Financial Performance - For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the company's revenue was HKD 876.0 million, a decrease of 2.1% compared to HKD 894.5 million in the same period of 2018[7]. - Gross profit increased significantly to HKD 80.7 million, representing a 42.1% increase from HKD 56.8 million year-on-year[7]. - The company reported a pre-tax loss of HKD 102.6 million, an improvement from a loss of HKD 132.0 million in the previous year[7]. - The basic loss per share improved to HKD 6.7 from HKD 8.7, indicating a reduction in losses[7]. - The group's consolidated revenue slightly declined by about 2.1% to approximately HKD 876 million (2018: HKD 894.5 million) during the period[47]. - The company reported a loss before tax of HKD 102,634,000, an improvement of 22.4% compared to a loss of HKD 132,042,000 in the previous year[139]. - The total comprehensive loss for the period was HKD 100,555,000, which includes other comprehensive income of HKD 2,079,000[148]. - The group recorded a loss of approximately HKD 102.6 million for the period, compared to a loss of HKD 132.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018[153]. Market Conditions - The overall economic growth remains weak, influenced by factors such as the US-China trade dispute and Brexit, affecting the company's market environment[23]. - The sweetener business faced declining sales due to intensified market competition, impacting overall revenue[22]. - The demand for sweeteners has declined due to customers in East China extending their supply chains upstream to produce sweeteners themselves, exacerbating the already surplus supply situation[24]. - The production costs of corn sweeteners at the Shanghai base have increased due to stricter environmental policies, leading to a decrease in gross margins for corn syrup and solid corn syrup[24]. - The sugar market is expected to rebound by the end of the year due to reduced production in Brazil and Thailand, as well as increased demand for ethanol, which may help narrow the price gap between domestic and international sugar prices[28]. Operational Efficiency - The company continues to enhance procurement and production cost controls to improve operational efficiency[22]. - The group plans to continue investing in R&D to reduce operational costs and improve cost efficiency[34]. - The group has implemented measures to enhance operational efficiency, particularly in the Jinzhou and Xinglongshan plants, to reduce operating costs and improve competitiveness[160]. - The group is actively monitoring its operating cash flow and has optimized production to minimize cash outflows during the period[160]. Debt and Financial Management - The company aims to address its heavy debt burden and improve its financial situation through feasible solutions[22]. - The company is actively seeking debt restructuring and exploring business reorganization plans to introduce strategic investors and reduce reliance on a single business[24]. - The main banking partners have confirmed continued support during the debt-to-equity transition period, ensuring loan stability for the company[29]. - The group has engaged in discussions with banks to secure sufficient bank loans and improve debt-to-equity proposals, including converting bank debts into equity to reduce the debt ratio[156]. - The group aims to finalize the revised debt-to-equity proposal by the end of 2019, pending approval from the Jilin Provincial Government and major lending banks[158]. Production and Supply Chain - The company experienced an 8.0% increase in corn procurement prices compared to the previous year due to the lack of corn procurement subsidies[23]. - The corn planting area in China is expected to decrease, and the demand for corn is anticipated to grow due to the government's support for ethanol gasoline development, with a target of achieving nationwide coverage by 2020[28]. - A procurement contract for 500,000 tons of corn was signed with a subsidiary of a major shareholder, ensuring a stable supply of corn, with approximately 150,000 tons purchased during the period, accounting for 64.0% of total corn procurement[161]. Corporate Governance - The company has established a high level of corporate governance to protect shareholder interests[97]. - The audit committee, consisting of three independent non-executive directors, reviews the financial reporting procedures and risk management[101]. - The company has complied with all provisions of the corporate governance code during the reporting period[98]. - The company has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer to oversee operational management and product development[98]. Employee and Human Resource Management - As of June 30, 2019, the group employed approximately 1,100 full-time employees, maintaining a focus on human resource management as a competitive advantage[82].

Financial Performance - The company's revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018, was HKD 1,961 million, representing a 40.6% increase from HKD 1,395 million in 2017[6]. - Gross profit for 2018 was HKD 203 million, up 31.3% from HKD 154 million in 2017, resulting in a gross margin of 15.7%[6][18]. - The company recorded a loss attributable to shareholders of HKD 208 million in 2018, compared to a loss of HKD 140 million in 2017[6]. - The total sales volume grew by 23.1% to approximately 714,000 tons, up from 580,000 tons in the previous year[40]. - The company recorded a net loss of approximately HKD 208,500,000, compared to HKD 140,300,000 in the previous year[41]. - The LBITDA (loss before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) was approximately HKD 46,400,000, up from HKD 24,500,000 in the previous year[41]. - The company experienced a 95.6% reduction in corn procurement subsidies, down to about HKD 1,000,000 from HKD 22,900,000 in the previous year[40]. - The company reported a loss for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, with financial details available in the consolidated financial statements[199]. - No final dividend was recommended for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, consistent with the previous year[200]. Sales and Production - The sales volume of upstream products reached approximately 341,000 tons, an increase of nearly 30% year-on-year[18]. - The average selling price increased by 14.0%, contributing to a gross profit rise of 31.3% to about HKD 202,800,000, compared to HKD 154,400,000 in the previous year[40]. - The company’s revenue from upstream products increased to approximately HKD 839.3 million in the current year, up from HKD 572.8 million in 2017, with a gross profit of HKD 46.5 million compared to HKD 40.2 million in 2017[43]. - Sales volume of corn starch rose to about 212,000 tons, up from 163,000 tons in 2017, while revenue increased to approximately HKD 559.4 million from HKD 362.9 million[43]. - Revenue from corn syrup increased by 24.6% to approximately HKD 765.4 million, with a gross profit of HKD 108.8 million, up from HKD 95.8 million in 2017[45]. - Solid corn syrup revenue surged by 80.1% to approximately HKD 355.8 million, with gross profit rising to HKD 47.5 million from HKD 17.5 million in 2017[46]. - The trading segment's revenue dropped significantly to approximately HKD 500,000 from HKD 10.2 million in 2017, with no gross profit recorded this year[48]. - The company exported approximately 39,000 tons of upstream corn refining products, generating export sales of about HKD 92.7 million, which accounted for 7.3% of total revenue[49]. Cost and Pricing - Corn prices rose approximately 27% year-on-year, leading to increased raw material costs for the company[18]. - The cost of purchasing corn increased by 27.2%, leading to a 14.9% rise in sales cost per ton[40]. - The domestic sugar price remained around RMB 5,400, down approximately 16% year-on-year, influenced by increased domestic sugar production and low international sugar prices[19]. - The domestic sugar price has decreased to RMB 5,378 per ton, down from RMB 6,418 per ton at the end of 2017, due to increased sugar production and government measures[30]. - The international sugar price remains low at $0.1203 per pound, with a projected gap of about 2 million tons in sugar supply for the 2019/20 fiscal year[30]. Debt and Financial Management - The group is under significant financial pressure, necessitating a comprehensive solution for overall debt issues to return to healthy development[21]. - The group is negotiating debt restructuring with creditors and local government, with preliminary acceptance of a revised debt-to-equity proposal[21]. - The company is actively negotiating debt restructuring with multiple banks in China to facilitate the process[65]. - The company continues to negotiate with banks for financing to maintain existing bank financing and improve debt-to-equity proposals[171]. - The debt-to-equity ratio rose to approximately 145.0% from 112.2% in 2017, indicating increased leverage[62]. Corporate Governance - The company has maintained compliance with the corporate governance code as per the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's listing rules throughout the year ending December 31, 2018[85]. - The board of directors had a high attendance rate in meetings, with Mr. He Liji achieving 100% attendance in all committee meetings[87]. - The company has invested significant resources in selecting and establishing best practice standards for corporate governance[84]. - The company’s independent non-executive directors include professionals with extensive legal and financial backgrounds, enhancing governance oversight[79][81]. - The company has a structured code of conduct for directors regarding securities trading, ensuring adherence to strict compliance standards[85]. - The company has established various committees, including an audit committee, to ensure compliance with corporate governance codes[121]. - The audit committee held three meetings during the year to review the financial reporting procedures and risk management[123]. - The board of directors is responsible for overseeing the preparation of financial statements and ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards[118]. Environmental and Social Responsibility - The company emphasizes environmental protection and sustainable development, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve production efficiency through R&D[177]. - The company has established environmental monitoring teams across subsidiaries to oversee emissions and ensure compliance with local environmental regulations[177]. - The company has installed online monitoring systems for wastewater and air emissions to ensure real-time compliance with environmental standards[178]. - The group is committed to providing a safe working environment, regularly assessing workplace conditions to ensure employee health and safety[182]. - The company maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, ensuring all members adhere to strict anti-bribery measures[185]. Human Resources - Approximately 1,100 full-time employees were employed as of December 31, 2018, down from 1,120 in 2017, highlighting a focus on human resource management[74]. - The group emphasizes the importance of employee selection, training, and evaluation to align performance with corporate strategy[182]. - The company engages employees in various cultural and sports activities, promoting social participation[186]. Future Outlook and Strategy - The company plans to continue investing in R&D to reduce operating costs and improve cost efficiency[31]. - The company aims to enhance its market position through brand consolidation and operational efficiency improvements[31]. - The company plans to enhance its product portfolio and develop high-value products through internal R&D and partnerships with leading international firms[71]. - The company aims to introduce new investors to drive business development and improve financial conditions[25].