Key characteristics A powerful enabler of progress in diverse sectors The strategic relevance of a material today can often be measured by its direct contribution to progress, technological advances and the global shift towards cleaner energy. Well-known resources such as lithium and rare earth elements are already central to the energy transition due to their widespread use in essential applications. Similarly, niobium – a lesser-known element – has in recent years proven its value in a range of innovative fields. Niobium is a rare transition metal prized for its unique properties, notably its resistance to corrosion and capacity to withstand…
Economy
Construction Begins on a Major New Facility Silver Line Gate Group (SLG Group) has officially begun building its ambitious AED 200 million integrated hub at Dubai Industrial City, acknowledged as the leading manufacturing and logistics centre in the Middle East. This development is part of TECOM Group PJSC’s expansive portfolio of ten vibrant business districts throughout Dubai. Facility Details and Launch Timeline Covering an impressive 1.37 million square feet, this facility for manufacturing, warehousing, and corporate offices is expected to open next year. The announcement was made during SIAL Paris 2024, a globally renowned food exhibition held from 19-23 October at…
On September 26, the 2024 New Energy Industry Development Conference & Invest in Changzhou Summit commenced, attracting academicians, experts, business leaders, and financial institutions from around the world to discuss new energy sector growth and collaboration. Key Highlights and Investments The event marked significant progress for Changzhou, as 42 projects were signed, securing a total investment of 39.7 billion yuan, including nine foreign-funded initiatives worth 1.16 billion USD. In addition, provincial financial institutions agreed on key financing projects, with a credit total of 120 billion yuan. Changzhou, often recognized as “China’s Capital of New Energy,” continues to expand its new…
Labor productivity has significantly declined in several states, with Iowa experiencing the greatest decrease between 2007 and 2023, at 4.9%. Delaware follows with a 4.2% decline, and South Dakota ranks third with a 2.7% drop. New York, Virginia, and Georgia also feature in the top ten. Iowa Iowa experienced the greatest decline in labor productivity, with a decrease of 4.9%. This drop is largely attributed to shifts in its agricultural sector, a significant part of its economy. Despite this, Iowa maintains a labor productivity index score of 115.1, indicating a still robust workforce contributing to its output. Delaware Delaware saw…