China Quick Take: Livestream e-commerce boom, record China-Africa trade and Loong merchandise sales soar

Six stories you may have missed from China this week...

Livestream e-commerce boom ahead of Spring Festival

Livestreaming commerce has created another boom in China ahead of the Chinese New Year. Data shows that livestreaming e-commerce platforms have created over 30 new professions and sparked a substantial increase in employment opportunities along the entire supply chain, connecting the digital and real economies.

Sales of Loong ornaments soar ahead of Chinese New Year

As the Chinese New Year approaches, sales of colorful ornaments featuring "loong," the Chinese dragon, have surged across China. At a small market in Taiyuan, the capital of north China's Shanxi Province, a festive atmosphere has been growing. Store owners say many customers have come to buy loong products because the zodiac is associated with power and good fortune.

China is Africa's biggest trading partner for 15^th consecutive year

China-Africa trade has hit new highs. According to the Ministry of Commerce, China has remained Africa's largest trading partner for the fifteenth consecutive year. In 2023, trade between the two reached a historic high of 282 billion US dollars, with year-on-year growth of 1.5 percent.

China-Mexico Maritime Route Collaboration

China and Mexico are collaborating on a new maritime route as Cross-Pacific trade is evolving. One shipping company has introduced a monthly route from Shandong Province to Manzanillo with more than 18,000 containers on each carrier.

China builds helipad for Antarctic Research Station

China is building a helipad at its new Antarctic research station. The 1,100 square meter structure will have room for two helicopters. The unique geographical environment of Antarctica makes the helipad a necessary infrastructure in scientific research stations there, which depends on helicopters for the transportation of both suppliers and personnel.

Foreign Ministry wants to expand Visa-free travel

China's foreign ministry says it will expand visa-free travel to more countries and seek more mutual visa exceptions. China has concluded mutual visa exemption agreements covering different types of passports with 157 countries, reached agreements or arrangements on simplified visa procedures with 44 countries and enjoyed comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 22 countries.

Subscribe to Storyboard: A weekly newsletter bringing you the best of CGTN every Friday