In Wednesday's Asia papers

01 July 2009 02:00  [Source: ICIS news]

ASAHI SHIMBUN, Japan

Front page

Aso in tug of war over shuffle of posts

He desperately wants to shake up the leadership of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party and add new members to the Cabinet to strengthen his position prior to a Lower House election that pundits say may be held as early as Aug. 2 or 9.

Business & Industry

No new updates.

CHINA DAILY, China

Front page

Govt delays order on porn filter software

In a last-minute move, the government said last night that it will delay the mandatory installation of the controversial "Green Dam-Youth Escort" filtering software on new computers that was scheduled to start today.

Five-party dialogue 'possible' without DPRK

The continuation of Six-Party Talks is the best hope for a Korean Peninsula free from nuclear weapons, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Tuesday.

Business & Industry

China raises gasoline, diesel prices

China raised gasoline and diesel prices by 600 yuan ($87.8) per ton, starting 12am Tuesday.

Building collapse: Nine under probe

Police are investigating nine people in connection with the collapse of an under-construction residential building, the local government in Shanghai said yesterday.

TAIPEI TIMES, Taiwan

Front page

Chen daughter travel request rejected

District prosecutors yesterday rejected a request from former president Chen Shui-bian’s daughter, Chen Hsing-yu, to have her travel restrictions lifted, ruining her plans to study in the US with her three children.

Court annuls Yunlin County poll victory, legislator loses seat

The Tainan branch of the Taiwan High Court yesterday annulled the election victory of Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) legislator Chang Sho-wen.

Business & Industry

Board reshuffle descends into farce

Control of Taiwan International Securities was unresolved after the management team refused to recognize ballots cast by China Development

Business sectors opened to Chinese investors

Chinese can now invest in 64 manufacturing sectors, 25 service sectors and 11 infrastructure projects, but not in the telecommunications sector

KOREA HERALD, South Korea

Front page

Workers' bill left to Assembly speaker

Pressure mounted on National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o yesterday as representatives of political parties and the labor circle failed to nail down an agreement on the revision of the irregular workers' law.

Minimum wage set at 4,110 won per hour for 2010

A panel, comprising representatives from the government, labor and business, yesterday agreed to a 2.75 percent increase in the minimum wage for next year.

Business & Industry

Kumho in contact with potential buyers of Daewoo E&C: official

Kumho Asiana Group is contacting local business groups for the sale of Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., a senior executive said yesterday

'Korea needs transparent property market'

The government yesterday launched an advisory board for foreign investors on the country's real estate market as part of its efforts to promote foreign direct investment in times of economic downturn.

NEW STRAITS TIMES, Malaysia

Front page

Sweeping changes to boost growth

Malaysia has eased investment rules, including one on Bumiputera equity ownership, in a major move to attract foreign investments amid a slowing economy.

MACC probes six Kedah politicians

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating several high-profile cases involving public servants.

Business & Industry

AirAsia eyes RM500m

AirAsia Bhd is looking at raising about RM500 million by placing out up to a fifth of its shares to private investors to pay off some debt, says its chief executive officer.

AMMB mulls raising RM400m in Tier-1 capital

It is not a firm plan yet and AMMB Holdings has not applied to the regulator, says its deputy group managing director

BUSINESS TIMES, Singapore

Front page

Enforce the stay-home order

MORE than 4,600 first- year students at Republic Polytechnic are staying home this week instead of going to school, as latest figures show the institution has 66 confirmed H1N1 cases - the largest local cluster in Singapore.

Najib chips away at market sacred cow

MALAYSIA is making radical policy changes to its capital and property markets that include tinkering with a cornerstone of public policy enshrined in the 30 per cent bumiputra equity rule.

Business & Industry

Key Wall St index's fall suggests worst is over

Growing confidence that the US economy is putting the worst recession in decades behind it has pushed the index known as Wall Street's fear gauge to its lowest level since just before Lehman Brothers collapsed last September.

BIS urges registration for financial products

Financial products should undergo registration like medicines to curb investor access until safety is proven, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) said on Monday.

BANGKOK POST, Thailand

Front page

Army plans troop cuts near temple

The army plans to reduce troop numbers around the disputed Preah Vihear temple in a bid to ease border tensions with Cambodia.

UAE set to pounce on Thaksin

The United Arab Emirates has promised to expel ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and send him to Thailand if he is found in Dubai. While the two countries do not have an extradition treaty, there is a reciprocal arrangement that allows for the exchange of fugitives.

Business & Industry

Peugeot dealership switches brands

Yontrakit Automobiles, the sole distributor of Peugeot cars in Thailand, has announced that Peugeot cars are now only available in Bangkok at the Blue Box dealership on Sukhaphiban 3 Road, which also houses its head office.

US consumer confidence sinks

US consumer confidence sank in June amid the prolonged recession, retreating from an eight-month high the prior month, the Conference Board said Tuesday.

JAKARTA POST, Indonesia

Front page

Argentine regions declare swine flu emergency

Authorities in Argentina's capital and Buenos Aires province declared health emergencies and extended school vacations Tuesday as the nation's swine flu death toll surged to 35.

UN tells Honduras to reinstate president

Honduras' ousted president won overwhelming international support Tuesday as he planned a high-profile return to his chaotic country. The politicians who sent soldiers to fly him into exile in his pajamas said he will be arrested for treason if he tries.

Business & Industry

House seeks power in debt management

Legislators are seeking more power to intervene in the government's foreign debt management, amid rising political tension over the growing sovereign debt.

Foreign mining firms required to divest shares

The government will require 20 percent of shares in mining companies entirely owned by foreign shareholders to be divested to local partners, in accordance with the new mining law, an official said.

By: Staff Reporter
+44 20 8652 3214

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