NEV output, sales see robust growth

China's new energy vehicles saw robust production and sales in the first quarter of 2025, industry data showed on Friday. NEV production surged 50.4 percent year-on-year to 3.18 million units in the first three months, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. During the period, NEV sales soared 47.1 percent year-on-year to 3.08 million units, accounting for 41.2 percent of total vehicle sales in the period, according to CAAM data.

NDB issues 3-year Panda bond

The New Development Bank has issued a three-year Panda bond worth 7 billion yuan ($971 million) in China's Interbank Bond Market, the bank announced on Thursday. Panda bonds are yuan-denominated debts sold by overseas issuers to meet financing demand. The latest issuance reinforces NDB's position as the largest Panda bond issuer in the China Interbank Bond Market, with a cumulative issuance scale of 68.5 billion yuan. The latest issuance has attracted strong interest from a diversified local and foreign investor base, including central banks, insurance companies and bank treasuries, the bank noted, adding that the net proceeds from the sale of the bond will be used to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in NDB member countries.

Railway investment up 5.2% in Q1

China's railway construction progressed steadily in the first quarter of 2025, with fixed-asset investment expanding 5.2 percent year-on-year, according to the country's railway operator. During the January-March period, fixed-asset investment in the country's railway sector reached 131.2 billion yuan ($18.2 billion), according to data from China State Railway Group Co Ltd. Railway investment has served as a strong driver of overall economic growth, boosting domestic demand and supporting coordinated regional development, the group said. The group said it will capitalize on the peak construction season and accelerate the implementation of key railway projects, contributing to the country's sustained economic recovery and growth momentum.

Xinhua - China Daily