News from August 2023


President and CEO of IonQ: 'We are pleased to announce today's collaboration with BearingPoint as they advise clients on the benefits and potential applications of quantum computing'

IonQ, based in Maryland, has signed an agreement with BearingPoint to begin offering its quantum system access and professional services to customers across Europe.


Kane: 'It’s definitely a time of transition in my career and I’m thrilled to announce my signing with Skechers just as I’m making a big move'

Skechers has formed a collaboration with Harry Kane to launch his new Skechers Football boots, SKX_01 in the UK and Europe in September. The global superstar striker was spotted wearing the new edition during the preseason and debut with Munich last Saturday.


Leading cryptocurrency exchange Binance considers cutting ties with Russia

Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, announced that it may fully withdraw its business from Russia days after it announced the removal of sanctioned Russian banks from its platform. Several other crypto exchanges remain active in the country.


Abdelgawad: 'Our new presence in Kochi underscores our belief in the region's potential and our commitment to our clients'

Virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) company Tests Assured of San Jose, CA, has launched a new office in Kochi, India.


Khan: 'Our platform is designed for those who are seeking to gain a leg up on competitors by modernizing and simplifying their business purchasing at speed and scale'

San Francisco, CA-based Vroozi, which describes itself as "the intelligent spend management and invoice automation platform," said in a press release on Business Wire that it has secured a procure-to-pay contract with an unnamed global chemical manufacturer to further expand its operations in Europe and Asia.



Bahkri: 'We’re proud to be partnering with Deloitte India to bring AI-powered CLM solutions to the APAC region'

Sirion, based in Washington, teamed up with the Deloitte India consulting firm to expand the access of the Sirion CLM platform for customers in the region.


Museri: 'We are thrilled to welcome guests to our new location in Evia, Greece'

Selina Hospitality PLC expanded to the Mediterranean with a new location in Evia, Greece.


McCarthy: 'We’re thrilled to finally be able to offer Petted’s invaluable pet health tools to pet parents in Canada'

San Francisco-based Wag! Group, operators of the Wag! app which helps pet owners find local dog walkers, pet sitters, training and more, is expanding its pet care services to an international audience.


Möller: “We are dedicated to democratizing access to credit in Mexico because we believe that a more inclusive and efficient financial system means more for everyone”

Mexico City-based digital financial services platform, Klar, S.A. de C.V. (Klar) has secured a $100 Million Debt Facility from Chicago-based global alternative investment firm Victory Park Capital to help expand Credit Products in Mexico.


Wang: “We are thrilled to soon welcome the Peace of Mind Technology team to Convergint”

Convergint confirmed plans to acquire Sydney-based audio-visual, workspace and communications technology solutions provider, Peace of Mind Technology in an effort to enter the Audio-Visual Technology Market in Australia. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.


As Taiwan opens its doors to crypto, users embrace industry leaders’ focus on ‘community,’ ‘education,’ and ‘forward thinking’

Chou, a Binance user from Taiwan, said he first became interested in cryptocurrency several years ago after realizing how difficult it would be to accumulate wealth from his job alone.


WTO: China accepts Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced on Aug. 21 that Hong Kong, China submitted its formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, according to a press release. Drew Lai, acting permanent representative, handed over Hong Kong, China's acceptance instrument to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, marking the 16th acceptance received by the WTO.



Weightman: 'Expanding Illumina's presence in India allows the company to collaborate and be part of a vibrant biotech ecosystem with skilled labor'

Illumina Inc., based in San Diego, California, has established a new Solutions Center to expand its genomics operations in Bengaluru, India.


Okonjo-Iweala: 'I am very grateful to Sweden for their contribution to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism'

On July 27, 2023, the World Trade Organization (WTO) announced that the government of Sweden has pledged SEK 5 million (approximately CHF 500,000) to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism. This contribution is aimed at supporting developing members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies according to a press release by WTO.


Ukraine formally accepts Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: 'I’m extremely pleased to receive Ukraine's formal acceptance of the WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in the face of such extraordinary challenges'

On Aug. 17, the World Trade Organization (WTO) announced that Ukraine has officially submitted its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received Ukraine's instrument from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko during a visit to Kyiv.


Babej On Citi Sale of Taiwan consumer business: 'We remain committed to growing our market-leading institutional franchise and supporting clients in the market'

Citi announced the completion of the sale and migration of its Taiwan consumer businesses to the Singapore bank DBS on Aug. 14. The agreement, originally disclosed in January 2022, includes retail banking, credit cards, mortgages, and unsecured lending and involves the relocation of approximately 3,000 staff members to DBS's domain, a Citi release said.


USDOT: “Our overriding goal is... to maintain a competitive balance and fair and equal opportunity among U.S. and Chinese air carriers”

The U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) has confirmed plans to increase the number of Chinese passenger flights permitted to fly to the U.S. from 12 to 18 weekly roundtrips on Sept. 1 and increase that to 24 per week starting Oct. 29, a Reuters news report said.


Miller: “Partnering with SK Logistics is a remarkable opportunity for us to continue delivering world-class cold storage solutions in the Asia Pacific region”

Lineage Logistics, based in Novi, MI, has secured a joint venture arrangement with Hanoi-based cold-storage warehouse operator SK Logistics to expand its network in Southeast Asia, the company announced on Businesswire. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.