charles, or Morrisons’ ’nduja, which nods to trendy toppings in East London. The UK seems to set itself apart by embedding social commentary into crisp packaging while keeping pace with culinary trends.

The British crisp landscape showcases a blend of classic flavors with innovative spins, like Kent Crisps’ oyster and vinegar. Brands like Walkers thrive on staples that resonate across generations: ready salted for crisp sandwiches, salt and vinegar for pub outings, cheese and onion for train trips, and prawn cocktail for nostalgia. Recent trends even see “crisp walls” at weddings and “crisp bouquets” replacing traditional flowers, while high-end designers feature crisp-inspired items, signaling a newfound reverence for this snack.

As we puzzle over our collective love for crisps, it’s essential to examine the socio-cultural dynamics of our recent past. The crisp phenomenon traces back decades. Whether considering Frank Smith’s crisp factory in 1919 Cricklewood or the emergence of Golden Wonder and Walkers in the late ’40s, each date adds a layer to our crisp story. The Frito-Lay merger in 1961 marked a significant turning point, propelling the industry toward global dominance.

Reflecting on Britain’s attachment to crisps, the 1980s stand out. Emerging from economic hardship, the 1970s saw food prices skyrocket, and suddenly, what you could afford defined your status. Crisps transcended their role as mere pub fare; as supermarkets rose in prominence, they became staples of convenience for busy households.

Government initiatives like the 1974 value-added tax on luxury foods added complexity to the crisp landscape. Politicians recognized crisps as integral to many diets, prompting debates on rising prices. Notably, even amidst economic changes, crisps continued appealing to consumers, evolving in flavor and making their place in grocery baskets more secure.

By 1984, Britons spent an astonishing £805 million on crisps and snacks, a number that crossed £1 billion by the decade’s end. Walkers ramped up operations, including a notable hiring spree, creating a delivery force that embodied crisp culture, complete with tailored uniforms.

After Walkers joined PepsiCo, British snack preferences influenced by American marketing reshaped the landscape. Teams traveled to California, refining British Doritos to meet consumer expectations. Today, although the crisp scene has shifted—contractors now largely deliver without the fanfare of customized livery—the love for crisps remains strong.

Opinions on crisps can stir lively discussion; ask anyone who’s tried writing about them, and they’ll usually have strong preferences. As Larry Bush, a former PepsiCo member, remarked, “Crisps are almost like a member of the family.” Yet, the industry remains fiercely competitive, making it challenging for smaller brands to carve out a niche amidst the giants.

Annually, the UK consumes around 186,000 tonnes of crisps, making this competition worthwhile. As tastes evolve to include healthier options, the challenge will be to hold on to the traditional crisp experience amid changing diets.

Interestingly, European brands are stepping up their game. Belgian brand Superbon is introducing vibrant flavors, while French creator Les Brets is taking on industry giants like Lay’s with gourmet profiles. This raises an intriguing question: Do other countries share our passion for crisps? The British love for this snack isn’t just about the taste but the spirited debates it inspires. Are artisan or mass-produced crisps superior? And which type of salt and vinegar reigns supreme? The answers may be elusive, but that’s part of the enjoyment. Crisps, like British culture, continue to spark curiosity and conversation.