CBL International Limited Announces Closing of Initial Public Offering

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CBL International Limited (NASDAQ: BANL), together with its wholly owned subsidiaries (“CBL International” or the “Company”), is an established marine fuel logistic company currently focusing on the Asia Pacific region, providing one-stop solutions for vessel refueling. CBL International today announced the closing on March 27, 2023 of its initial public offering (“Offering”) of 3,325,000 ordinary shares (the “Shares”) at a public offering price of $4.0 per Share.

The underwriters exercised their over-allotment option in part for an additional 425,000 Shares on March 23, 2023 (“Over-allotment Option”). The Over-allotment Option was closed with the Offering. As a result, the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering, including the over-allotment, is $15 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. The Shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on March 23, 2023 under the ticker symbol “BANL.”

Proceeds from the Offering will be used for (i) enlarging the number of local suppliers to enhance its competitiveness as well as to increase the service options available in the Singapore and South Korea markets; (ii) further increasing the Company’s business market shares in existing markets; (iii) cash collateral to conduct trade financing activities with financial institutions, thus creating transaction records for further acquisition of bank financing to facilitate the Company’s business growth; (iv) procuring and developing a centralized management information system in order to enhance the Company’s daily management control and treasury management; and (v) other working capital and general corporate purposes.

Pacific Century Securities, LLC acted as lead book-running manager of the Offering, and Spartan Capital Securities LLC acted as co-manager. Loeb & Loeb LLP acted as counsel to the Company, and The Crone Law Group, P.C. acted as counsel to Pacific Century Securities, LLC in connection with the Offering.

A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (File Number: 333-267077) and was declared effective by the SEC on March 22, 2023. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Pacific Century Securities, LLC, 60-20 Woodside Avenue, Suite 211, Queens, New York 11377 or by email at yao@pcsecurities.us. In addition, a copy of the prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

About CBL International Limited

CBL International is a bunkering facilitator in the bunkering industry, headquartered in Malaysia. We focus on providing marine fuel according to the required international standards with competitive prices and timely delivery services at ports agreed between our customers and us. Over the years, with our experienced management team, we have established an extensive supply network to provide our customers with more options and flexibility in fulfilling their vessel refueling requirements. Our supply network, which focuses on expanding our localities of services, covers ports in many places in the Asia Pacific, including but not limited to South Korea, PRC, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Thailand. Going forward, we intend to allocate more resources to further expand our supply network, targeting continual market share enhancement.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company’s proposed Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.

For more information, please contact:

Pacific Century Securities LLC

Yao Zhang

Email: yao@pcsecurities.us

CBL International Limited

Email: investors@banle-intl.com

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Nyxoah Raises $3 Million from an At-the-Market Equity Offering

INSIDE INFORMATION
REGULATED INFORMATION

Nyxoah Raises $3 Million from an At-the-Market Equity Offering 

Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium – March 27, 2023, 10:05pm CET / 4:05pm ET – Nyxoah SA (Euronext Brussels/Nasdaq: NYXH) (“Nyxoah” or the “Company”), a medical technology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative solutions to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), today announced that the Company raised $2.8 million in gross proceeds pursuant to the Company’s $50 million at-the-market (“ATM”) program established on December 22, 2022 at an issue price equal to the market price on the Nasdaq Global Market at the time of the sale. The shares were purchased by historical Nyxoah shareholder Cochlear Limited, and the proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.

The ordinary shares described above were sold pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-268955), previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on December 22, 2022, which became effective on January 6, 2023, and a prospectus supplement dated January 6, 2023 and the accompanying prospectus the Company filed with the SEC in connection with the offer and sale of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Controlled Equity OfferingSM Sales Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2022 with Cantor Fizgerald & Co., as sales agent (prospectus@cantor.com).

About Nyxoah
Nyxoah is a medical technology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative solutions to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Nyxoah’s lead solution is the Genio® system, a patient-centered, leadless and battery-free hypoglossal neurostimulation therapy for OSA, the world’s most common sleep disordered breathing condition that is associated with increased mortality risk and cardiovascular comorbidities. Nyxoah is driven by the vision that OSA patients should enjoy restful nights and feel enabled to live their life to its fullest.

Following the successful completion of the BLAST OSA study, the Genio® system received its European CE Mark in 2019. Following the positive outcomes of the BETTER SLEEP study, Nyxoah received CE mark approval for the expansion of its therapeutic indications to Complete Concentric Collapse (CCC) patients, currently contraindicated in competitors’ therapy. Additionally, the Company is currently conducting the DREAM IDE pivotal study for FDA and U.S. commercialization approval.

Caution – CE marked since 2019. Investigational device in the United States. Limited by U.S. federal law to investigational use in the United States.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements, beliefs and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect the Company’s or, as appropriate, the Company directors’ or managements’ current expectations regarding the Genio® system; planned and ongoing clinical studies of the Genio® system; the potential advantages of the Genio® system; Nyxoah’s goals with respect to the development, regulatory pathway and potential use of the Genio® system; the utility of clinical data in potentially obtaining FDA approval of the Genio® system; and the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, performance, prospects, growth and strategies. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. Additionally, these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 22, 2023, and subsequent reports that the Company files with the SEC. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, changes in demand, competition and technology, can cause actual events, performance or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities are not guarantees of future performance and should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. In addition, even if actual results or developments are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in future periods. No representations and warranties are made as to the accuracy or fairness of such forward-looking statements. As a result, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based, except if specifically required to do so by law or regulation. Neither the Company nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such person’s officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Contacts:
Nyxoah
David DeMartino, Chief Strategy Officer
david.demartino@nyxoah.com
+1 310 310 1313

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2023 set to be favourable for Vietnamese rice enterprises

The Vietnamese rice industry is set to benefit from the high demand and prices this year, with lower input costs leading to expanded profit margins for rice businesses.

According to an expert from Vietnam Securities Company Limited Bank for Foreign Trade (VCBS), the country’s rice industry enjoys favourable factors, such as weather and geographical advantage.

The prolonged drought in China has caused a decrease in the country’s output for the 2021-2022 crop, leading to an anticipated six million tonne increase in rice imports for the 2022-23 crop.

Meanwhile, inventories in the Philippines have declined due to typhoons and high fertiliser costs, leading to increased rice imports.

The cultivated area in India has also dropped due to drought, making the decrease in supply – the main factor for the forecast of the global rice deficit.

Despite these challenges, the hydrological situation in Vietnam has been stable, with heavy rain in the past year and a neutral outlook in the first half of this year, leading to sound output.

VCBS appreciates the possibility that Vietnam will benefit from the upward trend in rice prices due to limited supply and the shift in demand from India this year.

The rising food demand has pushed the price of Indian rice exports to the highest level in nearly two years.

A Vietnamese trader also noted that global demand for rice has been increasing due to concerns about global instability.

The total commodity of rice is expected to reach 4.1 billion tonnes in the first six months of this year, with rice exports reaching 390,000 tonnes in January.

The consumption of commodity rice in the remaining five months is expected to reach 3.73 million tonnes, not including the amount of rice imported from India and the amount of rice flowing from Cambodia to Vietnam.

VCBS also reported that European countries had eased sanctions and opened their doors to Russian fertiliser exporters, while China has loosened its fertiliser export quota from June last year.

This development is forecasted to decrease input costs for rice production, contributing to an improvement in the profit margin of enterprises.

Although exports grew last year, the cost of rice production also increased sharply, “eroding” the profits of many businesses.

The Vietnamese Food Association (VFA) reported that the cost of rice production rose sharply last year, pushing up the purchase price of rice and commodity rice and putting pressure on rice exporters.

Despite the challenges faced last year, analysts expect Vietnamese rice exporters to be more favourable this year as rice prices remain high and many production costs and rice exports gradually decrease, increasing the profit margin of enterprises in the rice industry.

Source: Lao News Agency

Cuba: National elections took place in an orderly manner

The president of the National Electoral Council (CEN) of Cuba, Alina Balseiro, stressed on Monday that the national elections took place in a favorable environment, with order and discipline.

In a televised appearance, the official explained that 90.28 percent of the total number of ballots cast on Sunday were valid, 6.22 percent were blank and 3.50 percent were annulled.

Balseiro informed that 6,164,876 voters cast their votes, a figure which represents 75.92 percent of more than 8,120,000 voters summoned to the polls.

The CEN president pointed out that the preliminary results of the vote ‘validate the election of all 470 candidates proposed as lawmakers in the National People’s Power Assembly (Parliament), with more than 50 percent of valid votes.’

She noted that the turnout in these elections was higher than in previous ones, particularly in comparison with the referendum on the Family Code, 1.8 percent higher and 7.36 percent higher than in the municipal elections.

The national electoral process, she added, culminates with the constitution of the National Assembly, which will be in charge of electing the president and vice president of the Republic on April 19.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel tweeted that Sunday’s elections were a revolutionary victory and a victory of the Cuban people.

Source: Lao News Agency

Economic Watch: Int’l organizations, business leaders upbeat about China’s economic outlook

Economic experts and business leaders showed optimism about China’s economic growth outlook in 2023 at the just-concluded China Development Forum (CDF) 2023, saying that China is a major driver of the global economy and a reliable supplier for industrial and supply chains.

In its government work report, China unveiled an around 5-percent expansion target for the Chinese economy this year. Kevin Kang, chief economist of KPMG China, said the goal is obviously higher than the estimated growth of most major economies.

China’s consumption sector is expected to accelerate its recovery, and the country’s technological innovation and green transformation are advancing investment in manufacturing, Kang said.

As the country picks up its recovery pace, and as overseas growth decelerates, the Chinese economy is expected to once again emerge as an important driver of global economic growth, he added.

Zhu Min, vice chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, believes the around 5-percent growth target is prudent and sustainable, against the backdrop of rising uncertainty in the global economy.

Zhu cited factors such as the stabilization of the property market, the consumption revival and robust investment into the high-tech manufacturing industry, which will all contribute to the goal.

Although many scholars, analysts and business leaders spoke of multiple challenges in the broader global environment, they also stated that China should have the confidence to cope with external challenges.

“China has already been deeply embedded in the international value chain and become a global manufacturing hub and a ‘world factory,’ as a result of over 40 years of reform and opening-up,” said Yi Xiaozhun, former WTO deputy director-general.

Yi noted that multinationals cannot divorce from China, let alone abandon it and construct a new global value chain.

A set of data from U.S.-China Business Council President Craig Allen attests to Yi’s view. U.S. exports to China reached a record high in 2022. A total of 77 percent of what American companies make in China is sold on China’s domestic market, and only 7 percent is exported back to the United States.

Despite challenges, American and Chinese companies are extremely resilient, Allen said.

CDF 2023, which was held offline in Beijing for the first time since 2020, saw a number of political bigwigs and business magnates visiting China and sharing their expectations for opportunities rising from the country’s development.

As one of the companies that voiced its commitment to grow together with China, Pfizer said it looks forward to its new strategic partnership with the Healthy China Research Center, a Chinese research advisory platform, to advance the goals of Healthy China 2030 and other opportunities, according to Albert Bourla, the company’s chairman and chief executive officer.

Source: Lao News Agency

Financial Conditions in Emerging East Asia Clouded by Uncertainty over US Monetary Policy and Bank Turmoil

(KPL)Financial conditions improved modestly in emerging East Asia between late November and early March amid eased recession risks and inflationary pressure, according to the latest issue of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Asia Bond Monitor. However, conditions weakened at the end of the period due to uncertainty about United States (US) monetary policy and recent turmoil in the US and European banking sectors.

Between December 2022 and January 2023, easing economic headwinds and the reopening of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) drove up equity markets, narrowed risk premiums, strengthened currencies, and propelled portfolio inflows into the region. Regional financial conditions weakened between February and early March.

Emerging East Asia comprises member economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); the PRC; Hong Kong, China; and the Republic of Korea.

“The recent turmoil in the US and European banking sectors underscores the importance of sufficient liquidity buffers amid tightening financial conditions,” said ADB Chief Economist Albert Park. “Corporate balance sheets weaken as asset values fall due to rising interest rates. Liquidity stress can occur when companies can’t refinance to meet their financial obligations in a timely way.”

The region’s local currency bond stock grew 1.2% from the previous quarter to $23.2 trillion at the end of December. Government bonds outstanding in the region totaled $14.8 trillion at the end of 2022, while corporate bonds reached $8.4 trillion.

Regional local currency bond issuance contracted 6.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022 to $2.2 trillion. Both the government and corporate bond segments witnessed quarter-on-quarter contractions in issuance, as governments had fulfilled the majority of their borrowing requirements by the third quarter and corporate issuers sought to avoid rising borrowing costs.

Expansion of the sustainable bond market in the ASEAN region plus the PRC; Hong Kong, China; Japan; and the Republic of Korea (ASEAN+3) slowed to 36.7% but continued to outpace the overall bond market. Sustainable bonds in ASEAN+3 totaled $589.3 billion at the end of 2022.

The latest issue of Asia Bond Monitor presents the results of the Asian Bonds Online 2022 Bond Market Liquidity Survey, which found weakening liquidity overall last year. Survey respondents also noted the need to develop hedging instruments for the bond market.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Source: Lao News Agency