Nadal wins epic to reach Australian Open final

MELBOURNE, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Rafael Nadal reached the final of the Australian Open by outlasting fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-7 (1), 6-4 in an epic which lasted a tournament record five hours and 14 minutes on Friday.

Spain'sRafaelNadalactsagainsthiscompatriotFernandoVerdasco
duringthesemifinalofmen'ssinglesatAustralianOpentennis
tournamentinMelbourne,Jan.30,2009.Nadaladvancedintothe
finalafterwinningthematch6-7,6-4,7-6,6-7,6-4.(XinhuaPhoto)

Nadal, the French Open, Wimbledon and the Beijing Olympics champion, will take on the long-time rival and world No. 2 Roger Federer on Sunday in his first final at Melbourne Park.

Both men hit top form quickly in the beginning of the match and held serve firmly until the tiebreak. Nadal made a quick start to the tiebreak by reaching a comfortable 3-1 lead, but Verdasco refused to be intimidated and evened the score before receiving a massive piece of luck, when his backhand hit the net and rolled over for two set points at 6-4.

Spain'sFernandoVerdascoreturnstheballagainst
hiscompatriotRafaelNadalduringthesemifinalof
men'ssinglesatAustralianOpentennistournamentin
Melbourne,Jan.30,2009.(XinhuaPhoto)

Verdasco grabbed the first chance to take the breaker 7-4 after an emphatic forehand volley winner.

The second set also looked to be headed towards a tie-break as both men continued to hold serve, despite Verdasco being forced to save four break points in the eighth game.

But Nadal managed to raise up his level in the tenth game, breaking to take the set at 6-4.

Federer one win away from making history

Rodger Federer is now just one win away from matching Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam titles. The world number two reached the Australian Open final by beating Andy Roddick in straight sets on Thursday.

RogerFedererofSwitzerlandwavestotheaudience
afterthemen'ssinglessemifinalmatchagainstAndy
RoddickoftheUnitedStatesattheAustralianOpen
tennistournamentinMelbourne,Jan.29,2009.
Federerwonthematch3-0.(Xinhua/ZhouLei)

Seventh seed Roddick was the penultimate player standing between Federer and a record-equaling 14th Grand Slam title. The Swiss maestro was the favourite, and has lost only two of his 17 previous matches with the American. Federer took the first set 6-2. He then conceded a break of serve at the end of the second set as Roddick leveled at 5-5. But Federer was in excellent form and he took the next two games for a two-set lead.

Roddick also held his own for most of the third set. But the three-time former Australian Open champion forced a crucial break of serve in the 12th game to seal the victory, 6-2, 7-5, 7-5.

Serena, Safina to clash in Australian Open final

Serena through to final

Serena Williams has set up a hotly anticipated final with Dinara Safina after both ended their losing streaks against their opponents.

After comfortably taking the first set in her match against Elena Dementieva, Williams had to battle back from a love-3 deficit in the second before she served for the match. Her powerful smash ended the Russian's 15-game unbeaten streak in 2009 and put herself through to the final. For Williams, it was a welcoming end to a losing streak against Dementieva.

Serena Williams said, "Oh, uhm, I definitely wanted to play better than I did the last few times I played her. And, uhm, you know, just wanted to do some different things. The last few times I played her, I didn't play that well and I was stuck, so to say."

Safina overpowers Zvonareva

But there's another Russian who stands between Williams and her fourth title at Melbourne Park: that's Dinara Safina, who also snapped a three-match losing streak against her opponent Vera Zvonareva. Safina hit a crosscourt forehand winner for the match, but her fellow Russian challenged the call. The replay showed the ball was in. So Safina closed out the 6-3, 7-6 win.

DinaraSafinaofRussiareturnstheballduringthewomen's
singlessemifinalmatchagainstVeraZvonarevaofRussiaat
theAustralianOpentennistournamentinMelbourne,Jan.29,
2009.Safinawonthematch2-0.(Xinhua/HanYan)

Barcelona through to semi of Copa del Rey

Barcelona through to semi of Copa del Rey

Barcelona have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey: They beat Espanyol 3-2 on Thursday. And Sevilla beat Valencia 2-1 to claim the other spot in the semi-finals.

In the 34th minute, the Espanyol goalkeeper failed to clear a ball, and Bojan Krkic was on hand to score the opening goal. Two minutes after the break, Krkic chipped Xavi's cross to score his second of the match. Barca continued their scoring momentum, Gerare Pique dipped a header into the back of the net in the 55th minute, putting Barca 3-0 ahead. But two minutes later, Espanyol's Ferran Corominas' powerful shot inched its way past the Barca keeper to take the score to 3-1.

Ten minutes later, Callejon cut through the Barcelona defence and drilled the ball into the goal to bring it up 3-2. But too bad for Espanyol: the score remained that way until the final whistle.

Valencia get eliminated

In another clash between Sevilla and Valencia: Valencia scored the opening goal. Carlos Marchena planted this header only seven minutes into the game.

Frederic Kanoute headed a free-kick from Ndri Romaric into the back of the net to equalize the score for Sevilla. In 90th minute, Aquivaldo Mosquera touched Renato's corner and Sebastien Squillaci was on hand to put it in. 2-1 for Sevilla.

Hewitt set to leave Australia

MELBOURNE, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Lleyton Hewitt is strongly considering basing himself overseas, possibly in the United States, to ease the massive travel load and accommodate his family life.

Hewitt has long held out against the trend of his fellow Australian players and remained in his homeland but, with the addition of a second child last month, he is now discussing whether to leave Australia for what would be the remainder of his career.

Basically it's been something we've talked about for a number of years now, the possibility of having an overseas base, Hewitt's manager David Drysdale told local newspaper The Age on Thursday.

From the point of view of all the Australian players in the past, including Philippoussis, Cashy, Rafter, the Woodies, everybody has had an overseas base. So it makes it easy to travel.

They live in Europe or U.S., if they get knocked out early in the tournament, they can get off the tour, go home, spend three or four days at home, chill out, recharge the batteries and then go back to the next tournament.

If you do that and you live in Australia, you've got to take two or three weeks off because of the distance coming back, and the time difference to your body and everything else.

Lleyton's always done that. He's taken two or three weeks off at a time, or longer, when he comes back for a break.

Drysdale said no decision had been made, but a move was possible this year, especially after Lleyton and Bec Hewitt's second child, Cruz, was born.

Lleyton is such a family man, he wants to have them around, the manager told the newspaper.

Hewitt, who suffered opening round exit at the on-going Australian Open, is keen to play a full schedule this year after managing only 31 matches in an injury-afflicted 2008 that ended with a hip surgery.

Telefonica Blue wins leg 4 of Volvo Ocean Race

Telefonica Blue won leg four of the Volvo Ocean Race on Thursday. They crossed the finishing line at 3:00 pm local time in the Chinese city of Qingdao.

Telefonica Blue finished the gruelling voyage from Singapore in 11 days, two hours and 26 seconds. The crew were greeted by a crowd of thousands of local fans and dozens of traditional drummers.

Skipper Bouwe Bekking was crowned. Puma took second place in leg four. The yacht of American Ken Read's team suffered a broken boom last Saturday. Ericsson 4 finished the leg in third place. Irish/Chinese entry Green Dragon are still racing. They're expected to finish the leg on Saturday.

Festival entertainment: Holiday fun for everyone

Special Report:2009 Spring Festival

Click for more news in Culture Express

In China, the Spring Festival is the most important celebration of the year. Holiday celebrations take many forms, it can be a time to be merry, to exercise, to learn and to reflect. We take a look at how some Chinese people spend the holiday.

Holidaycelebrationstakemanyforms,itcanbeatimetobemerry,
toexercise,tolearnandtoreflect.

Ask anyone about their Spring Festival plans, and the same place will always pop up.

Peoplethrowcoinstostrikealuckybell.

Temple fairs have been an integral part of Spring Festival rituals for many generations. While the general idea is to have fun and deliver silent prayers, there are various ways to accomplish this.

Peoplepatientlyjoinazigzaggingqueuetotouchaluckyzodiac
animalonthewall.

People throw coins to strike a lucky bell or patiently join a zigzagging queue to touch a lucky zodiac animal on the wall. They are all asking for blessings.

2009 Toy Show gets underway in London

It's a toy lovers playground at the ExCel exhibition center in London as the 2009 Toy Fair gets underway. Over the next three days thousands of toys, games and hobbies will be showcased to more than nine thousand industry professionals. This year's most wanted toy is almost certainly going to be robotic - and the cuddlier the better.

Singing, dancing, cuddly and robotic.

That's the buzz at this year's London Toy Fair.

From classic toys to the very latest fad there is something to suit every child - and lots of adults too - at the annual showcase for the British toy industry.

The fair is now in its 56th year. It gives manufacturers a chance to showcase the latest toys before they hit the stores.

The toy industry is worth four billion US dollars in the UK.

The market weathered a 2 percent fall in 2008, but Natasha Crookes of the British Toy and Hobby Association says the volume of sales actually increased by 7 percent and by 12 percent over the Christmas season.

Fighting the economic downturn is child's play for toy giant, Lego.

Despite an overall decline in the industry, the Danish toy maker celebrated growth of 51 percent in 2008.

Power Miners is Lego's latest range of simplistic models.

Six toys from the range were launched this month. A further three will be released in August.

A more cuddly competitor of the classic robot style is the Pembo.

Made by US based company Bossa Nova it lays an egg which 'hatches'.

It then communicates and plays games with its chick.

Traditional toys and games - particularly those adopting an ethical stance - have not lost their edge.

Model trains in particular are bearing up to the credit crunch with little effort.

That's according to Ian Garnham from Leicestershire based train model maker, Backmann Europe.

This model offers digital command control so that enthusiasts can control each train individually.

The Toy Fair runs from Wednesday 28th to Saturday 31st January 2009.

Archaeological finds predate history in Turkey

A transport infrastructure project in Turkey has uncovered a significant find. Archaeologists now believe that Istanbul's Old City is much older than previously thought.

The Marmaray project is upgrading about 76 kilometers of commuter rail.

It will do this by connecting both sides of the Istanbul - or Bosphorus - Strait through a railway tunnel underneath.

Yasar Anilir is the Archaeologist responsible for the Yenikapi digging area. He explains that a settlement dating back 8,000 years was found in the area containing an urn of the ashes of a cremation.

He says it is considered to be evidence of the first settlement in the area.

Researchers have also linked the findings to the remains of a Neolithic site in southern Anatolia, which was excavated in the 1960s.

The similarity between the sites suggests that settlers in the Anatolian plains migrated to Istanbul's shores some 8,000 years ago.

The urns are a first in Anatolian history, which proves human tribes lived in Istanbul before the reigns of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

In ancient times, most funerals in the region were held by simple burial by cremation. After cremation the ashes were usually put in ceramic urns or small stone containers, known as larnax.

Other forms of cremation in Anatolian Archaeology were seen in the early Bronze Age, but this type of burial was uncommon.

The Marmaray project was scheduled to open in 2010.

However, the opening was delayed when excavation teams came across a Byzantine harbor in 2006.

The long lost harbor has been known about but had never been located.

The archaeologists call it the Port of Theodosius, after the emperor of Rome and Byzantium who died in 395 A.D.

There have been 32 Byzantine ship wrecks found in the area of the Port of Theodosius.

The archaeological discoveries can now be seen in a private gallery of the Istanbul Museum of Archaeology.

Digging for the Marmaray tunnel has also led to archaeological finds in the Uskudar district on the Asian side of Istanbul and Sirkeci and Veznedar on the European side.

Giant machines constructing the tunnel are dredging up artifacts from the sea floor in the Bosphorus.

Secrets of success behind Kung Fu Panda

Last year, nine movies grossed over one hundred million yuan at the Chinese box office. One of the biggest winners is Kung Fu Panda, a Hollywood take on China's martial arts tradition and the beloved furry bear.

Po is a panda who works in a noodle restaurant. He is a kung fu fanatic with secret dreams of becoming a grand master. In true Hollywood style, Po's long-cherished dream eventually comes true, despite his excessive weight and comic clumsiness. As the Dragon Warrior, he defeats the archenemy of the valley and saves all the animals.

While the movie was created by Dreamworks in the United States, the key elements - the panda and kungfu both come from China. From costumes and design to music, Kung Fu Panda makes a point of presenting the charm of Chinese culture. Its creators worked hard to make sure they got it right. And the results, such as the Furious Five, have met with acclaim in China.

With this sincere attitude to Chinese culture, it is no wonder that Kung Fu Panda has done so well in China.

Glass artist：Guan Donghai

No one knows precisely when or where glass was first produced. Glass seems to have been manufactured as far back as the second millennium B.C. by the Egyptians and perhaps the Phoenicians. The Bible, compares glass to gold. Today, glass is a common necessity. It is also the basis of an art form. It has special flexibility and changes its qualities under different temperatures. It is a medium for artists. Guan Donghai, known as a glass artist, not only sculptures the fragile material into beautiful shapes and colors, but also endows it with new meaning.











GuanDonghaisaid,"I'vebeenseekingafeelofgrandeur,
aestheticismandcivility.Ifoundtheseelementsinancient
China'sbronzevesselsandarchitecture.Thesearepartof
theuniquebeautyofChina.ButIdon'timitatetraditional
aesthetics.Ireinterprettheminmyownway.Glassisa
fictilematerial.

It's hard to recognize the common characteristics of glass, "glittery", "transparent", and "fragile" while facing the works of Guan Donghai. The pieces look more like bronze, pottery, marble,and fossils. They exude an enduring toughness.

Guan Donghai said, "I've been seeking a feel of grandeur, aestheticism and civility. I found these elements in ancient China's bronze vessels and architecture. These are part of the unique beauty of China. But I don't imitate traditional aesthetics. I reinterpret them in my own way. Glass is a fictile material. It can be changed into different shapes. So I was thinking how can it be sculpted to express the concept of power.I try to make glass that looks heavy and opaque. I also patch transparent and opaque glasses together. I even combine glass with other materials, like bronze, stone and wood. Thus the diversity of glass artwork can be realized."

The emblems of Chinese culture and history are apparent in Guan's glass pieces. He's only been working in the field for eight years but he's established a style of his own. He's created two glass series, "Gates" and "Weapon". The works have earned him an international reputation.

Health is readers top interest

During the week-long Spring Festival holiday, going to bookstores to pick up something to read is a must for many Chinese. Major bookstores have taken the chance to display a rich selection for readers.

Some of the most popular books are those related to the new American president, Barack Obama. These range from one titled, "The Audacity of Hope," to one called "Dreams from My Father," to various other publications written about him.

A reader said, "I want to know how Obama became a president from an ordinary person."

In each printing run, 30 thousand volumes of "The Audacity of Hope" are made. And they are sold out almost immediately after being put on the shelves. Over 100 thousand have been sold so far this year. The bestseller has also instigated a new trend of reading autobiographies of political leaders.

Another popular theme is personal health. Books about how to keep fit and ones on eating and drinking line the shelves.

Another said, "I bought it for my father. It's practical. Reading a book like this works better than eating dietary supplements."

Located in the central shopping district, the Beijing Book Building in Xidan is one of the most popular bookstores in the capital. 30% more new books will be offered to readers in 2009. An employee there says sales for 2009 have reached 40 million yuan as of Wednesday. That's a 20% increase from the same period last year.

Feast for eyes: Moon meets Venus

Special Report:Tech Max

Acrescentmoon(R)isseenwiththeplanetVenusin
theskyoverBeijing,Jan.30,2009.Venusandthemoon
appearclosetogether,presentingaromanticscenefor
peopleduringtheChineseLunarNewYear.Thisphenomenon
willlast3daysfromJan.30,2009,astronomersaid.
(Xinhua/ZhangYanhui)

Acrescentmoon(R)isseenclosetogetherwiththe
planetVenusintheskyovernorthwestChina'sYinchuan
city,Jan.30,2009.(Xinhua/WangPeng)

China, Germany issue joint economic atatement

Special Report:Premier Wen visits Europe

Click for more news in World Wide Watch

Following the meeting between Premier Wen Jiabao and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the two countries issued a joint statement on stabilizing the global economy.











ChinesChinesePremierWenJiabao(L)speakswhileGerman
ChancellorAngelaMerkellooksonduringanewsconference
inBerlinJan.29,2009.(Xinhua/LanHongguang)

The joint statement commits the two sides to strengthening dialogue on economic, trade, currency and fiscal policies, and mutual support on economic stimulus plans. Broader cooperation and injecting new impetus into economic growth are also planned.

China sets fertilizer import tariff quota for 2009

BEIJING -- China set the import tariff quota for fertilizers this year at 13.65 million tonnes, said China's Ministry of Commerce on Friday.

The quota, under which the imported goods could enjoy favorable tarrif, included 3.3 million tonnes for carbamide, 6.9 million tonnes of diammonium phosphate and 3.45 million tonnes of compound fertilizer, the ministry said.

China has removed all government control over fertilizer prices starting on January 25, leaving the prices of domestically produced fertilizers and all fertilizer imports except potash fertilizers to be decided by the market.

China used to ask fertilizer producers and retailers to get approval for price increases and exercised controls on the extent of price increases in 2004, in order to stabilize soaring prices at that time to protect farmers.

Chinas crude oil output hit 190 mln tons in 2008

BEIJING -- China's crude oil output rose 2.3 percent year-on-year, the highest growth in three years, to 190 million tons last year, the China Petroleum and Chemical Association said Thursday.

China imported 179 million tons of crude oil in 2008, an increase of 9.6 percent from the previous year.

The imports accounted for 48 percent of the total crude oil demand in the world's second-largest energy user, 1.8 percentage points higher than that in the previous year.

When considering the imports of oil products, China relied on imports for nearly 51 percent of its oil demand, said Zhu Fang, deputy director of the association's information and market department.

China's consumption of oil products rose 11.9 percent to 215 million tons last year. The growth rate was 5 percentage points higher than that in 2007.

Zhu said the oil product demand will grow at a slower pace this year.

The government measures to boost domestic demand and lower oil prices will spur fuel consumption, but the growth will be limited by the economic slowdown, he added.

PetroChina has forecasted China's crude oil consumption will rise to 379 million tons this year. The demand for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene may climb to 64.4 million tons, 144 million tons and 13.1 million tons, respectively, said the oil giant.

Roach: China economy to rebound in 2010

Special Report:Global Financial Crisis

DAVOS, Switzerland -- China's economy is to witness a robust rebound in 2010, with its GDP growth topping 8 percent, said Stephen S. Roach, chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia Limited, in an exclusive interview with Xinhua on Thursday.

He predicted that in the first half of this year, China's GDP (gross domestic products) growth would be below 8 percent, but China's economy was expected to pick up in the second half.

That is because China has been tied closely with the global economy and does not get special relief from the global shock, he explained.

The main driving force of China's rapid GDP growth in recent years is export, but now China's export is sliding, Roach said.

Even though Chinese companies are improving their positions and maintaining their competitiveness, there is nothing they could do to stimulate the demand of such countries as the United States, European countries and Japan, he said.

So it is the negative foreign environment that has impacted China's GDP growth, he added.

Roach believes that this year is the worst year for the global economy since the end of the second world war, but China's economy will be much better than those of many other countries in the world.

In addition to increasing spending on infrastructure, he suggested that China expand dramatically investment in social security, pensions, unemployment insurance and health care.

In his view, the most important thing for China to do now is to focus on domestic consumers.

As of banking bailout plans taken by many governments, he said China's banking system was in a better shape, because the banks did not invest a lot in illiquid assets and subprime mortgage.

Chinese banks, however, still face challenges because of the business cycle, he warned.

People enjoy themselves at Snow and Ice Wonderland

Special Report:2009 Spring Festival

Flocksofexcursionistsenjoyanwidearrayofrollicking
gamesattheSnowandIceWonderland,ontheMountQipan
Resort,northeastChina'sLiaoningProvince,Jan.29,2009.
(Xinhua/ZhangWenkui)

China grants more patents in 2008

BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- China granted 412,000 patent rights in 2008, up 17.1 percent over the previous year, patent authorities reported on Friday.

These included more than 352,000 domestic applications and 60,000 from abroad, according to the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO).

The office also revealed it received over 828,000 patent applications last year, an increase of 19.4 percent year-on-year.

A spokesman for the SIPO said the office did not compile statistics on the number of applications rejected.

Yin Xintian, another spokesman with SIPO, said, Patent grants in high-tech fields, such as audio-visual, optical and semiconductor technologies, still far behind foreign countries.

Each application took one to three years to be processed, depending on their complexity.

China has granted 2.5 million patent rights since 1997.

Episode 6: Different ways to celebrate

Special Report:2009 Spring Festival

The 1.3 billion people inside the borders of China plus countless more overseas Chinese are now welcoming the Lunar New Year. But different people celebrate The Lunar New Year in different ways.

ChinesepeopleseeintheirNewYearinamultitudeof
differentways.

Firecrackers, lion dances, yangge opera... you name it, you can find it somewhere. Chinese people see in their New Year in a multitude of different ways.

Certain traditions to mark this special day in China have spread throughout the world. But are these the only ways Chinese people turn a new page in their 12-year zodiac cycle ? And do all Chinese people share these traditions on New Year's Day ?

ChinesepeopleseeintheirNewYearinamultitudeof
differentways.

When we talk about the different parts of China, first we have to look at the country in two halves, with the Yangtze river running between the north and the south.

Reconstruction of Gaza Strip at standstill

Special Report:Israel airstrikes in Gaza

PalestiniansgetwarmbyafireintherubblesinalMoghraqa
areainthecentralGazaStrip,Jan.29,2009.Thereconstruction
ofGazaStripafteraceasefireisalmostatastandstilldueto
thecontinuousblockageofGazabyIsraelanddifferentopinions
onreceivinginternationalaidinthePalestinianside.
(Xinhua/WissamNassar)

10-year-old boy wins hunting competition

Winter on the northern steppes of Kazakhstan marks the start of the hunting season for "berkutchi", people who hunt with trained golden eagles. This year saw the youngest ever winner of the annual hunting contest.

Aten-year-oldhunterErmekImanzaipposes
withhistamegoldeneagleaftera
traditionalhuntingcontestnearthetown
ofKarkaralinskincentralKazakhstanJanuary
23,2009.REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov

The ten-year-old boy delighted spectators, and surprised fellow competitors when judges named him winner.

Bagdat Muptekizy, head of Hunting Delegation, said, "Today we have seen something unique, a ten-year-old boy from Pavlodar, he has won first prize."

The boy's golden eagle brought down prey - rabbits and foxes - with speed, ferocity and style, earning his handler top prize.

Fragile mideast cease-fire shaken

Special Report:Israel airstrikes in Gaza

A fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hamas has been shaken, as Palestinian militants fired rockets into Israel, while Israeli warplanes struck back.

Palestinianstudentsstudyinaclassroomdamagedinan
Israeliarmystrikeearlierthismonth,inBureijcampin
thecentralGazaStrip,ThursdayJan.29,2009.
(AP Photo/Eyad Baba)

The south Gaza town of Khan Younis took a pounding from Israeli warplanes on Thursday.

Residents say the strike wounded a man on a motorcycle and five passers-by. Some were children walking home from school.

Hamas blames Israel for the violence.

Hamas spokesman Mushir Al-Masri said, "We confirm that the resistance is ready to defend our people by all means possible. The enemy is responsible for the dangerous results of this dangerous escalation."

The Israeli military says it targeted the motorcyclist because he was involved in a bomb attack on Israeli soldiers.

Iran says to respond positively to U.S. policy change

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Iranian foreign minister said on Thursday his country will respond positively if the new U.S. administration makes a genuine policy change.

We do believe that if the new administration of the United States, as President (Barack) Obama has said, is going to change its policies, not in talking but in acts, then definitely it will find in the region a creative and cooperative reaction, including from Iran, Manouchechr Mottaki told a panel at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos.

Mottaki said the countries of the Middle East region are waiting to see how the changes are put into effect to determine if they are strategic, tactical or just rhetorical.

If President Obama is determined to change these policies certainly he will face the welcome of the Islamic world, he said.

Spring Festival in Beijing: Brand new year for old brands

Special Report:2009 Spring Festival

Many people spend the Spring Festival cleaning their homes, getting their hair cut and, of course, filling their stomachs with their favorite dishes. The holiday is also a time to spend money and shops get some of their best business this week. As consumers become more and more nostalgic about days gone by, some stores are offering new takes on old festival favorites. Now let's find out how people in Beijing are greeting the New Year in old-fashioned ways.

Shopping actually began in the last few days of 2008, when people couldn't wait for the Lunar New Year to arrive. Beijing is a heaven for food lovers, bringing together the best examples of Chinese cuisine from across the country. Among the long list of recommended eateries, there are restaurants that have been in business for decades or even centuries. Having stood the test of time, these restaurants have been popular with local diners for generations.

DaoXiangCunisawell-knownchainfoodstore,serves
realBeijingsnacks.

Dao Xiang Cun, a well-known chain food store, serves real Beijing snacks. They're a celebrated delicacy in Beijing cuisine. Locals have been eating here for hundreds of years. And now it's buzzing even more than usual having attracted large Spring Festival crowds with its featured products and menus.

"This is how snacks used to be wrapped up twenty or thirty years ago. But today, these snacks are one of the highlights of the Spring Festival, attracting Beijingers with their vibrant colors and rich variety. They're very traditional, and typically Chinese."

While treating your palate to a range of delicious traditional snacks, the store knows how to cater to everyone's tastes. There are even sugar-free snacks for those who are watching their weight. New flavored snacks with fruit fillings are popular with the children. While most are drawn by the traditional nature of the food, there's always room for innovation.

The Spring Festival is also about looking good. It's a great time to reward yourself with a Chinese-style coat! You can go to Beijing's Qianmen Street, a commercial thoroughfare for more than 600 years. There you can find Rui Fu Xiang Silk Store, which targets customers who were once high-ranking imperial officials, actors and young ladies from wealthy families. The store specializes in traditional Qipao dresses. And it also offers tailoring services.

"Trying on a Qipao dress like this is a dream for many girls. It took three tailors two days to make this. It's a huge undertaking and completely handmade. They are all gorgeous...but maybe I'll have to make losing some weight one of my New Year's resolutions!"

"IlikeSpringFestival!"

"I've seen lots of people shopping...excitement of getting gifts. I really like this. I'm interested in them but they never have my size. Every body says oh it's really Chinese. I think they're beautiful, especially the embroidery .. girls' dream"

Now that you have a full stomach and you're kitted out in a stylish dress, where's the next stop? Well, the Spring Festival is a golden time for films, concerts and performances, all of which do very well at the box office. More and more people are becoming fans of traditional Chinese culture. Inside Beijing's legendary Qianmen Hotel, people are listening to a distinctively Chinese sound.

Peking opera is one of China's national treasures, and boasts two hundred years of history. This New Year performance delights the audience with its combination of upbeat rhythms and historical elements. It's not surprising to see many young people enjoying the performance while they sample the essence of Chinese tradition.

"We've always been interested in Peking Opera. But this is the first time we will watch it in a theatre. It's our national treasure, we find it actually very profound and complicated. It's marvellous. My New Year's resolution? I hope my family will be happy all through the year."

After years of opening up and making efforts to catch up with the pace of modern society, many Chinese people have started to realize the glamor that's right here in their own backyard. Though many parts of the country are in the grip of winter, a warm traditional Chinese atmosphere can be seen, heard and sampled everywhere you go.

Story: No holiday for medics, post workers

Special Report:2009 Spring Festival

Spring Festival is always a time when people take a break from work and get to spend time with their families. But for certain professions, it's the holidays when they are at their busiest. Yuan Yifang reveals all.

There's always one place you think about when you're feeling sick - hospital.

Whileeverybodyelseisenjoyingtheholidayswiththeir
families,thedoctorsandnursesondutyhavetostayalert
forallpossibleemergencies.

As a well-known Chinese saying goes, doctors and nurses are angels, because they are always there, ready to help.

While everybody else is enjoying the holidays with their families, the doctors and nurses on duty have to stay alert for all possible emergencies.

At the Beijing Emergency Medical Center, staff are busy throughout the year. Phone calls come in and ambulances are sent out. But there's one time of year when there's always extra work to do.

Zhang Libing is one of the team leaders at the dispatching control center. She's been on duty for the past 15 Spring Festivals. And she says they have to pay more attention at that time because that's when there are more outbreaks of infectious diseases. "During the Spring Festival, we have to increase the number of personnel on duty to guarantee all sick people can receive the treatment they need. Spring Festival is a time when friends and families come together, so various diseases tend to occur due to over-exertion, excessive emotion and too much drinking. We must make sure that whenever we answer an emergency call, our ambulances and paramedics are ready." Zhang said.

Many people are injured by fireworks and firecrackers every year, so Beijing Emergency Medical Centre will also dispatch more than 100 ambulances to patrol the main roads on Lunar New Year's Eve and attend to injured people on the spot.

And of course it's not just those in the ambulances, but the entire medical industry that's busier during festival time. And it doesn't stop there. Policemen, shop keepers, gas station attendants, taxi drivers... these are just some of the professions that have to provide 24 hour service, seven days a week, but are rarely noticed by the public.

MostofthepostalstaffhadtocelebratetheirSpringFestival
atwork.

At the parcel sorting center at the Beijing Airmail Transit Station, packages in and out of Beijing are stacking up into mini mountains. To speed up the delivery process, staff here have regularly been working day and night.

With the sudden surge in volume before the Spring Festival, staff have been working overtime to ensure as many packages as possible were delivered before New Year's Day. Most of the parcels, of course, are holiday gifts.

But despite their best efforts, the head of the station told us last week he expected it would take until the second day of the Lunar New Year to clear the enormous backlog. And that means most of the staff had to celebrate their Spring Festival at work.

Head of Beijing airmail transit station Zhang Zhanling said "The volume before the Spring Festival has increased a lot. But we're still confident we can process it as quickly as usual, even if we have to sacrifice our free time to ensure the timely and smooth arrival of all the packages."

By adopting an advanced scanning system, the station is providing high speed services of the highest quality all year round.

Second hand house sales pick up in Beijing

Despite sluggish sales overall in Beijing's real estate market, things are picking up for smaller pre-owned units... largely due to a new policy cutting tax on transactions for second hand houses. Chen Lijun tells us more.

Mr. Dong and his wife bought a house during the spring festival. Although it's small, it has good facilities and easy transportation. The price is just 310 thousand yuan. The down payment is just sixty thousand yuan. Plus tax, the total amount is 80 thousand yuan. Without the preferential tax policy, the total amount would be 90 thousand yuan. said Dong.

File photo

The couple selected this house based on their finances.

His wife said Its monthly payment is only 13 hundred. For young couple like us, it is affordable.

According to real estate agencies in Beijing, from the beginning of this year, many people are interested in second hand houses. Some even made deals during the spring festival.

Vice GM from 5i5j.com Hu Jinghui said Currently, apartments under ninety square meters account for seventy percent of the deals. The pre-owned market is active with first time home buyers who are interested in small apartments.

Hu says these transactions surged by 40 percent in January thanks to the preferential tax policy recently issued by government. In addition, consumers have become more realistic. Consumers buying habits have changed. They used to only want large properties, now they are more realistic and considering the long run. Hu said.

Real estate consultants suggest that as consumer can move into pre-owned houses immediately, it's better for consumers to choose low priced or low down payment houses. It's easy for them to sell or rent in the future. In addition, a two-year old unit not only enjoys facilities that are nearly new, but also preferential tax treatment.

09/01/30 BizChina

09/01/29 BizChina (21:00)

09/01/29 BizChina

Sci-tech temple fair celebrates Spring Festival

Special Report:Tech Max




Special Report:2009 Spring Festival

Click for more news in World Wide Watch

Temple fairs are popular during holiday, and museums are trying to get a piece of the action. One museum is marketing itself a science and technology temple fair.











AtasciencemuseuminBeijing,fiverobotsarewelcoming
visitorswithNewYear'sgreetings.

At a science museum in Beijing, five robots are welcoming visitors with New Year's greetings.

These robots are famous after a stint last year as envoys of the Beijing Olympic Games. After a half-year tour across the nation, they've returned to the capital city to perform for Spring Festival.

Wen shows confidence in Chinas growth target

Special Report:Premier Wen visits Europe

Following his speech, Premier Wen answered questions regarding China's economic performance this year. He explained his confidence that the country can achieve its 8% economic growth target.

Wen said "Frankly speaking, it will be difficult for China to realize the 8 percent growth target for this year, but through hard efforts, we can still attain the goal. The reason is that we have a relatively stable and sound financial system. I'd like to use figures to explain this. China's financial system has been damaged relatively little by the financial crisis. Because we have advanced the financial reform, particularly in establishing a modern banking system, the ratio of non-performing loans for major banks stands at only 2-and-a-half percent, while the capital adequacy ratio for them has exceeded the 8 percent set by the Basel Accord."

Chinesepremiercallsforconfidence,cooperation,
responsibilityintacklingcrisis

On climate change, Premier Wen promised China will act responsibly to address the problem.

He said "We attach great importance to addressing the issue of climate change, and make our contributions in this regard. While working out the 11th five-year economic and social development program, we have required that energy consumption per unit of GDP be lowered by 4 percent every year- that's a total of 20 percent in five years, and the COD level be reduced by 2 percent. With three years of hard work, we've already met the targets. The Chinese government knows its responsibility. On the one hand, we should try to maintain stable and rapid economic growth; on the other hand, we need to protect the environment, so as to realize the targets of saving energy and reducing the discharge of pollutants. We must do so, in order to be responsible not only for our own country, but also to the world."

09/01/29 China Today

09/01/28 China Today

Qinghai-Tibet railway

Special Report:8 Days in Tibet

09/01/29 Lotus-and-Crane Liquor Decanter (II)

Houston Rocket continues disappointing game

The Houston Rockets are looking to turn around their recent run of disappointing games, but that didn't happen when they took on the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.

TheRocketshavenowlostthreeoftheirlastfour
matches,despitehavingYaoMingandTracyMcGrady
backoncourt.

The Rockets have now lost three of their last four matches, despite having Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady back on court. Andre Iguodala dunked over the 7-foot-6 Yao in the first quarter to give his side a 12-9 lead. But the Rockets built an eight-point lead late in the half, and found themselves 51-45 ahead at the break.

Tracy McGrady then scored 24 points with two 3-pointers to help the Rockets stretch their lead to 65-51. Philly did take advantage of Houston's 36 percent shooting from the field in the fourth quarter. But the Rockets still led by 82-75 with 9 minutes left.

Williams sisters win Australian Open doubles

Serena(L)andVenusWilliamsfromtheUnitedStatesposewiththeir
trophyduringtheawardingceremonyforthefinalofwomen'sdoubles
atAustralianOpentennistournamentinMelbourne,Jan.30,2009.
TheWilliamsclaimedthetitlebybeatingSlovak'sDanialaHantuchova
andJapan'sAiSugiyama6-3,6-3.(XinhuaPhoto)

Federer crushes Roddick, advances to Aussie final

RogerFedererofSwitzerlandwavestotheaudience
afterthemen'ssinglessemifinalmatchagainstAndy
RoddickoftheUnitedStatesattheAustralianOpen
tennistournamentinMelbourne,Jan.29,2009.
Federerwonthematch3-0.(Xinhua/ZhouLei)

01/29 Sports Scene

09/01/30 Marina Tse: US works on employment challenges

09/01/29 Social impacts of economic crisis

Get close to 2009s zodiac animal the Ox

As galleries across the country showcase the culture of the ox in various forms of folk art, Shanghai's biggest science museum is displaying this year's zodiac animal in a much different way.











Themuseum'scommentatorisdescribingthecomplexjourney
fromgrasstomilk.Forthosewhoarecuriousabouthowthe
ox'sfourstomachswork,themuseumhassetupanillustrated
displaythatexplainstheanimal'suniquesystem.

The museum's commentator is describing the complex journey from grass to milk. For those who are curious about how the ox's four stomachs work, the museum has set up an illustrated display that explains the animal's unique system. For children, a model of this system has been installed. Young visitors can actually jump from one stomach to another, helping them understand the process of digestion.

A visitor said, "I think it's very good. It's educational. The children can learn while they play. It's not just a game, it also helps them understand how a cow produces milk. "











Asgalleriesacrossthecountryshowcasethecultureofthe
oxinvariousformsoffolkart,Shanghai'sbiggestscience
museumisdisplayingthisyear'szodiacanimalinamuch
differentway.

Another said, "It's fresh. I've never seen these before at other museums."

Another said, "It helps children understand visually. I didn't know this either. Now I know about the ox's digestion system and how milk is produced."

Li Jun, vice director of Public Education Department of Shanghai Science Technology Museum, said, "We aim to spread scientific knowledge in a simple way through illustration, entertainment, interaction, and fun. It's more interesting and the visitors seem to enjoy it more."

To know more about the secrets of the ox, the exhibition at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is open and free until February the 8th.

Celebrating new year at the musume

The break over the Spring Festival is also a chance for people to see the sights. A special exhibition is now on at Beijing Capital Museum, focusing on traditions over the season, as well as this year's zodiac animal, the Ox.











Thethemedexhibition,GoodLuckintheYearofOx,focuses
onfolkartsrelatedwiththeChineselunarnewyear.

The exhibit halls at the Beijing Capital Museum are decorated with traditionally festive New Year scenes.

The themed exhibition, Good Luck in the Year of Ox, focuses on folk arts related with the Chinese lunar new year.

Folk artists have been invited here to do on-the spot performances, displaying their traditional and unique skills in making toys, kites, silk knots and paper cuts.

A visitor said, "Usually, we only see the end-product, but here we can see the whole production process. Visiting museums is a quite new but good way to spend the holiday. I hope we can see more exhibitions like this in future Spring Festivals."

Another said, "I think the exhibit is interesting. I hope more folk arts can be included in displays like this. It's important for the preservation of our traditions."

Part of exhibition looks at this year's zodiac animal, the Ox. More than 100 pieces of ox-shaped or ox-related works are on display, including a good many sculptures and paintings.

People said, "I like the painting of the ox over there very much. The ox is important in Chinese history. Chinese people, from ancient times to now, all love and respect this kind of animal."

"The ox is my zodiac animal. So, I was very interested in this exhibition. It helps me to know more about the animal."

About 4-thousand visitors are showing up to visit the New Year exhibition daily. Admission is free, but you'll need to make reservations before the exhibition ends on February 10th.

Light misic in Beijing celebrates Spring Festival

Going to concerts is a popular option for Beijingers looking for New Year holiday entertainment. The city's major theaters and concert halls have packed the Spring Festival season with operas, ballets and concerts.











Thejubilantmelodyofthe"FestivalOverture"openedthe
concert,addingcheertospectators'festivemood.

The jubilant melody of the "Festival Overture" opened the concert, adding cheer to spectators' festive mood.

The two-hour concert covered a mix of music genres, ranging from Chinese folk songs to South Korean pop, to music from western films. The overall theme was "Going Home," sending a message in keeping with the enduring spirit of the Spring Festival.

Concert director, Sun Weiliang, believes family reunions will always be the core of the festival which every year triggers the world's largest human migration.

Dressing up in Peking Opera attire - New way to celebrate New Year

Special Report:2009 Spring Festival

Tired of conventional ways of celebrating the Chinese New Year，like going to temple fairs? Well, why not try this --- dressing up in Peking Opera attire for a unique photo shoot.

DressingupinPekingOperacostumesforashoothas
becomealltheragethesedays.

You may think you're in a Peking Opera theater, but you'd be wrong. All these stage designs and Peking Opera costumes have been prepared for those wishing to preserve the fun of celebrating the new year.

Photographers says their clients, especially those between the ages of twenty and thirty, are fascinated by the exquisite attire and beautiful make-up of this ancient art form. Some people who pay to be photographed are Peking Opera enthusiasts， but most are just looking for a special gift for their relatives and for themselves.

Photo studios say dressing up in Peking Opera costumes for a shoot has become all the rage these days. If you want to stay in fashion, hurry out to your nearest neighborhood photo studio and make a reservation.

Sculptor Qiu Qijing, bad boy of Chinese sculpture

29-year-old Qiu Qijing is a kind of bad boy of Chinese sculpture. He refuses to give in to traditional aesthetics. He experiments with different materials. Sometimes his exhibits are startling. His penchant for originality and empathy remain the constant thread linking his works. On today's The List, we introduce you to Qiu Qijing, at a cameo exhibition in east Beijing.

29-year-oldQiuQijingisakindofbadboyofChinese
sculpture.

A couple, with their extended limbs and naked bodies, stand in a remote corner. seeming to engage in intimate dialogue. Their features are youthful, but something about them is eerie -- a quality shared by others in their company.

The figures are cast in glass steel. They share the same grim aspect in their respective poses. The gloomy tone of the exhibition is accentuated by wounds that appear around the cheeks and foreheads of the figures. The scars of the figures and sometimes on surrounding rocks are startling. But for the man who inflicts the wounds, they are charming and incisive.

Qiu said "My understanding of the set is that it will emit a sense of mild pain among viewers. Through sculpture, I try to bring the wound to the surface. The effect is to create a vital force. It's primal and internal -- but one in pain has a keen sense of life. One may become numbed easily by Society's stereotypes."

Acouple,withtheirextendedlimbsandnakedbodies,
standinaremotecorner.

Qiu figures appear small and lorn -- like two ascetics on a road -- two men struggling under an immense rock, bawling for help into the void. The sculptures seem almost to yield to the weight, but the struggle for survival never ceases.

The exhibition is called Twin. The figures bear strong resemblance to one another and to their sculptor. Qiu Qijing's figures express his own inner struggles and despair. The exhibition is in keeping with the prospect of his earlier exhibition, the "Great Migration".

"The Twin exhibition starts with the Great Migration. It is more of an objective look at Society. The second part, also named Twin is more internal and subjectve. It attempts to explore the personal and the private from the innermost feelings. "

09/01/28 Culture Express

Episode 3: Holiday provides good chance to travel

Special Report:2009 Spring Festival

As people's lifestyles continue to change, the traditional concept of family reunions during the Spring Festival is evolving.

These days, the holiday is a good opportunity for people to escape and enjoy a week of relaxation with their families at scenic spots away from home.

Aspeople'slifestylescontinuetochange,thetraditional
conceptoffamilyreunionsduringtheSpringFestivalis
evolving.

Spring Festival tourism in China has developed rapidly in the past decade, with residents setting their sights on destinations both within the country and overseas. Despite the ongoing global financial crisis, the interest in travelling is still overwhelming.

Lin Kang, Dep. General Manager of China International Travel Service, said, "Over 99 percent of our trips during the seven-day lunar New Year holiday have been booked out. Surprisingly, China's tourism industry hasn't felt the tremor of the world financial crisis. Australia and the newly-opened Taiwan tours are our two best markets, especially Taiwan because the opening of direct flight across the Strait has greatly reduced the travelling cost. Generally speaking the Spring Festival tourism has shown a growing momentum."

Lin Kang says most people choose to travel with their families during the holiday. Older people tend to prefer quiet places with historical sites that are close to their hometown, avoiding long journeys and crowded scenic spots.

German cabinet approves 50bn euro stimulus plan

Special Report:Global Financial Crisis

The cabinet of German Chancellor Angela Merkel has approved a new 50-billion-euro stimulus plan to help the country fight recession.

GermanChancellorAngelaMerkel,left,andGermanForeign
MinisterFrank-WalterSteinmeier,right,arriveforacabinet
meetingattheChancelleryinBerlin,onTuesday,Jan.27,
2009.(APPhoto/FrankaBruns)

The plan was drawn up two weeks ago by members of Merkel's coalition government. It includes investments in infrastructure, tax relief, reductions in health care contributions and bonuses for families with children. It adds to an earlier plan worth 23 billion euros, which had been criticized at home and abroad as too cautious.

Merkel told reporters in Berlin on Tuesday she hopes the measures will be implemented swiftly. The plan needs approval by both houses of parliament but is not expected to meet serious resistance. It could go into force by the middle of February.

IMF predicts a virtual standstill for world economy in 2009

Special Report:Global Financial Crisis

The world economy will essentially come to "a virtual standstill in 2009", growing by only 0.5%. The International Monetary Fund made the projection in two reports released on Wednesday.

TheIMFpredictstheUSeconomywillshrinkby1.6%
thisyear

The new IMF forecast is a sharp reduction from its projection of 2.2 percent growth in November. Chief IMF economist Olivier Blanchard said the IMF expected developed economies would see the sharpest contraction since World War Two. The IMF predicts the US economy will shrink by 1.6 percent this year. The 16 European nations that use the euro currency will see their economies shrink by 2 percent, while Japan's economy will contract by 2.6 percent.

The IMF also raised its estimate of the total losses for banks and other financial service companies stemming from bad loans in the United States to 2.2 trillion US dollars. That's up from the previous estimate of 1.4 trillion US dollars in October.

Inflation presses Australian reserve bank to cut rate further

CANBERRA, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Another substantial interest rate could be cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) as rapidly moderating inflation pressures mounted recently, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data released on Wednesday.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is to hold its first board meeting of this year next Tuesday, and economists expected the bank to further cut the interest rate.

The RBA cut the cash rate by 300 basis points over the last four months of 2008 in an attempt to stave off an ever threatening recession.

The consumer price index (CPI) fell for the first time in two years during the December quarter because of lower prices for petrol, cars, health products and financial services.

The consumer price index fell 0.3 per cent in the December quarter, the biggest drop since September 1997, Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed.

Inflation is expected to continue to ease over the next six to12 months, as the full effect of weaker world economic conditions flows through, Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.

The annual inflation rate fell to 3.7 percent from 5.0 percent in the 12 months to September, dragging it back towards the RBA's two to three percent target band.

Underlying inflation also moderated, which Swan suggested showed inflation pressures were easing more broadly.

Inflation is definitely moderating, it is not the economic challenge in the short term. Supporting growth and jobs is, Swan said.

Canon logs 1st net profit fall in 9 years

TOKYO, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Japan's camera maker Canon said Wednesday that it suffered the first profit and sales fall in nine years in 2008, down by 36.7 percent year-on-year in its net profit to 309.15 billion yen (3.47 billion U.S. dollars).

Shrinking demand and the sharp appreciation of Japanese yen are the factors behind downturn in its profit, it said.

Meanwhile, Canon's operating profit was down 34.4 percent to 496.07 billion yen (5.57 billion dollars).

The company projected that its net profit will dive 68.3 percent to 98 billion yen (1.10 billion dollars).

S Korean economic indictors plummet rapidly

SEOUL, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's latest economic indicators, hit hard by the ongoing global financial turmoil, are dropping faster than they did during the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, the Korea Herald reported Wednesday.

Datas from the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, the National Statistical Office (NSO) and the Bank of Korea (BOK) showed that the country's output, exports and consumption and number of jobs plummeted in the last two month of 2008.

The government data showed that production in the mining and manufacturing industries shrank 14.1 percent in November from a year ago, the worst since the government began compiling such data in 1970. In October the figure marked 2.3 percent contraction. Thedecline was steeper than a 0.4 percent contraction in December 1997 and a 7.7 percent contraction in January 1998.

Factories operated 68 percent of their capacity in November, down from 80.6 percent a year ago, government data showed. It was the lowest level since 65.7 percent in August 1998.

Exports dropped 19.5 percent in November and further plunged 29percent to 12.47 billion U.S. dollars during the first 20 days of January.

Consumption fell to the worst level in more than a decade. The November sales of consumer goods shrank 5.9 percent, the lowest since minus 7.3 percent in December 1998. The South Korean economy lost 12,000 jobs in December from a year ago, marking the first contraction since October 2003 and raising the nation's jobless rate to 3.3 percent, according to the NSO.

The nation's economy shrank 3.4 percent in the fourth quarter last year from a year ago, which was the worst quarter GDP contraction in 11 years.

Indonesian govt sets 3 requirements on investment in steel industry

JAKARTA, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian Industry Minister FahmiIdris required steel investors in the country that they should have efficient technology applications, their production should be based in South Kalimantan, and they have to launch joint venture with local companies.

The Indonesian Business daily on Wednesday quoted the Ministry's Director General for Textile Machinery and Miscellany Ansari Bukhari as saying that the requirements are targeting the rapid growing of foreign investors in the industry.

Indonesia has an abundant resources of ion ores that are supplied for many steel manufacturer in the country. Thus, many transnational steel producers were very keen on investing in and establishing steel manufacturers in the country, such as Pohang Steel Co. (Posco) with a total investment up to 1 billion U.S. dollar and ArcelorMittal with a total investment up to 800 million dollars.

Japanese PM vows to steer his country out of economic recession

TOKYO, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister Taro Aso pledged Wednesday to rescue Japan from the ongoing economic recession by taking bold economic and employment steps.

By pressing ahead with bold measures, I will make Japan the first country in the world to emerge from the present economic recession, said Aso in his address at the Diet.

To deal with an unusual economy, extraordinary steps are vital, he added.

Since last year, the 68-year-old politician has formulated a string of economic stimulus packages worth a total of 75 trillion yen, which are included in the two extra budgets for fiscal 2008 and the fiscal 2009 budget.

In his speech, Aso also urged the public to brace for heavier burdens, such as a hike in consumption tax, to help build a better social welfare society.

In order to achieve sustainable economic growth, the prime minister was determined to hammer out new growth strategies and proposed leading a low-carbon revolution to create world-leading environmental technologies and realizing effective medical and nursing services.

Aso also voiced his determination to work with U.S. President Barack Obama to tackle critical issues such as the global financial turmoil, terrorism and climate change.

Indonesian government to launch massive stimulus plan

JAKARTA, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia unveiled its stimulus package worth 71.3 trillion rupiahs (about 6.31 billion U.S. dollars) or 1.4 percent of its GDP to boost economy amid the threat of global financial crisis, the Jakarta Post reported Wednesday.

Indonesian Financial Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said Tuesday at the House of Representatives' Commission that the package was aimed at increasing people's purchasing power, the competitiveness and sturdiness of businesses facing the economic downturn, and labor-intensive infrastructure spending.

The new stimulus includes tax savings worth 43 trillion rupiahs (about 3.8 billion dollars); waived taxes and import duties for businesses and certain households worth 13.3 trillion rupiahs (about 1.2 billion dollars); and subsidies and government spending businesses, worth 15 trillion rupiahs (about 1.3 billion dollars).

Of the waived taxes and import duties for businesses and certain households, 3.5 trillion rupiahs (about 0.3 billion dollars) are for value-added taxes on oil and gas exploration, andcooking oil; 2.5 trillion rupiahs (about 0.2 billion dollars) are for import duties on raw materials and capital goods; 6.5 trillionrupiahs (about 0.6 billion dollars) are for income taxes of employees; and 0.8 trillion rupiahs (about 70.7 million dollars) are for income taxes for geothermal.

Of the subsidies and government spending for businesses, 2.8 trillion rupiahs (about 0.2 billion dollars) are for diesel subsidy; 1.4 trillion rupiahs (about 0.1 billion dollars) are for electricity rate discount for industries; 10.2 trillion rupiahs (about 0.9 billion dollars) are for additional infrastructure spending:; and 0.6 trillion rupiahs (about 53 million dollars) are for expansion of development for people living in rural areas (PNPM).

The global downturn is affecting Indonesia's economy on all fronts. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Tuesday that the country's economic growth this year was predicted to drop drastically. Before that, the government forecasted the economy to grow between 4.5 and 5.5 percent this year, a drop from an estimated 6.2 percent in 2008.

Malaysia ACE insurance to offer slew of specialty lines products

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- ACE Synergy Insurance Bhd (ACE Malaysia) plans to launch a slew of specialty lines insurance products in the next 12 months to entrench itself as leaders in the segment, local media reported on Wednesday.

Specialty personal lines are insurance products that provide coverage for an individual's personal possessions such as computer notebooks, mobile phones, videos, cameras, credit cards, identity cards and other important documents.

Over the next 12 months, we will be working with several partners to launch a variety of specialty lines products, ACE regional manager Jason Longley said.

ACE Malaysia will work with selected partners to develop protection solutions which meet the specific needs of their consumers, he said.

The aim is to provide the best solution to balance a good level of protection with a premium that customers can afford.

Our goal is to provide bespoke solutions at affordable premiums which will enhance both the product's competitive edge and sales capability, creating tangible bottom line benefits, the New Straits Times quoted Longley as saying.

In some of its more mature markets in Europe, for example, take up rates are as high as 40 percent for products related to accidental damage and theft protection for laptop computers.

ACE is committed to growing this line of business as part of its regional five year plan to diversify its products and channels,Longley said.

ACE Malaysia is a joint-venture entity between ACE Ltd and Advance Synergy Capital, with ACE holding the controlling stake of51 percent.

The company offers a broad range of general insurance products through agents, brokers, direct marketing and telemarketing.

S Korean consumer sentiment rises in January

SEOUL, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's consumer survey index (CSI) posted 84 in January, up from a 10-year low in the previous month, said the nation's central bank on Wednesday.

A series of rate cuts and economic stimulus plans helped ease concerns over the sharply slowing economy, said Huh Sang-do, official of the Bank of Korea (BOK).

Amid the economic downturn, consumer sentiment will likely remain sluggish down the road, he said.

The CSI marked 81 in December last year, which was the lowest level since the fourth quarter of 1998 when the index reached 80.

Consumer survey index (CSI) is a proxy of consumers' overall sense of their economic outlook, living conditions and future spending. A reading below 100 means pessimists about the future economy conditions outnumbers optimists.

S Koreas durable goods imports drop 26.1% in December

SEOUL, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) - South Korea's imports of durable consumer goods reached 955 million U.S. dollars in December, down 26.1 percent from a year ago, the Korea Herald reported Wednesday.

The decline was mainly due to drop of imports in expensive items such as automobiles, home appliances, gold and golf equipment, the Korea Customs Service (KCS) said at a report.

Among the four items, the value of automobile imports dropped the most.

The KCS said the value of automobiles imported last month amounted to 126 million U.S. dollars, while the number of the same period in 2007 was recorded at 262 million U.S. dollars.

The value of imported gold in December decreased 47.9 percent from a year ago to 54 million U.S. dollars while the value of golf equipment imported decreased by 22.5 percent, the data showed, the KSC said.

Import of home appliances in December last year dropped 15.2 percent to 209 million U.S. dollars from the same period in 2007, the KSC said.

The Korea Herald attributed the fall to the economic downturn which has caused consumers to put off buying high price items such as automobiles and home appliances.

Malaysia expands services export fund

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Services Export Fund (SEF), a fund established to assist Malaysian service providers in venturing globally, has recently been expanded to include a wider range of programs and activities, local media reported on Wednesday.

The scope of the SEF was expanded in response to the global economic crisis and to assist Malaysian service providers to further expand overseas.

The SEF is managed by the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), an agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

The expanded scope covers the organization of specialized marketing and follow-up missions, and hosting of project owners and key decision makers to Malaysia by Matrade.

The fund is available to a wide range of sectors, including the information and communication technology (ICT), healthcare, education, oil and gas, and construction sectors, the New Straits Times reported.

To date, the SEF has attracted a total of 603 applications from312 companies, from a wide range of service sectors. Grants approved under the SEF are valued at 31.1 million ringgit (8.61 million U.S. dollars).

Three types of reimbursable grants are available, comprising a 50 percent reimbursable grant for costs incurred in preparing and submitting bids for overseas projects; a 50 percent reimbursable grant for undertaking trade promotion activities overseas and a 100 percent reimbursable grant to undertake feasibility studies.

S. Korean manufacturing jobs expected to drop below 4 mln this year

SEOUL, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- The number of jobs in the South Korean manufacturing sector is expected to drop below 4 million this year, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported on Wednesday.

According to Yonhap, the National Statistical Office (NSO) and the Bank of Korea (BOK) said that jobs in manufacturing sector decreased steadily to 4.07 million in 2008 from 4.11 million in 2007.

In December, the number of people working in the manufacturing industry fell 2.4 percent to 4.02 million, marking the sharpest drop since the 2.5 percent fall in November 2005.

The South Korean government attributed the drop in manufacturing jobs to the global economic crunch which is taking its toll on the nation's investment and consumption, Yonhap said.

The steady shifting of the country's manufacturing sector into capital-intensive, high-tech fields and a higher proportion of information technology (IT) companies are also contributing to the fall, Yonhap said.

Mainland visitors bring business to Taiwan

Special Report:2009 Spring Festival

This year's Spring Festival is the first since Taiwan began receiving regular direct flights from the mainland. On Monday, the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, Taiwan welcomed 3,000 people. That's a record high for a single day. The travel industry in Taiwan is predicting that travellers from the mainland will bring 800 million yuan in revenue to the island during the holiday season.

Many mainland residents visit Taiwan to experience the special festival atmosphere on the island.

mainland visitor, said, Taiwan has a special festival style. The atmosphere is even stronger. I want to see what the difference is...

Many mainland visitors come to the island ready to shop. Most of the tourists are interested in special, local products.

mainland visitor, said, I want to go shopping. I'm especially interested in night markets.

mainland visitor, said, Taiwan's high mountain tea is very good. It also produces many kinds of fruits.

Statistics from Taiwan's travel industry show that between January 24th and February 1st... some five hundred and fifty mainland tour groups comprising some ten thousand people... will visit Taiwan. It's estimated that each traveller will spend at least eight thousand yuan during the trip. That means the festival period will bring about 800 million yuan worth of new revenue to Taiwan's travel sector.

China tourism heating up during Spring Festival holidays

Special Report:2009 Spring Festival

Chinese tourism authorities say the first three days of the Spring Festival witnessed a surge in visitors to the country's top sites.

Chinesetourismauthoritiessaythefirstthree
daysoftheSpringFestivalwitnessedasurgein
visitorstothecountry'stopsites.

Beijing has provided 50,000 free tickets for visitors to the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall and the National Stadium.

Meanwhile, Shanghai has launched inexpensive one-day tours of the city. And visitors flying to major scenic sites in the northeastern provinces of Heilongjiang and Jilin have surged by 4,000 per day since Monday, with hotel occupancy rates in Heilongjiang surpassing 90 percent.

Interview: World forum chief seeks unity among companies, govts seeking ways out of crisis

Special Report:Premier Wen visits Europe

Over 40 heads of state or government will be in Davos to discuss this year's theme of shaping the post-crisis world Wednesday. The head of the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab, has called for unity among companies and governments trying to steer a path clear of the global financial crisis. Schwab wants to include the banks that helped create the economic problems.

Klaus Schwab said, Because this is a crisis of confidence, it is also a crisis of trust and to re-establish trust you have to know what is happening afterwards, you have to have some predictability. Now, whether it is correct to integrate the banking community, those who among others originated the crisis, I think it is very important. Because those people are not only part of the problem, they are part of the solution. We need a well functioning financial community, we should not forget, otherwise we don't have a well functioning economy.

EU economy commissioner cautious about bad bank

BRUSSELS, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- The European Union's chief economy official said here on Tuesday that it was too soon to start work on a 'bad bank' to remove toxic assets and reactivate lending.

Joaquin Almunia, Economic and Monetary Policy Commissioner, urged EU member states to coordinate at EU level on what the 'bad assets' need to be dealt with and what is the best way to value them before rushing into creating it.

The recent announcement of huge losses by some European banks has shown us that we are not out of the woods yet, Almunia told af inancial services conference, referring to the financial crisis that has hit hard the global economy.

We are hearing widespread reports of businesses being denied access to bank credit, he said, Specific problems have been identified in financing large-scale infrastructure projects and for financing international trade.

He warned a breakdown in the credit market channel could make the current economic slowdown even deeper.

Several member states were now considering how to solve the problem of toxic assets, which would continue to undermine confidence and hamper leading so long as they have remained on bank's balance sheets, he noted.

Needless to say, this solution (of creating a bad bank) is not free of problems and it is just one among several possible avenues, Almunia said.

Britain proposed last week to create a 'bad bank' to buy up the toxic assets to restore trust and kickstart lending.

But I believe that before rushing into the 'bad bank' debate we have to coordinate at EU level our views on first, what are the 'bad assets' that we need to deal with, second, what is the best way to value them, and only then to address the issue of what is the best way to manage them, said Almunia.

At the same time, he stressed at this point that any further aid to the banking sector must be based on the principle of transparency.

If governments are to continue putting taxpayers' money into financial institutions, they must know from the outset the situation of that institution: its exposure to various risks, the quality of its asset portfolio and the sustainability of its business model in the long term, he warned.

EU states have so far recapitalized 300 billion euros in financial groups in an attempt to stabilize financial markets and help banks lend.

Almunia said banks had to be open about the risks they are holding if they are seeking any more government help.

German business confidence unexpectedly increases in January

BERLIN, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- German business confidence has slightly increased in January, the Ifo institute in Munich said on Tuesday, out of the expectation of experts.

The Ifo institute said German business confidence increased to 83 in January from 82.7 in December, ending the falling trend since June 2008, as the influence of global financial crisis becomes more and more serious, but this data can not be taken as a cyclical turnaround.

The Ifo said the firms in manufacturing and exports continue to expect a very unfavorable business development, while the wholesalers and retailers regard their present situation as well as their outlook less negatively than in December.

Economists expected German business confidence will fall to 81,the median of 37 forecasts in a Bloomberg News survey shows.

The unexpected rise may have been caused by the European Central Bank lowering its interest rates and the government doubling its economic stimulus package to fight the recession, according to the local media.

The Ifo began calculating German business confidence from January 1991, based on a survey of 7,000 executives.

China home appliance giant Haiers profit up 20.6% in 2008

JINAN, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Haier, China's largest maker of home appliances, saw its net profit up 20.6 percent last year thanks to the central government's initiative to subsidize purchases by rural residents.

The group's turnover increased 8 per cent to 122 billion yuan (17.8 billion U.S. dollars) last year.

The achievement came from effective control of inventory levels as well as trade and bill receivables, said its CEO Zhang Ruimin.

The Qingdao-based Haier has taken lessons from the 1997 Asian financial crisis and is preparing to respond to crisis every day, Zhang said.

Sales in overseas markets rose 9.8 percent year on year.

Zhang said the key to the growth in China was the fast-growing rural market.

Haier is benefiting from the central government's subsidy scheme to spur domestic consumption that began its trial run in December 2007. The second round of the scheme began on Dec. 1 last year.

The scheme entitles each of the 180 million rural households to a 13 percent government rebate on purchase of one home appliance item. These include televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, mobile telephones, air conditioners, water heaters, computers and motorcycles.

Haier sold 1.2 million units of home appliances, generating revenue that made up 42 per cent of the country's whole sales through the first round of the scheme .

It has 21,000 outlets in Chinese townships and 73,000 sales points in villages. Some 230,000 people have got jobs from Hai'er countryside strategy.

Crude prices plunge on weak U.S. economic data

NEW YORK, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Crude prices plunged nine percent Tuesday as weak U.S. economic data refreshed investors' concerns on energy demand.

U.S. consumer confidence dropped to a record low in January, said the Conference Board, an economic research group. The index edged lower in January to 37.7 from a revised 38.6 in December.

Meanwhile, U.S. home prices plunged in November from a year earlier. The Standard

U.S. stocks rise despite weak economic data

NEW YORK, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. stocks edged up Tuesday on some better-than-expected earnings, but pulled back from the day's high as U.S. consumer confidence hit record low.

A series of upbeat earnings results shored up the stocks in the early trading. U.S. Steel reported Monday that its fourth-quarter earnings have soared following the company's acquisition.

Meanwhile, American Express Co., the biggest U.S. credit-card company by purchases, posted a drop of 79 percent in fourth-quarter profit, which still topped the most pessimistic estimates.

But stocks gave up some of the early gains as the Conference Board, a New York-based research institution, reported a record low of U.S. consumer confidence.

January Consumer Confidence Index fell to 37.7 from a revised 38.6 in December, worse than the economists had expected and is the lowest level since the index began recording in 1967.

The Standard

Canadas NDP, Bloc Quebecois say not to support budget

OTTAWA, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Two of Canada's opposition parties -- the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Bloc Quebecois -- said Tuesday they will not support the Conservative government's budget.

The two parties had already indicated they would vote against the budget even before the budget announcement, saying they had lost faith and trust in the government.

Immediately after the budget was released, NDP leader Jack Layton said in a statement the budget will not adequately save and create jobs.

This budget fails to restore confidence in Mr. Harper's ability to protect the vulnerable in Canada ... it does not give us confidence in the direction the Harper government is going, said Layton.

Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe criticized the budget for not including enough for pay equity, the environment, seniors, social housing or lower income families.

Obviously, we will not support that budget, Duceppe told reporters.

I think the best solution by far is a coalition which agreed on a bailout plan that would have been much better to get us out of this crisis now, Duceppe said.

The budget is subject to a series of confidence votes in the Parliament later this week and it now rests totally on the Liberals to decide the fate of the Conservative government.

Earlier Tuesday, Liberal leader Ignatieff said he and his advisers will spend the evening studying the budget document and will announce his decision Wednesday.

09/01/28 BizChina (11:00AM)

09/01/27 BizChina (21:00)

09/01/26 BizChina (21:00)

Backgrounder: China and Swiss relations

Special Report:Premier Wen visits Europe

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao will also visit Germany, Spain, the UK and the EU headquarters during his 7-day trip... after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos. We take a look at the development of Sino-Swiss relations in the past half century.

DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS:

China established diplomatic relations with Switzerland on September 14th 1950, exchanging ministerial level counsels.

Switzerland was one of the first western countries to recognize and establish diplomatic ties with China.

During recent years, high level mutual visits have become frequent with cooperation in all field.