Trade facilitation and SMEs in times of crisis

Private and public officials from across the Asia-Pacific region are gathering at a three-day regional policy forum in Beijing to raise awareness of the importance of trade facilitation on the needs of SMEs amid the global economic downturn.
--See panelists' presentations

Audio: Corporate perspective on China's creativity and innovation

The Chinese government is investing heavily in developing creative industries, with the aim to change from the current reality of "Made in China" to "Created by China". Does the creative industry have the potential to drive China's economic progress? Come and hear an expert's view on this.

- State-owned cultural companies urged to play bigger role
- Political advisor urges innovation to tackle downturn
- Creative industry could be a bright spot

Global auto makers rev up in Shanghai

The economic crisis and sagging sales haven't dampened global car makers enthusiasm on China, judged by the response to the Shanghai Int'l Auto Industry Exhibition.
• Feast for eyes: 13th SH auto expo
• GAC still keen on public float
• New buyers opt for thriftier cars
• Volkswagen shines with latest Golf
• Global gaze on record China sales
• Carmakers unveil new models
• Automechanika SH again set for Dec
• Interact with Ford
• VW sets March record despite crisis
• Challenges reshape domestic market

Audio: Expert talks about talent issues in economic downturn

The current global economic crisis has organizations all over the world rethinking their approaches to talent and staff issues. What is the best strategy? Come and hear an expert's view on this.

• McDonald's to step up hiring in China this year
• China tries to lure overseas talent
• ILO calls for urgent global jobs pact
• Rio: Chinalco deal saves jobs

Audio: Industry veteran talks about China auto industry dynamics

What was fueling the huge growth in the car usage in China? What opportunities and challenges are domestic firms facing? Come to hear what an auto industry guru has to say.

• China may top US in Q1 auto sales
• Auto loans rise despite slower economy
• China unveils support package to auto industry

2008 Earnings Release

More and more domestic listed companies released their earnings report for fiscal year 2008.
• China Life   ê45%
• China Construction Bank   é34%
• Sinopec   ê47%
• Chalco   ê99%
• CNOOC   é42%
• China Unicom   é49.6%
• COSL   é38.6%%

Finmin gives details on local government bonds

Finance ministry officials have provided further details on the 200 billion yuan local government bond issue recently approved by China's State Council.'
• 200b yuan local bond issue allocated

'Fast & heavy-handed' monetary policy: PBC

PBC Governor Zhou Xiaochuan pledged "fast and heavy-handed" policies to restore confidence against the global slowdown.
• Premier bats for auto
• CAAC: Enough planes for now
• Green development
• Stablized real estate market
• China Unicom: More 3G users
• MOF: 200bln yuan local bond
• Grain purchase price rises by 13%

Stimulus plans for 10 key industries

In an effort to fight the global financial crisis and provide a spur to the economy, the Chinese government has been pressing forward with its industry specific stimulus plans.
Jan. 14        Auto, Steel
Feb.   4        Textile
                     Equipment Manufacturing
Feb. 11        Shipbuilding
Feb. 18        Electronics & information
Feb. 19        Light, Petrochemical
Feb. 25        Non-ferrous metals
                     Logistics

China Data -2008

The following are the economic data of December 2008:
- Key economic data
- Export & Import
- Money Supply | Yuan | Forex Reserves
- Industry: Value-added | Output | By Region
-Investment: Completed | By Sector