In Friday's Asia Papers

Front page

Pyongyang threatens military steps

North Korea said yesterday it would take "military countermeasures" against what it called a belligerent remark by a South Korean general.

Samsung chief to face grilling

Special prosecutors plan to question Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-hee today as a suspect in their investigation into corruption allegations, including slush fund and illegal securities deals aimed at transferring managerial control to his son.

Business & Industry

Seoul set to stimulate domestic demand

The government will attempt to boost domestic demand to help the local economy, which is apparently slowing from a peak in growth during the first quarter, industry sources said yesterday.

FTAs help cushion inflation risks

While steep commodity prices and record-high oil costs fan inflationary pressures around the globe, free trade agreements can be a boon - rather than a blight - regardless of their controversies.

NEW STRAITS TIMES, Malaysia

Front page

 

Youth chief steps aside
 Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein will not defend his post in the year-end party elections.

 

Business & Industry

 

Flying high on big demand

Commercial helicopter services in Malaysia, particularly in the offshore air transportation, is expected to fly high as oil companies beef up exploration activities. Anna Maria Samsudin examines the outlook for this lucrative business.

 

BUSINESS TIMES, Singapore

Front page

 

JPMorgan buys 11.5m Bear Stearns shares

JPMorgan Chase & Co said that it bought 11.5 million shares of Bear Stearns Cos on the open market, as the commercial bank works to make sure it successfully completes its purchase of Bear.

 

Al-Futtaim bags Robinson after Lippo accepts offer

It took up to the very last minute, but the Al-Futtaim Group has succeeded in its takeover of retailer Robinson & Co.

 

Business & Industry

 

Paulson signals more help coming for homeowners

United States Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has indicated that the Bush administration is willing to consider congressional plans to stem foreclosures by expanding government guarantees for mortgages.

 

Invest 1% in Africa, sovereign funds told

The World Bank wants to convince sovereign wealth funds to invest one per cent of their estimated US$3 trillion in assets in Africa, its president Robert Zoellick said on Wednesday.

 

BANGKOK POST, Thailand

Front page

 

No new updates.

 

Business & Industry

 

No new updates.

 

JAKARTA POST, Indonesia

Front page

 

BI maintains rate to ward off downturn

Shadowed by the highest inflation rate in 18 months during March, Bank Indonesia kept its policy rate unchanged Thursday to help prevent an economic downturn.

 

New law to boost transparency

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the freedom of public information bill, obliging all state agencies and public institutions to disclose their financial reports to the public.

 

Business & Industry

 

Volvo look to regain market share without govt orders

Until 2005, Volvo was portrayed here as a legitimate representation of high-ranking government officials as well as of persons of a certain social status.

 

Kimia Farma to build US$100 million plant

Publicly listed state pharmaceutical company PT Kimia Farma plans to build a US$100 million plant this year to help reduce its dependency on imported raw materials.

 

By: Staff Reporter
+44 20 8652 3214

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