In Friday's Asia papers
08 August 2008 02:08 [Source: ICIS news]
ASAHI SHIMBUN, Japan
Front page
No blue skies ahead for economy
While mincing its words somewhat, the government on Thursday effectively concluded the nation's economy has turned downward, which means Japan's longest postwar economic expansion that began in February 2002 is most likely over.
Mayors lead disarmament push
In Nagasaki's peace declaration Saturday marking the 63rd anniversary of its atomic bombing, Mayor Tomihisa Taue is set to take an unprecedented step.
Business & Industry
No new updates
CHINA DAILY, China
Front page
Consumer inflation may continue to fall
China's consumer inflation may continue to decline in July, marking the second consecutive month this year that it has dropped, according to economists' estimates.
China a 'constructive partner' in trade talks
Australia sees China as a constructive partner to work with to break the stalemate in the Doha round of trade talks, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Thursday.
Business & Industry
No new updates
TAIPEI TIMES, Taiwan
Front page
Activists hold protests ahead of Games
On the eve of the Beijing Olympic opening ceremony, about 100 people joined a candlelight vigil in Taipei organized by several human rights groups, urging China to fulfill its Olympic promises and stop human rights abuses.
China parades torch on Wall, deports critics
China paraded the Olympic torch along its ancient Great Wall yesterday — a day before the opening of the Games in which Beijing wants to showcase its modern face but which have also galvanized global protests over human rights.
Business & Industry
Cabinet to speed up rules on market liberalization
The government will speed up market liberalization by easing 97 rules and regulations by the end of this year and 23 other laws next year, the Executive Yuan said yesterday.
Chinese demand will propel ICT industry: analysts
Rising consumer electronics demand in China over the next few years will provide tremendous growth opportunities for information and communications technology (ICT) industry players worldwide, a local market researcher said yesterday.
KOREA HERALD, South Korea
Front page
BOK raises key rate to curb inflation
The Bank of Korea yesterday raised the key interest rate to an eight-year high of 5.25 percent, prioritizing inflation control over growth.
Partisan battle hobbles Assembly
The National Assembly is again heading toward paralysis as rival parties tangle over everything from Cabinet appointments to U.S. beef imports, a political corruption scandal and the fate of the state-run KBS's leader.
Business & Industry
Supermarkets go back in time to spur spending
Major supermarket chains here are offering generous discount events on basic necessities to help revive slowing sales, amid dwindling consumer sentiment fueled by inflation worries.
Pump prices continue to slide
The nation's retail gasoline price continued to fall, dipping to its lowest level in 12 weeks yesterday due to cheaper crude oil costs.
NEW STRAITS TIMES, Malaysia
Front page
Anwar: Charge accuser, too
Moments after claiming trial for alleged sodomy, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim questioned why his accuser was not charged along with him. The Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader pointed out that the charge implied that the alleged act was consensual.
No untoward incidents
Except for traffic jams along several roads leading to the Jalan Duta court complex and shouts of "reformasi", no untoward incidents were reported yesterday in connection with the charging of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Business & Industry
RAM lowers forecast for debt issues to RM35b
The rating agency's key assumption for this lower credit demand is a sharper-than-anticipated slowdown in private investment, says RAM
Maybank's chief to meet Indonesian regulator?
Maybank's president is likely to ask Indonesia's regulator for up to five years to dispose of a 20 per cent stake in Bank Internasional Indonesia to the public
BUSINESS TIMES, Singapore
Front page
For banks, an even harder climb starts now
Lending activity has held its own, and there is no sign yet of a sudden spike in bad loans, but the outlook for the rest of the year is deeply uncertain, said banks here.
Citigroup hit with US$7 billion settlement
New York Attorney-General Andrew Cuomo says he has reached a settlement worth more than US$7 billion with Citigroup that requires the company to buy back auction-rate securities from about 40,000 customers in the United States.
Business & Industry
Market slides after Wednesday's bounce
WEDNESDAY'S bounce was followed immediately by a volatile and weak session yesterday, a relatively inexplicable development given that Hong Kong managed a rise and Europe opened with modest gain.
Take pharma out of production data: DBS
THE inherent large swings in pharmaceutical manufacturing exaggerates the real state of the economy. So, there should be a separate industrial production index and a GDP series that exclude the volatile industry, a DBS research report suggests.
BANGKOK POST, Thailand
Front page
Thaksin: I'll be back
Two intimates of the family of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra waved off speculation on Thursday he would go into exile to avoid court cases and possible prison sentences.
Business & Industry
No new updates
JAKARTA POST, Indonesia
Front page
Philippine rebels agree to leave occupied lands
A guerrilla leader says Muslim rebels will comply with a Philippine government ultimatum to vacate nine southern villages and avoid confrontation with military forces.
Business & Industry
No new updates
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Author: Staff Reporter+44 20 8652 3214
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