In Tuesday's Asia Papers

20 May 2008 02:00 [Source: ICIS news]

Front page

A Sichuan-level quake here: Could Japan cope?

For many Japanese, the devastating May 12 earthquake in China's Sichuan province was a wake-up call. With quake fatalities topping 30,000 in the stricken area, the big question is whether the same destruction of urban buildings could happen here

Business & Industry

No new updates.

CHINA DAILY, China

Front page

In grave grief, China mourns quake dead

Air raid sirens, and car, train and ship horns wailed and people stood for three minutes in silence on Monday to mourn the tens of thousands who died in last week's earthquake

Toll hits 34,073; all areas reached

The death toll from the May 12 quake rose to 34,073 by Monday, with 245,108 injured, according to the earthquake relief headquarters of the State Council.

Business & Industry

No new updates.

TAIPEI TIMES, Taiwan

Front page

Ma prepares for inauguration

Incoming president Ma Ying-jeou of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) will be sworn in today, bringing an end to the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) eight years in office and ushering in a new era.

WHA fails to discuss Taiwan’s application

The World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO’s highest decision-making body, yesterday noon ruled not to deliberate on new member applications during this year’s plenary session in Geneva. As the result, a conventional “two-plus-two” debate on Taiwan’s bid did not take place, dimming the chances that the nation’s 12th consecutive bid to enter the WHO would succeed

Business & Industry

Financial stocks a good buy: JF Asset

Investors should buy Taiwanese financial and property stocks to benefit from the prospects of closer ties with China after incoming president Ma Ying-jeou takes office today, JF Asset Management Ltd said yesterday.

Liu will finalize fuel, utility price hikes Thursday

Incoming premier Liu Chao-shiuan is expected to finalize hikes of fuel and utility prices during the first meeting of the new Cabinet on Thursday, the Chinese-language Economic Daily News reported yesterday.

KOREA HERALD, South Korea

Front page

Korea warns Japan over Dokdo claim

The Korean government yesterday warned against the reported move by Japan to reinforce its sovereignty claim over the Dokdo islets in the East Sea by revising its school curriculum

Seoul to announce revised U.S. beef import conditions

The government is expected to officially announce the results of additional talks held with Washington on U.S. beef import conditions, the Trade Ministry in Seoul said yesterday

Business & Industry

State-run firms face massive downsizing

State-run corporations are expected to undergo massive restructuring in the second half of this year as the new administration aggressively pushes for integration, streamlining or privatization, government and industry sources said yesterday.

Emart considering opening gas stations

Emart, the country's largest supermarket chain run by Shinsegae Co., is considering opening gas stations, triggered by the government's move to encourage more firms to enter the oil distribution market to promote price competition.

NEW STRAITS TIMES, Malaysia

Front page

The Mahathir gambit
He made the unexpected announcement in front of about 1,500 people at a forum in response to a dare from one of the participants to lead the way in leaving the party.

Najib urges members to remain calm

Najib also said it was crucial that the Barisan Nasional government, which had been given the mandate to rule by the people, continue to perform its responsibility as mandated by the rakyat and not be affected by Umno's internal issues.

Business & Industry

No new updates.

BUSINESS TIMES, Singapore

Front page

Wall St firms firing staff on the quiet

People on Wall Street seem to be vanishing overnight. Thousands are losing their jobs as hard-pressed banks cut deep. But while layoffs are nothing new in the financial industry (they come with almost every downturn), this round seems different: It is eerily quiet.

Future pillar on shaky ground at present

It is supposed to be one of the pillars of Singapore's future economy, but its foundations appear somewhat wobbly at the moment. Reason: While the government is willing to splash resources on developing the next local Mark Zuckerberg, the aspiring technopreneurs here don't seem ready to step up to the plate.

Business & Industry

Japan needs tax cuts, clear takeover rules to boost FDI

Japan should cut corporate taxes and implement more transparent rules for mergers and acquisitions so as to boost foreign investment, a government advisory panel said yesterday.

Key indicators rise for a second month

The index of leading US economic indicators rose in April for a second month, a sign the economy may not keep weakening in the second half of the year.

BANGKOK POST, Thailand

Front page

Websites under watch

At least 20 "inappropriate" websites are being investigated for content deemed to be critical of or offensive to the monarchy

New life for old airport

Aid agencies quickly took up the government offer to use Don Mueang airport as a logistical hub to speed up relief supplies to cyclone victims in neighbouring Burma, NGOs said on Monday.

Business & Industry

No new updates.

JAKARTA POST, Indonesia

Front page

No new updates.

Business & Industry

No new updates.

By: Staff Reporter
+44 20 8652 3214

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