Quick takes

DLG’s revenues jump 229% in Q1

Shanghai-listed DLG Exhibitions (formerly Shanghai Lansheng) released its results for the quarter ended 31st March 2024, with revenues of US$24 million. This represents a year-on-year increase of 229%. The company posted a loss of US$752,000.

Canton Fair’s visitor profile is changing

A record 246,000 international visitors attended the Canton Fair. That is up 25% compared to the 2023 autumn edition. Two thirds of the visitors were from countries that support China’s Belt and Road programme. Just 50,000 were from the U.S. and Europe.

Alibaba’s new CEO has a new plan

The Economist has an interesting take on Alibaba’s future. Former CEO’s Daniel Zhang’s plan to break-up the giant was aimed at pleasing regulators. Eddie Wu, new CEO, company co-founder and one Jack Ma’s closest lieutenants, is pulling it all back together to compete with PDD, JD.com, Shien and Temu.

Hong Kong says good-bye to a venue

Despite its name, the Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre (KITEC) was more of a small concert venue. After 28 years, KITEC will be redeveloped as an office building. The SCMP sums it up.