2020年11月27日
行業報導 - 2020年11月27日
1、星級講者 網上談「疫」境商機
【明報專訊】香港貿易發展局將於12月初在網上舉辦5大年度活動，包括創智營商博覽、香港國際特許經營展、亞洲知識產權營商論壇、DesignInspire創意設計博覽及亞洲電子商貿峰會，以數碼平台亮相，廣邀來自不同行業的星級專家講者。活動從一系列研討會中探討中小企在疫情下的營商之道，如何運用創新科技及創意思維應對市場變化及挑戰，在「疫」境中加強發展動力。
第4屆創智營商博覽及第6屆香港國際特許經營展將於12月2至4日舉行，為中小企提供一站式的支援，協助它們發掘最新商業創新方案，應用科技管理營運，從而提升生產及競爭力。今年博覽以「驅動遙距新機遇」為主題，網上研討會內容圍繞「宅經濟」、新常態下的挑戰、提升企業生產力，以及迎接新商機等議題，由多名業界領袖分享。焦點研討會包括「迎接『宅』經濟的浪潮及遙距工作下的企業管理」，Acceleration Partners創辦人及行政總裁Robert Glazer將分享遙距工作下的企業管理文化、人力資源轉型管理，以及如何協助企業迎接新常態。
Kickstarter創辦人分享創立平台過程
第10屆「亞洲知識產權營商論壇」則於12月3至4日舉行，以「開放式創新：轉變中推動協作」為主題，邀請約60名來自世界各地的知識產權業界專家及商界領袖分享行內趨勢。全球大型眾籌網站Kickstarter聯合創辦人Yancey Strickler將會分享他創立平台的過程，如何凝聚不同創作者並透過協作和創新創造價值。DesignInspire創意設計博覽將於12月3日至9日舉行，展示環球設計方案和創新意念，宣傳香港的創意實力。DesignInspire將帶領業界及公衆在網上世界體驗以「Design for Good」為主題的設計之旅，發掘設計如何為個人、群體和商業世界帶來正面力量，介紹各種精彩設計項目、獨特設計故事及趣味互動體驗。
亞洲電子商貿峰會會在12月9至11日網上舉行，以「迎接數碼時代蛻變 掌握機遇」為題，多名講者將探討電子商貿市場和行銷策略，解構如何引導企業採用符合成本效益的發展模式，涉足跨境電子商貿市場。其中FedEx Express將分享國際物流服務供應商如何透過跨境電子商貿幫助企業開拓市場及加快商品流轉。
■展覽及論壇網頁
創智營商博覽：portal.hktdc.com/smartbizexpo/tc
香港國際特許經營展：portal.hktdc.com/hkifs/tc
亞洲知識產權營商論壇：www.hktdc.com/ncs/bip2020/tc/main/index.html
亞洲電子商貿峰會：www.hktdc.com/ncs/aes2020/tc/main/index.html
創意設計博覽：www.designinspire.com.hk/main/tc
資料來源：明報 (2020年11月27日)
2、【施政報告2020】中央通過24項大灣區政策措施 在港珠澳大橋實施「港車北上」的便利
特首林鄭月娥今日（25日）發表任內第4份施政報告，她指於本月3日至7日率領政府代表團訪問北京、廣州和深圳，進行了深入的交流，獲得非常正面的回應，在推動粵港澳大灣區（大灣區）發展，中央支持在今年年底前全面落實早前經粵港澳大灣區建設領導小組原則上通過的24項政策措施。
她表示，近期將出台的有容許在大灣區內地城市的指定港資醫療機構使用已在香港註冊的藥物和常用的醫療儀器、放寬內地人類遺傳資源過境香港作研究用途、在港珠澳大橋實施「港車北上」的便利和加快落實「跨境理財通」。
至於鞏固和提升香港國際金融中心，中央支持深化兩地金融互聯互通，逐步擴大「互聯互通」合資格股票範圍，同意加快香港上市未有盈利的生物科技公司和內地科創板股票在符合特定條件下納入標的。
林鄭月娥又指，中央支持香港國際機場按市場化原則投資入股珠海機場，參與其運營發展，進一步深化合作，建設有國際競爭力的世界級機場羣。中央亦支持香港與深圳共同建設深港科技創新合作區的深圳園區和位於落馬洲河套的香港園區，實踐「一國兩制」下，位處「一河兩岸」的「一區兩園」。
中央支持香港深化與深圳合作，優化落馬洲╱皇崗口岸，在位處深圳的新皇崗口岸採用「一地兩檢」，以釋放香港口岸區超過20公頃土地作其他用途，並於稍後進一步共同探討羅湖口岸的優化。在參考了港珠澳大橋「港車北上」的經驗後，研究在港深陸路口岸亦實施「港車北上」政策。
關於防疫抗疫，中央支持並要求香港特區政府採取一切「外防輸入、內防反彈」的必要措施，在香港疫情可控的情況下，通過「健康碼」互認，逐步有序恢復粵港人員往來，並支持香港確保新冠肺炎病毒疫苗供應，在有需要時，預留一定數量的內地研發或生產的疫苗供香港市民使用。
按此瀏覽：【施政報告2020】不斷更新
施政報告重點
資料來源：香港經濟日報 及 www.policyaddress.gov.hk (2020年11月25日)
3、港出口勁差 10月轉跌1.1% 進口僅升0.6% 歐美疫情惡化礙復甦
本港出口經過9月份大幅反彈，10月無以為繼。統計處昨天公布，10月整體商品出口貨值按年跌1.1%，遠遜市場預期的升9%；進口貨值則上揚0.6%，同樣差過市場預期的升3.6%。10月錄得有形貿易逆差368億元，相等於商品進口貨值的9.6%。展望未來，政府發言人指出，雖然內地經濟可望繼續強勁增長，但預料多個先進經濟體的疫情惡化會拖慢其復甦，或會窒礙香港出口的恢復，中美關係發展、地緣政治局勢緊張，以及英國脫歐談判等也值得關注，政府將密切留意相關發展。
首十月逆差2708億
總結今年首10個月，商品整體出口貨值按年下跌3.7%，進口貨值減少6%。首10個月錄得有形貿易逆差2708億元，相等於商品進口貨值的7.9%。
經季節性調整的數字顯示，截至今年10月止的3個月與對上3個月比較，出口上升5.8%，進口增加5.3%。
按國家或地區分析，10月份本港對亞洲區的整體出口下滑2.3%，出口往區內大部分市場都錄得跌幅，包括泰國（跌24%）、新加坡（跌20.3%）和南韓（跌7.6%），中國內地亦減少1.4%；對越南及台灣的出口則分別上升15.3%及13.7%。歐美地區方面，對美國的出口跌幅較大，達3.9%；輸往德國則有3.3%升幅。
輸往內地貨值減少1.4%
按主要貨品類別分析，通訊、錄音及音響設備和儀器（跌70億元）及衣物與衣物配件（跌15億元）類別跌幅較大，分別下挫10.1%及20.4%。非鐵金屬、辦公室機器和自動資料處理儀器、非金屬礦物製品，以及電動機械、儀器和用具及零件的出口則錄得升幅。
恒生銀行環球資本市場經濟研究部主管薛俊昇認為，現時本港出口數字較為反覆，但下半年跌幅較上半年收窄，認為本港整體出口有緩慢改善，惟歐美疫情加劇，令本港於黑色星期五、聖誕等出口旺季對歐美出口仍然疲弱。他預計，本港明年出口主要受疫情影響，如疫苗研發等有突破性進展，令環球經濟回復，香港出口將會受惠。
美國總統大選結果逐漸明朗，薛俊昇表示，中美關係對本港出口的影響較為中長期，如民主黨拜登就任美國總統，中美兩國將專注於自身經濟增長，預料短期內不會為本港出口帶來變化。
資料來源：信報財經 (2020年11月25日)
4、參與人口最多、成員結構最多元、發展潛力最大的自由貿易區啟航—— RCEP為全球經濟注入正能量
日前，中國政府與東盟十國及日本、韓國、澳大利亞、新西蘭共同簽署了《區域全面經濟伙伴關系協定》（簡稱“RCEP”）。RCEP現有15個成員國，其總人口、經濟體量、貿易總額均佔全世界約30%，這意味著全球約1/3的經濟體量形成一體化大市場。
這是東亞區域經濟一體化新的裡程碑。而中國積極支持、參與並加入RCEP，更體現出“把開放之門越開越大”的堅定態度，反映出中國對多邊主義和自由貿易的堅定支持。未來，隨著RCEP走向實踐，全球經濟將迎來更多復蘇曙光。
高質量和包容性的統一
作為東亞經濟一體化建設近20年來最重要的成果，RCEP有哪些特點？
商務部國際司負責人介紹，RCEP是一個現代、全面、高質量、互惠的大型區域自貿協定。具體來看，主要有三大特征：
RCEP是目前全球體量最大的自貿區。2019年，RCEP的15個成員國總人口達22.7億，GDP達26萬億美元，出口總額達5.2萬億美元，均佔全球總量約30%。RCEP自貿區的建成意味著全球約1/3的經濟體量將形成一體化大市場。
RCEP是區域內經貿規則的“整合器”。它整合了已有的多對自貿伙伴關系，還在中日和日韓間建立了新的自貿伙伴關系。RCEP通過採用區域累積的原產地規則，深化了域內產業鏈價值鏈﹔利用新技術推動海關便利化，促進了新型跨境物流發展﹔採用負面清單推進投資自由化，都將促進區域內經貿規則的優化和整合。
RCEP實現了高質量和包容性的統一。貨物貿易最終零關稅產品數整體上將超過90%，服務貿易和投資總體開放水平顯著高於原有“10+1”自貿協定，還納入了高水平的知識產權、電子商務、競爭政策、政府採購等現代化議題。
比如，在知識產權領域，RCEP涵蓋著作權、商標、地理標志、專利、外觀設計、遺傳資源、傳統知識和民間文藝等廣泛內容﹔在電子商務領域，RCEP規定了電子認証和簽名、在線消費者保護、在線個人信息保護、網絡安全、跨境電子方式信息傳輸等條款﹔在貿易救濟領域，在世貿規則基礎上，RCEP對反傾銷、反補貼、保障措施作出詳細規定，並首次在自貿協定中納入“禁止歸零”條款……
“RCEP還照顧到不同國家國情，給予最不發達國家特殊與差別待遇，通過規定加強經濟技術合作，滿足了發展中國家和最不發達國家的實際需求。可以說RCEP最大限度兼顧了各方訴求，將促進本地區的包容均衡發展，使各方都能充分共享RCEP成果。”該負責人說。
域外機構普遍認為，RCEP可以為企業進行經貿活動帶來實實在在的好處。“RCEP協定的簽署為正遭遇保護主義和單邊主義逆流的國際經貿合作提供了令人振奮的最新范例，也為受新冠疫情影響而持續衰退的全球經濟走向復蘇注入了更多信心。”歐盟中國商會會長周立紅說。
市場開放實實在在
RCEP在市場開放方面達成一系列共識。
貨物貿易方面，15方之間採用雙邊兩兩出價的方式對貨物貿易自由化作出安排，協定生效后區域內90%以上的貨物貿易將最終實現零關稅，且主要是立刻降稅到零和10年內降稅到零，使RCEP自貿區有望在較短時間兌現所有貨物貿易自由化承諾。可以預見，隨著原產地規則、海關程序、檢驗檢疫、技術標准等統一規則落地，取消關稅和非關稅壁壘效應的疊加將逐步釋放RCEP的貿易創造效應，顯著降低區域內貿易成本和產品價格，提升本地區產品競爭力，惠及各方企業和消費者。
服務貿易方面，15方均作出了高於各自“10+1”自貿協定水平的開放承諾。中方服務貿易開放承諾達到了已有自貿協定的最高水平，承諾服務部門數量在中國入世承諾約100個部門的基礎上，新增了研發、管理咨詢、制造業相關服務、空運等22個部門，並提高了金融、法律、建筑、海運等37個部門的承諾水平。
投資方面，15方均採用負面清單方式對制造業、農業、林業、漁業、採礦業5個非服務業領域投資作出較高水平開放承諾，大大提高了各方政策透明度。中方投資負面清單反映了國內改革最新進展，這也是中國首次在自貿協定項下以負面清單形式對投資領域進行承諾。
自然人移動方面，各方承諾對於區域內各國的投資者、公司內部流動人員、合同服務提供者、隨行配偶及家屬等各類商業人員，在符合條件的情況下，可獲得一定居留期限，享受簽証便利，開展各種貿易投資活動。與以往協定相比，RCEP將承諾適用范圍擴展至服務提供者以外的投資者、隨行配偶及家屬等協定下所有可能跨境流動的自然人類別，總體水平均基本超過各成員在現有自貿協定締約實踐中的承諾水平。
商務部有關負責人介紹，中國與RCEP成員貿易總額約佔中國對外貿易總額的1/3，來自RCEP成員實際投資佔中國實際吸引外資總額比重超過10%。RCEP一體化大市場的形成將有助於中國進一步優化對外貿易和投資布局，不斷與國際高標准貿易投資規則接軌，構建更高水平的開放型經濟新體制。
RCEP還將顯著提升中國自由貿易區網絡“含金量”。RCEP簽署后，中國對外簽署的自貿協定將達到19個，自貿伙伴將達到26個。通過RCEP，中國與日本建立了自貿關系，這是中國首次與世界前十的經濟體簽署自貿協定，使中國與自貿伙伴貿易覆蓋率增加至35%左右，大大提升中國自貿區網絡的“含金量”。
企業迎來更多利好
面對RCEP簽署帶來的巨大市場，企業紛紛摩拳擦掌，希望獲得更大發展。
京東向本報記者提供的一組國際消費大數據顯示，來自日本、韓國、澳大利亞、新西蘭的商品一直深受國內消費者的青睞。其中，今年“雙11”當天，京東國際平台上成交金額最高的商品是新西蘭原裝進口“a2白金版”幼兒配方奶粉﹔同時，來自新加坡、馬來西亞等國家的一些特色商品也受到大家喜愛。2020年1—10月，來自新加坡的調味品同比增速超過500%、保健用品同比增速超過120%。
京東國際營銷運營負責人余榮華表示，RCEP的簽署對國內電商企業擴大進口商品銷售將有明顯的促進作用。特別是，RCEP協定生效后區域內90%以上的貨物貿易將最終實現零關稅，這就極大降低了海外商品的進口成本，擴大了電商平台可引入海外商品的種類范圍。“RCEP協定生效后，相比一般貿易進口模式，跨境貿易進口模式的關稅優勢將進一步減弱，這將促進國內跨境進口電商平台的轉型。京東整合了旗下跨境進口商品和一般貿易商品，並在消費場景、營銷生態、品質和服務、招商四大維度進行了全面升級。我們有能力為國內消費者同步提供更豐富更優質的世界好物！”余榮華說。
RCEP在投資、人員流動等方面帶來進一步開放，將為相關國家的企業深度合作、優化產業鏈供應鏈創造機遇。
依托清華大學設立的啟迪控股股份有限公司，主要通過孵化和投資等方式，服務於科技企業的發展，促進國際間技術與人才的交流。
啟迪控股股份有限公司董事長王濟武對本報記者表示，RCEP的簽署將為啟迪的國際業務發展注入新的活力，有利於企業在投資、科技創新和科技產業服務以及小微企業交流合作等方面贏得更大的國際市場份額。“比如，中韓兩國是有影響力的創新大國，兩國在創新及新興產業鏈建立方面的合作大有可為。啟迪可以選取遼寧作為與韓國合作的中國省份，選定數字經濟和生命科技作為重點領域，依托啟迪成熟的‘三螺旋模式’，促進兩國在RCEP框架下更好地開展科技合作。”王濟武說。
對外經濟貿易大學海南研究院院長崔凡對記者表示，在RCEP下，過去原產地標准不能累積計算變為可以累積計算，使得價值鏈合作可以更加優化。而在服務貿易領域投資以及跨境服務貿易方面，協議生效6年內全部實行負面清單，這些安排也有利於整個地區開展更深度的價值鏈合作。
資料來源：人民網 (2020年11月24日)
5、習近平倡東盟與中國對接發展規劃 深化數字經濟合作
第十七屆「中國－東盟商務與投資峰會」今日（27日）在廣西南寧揭幕，國家主席習近平發表視頻致辭，習指全球面臨的不確定因素正在增加，經濟低迷、保護主義抬頭，他提出中國與東盟應在戰略、經貿、科技及抗疫4等方面加強合作，共建更緊密「中國－東盟命運共同體」，並承諾向東盟國家提供抗疫援助。
習近平表示，中國和東盟山的友好關係源遠流長，7年來雙方互聯互通不斷加速，經濟融合持續加深，經貿合作日益加快，雙方關係成為亞太區域合作中最為成功的典範。當今世界正在經歷百年未有之大變局，國際秩序和全球治理體係受到衝擊。新形勢下，中方視東盟為周邊外交優先方向和高質量共建「一帶一路」重點地區，支持東盟在構建開放包容的地區架構中發揮更大作用。中方願同東盟一道推動領域合作，維護地區繁榮發展的良好勢頭。
習近平提出4點倡議：
第一，提升戰略互信，深入對接發展規劃。依托陸海新通道建設，加強基礎設施互聯互通合作，加快推進現有經濟走廊和重點項目建設，積極構建中國－東盟多式聯運聯盟。明年是中國－東盟建立對話關係30周年，中方願同東盟一道，打造更高水平的戰略夥伴關係。
第二，提升經貿合作，加快地區經濟全面復甦。進一步實施好中國－東盟自由貿易協定。中方希望《區域全面經濟夥伴關係協定》儘早生效。暢通貿易、促進投資，相互開放市場，推動產業鏈、供應鏈、價值鏈深度融合。在確保疫情防控前提下，採取措施便利人員往來和貨物流通。推動瀾湄合作、中國－東盟東部增長區合作。
第三，提升科技創新，深化數字經濟合作。在智慧城市、5G、人工智能、電子商務、大數據、區塊鏈、遠程醫療等領域打造更多新的合作亮點，加強數據安全保護和政策溝通協調。建設中國－東盟信息港，打造「數字絲綢之路」。
第四，提升抗疫合作，強化公共衛生能力建設。加強政策對話、信息分享和疫苗合作。中國將在疫苗投入使用後積極考慮東盟國家需求，為東盟抗疫基金提供資金支持，為東盟培養1,000名衛生行政人員和專業技術人員，共同建設應急醫療物資儲備庫和公共衛生應急聯絡機制。
習近平強調，中國將堅定不移擴大對外開放，同東盟合作空間將更為廣闊。希望雙方創造更多商機，收穫更多成果，共創更加繁榮美好未來。
資料來源：香港經濟日報 (2020年11月27日)
6、進博會為「雙循環」建世界級平台
儘管新型冠狀病毒疫情仍在全球蔓延，本月初在上海舉行的第三屆中國國際進口博覽會（進博會）仍然吸引了大批來自世界各地的企業參展。這一盛況不僅突顯了中國市場對拉動全球經濟疫後重振的示範作用，也是「國內國際雙循環相互促進」新發展格局的完美詮釋。
今年以來，受疫情衝擊和「逆全球化」影響，世界貿易和經濟增長雙雙出現了衰退。在此背景之下，中國經濟率先從疫情中恢復，帶動國內消費的快速復甦，而「雙循環」新發展格局把促進消費、拉動內需作為中國經濟發展的重要方向，更進一步增強了海外企業對中國市場前景的信心。
受惠於有效的疫情防控和適當的宏觀政策，內地經濟正加快實現恢復性增長，國內生產總值（GDP）從首季度的負增長，反彈至第三季度增長4.9%，成為今年世界主要經濟體中唯一有望實現正增長的國家。十一黃金周期間各大商場爆滿的情景，印證了中國市場的強大韌性和內地消費者的驚人購買力。根據官方資料，今年黃金周期間，全國出遊人次超過6億，零售和餐飲重點監測企業銷售額約1.6萬億元人民幣，日均銷售額比去年增長了4.9%。
作為全球第二大消費市場，內地居民的購買力早已令其成為全球企業拓展業務的重要目的地。當全球多個主要經濟體仍籠罩在疫情的陰霾下，內地市場的增長潛力更令其成為全球企業難能可貴的業務「增長極」。滙豐最新發布的一項全球企業調查顯示，超過三分之二的受訪企業把中國當作未來業務拓展最重要的三大市場之一。
更令人鼓舞的是，雖然疫情加劇了「逆全球化」趨勢，中國市場的大門卻愈開愈大。內地強調，新發展格局不是封閉的「國內循環」，而是開放的「國內國際雙循環」，並增強聯通「國內國際雙循環」的功能 。
我們相信，作為構建「雙循環」新格局的重要一環，中國將加快開放市場的步伐，進一步拓展對外貿易與投資。在貿易保護主義抬頭、中美貿易衝突加劇的背景下，與更多的國家開展廣泛的經貿往來，尤其是與發達經濟體之間的互動，將為中國吸納先進技術、推動產業升級帶來強大助力。在此過程中也帶動工人收入的增長，從而拉動內需，促進國內大循環。
把握中國消費市場走勢
事實上，中國近年來採取持續降低關稅等措施擴大進口。2018年內地4次自動調低關稅，從2017年的9.8%降低到7.5%。此外，內地還正積極推進與更多亞洲國家及歐盟的自貿協議發展。
對希望在中國拓展業務的全球企業而言，進博會這一國際貿易合作平台為他們找到市場入口、獲取訂單從而恢復生產提供了絕佳機會。更為重要的是，通過與內地消費者的近距離接觸，與會的海外企業能夠更好地把握中國市場的脈搏。
內地消費者的需求正在快速演變，經歷新型冠狀病毒疫情之後，數碼經濟也在更多的消費領域成為主角。今年1至9月份，在整體零售疲弱的情況下全國網上零售額按年增長達到9.7%。新一代的中國消費者不僅對品牌和品質有更高的要求，對高科技產品的需求也在持續增長，對各類高品質服務的需求增長尤其迅速。只有對中國消費市場的未來走勢準確把握，並制定相應的業務發展戰略，才能真正把握機遇，獲得長遠成功。
滙豐的調查顯示，許多國際企業都已意識到需要進一步完善自己的業務策略以適應新形勢的要求。他們有的加大在內地的投資，通過提升生產效率、改善訂購和發貨流程加快進入市場的步伐；有的則着重建設電商平台、尋求當地合作電商夥伴，希望盡快融入市場高度數碼的商業環境，擴大產品和服務的銷售範圍。此外，內地消費者對高科技產品的需求也帶動海外企業在相關領域的投資。資料顯示，高科技行業的外商直接投資在過去數年保持快速增長，2019年增長率達到25.6%，遠高於5.8%的外資整體增長水平。
雖然進博會舉辦時間只有一周，可以肯定的是海外企業對中國市場的興趣未來只會有增無減。中國構建的「雙循環」新發展格局，將推動中國經濟進一步向消費驅動轉型，為全球經濟復甦注入新動能。
作者為香港上海滙豐銀行有限公司副主席兼行政總裁王冬勝
資料來源：信報財經 (2020年11月27日)
7、在岸人幣彈 高盛：明年續強看6.3 惟出口商叫苦 人行：增彈性穩滙率
受隔夜美元下跌影響，在岸人民幣昨日小幅反彈。在中國經濟復甦向好、寬鬆預期令美元承壓下，機構看好明年人民幣滙率，高盛估12個月後升至6.3。但人幣一路升值，出口企業叫苦。
中國人民銀行昨發表第三季貨幣政策執行報告，提到要繼續增強人民幣滙率彈性，同時注重預期引導，實現滙率合理均衡水平上的基本穩定。
在岸人民幣連跌兩日後，昨日高開逾百點子，其後升幅收窄，收市升67點子，報6.5729兌1美元。離岸人民幣則午後轉跌，本港昨晚11時30分報6.5661。官方人民幣中間價則較上日跌31點子，報6.578。
交易員昨稱，隔夜美滙指數跌破92關，創兩個多月新低，提振人民幣，但新冠疫苗進展迅速，市場對人民幣相對謹慎，而且月底客盤購滙需求較多，限制滙價反彈空間。短期後市主要看美滙走勢，若持續趨弱，人民幣料跟隨走升。
調查：人幣好倉近3年高位
事實上，美國聯儲局的寬鬆預期為美元帶來壓力。豐業銀行亞洲外滙策略師高奇估計，未來幾周美滙指數或滑向90的心理關口。路透社最新調查顯示，因美元走軟等，人民幣好倉押注接近3年高位。但有分析指，人民幣已累積不少漲幅，最近有點升不動。瑞穗銀行亞洲首席策略師張建泰預料，年內人民幣或回到6.6附近。
不過，機構看好明年人民幣滙率。高盛首席中國經濟學家閃輝表示，非常看好人民幣，一是經濟基本面支撑；二是中國利率水平高於其他經濟體，中國對外國投資者仍具吸引力；三是人行推進利率市場化。他預計人民幣兌美元12個月後將達到6.3水平。
據高盛預測，明年中國GDP增速為7.5%。國家統計局原副局長賀鏗昨稱，疫情影響是經濟之外因素，在外部因素減弱和移去後，經濟會較快恢復到原來位置，料明年中國經濟按年增長8%。
另外，瑞銀大中華區首席經濟學家汪濤報告稱，人行對人民幣升值容忍度提升，料明年底人民幣或見6.4左右。
出口商緊急鎖滙 防風險
人行昨發表報告稱，人民幣滙率形成機制改革堅持市場化方向，優化金融資源配置；增強滙率彈性，注重預期引導，在一般均衡框架下實現人幣滙率合理均衡水平上的基本穩定。
值得注意，近半年人民幣兌美元累升逾8%，進口企業受惠，出口企業叫苦，事關外滙收入結滙成人民幣後縮水，有外貿企業因而損失數千萬人民幣。內媒報道，部分出口企業已緊急鎖滙，將明年的外滙敞口做遠期結滙。
資料來源：香港經濟日報 (2020年11月27日)
8、發展藝術科技 疫下更添色彩
特首林鄭月娥在最新施政報告中表示，將預留合共1億元推動藝術科技發展。科技在疫下有助大眾觀賞不同形式的藝術，外地藝術界更以多種方式融入科技，助其昇華及平民化。
港府預留1億推動 提供場地配套
林鄭表示，藝術與創新科技的融合已成藝術發展的新趨勢，科技在疫情期間亦有助大眾欣賞視覺和表演藝術，更擴闊藝術創作空間。政府將為「藝術及體育發展基金」、「創新及科技基金」、「電影發展基金」和「創意智優計劃」申請預留合共1億元，發展藝術科技，亦會提供場地及配套措施。
受疫情影響，到藝術館等場地親身體驗藝術並不可行，但本港藝術界嘗試以科技讓市民可以足不出戶欣賞藝術，例如藝術研究中心用VR技術在網上展示「九龍皇帝」曾灶財的街頭藝術作品，香港芭蕾舞團取消多場演出後亦轉戰網絡，在今年3月推出網上短片頻道「港芭@家」，以親民方式讓市民了解芭蕾舞。
據高古軒畫廊（Gagosian Gallery）表示，藝術界一直對數碼化持懷疑態度，擔憂會影響人們親睹實物的意慾，但疫情已改變大眾欣賞藝術的方式，逐漸由以往一窩蜂擁至人多擁擠的藝術館，變為網上獨自欣賞。
VR及AR技術 令藝術更平易近人
疫情無疑加快全球藝術界數碼轉型，Google的文化藝術計劃在疫下受到重視，全球多間藝術館都有與其合作、善用地圖街景（street view）展示展品，巴塞爾藝術展今年3月的網上展廳極受歡迎，甚至一度網站死機。
VR（虛擬實境）及AR（擴增實境）技術或仍未完全成熟，但已可讓高檔的藝術顯得更平易近人。羅浮宮在疫情期間便曾在網上推出過一個VR達文西展，人們可隔着VR裝備全方位探索名畫如《蒙娜麗莎》，並在耳機內聆聽旁白講解。
AR技術更可在疫後提供參觀實體藝術作品的誘因。加拿大安大略藝術館早在2017年數碼化一幅名畫《抽籤》（Drawing Lots），畫中有見3人低下頭伸手抽籤，但參觀者若透過智能手機觀賞，則會看見畫中角色不是在抽籤，而是低下頭看手機，古色古香的背景亦改為交通繁忙的現代都市。
荷蘭一個名為The Museum of Stolen Art的博物館更具特色，該藝術館專門展示被偷竊或損毁的藝術作品，然而館內並無畫作、全是畫框。不過，參觀者用手機掃描畫框內的二維碼，便可看見畫作原貌，或能藉此反思藝術的價值及損毁的代價。
各地以各種方式發掘科技在藝術中的用途，本港大可借鑑此類經驗，以便日後在西九文化區建成後，吸引更多人欣賞各式藝術。
資料來源：香港經濟日報 (2020年11月27日)
9、Abercrombie&Fitch第三季度淨利大漲550% 將繼續關閉4家門店
中服網消息，11月24日，Abercrombie＆Fitch發佈截至2020年10月31日的第三季度業績，資料顯示淨銷售額為8.2億美元，比去年同期下降5％；淨利潤實現4230萬美元，比去年同期增長550%；數字淨銷售額增長了43％至3.82億美元，反映了該季度每個月的強勁增長。
Abercrombie＆Fitch首席執行官Fran Horowitz表示：“我們實現了八年來的第三季度營業收入，這得益於數字銷售同比增長43％和全球商店基礎上的連續銷售增長，業績得到了推動。更新的產品和行銷方式引起了品牌和地區的現有和新客戶的共鳴。”
Abercrombie＆Fitch同時指出，在2021年1月底，將繼續關閉4家門店，有三個是2020財年自然租賃到期。Abercrombie＆Fitch表示，關閉門店可以減少對旅遊者驅動位置的依賴，在關鍵市場重新定位並為我們的本地客戶提供更好的全管道體驗。
資料來源： 贏商網 (2020年11月25日)
10、Sign of the Times: Gap Inc. Adds 3.4M Online Customers in Third Quarter
Gap Inc. CEO Sonia Syngal said the retailer’s “Power Plan 2023” is leading to jumps in e-commerce and better customer engagement.
In a Nutshell: Gap Inc. reported flat sales in the third quarter versus last year, supported by 5 percent growth in comparable sales and a 61 percent increase in online sales, offset by a 20 percent decline in store sales, as the company continues to close unprofitable stores.
Gap Inc. said its scaled e-commerce business added over 3.4 million new customers during the quarter, representing 145 percent growth in new online customer acquisition year-over-year. In the quarter, Gap Inc. delivered 25 cents earnings per diluted share, reflecting gross margin improvement compared to the prior year, partially offset by higher operating expenses, including a significant increase in marketing support across all brands.
The company ended the quarter with $2.6 billion in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, compared with $1.1 billion at the end of the third quarter in fiscal year 2019, providing ample liquidity to support the company’s long-term growth strategy. Inventory was up 1 percent versus the year-ago quarter. Excluding pack and hold inventory that is being held for introduction into the marketplace in 2021, ending inventory was down about 7 percent, reflecting the company’s focus on working capital management.
Gap said recognizing the continued high level of uncertainty in the marketplace, it was not providing a fiscal year earnings outlook. The recent rise in Covid-19 cases remains a concern, which may impact store traffic, the company said. However, with rapidly growing online sales contribution nd the opportunity for market share gains, the company remains optimistic for the fourth quarter.
Sales: Net sales for the third quarter ended Oct. 31 were flat year-over-year at $3.99 billion.
Old Navy Global net sales increased 15 percent, with comparable sales up 17 percent. Old Navy continued to experience meaningful acceleration in its online business, as strong customer response to product was bolstered by compelling digital marketing investment, the company said.
The brand’s off-mall and strip real estate locations, which make up approximately 75 percent of the fleet, continue to be an advantage, supporting not only in-store sales, but customers’ omni purchases, through curbside and buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS).
Gap Global net sales were down 14 percent and comparable sales fell 5 percent. Gap said this reflects a reduced store fleet and lower traffic trends, partially offset by strong online performance. The brand remains focused on maximizing online demand through relevant marketing, improved execution and customer engagement, with the brand’s fall marketing campaigns “Stand United” and “Be the Future” generating positive customer response.
Net sales at Banana Republic Global declined 34 percent, a slight improvement versus the second quarter. Comparable sales were down 30 percent. Banana Republic continues to focus on adjusting to consumer preferences and improving inventory mix by shifting away from the brand’s traditional workwear assortment and into casual fashion during the current stay-at-home environment.
Athleta net sales rose 35 percent, while comparable sales were the highest in the brand’s history–up 37 percent–and online contribution remained above 50 percent in the quarter. Athleta continues to benefit from its participation in the highly relevant values-driven active and lifestyle space, strong returns from increased digital marketing investments and a focused product strategy, which is driving a healthy regular price business, the company said. While performance was strong across the brand, masks continued to attract new customers, providing the opportunity to build a relationship across other product offerings.
Earnings: Net income in the quarter fell 32.1 percent to $95 million from $140 million in the year ago period. Operating income declined 20.8 percent to $175 million from $221 million a year earlier.
Gross margin increased 160 basis points versus last year to 40.6 percent. A lower level of promotions contributed to higher product margins in the quarter, and the benefits of lower rent and occupancy, and higher product margin, were partially offset by higher shipping expenses associated with the company’s growth in online sales.
CEO’s Take: Sonia Syngal, CEO of Gap Inc., said: “Our third-quarter results reflect our Power Plan 2023 in action, specifically the strength of our online business, which comprised 40 percent of sales, and our commitment to meeting the shopping preferences of our customers through our leading omni platform. With our teams focused on sales growth and returning to profitability, we’ve made investments in demand generation that are driving engagement, particularly in this dislocated market as customers are looking to trusted brands to provide easy and safe shopping options.”
Source: www.sourcingjournal.com (24 Nov 2020)
11、Holiday Hope: JCP Eyes Black Friday Chap. 11 Exit
Bankrupt J.C. Penney Co. Inc. was in court on Tuesday for a confirmation hearing hoping to get the nod to exit bankruptcy proceedings.
The retailer’s attorney Joshua Sussberg from Kirkland and Ellis said at the start of the hearing that the sale of the company is expected to close on Wednesday, allowing the new owners—its majority group of first-lien lenders for its real estate assets and Simon Property Group and Brookfield Capital Partners for the operating component of the business—to take control before the start of Black Friday sales.
It was learned at a prior court hearing that Simon and Brookfield had wanted to close on the transaction before the retailer’s critical holiday selling period.
Sussberg also disclosed that all the professionals in the case were adamant about not letting the 118-year-old company fall into liquidation mode. “All the data suggest that when a retailer enters [Chapter 11], most often than not [the company] ends in liquidation. This is not something that we are prepared to live [with],” the attorney told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Jones, sitting in Corpus Christi, Tex.
He also said the last six months have been about everyone working on “executing on a vision and frankly, pure will.” And contrary to objections by constituency groups who are not pleased with either limited recovery or no recovery, Sussberg said that there was “no grand master plan to steal value from shareholders.”
Some creditor groups are expected to receive limited recovery, while equity shareholders will see their shares get extinguished.
Sussberg said his law firm and Lazard, the investment banker for JCP, were hired in July 2019 to help with a restructuring because of the retailer’s overleveraged balance sheet. Brand new management was brought in just before the bankruptcy filing in May. “To say the company was thriving pre-Covid [is] untrue,” he said, noting that store locations were temporary closed in March due to the pandemic and employees were furloughed.
Chapter 11 was “the only option for the company to survive,” the lawyer told Judge Jones.
Source: www.sourcingjournal.com (24 Nov 2020)
12、H&M, Adidas Back New Effort to Turn Used Clothing Into Renewable Resource
A raft of fashion and textile stakeholders, including boldface brands such as Adidas and H&M, have banded together to participate in the European Union-funded “New Cotton Project,” a first-of-its-kind consortium that seeks to prove that circular, sustainable fashion is not just a pipe dream but a real possibility.
The New Cotton Project revealed Tuesday that it’s embarking on a three-year mission to collect and sort cellulose-rich clothing and textile waste, “regenerate” it into new fibers and then spin it into different types of fabrics for Adidas, H&M and H&M’s subsidiary brands, which include & Other Stories, Cos, Monki and Weekday. When they’re no longer useful, the garments will be collected by apparel take-back programs to “determine the next phase in their life cycle,” the project noted. Clothing that can no longer be worn will be dispatched for another round of recycling, contributing to a circular economy where resources are recaptured rather than go to waste.
Finnish startup Infinited Fiber Company, whose proprietary technology mines the cellulose in textiles to create fibers that look and feel like cotton, will marshal manufacturers such as Inovafil, Tekstina and Kipas to turn its fibers into yarns, woven fabrics and denim, respectively.
Other companies involved include Frankenhuis, which will sort and pre-process the textile waste, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, which will develop a “technical solution” for the continuous processing of textile-waste fibers for treatment, and REvolve Waste, which will wrangle data on textile waste to determine the availability of feedstock in Europe and how to grade it. RISE Research Institutes of Sweden will handle the sustainability and “techno-economic” analyses for the project, along with eco-labeling of the resulting fabrics and garments.
Fashion for Good, an innovation platform based in Amsterdam, will facilitate stakeholder cooperation, while Finland’s Aalto University will evaluate the “created ecosystem” to determine the most feasible business model for the initiative.
The New Cotton Project, its organizers said, is a “direct response” to a burgeoning problem: Apparel brands produce nearly twice as many clothes today as they did two decades ago, and the upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing. By “recapturing” the valuable raw materials in discarded clothing and transforming them back into high-quality, cellulose-based fibers that can be spun into new yarn, woven into new fabric and stitched into new clothes, the project hopes to provide not only a solution for textile waste but also an alternative to the industry’s dependence on virgin materials.
“We are very excited and proud to lead this project, which is breaking new ground when it comes to making circularity in the textile industry a reality,” Petri Alava, co-founder and CEO of Infinited Fiber Company, said in a statement. “The enthusiasm and commitment with which the entire consortium has come together to work toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for fashion is truly inspiring.”
Fashion’s biggest purveyors, eager to deflect criticisms of their environmental profligacy, have pivoted to recycling as a way to resolve the central tension between growth and sustainability, albeit with middling success to date. Despite the proliferation of take-back schemes that promise to reincarnate customers’ castoffs, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that just 1 percent of materials used to produce clothing is recycled into new garments.
While the project has considerable investment underpinning it, including 6.7 million euros ($7.9 million) in funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, its success hinges on the speed and extent to which it can scale.
The project’s announcement follows news that Re:newcell will be supplying H&M with thousands of metric tons of Circulose fibers derived from textile waste. H&M’s four-year partnership with the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel will also be coming to fruition early next month with the first products—a sweatshirt and matching sweatpants from Monki—produced using reclaimed polyester from separated cotton-and-polyester-blended clothing.
Source: www.sourcingjournal.com (24 Nov 2020)
13、Carhartt and Uniqlo’s New Outerwear Gets Innovative on Insulation, Recycling
Winter is coming and outerwear brands are going to new heights to meet potential extreme cold temperatures as well as consumer demand for sustainably made apparel.
Carhartt has introduced an updated Yukon Extremes collection, built for men and women who battle extreme cold conditions. It’s the warmest and most durable gear made by the premium workwear brand.
Carhartt’s original Yukon collection was developed 25 years ago, but the company said it is committed to evolving its products to meet the changing needs of consumers and to improve its gear. The re-invented Yukon Extremes collection was updated this year to be warmer and tougher, without the weight.
Built to offer complete cold-weather defense, the new Yukon Extremes collection has less bulk while adding warmth, increasing movement and improving functionality. In addition, it’s the first time Yukon Extremes gear has been available in the company’s women’s line and also introduces a fleece offering.
“With Yukon Extremes, we knew we needed to offer a product that provided extreme warmth and durability at an affordable price point that could be used in the coldest environments, such as the Arctic,” Alex Guerrero, senior vice president and general manager of global product at Carhartt, said.
To ensure the Yukon Extremes collection would protect hardworking people in the harshest conditions, Carhartt sourced a variety of fabrics that were held to rigorous testing methods. The company also created its own abrasion testing to aggressively test the durability. As a result, the company selected a 500-denier Cordura fabric shell and 3M Thinsulate insulation for many of the pieces.
Throughout the design process, Carhartt worked closely with 3M to introduce a new reflective safety technology that offers retro-reflectivity and versatility.
The Carhartt Yukon Extremes collection includes an insulated Parka, coverall, active jacket, biberall, Wind Fighter Fleece active jacket,” a full swing insulated coat, and Wind Fighter Fleece vest.
Winter is coming and outerwear brands are going to new heights to meet potential extreme cold temperatures and be more sustainable.
A look from Carhartt’s updated Yukon Extremes collection.
Uniqlo is launching Re.Uniqlo, an initiative that collects the brand’s clothing that is no longer needed by customers and gives them new life and value. This effort is a new step toward benefiting the environment and communities by keeping valuable resources out of landfills.
The first offering includes recycled down jackets that incorporate rejuvenated down taken from 620,000 jackets gathered from Japan since September 2019. In addition, Uniqlo has initiated a new down product collection campaign in stores across 21 global markets, including the U.S..
Uniqlo said it is committed to providing customers with more sustainable apparel, notably by using sustainable materials and using less resources in production processes. Re.Uniqlo is a major step forward building upon these efforts and further develops the All-Product Recycling initiative that the brand started in 2006 to collect lightly used clothing from customers and donate them to refugees and others in need and promotes product-to-product recycling.
The Re in Re.Uniqlo symbolizes the virtues of recycling, reusing and reducing. Under the initiative, the company collects pre-worn Uniqlo items from customers to be recycled as part of new products. In the process, waste, carbon dioxide emissions and resource consumption are reduced throughout product lifecycles.
In the U.S., customers handing in used Uniqlo down merchandise to store cashiers will receive a voucher for $10 off any men’s or women’s down outerwear, which can be used in stores or online at uniqlo.com until Dec. 31.
Source: www.sourcingjournal.com (20 Nov 2020)
14、Bangladesh’s Textile, RMG Sectors Get $256.5M in Energy-Efficiency Funding
The United Nations-backed Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved $256.5 million in funding to help Bangladesh promote the large-scale adoption of energy-saving technologies and equipment in its textile and ready-made garment (RMG) sectors.
The disbursement, announced last week, will mark the first concessional GCF credit line for the South Asian nation, whose pandemic-battered garment industry generates more than 80 percent of its export earnings and nearly 16 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). It’s also to date the largest approved funding proposal for any Direct Access Entity (DAE) of GCF, accredited globally, according to the Infrastructure Development Company, a government-owned non-bank financial institution that finances infrastructure and renewable energy projects in Bangladesh.
Established under UN climate talks in 2010, the GCF is the world’s largest dedicated fund to support developing countries seeking to reduce their greenhouse-gas emissions and tackle the impacts of climate change.
Bangladesh’s textile and RMG production currently accounts for 38 percent of the total energy consumption in the industrial sector, which in turn makes up 47.8 percent of the country’s commercial energy consumption, according to the Sustainable And Renewable Energy Development Authority.
The country’s 2015 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Master Plan noted that manufacturing industries in Bangladesh tend to practice poor energy management or utilize old and ill-maintained machines. Chief barriers to the adoption of energy-efficient technology include inadequate financial incentives and a dearth of technical expertise, it added.
Under the scheme, IDCOL will receive $250 million in concessional funds from the GCF for a tenure of 20 years, including a grace period of five years for financing energy-efficient equipment. Of this, $100 million will go toward energy-efficiency projects in the textile sector. IDCOL will funnel another $150 million to four local financial institutions for financing energy efficiency projects in the RMG sector.
The organization will receive an additional $6.5 million technical-assistance grant to cover areas such as capacity building, support in loan disbursal and monitoring and evaluation of program parameters.
With co-financing from IDCOL, local financiers and the project’s sponsors, the total program size will exceed $423 million, it said.
“This program is a remarkable success for IDCOL in terms of accessing climate change fund to pave the path for our country to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” IDCOL said in a statement, singling out SDG 7 (affordable clean energy), SDG 9 (industry, infrastructure and innovation) and SDG 13 (climate change).
The scheme will also help the Bangladesh government achieve its goals of reducing the country’s greenhouse-gas emissions by 15 percent below business-as-usual levels by 2030 and its primary energy consumption by 20 percent per GDP by 2030, it added.
Rubana Huq, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the nation’s largest union of garment factory owners, said she hoped the concessional financing will facilitate the adoption of energy efficient equipment and “further strengthen the competitive advantage of [the] Bangladesh RMG sector.”
Source: www.sourcingjournal.com (23 Nov 2020)
15、3 Main Drivers for Supply Chain Automation in Apparel Manufacturing
The apparel manufacturing industry is just one of many markets faced with adapting to a continually competitive landscape. From traditional brands and players to those who are new or emerging, all are routinely looking for the competitive advantage that will set them apart. Often, this advantage comes in the form of new technologies and automation to improve productivity, efficiency and consistency. Not only can new technologies improve the product and the time to market, but they can also provide industry professionals with more data and analytics regarding their overall operations in an effort to seek out continuous improvement.
As such, three main drivers of supply chain automation now appear across the apparel manufacturing industry: 1) powerful suppliers and first tier global manufacturers well positioned to reap the benefits of automation, (2) increased demand for customized goods and (3) the increased importance of efficiency.
Supplier-manufacturer collaboration
Those with the most to gain from automation include powerful suppliers and first tier global manufacturers since they can invest resources quickly and adjust their business models to align with new automation processes. Furthermore, these types of suppliers can further take advantage of automation since there collaboration has increased and power asymmetries have declined across the global supply chain.
Collaboration has taken on greater importance recently as brands, suppliers and technology firms have started working together to develop advanced technologies for both the footwear and apparel markets. Now, more supply chain management companies want to create brand-supplier collaborations through unique partnerships, which offer financing support and help build capacity within the network.
This improved capacity helps both the brand and suppliers adapt to the changing needs of the market. Overcoming the initial cost and implementation burden of automation technology allows these global manufacturers to more quickly adopt new technology and reap the benefits.
Rising customization demands
Another driver of automation is the overall increased demand for customized goods. The perceived need for automation in this industry in general is often low due to the belief that the fashion and apparel industry has not changed much from a technology perspective. It is argued that most products are very basic and can rely on existing machines and technology for production.
Additionally, transitioning from manual processes to automated processes does not always present a favorable outcome both from a process or cost perspective.
Where the advantage does exist though is with customization. Customization via manual processes are time intensive and inefficient, whereas automated processes for customization are much quicker. Automation allows for the efficient production of small batches of customized product that can be sold at a premium, whereas manual process would be too labor-intensive to reap meaningful benefits.
There have been some notorious successes with this approach, including Adidas’ 2017 pop-up knit customization in Berlin where customers designed custom-fit sweaters. Because of the automated production process, which included full-body scanners connected to knitting machines, shoppers were able to receive their customized product in store.
Another argument for this approach is that high levels of customization create customer loyalty, and consumers often expect to pay higher prices for personalized products. These factors alone can present long-term benefits to the company, and pay off exponentially.
Efficiency is the end goal
Lastly, efficiency is king when it comes to automation. Often noted as one of the key benefits, and a very important driver of costs and profits, efficiency is a metric that should be carefully managed and optimized. Efficiency helps with standardization and improvement of internal processes, helps to minimize production costs and lead times and also influences environmental sustainability.
Automation can meet many of these needs by helping to reduce lag times and bottlenecks in production, improve management systems, influence forecasting and purchasing practices as well as create better internal practices. Perceptions among brands is that automation helps facilitate the quick delivery of reasonably priced goods, and that in the future will be a key component of overall competitiveness across the industry, in addition to digitization and connectivity.
The apparel manufacturing industry has long relied on traditional and labor-intensive processes, but the need for increased flexibility and rapid responses to consumer demands has moved many companies towards automation. Automation can have a high up-front commitment from both the cost and process perspectives, which positions larger companies better for investing in this type of innovation. For smaller companies, partnerships and collaborations that are mutually beneficial are springing up as an innovative means to achieve these goals.
This increase in automation enables companies to be more agile, improve their efficiency, promote sustainability and increase their overall competitiveness within the industry. Automation is seen to be an essential component of future developments in this industry, so regardless of size—all companies need to critically examine their current operations and determine when, and how to pursue automation in the future.
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Source: www.sourcingjournal.com (25 Nov 2020)