In Thursday's Asia papers
28 August 2008 01:36 [Source: ICIS news]
ASAHI SHIMBUN, Japan
Front page
Kidnapped aid worker slain in Afghanistan
Japanese aid worker Kazuya Ito, kidnapped in Afghanistan on Tuesday, was apparently killed by his captors during a gunbattle with police trying to rescue him.
Business & Industry
Aso wants securities tax breaks to stimulate sluggish economy
A proposal from Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Taro Aso to give tax breaks on small-lot private securities investments looks likely to dominate discussion when debate begins this fall on reforms to the tax system.
CHINA DAILY, China
Front page
Hu backs Russia's right to host Winter Olympics
President Hu Jintao has backed Russia's right to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi in the face of international pressure over recent events in Georgia.
Dems choose Obama in thunderous acclamation
Barack Obama, standing where no black has ever stood before, swept to the Democratic presidential nomination on Wednesday as thousands of national convention delegates cheered his improbable triumph.
Business & Industry
No new updates
TAIPEI TIMES, Taiwan
Front page
Far Eastern boss denies bribe claims
The office of former president Chen Shui-bian dismissed a magazine article that claimed he had received kickbacks from the head of the Far Eastern Group
MOFA unsurprised by Beijing reaction to UN participation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said it was “not too surprised” that China has struck up its usual tune in objecting to Taiwan’s bid for UN participation.
Business & Industry
Business indicators point to slowdown
Only one sector, that of the semiconductor book-to-bill ratio, posted an increase over the previous month, with all other indexes down
Investors’ short-term outlook is less bleak
Taiwanese investors have grown more optimistic about short-term prospects because of decreasing inflationary pressures, but remain pessimistic over the long-term amid concerns about the after-effects of the US subprime crisis and future oil price rises, a survey showed yesterday.
KOREA HERALD, South Korea
Front page
Buddhists go ahead with rally
Tens of thousands of Buddhists took to streets of Seoul yesterday in protest against the alleged religious bias of President Lee Myung-bak and his administration.
Korea maps out plan for post-fossil fuel era
The government yesterday set out a plan to significantly reduce the nation's dependency on fossil fuels and more than quadruple the use of renewable energy by 2030.
Business & Industry
Weak won fuels inflation
The weak won is taking a toll on the overall Korean economy, with its negative impact on inflation outweighing export-boosting effects, experts said yesterday.
N.E. Asian nations embrace bank privatization
This is the second of two articles on the planned privatization of the Korea Development Bank and its impact on the nation's financial industry - Ed.
NEW STRAITS TIMES, Malaysia
Front page
ACA nabs 28 Puspakom officers, 19 runners
In the largest swoop ever by the Anti-Corruption Agency, 28 Puspakom officers were arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes.
Flash flood havoc in city
A downpour lasting more than three hours yesterday caused traffic chaos and brought many parts of the city to a standstill.
Business & Industry
Maybank profit lower
The bank's profit dip was largely due to a RM483.3 million provision for a non-refundable deposit paid to buy out Bank Internasional Indonesia
Proton back in the black in Q1
This is the fourth profitable consecutive quarter for the national carmaker as it aims to recapture Malaysia's automotive market leading position, says its chief
BUSINESS TIMES, Singapore
Front page
Nikkei up, led by exporters on US data
The Nikkei average rose 0.6 per cent on Thursday, led by blue-chip exporters like Toyota Motor Corp as strong data on US durable goods orders helped ease concern about the flagging US economy.
S'pore firms top wealth-creation chart
Singapore companies have done a stellar job of creating wealth for shareholders, despite market volatility and a higher cost of capital.
Business & Industry
Measures put in place for better use of public sector office space
GOVERNMENT agencies that do not make optimal use of their office space will face penalties such as surcharges and rents, Parliament was told yesterday.
BANGKOK POST, Thailand
Front page
PAD, get out of Govt House
The Civil Court on Wednesday night ordered the People's Alliance For Democracy (PAD) to immediately move out of Government House and its grounds. Nine PAD leaders also face arrest.
Chamlong tells protesters not to obstruct police
Core leader of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) Chamlong Srimuang got on a stage on Wednesday evening, telling PAD supporters that they should not obstruct police if they come to arrest he and eight other key members.
Business & Industry
No new updates
JAKARTA POST, Indonesia
Front page
No new updates
Business & Industry
No new updates
ICIS Copyright © Reed Business Information 2009
Author: Staff Reporter+44 20 8652 3214
For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial
to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.
Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free
trial to ICIS Chemical Business.