New ASEAN Chief Hopes to See Japan Boost Ties with SE Asia

In a recent interview with Kyodo News, the former Thai foreign minister, who began his five-year term as secretary general of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Tuesday last week, spoke of his vision of enhanced community-building in Asia, saying, ''My dream is to have the second Fukuda Doctrine.'' Surin was referring to the doctrine enunciated in 1977 by then Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda, father of current Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, which has long underpinned Japan's relations with Southeast Asia. Fukuda declared in Manila then Japan's resolve to never again become a military power and to strive to contribute to the peace and prosperity of Southeast Asia in a relationship of equality, mutual confidence and trust based on ''heart-to-heart understanding.'' Surin said that in the current age of globalization, with so much regional integration going on, ''I think the first Fukuda Doctrine can be fine-tuned, embellished to fit the situation of the day now.'' ''Prosperity, stability and security of the Southeast Asian region are certainly vital to Japan's national interest. I think between us, we've shown to the world that there's no other alternative but interdependency,'' he said. Pointing out that ASEAN countries have long offered Japan not only raw materials and production bases but also passage for Japanese goods, Surin suggested ASEAN could in the future serve as a ''filtering mechanism for Japanese generosity'' in extending assistance to other parts of the world such as Africa, South and Central Asia, and Pacific island nations. ''We are talking about equal partnership. We are no longer talking about the donor and the recipients. We're talking about responsible stakeholders. We each can contribute, participate and shoulder our own respective responsibility,'' said Surin, 58, a Muslim from Thailand's southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Economic links and trade between Japan and Southeast Asia have been enhanced due to Japan's enormous investment in and relocation of labor-intensive industries to the less-advanced economies in the region. Still, the economically diverse Southeast Asian countries are seeking greater transfer of technology from Japan. In addition to his dream of advancing ties between Japan and ASEAN, Surin said he wants to promote the role of Southeast Asia's moderate and progressive Muslims in facilitating reconciliation between the Western and Muslim worlds. ''The road to reconciliation between the West and the Muslim world runs through Southeast Asia,'' he said with confidence. ''Half of ASEAN are Muslims. Characteristics of Muslims in Southeast Asia have been moderate, progressive, open, accommodating, forward looking, less dogmatic, less rigid, very adaptable and innovative,'' he said. ''I think it's being accepted in the rest of the Muslim world that Malaysia is probably a very good model for Muslim society in the age of globalization,'' he added. He pointed out Malaysia's success in promoting Islamic banking, and scientific technology, saying other Muslim nations could learn from the success.

Surin, who had been consecutively elected as a member of Thailand's House of Representatives for the last 20 years and who was foreign minister between 1997 and 2001, said that as ASEAN secretary general, ''I will do what politicians do best and that is to communicate to the people directly and invite them in, open up the space for them and ask for their participation in these community-building efforts'' in Asia. Admitting that ASEAN is not merely economically diverse but also politically, Surin said diversity in Southeast Asia is also a source of strength. ''Diversity among our people is natural but I think it is not insurmountable. We can inspire them to leave the differences behind and look for a common future,'' he said.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. ''We need to energize the majority of the people. We need to empower them so that they will serve as the pressure on the leaders, on the dreamers, the visionaries, the officials and diplomats'' to expedite regional integration and promote equitable development, Surin said. Last November, ASEAN heads of government signed a landmark charter, the first in the group's 40-year history, to give it a legal identity as it prepares to create an ASEAN Community by 2015 that could eventually expand to include East Asian countries such as Japan, China and South Korea. Surin expressed optimism that he will be able as ASEAN secretary general to bridge differences among regional players and resolve obstacles that may arise. ''I'm essentially a leading cheerleader of East Asian community building,'' he said with a broad grin.

From Kyodo News 01/07/ 2008

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China Can Play Leading Role in Asia-Pacific, Says ESCAP Chief

BANGKOK-- As an emerging economic powerhouse and a growing player on regional and global issues, China is able to play a leadership role in the common development of prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, a high-ranking UN official said on Saturday. In an interview with Xinhua before her scheduled visit to China on January 17-23, Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, executive secretary of ESCAP ( Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific), said the major challenges now facing the region are different kinds of "imbalances", such as the issues of economic imbalance, social imbalance and ecological imbalance. Heyzer, who is also under-secretary-general of the United Nations, said the region not only enjoy fast economy growth, but also has half of the world's population in poverty. "Uneven economic development in different parts of countries and between countries, growing inequality in income, the existence of poverty and social exclusion, the sustainability and pollution issue -- all need to be seriously addressed by the ESCAP and its members", she said.

The UN official said one of the areas ESCAP is known for is the area of "Green Growth", to which China has shown its appreciation, by integrating the approach in its 11th strategic plan for national social and economic development, and in fact setting a target of reducing energy consumption per unit of GDP by 20 percent by the year 2010. "It is one of the examples that China can play a leading role through cooperation with the ESCAP, in helping the ESCAP addressing these challenges in the region", she said.

Heyzer said the ESCAP would like to see the partnership between the ESCAP and China be further broadened in the future, especially in the follow-up of the Bali conference last December on the global issue of climate change. Commenting on China's progress in the past three decades, she said, "China is a big economic powerhouse. The target of 'halving the population in poverty', one of the 'Millennium Development Goals' that the UN has drafted for the common development of the world, is met mainly thanks to China." She also noted China's achievement on South-South cooperation, that China has lent huge support to East Timor, Cambodia and Laos, and outside Asia, China has played a big role in development of Africa. "I would encourage China to continue its contribution and to be actually a major donor to the South-South cooperation, and to not just focus on bilateral level, but to use multilateral system to enable more countries to share the experience of China in this area."

Citing as an example of the impact of China's development in the region, she referred to an article she recently read which depicts how the cheap motorbikes produced by China in Laos have increased the assets of poor households, as well as allowing market access by improving connectivity to other parts of the country. "My role as head of ESCAP is to identify different strengths of our member countries in order to move towards common sustainable development. I would like to stress that I really look forward to China's leadership role for the region to continue on the path to common prosperity." the ESCAP chief said. China is a member of ESCAP, the regional arm of UN in Asia and the Pacific.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-01/12/content_6389606.htm

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ADB Consults South Asia on Safeguard Policy Update

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will meet in New Delhi Jan. 16-17 with various groups from South Asia on the update of its environment, involuntary resettlement and indigenous peoples safeguard policies. These meetings will be followed by a one-day meeting Jan. 18 with civil society organizations and private individuals who have expressed an interest in discussing the safeguard policies. The safeguard policies require that projects financed by ADB avoid, minimize and mitigate harm to people and the environment. In 2006, ADB lending for development projects in South Asia amounted to $3.1 billion, about 39% of total ADB lending for the year. Being home to more than half of Asia's poor, South Asia is an important region for ADB, whose mission is to help its developing member countries reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their citizens.

The consultation meetings will include representatives from government, non-government organizations, academia and the private sector in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Multilateral financial institutions and other development agencies are also expected to join. The meetings follow similar consultations held in November last year for Central and West Asia indigenous peoples organizations in Asia, and various stakeholder groups in the Philippines. More consultations are planned to March 2008. The ongoing Safeguard Policy Update is seeking to improve the effectiveness of ADB¡¯s safeguard policies and enhance their relevance to changing client needs and ADB¡¯s new lending products.

The update is intended to articulate the safeguard requirements to improve their clarity, coherence and consistency; balance a front-loaded procedural approach with one more focused on results during implementation; make policy implementation more adaptable in practice to match an evolving range of lending products and innovative financing modalities; work toward greater harmonization with safeguard practices across multilateral financial institutions and tailor safeguard approaches to different clients with different capacities; and improve ADB¡¯s internal processes and resource allocation. The goals of the consultative meetings include enhancing ADB¡¯s understanding of stakeholders' perspectives and establishing a shared understanding of safeguard objectives, principles and requirements. A consultation draft of ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement was posted on ADB's Web site in October last year for a comment period of at least 90 days. Consultation workshop schedules are also on the Web site. For more information, visit http://www.adb.org/Safeguards/about.asp

From http://www.adb.org/ 01/14/2008

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Southeast Asian Democratization in the Era of Globalization

Modernity has entered a stage in which space and time are being transformed, the cause and consequence of which is globalization. Globalized modernity is risky, we have to deal with unforeseen and unwanted consequences. Present day modernity is full of man-made risks. One such example of a manufactured risk is the much discussed climate change of which we cannot fully grasp the causes let alone the consequences. Are the risks of globalization evenly distributed around our globe? Does globalization have the same ring in London as it does in Jakarta?

London can be classified as a global city as it is the center of trading, banking and financing. Jakarta is no global city. Decisions taken by investment bankers in a global city can have severe consequences in other places. Early July, 1997, the baht halved in value after the Thai government decided to float its currency when became apparent that the real-estate market was over-heated. In June of that year Indonesia seemed an unlikely candidate for an economic crisis, but many corporations had debts in U.S. dollars. This became a problem when the rupiah started to slide. The IMF stepped in with a rescue package. To no avail, the rupiah further devalued. This let to inflation of basic goods, which in turn let to demonstrations and riots. Eventually Soeharto stepped down on May 20, 1998, after 32 years in power.

Indonesia started on a bumpy road towards democratization. A decade after former strongman Soeharto ended the New Order regime, Indonesia still struggles in times of soaring energy prices. Since the U.S.-led attack on Iraq in 2003, oil prices have sharply increased. Indonesia has had to cut subsidies, which has hit the poor hard. Tens of millions live in poverty. According to the World Bank more than 100 million Indonesians have to live on Rp 20,000 or less per day. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, though, claims that Indonesia's poverty rate is not 49.5 percent but is now only 16.5 percent.

In post-crisis Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra became prime minister with the populist Thai Rak Thai party in 2001. In January 2006 his family sold their stake in Shin Corporation to Temasek Holdings (which is fully owned by the Singaporean finance ministry). This was heavily criticized by Thai nationalists. Thaksin's family netted US$1.88 billion due to tax exemption. In September 2006 the Thai army committed a coup while Thaksin was in New York. He was accused of corruption and choose to remain abroad. In 2007 Thaksin bought English soccer club Manchester City F.C. (which currently has the Swede Sven-Gvran Eriksson as its manager).

The economic crisis of the former Asian tigers also hit post-soviet Russia. The Washington-based IMF demanded the liberalization of the Russian market. Roman Abramovich became rich in these chaotic times of post-soviet privatization in the early nineties. According to Forbes this young Russian's net worth was in mid-2007 US$18.7 billion. He bought Chelsea F.C. in 2003 and bought for millions new players. His Israeli friend Avram Grant, who is of eastern European descent and who lost a large part of his family in the holocaust, now leads Chelsea (Grant is assisted by the Dutchman Henk ten Cate, who is of Surinamese descent; the former Dutch colony Suriname is still home to many Javanese, Chinese and Indians). Chelsea's shirt sponsor is the South Korean-based multi-national corporation Samsung, as English soccer is very popular in this region of the world.

Is this the feel-good mixture some multiculturalists draw on when discussing globalization: Soccer players from Ivory Coast and Brazil, music from the Caribbean and the Balkan, food from the Middle East and South Asia? Are England's only curses caused by globalization that some swans died of avian flu and that the national soccer team will not compete for the European Championship in Switzerland and Austria next summer? The influx of foreign players into the Premier League is blamed for the national team's failure to qualify. But London was hit hard on the morning of July 7, 2005, by a series of four bombs that killed 52 and maimed many others. The four suicide attackers were sons of immigrants. The UK, like other European countries, has become an immigration destination in recent decades, especially from former colonies. Immigration (and Islam with it) is high on the political agenda.

Sometimes it is suggested that low-wage countries like India and China pose a threat to the European economy. But a city like London has already turned away from industrial jobs. Transferring jobs to low-wage countries only affects a small percentage of the population: The uneducated underclass that lost out in the service economy and is now structurally dependent on welfare. Moreover, because multinational corporations have become experts in tax evasion the welfare system becomes difficult to afford. Globalization affects every one, but not equally. The average Londoner can look ahead with more sensible optimism than most Jakartans can. Decisions made in London, New York, Washington or Tokyo can have consequences for the quality of life in Jakarta and beyond. Decisions made in one city can have unforeseen and unwanted consequences for economics and politics on the other side of the planet. That should be something under very serious consideration in those global cities. A decade after the crisis most Asians still struggle for a sense of stability in this fast changing world. The writer teaches at Parahyangan University. His weblog is fatumbrutum.blogspot.com. (by Roy Voragen)

From The Jakarta Post 01/16/2008

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ITU Announces First Global Set of Standards for IPTV

Geneva, 18 December 2007 ¡ª The International Telecommunication Union announced the first set of global standards for Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) today. The standards were built with technical contributions from leading service providers and manufacturers from the information and communication technology (ICT) sector and cement ITU¡¯s role as the global leader in IPTV standards development. IPTV is one of the most highly visible services to emerge as part of the development of next-generation networks (NGN). Indeed, it is seen as both the business case and principal driver for accelerating deployment of NGN. The new standards were developed by the Focus Group on IPTV (FG IPTV) in ITU¡¯s Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Malcolm Johnson, Director of ITU¡¯s Telecommunication Standardization Bureau said, "Standards are crucial for IPTV to reach its market potential and global audience. They are necessary in order to give service providers ¡ª whether traditional broadcasters, ISPs, cable operators or telecoms service providers ¡ª control over their platforms and their offerings. Standards here will encourage innovation, help mask the complexity of services, guarantee quality of service, ensure interoperability and, ultimately, help players remain competitive." This announcement follows the seventh and final meeting of FG IPTV hosted in Malta by the Maltese Ministry for Competitiveness and Communications. Censu Galea, Minister for Competitiveness and Communications said, "The stage of work that sees completion this week lays the groundwork for an area of ICT that some predict could attract up to 100 million subscribers in the next three years. It¡¯s easy to see why so many of the world¡¯s key ICT companies have been keen to progress this work in ITU. Malta is proud to host this event and play a part in advancing this important technology." Contained within the documents produced by the Focus Group are the high-level architecture and frameworks needed by service providers in order to rollout IPTV services.

ITU¡¯s next phase of IPTV work ¡ª IPTV-GSI (global standards initiative) ¡ª will centre on the speedy preparation of standards based on documents produced by FG IPTV as well as on the detailed protocols required. The 2006–2007 period has seen numerous physical and electronic meetings and workshops progressing work on IPTV around the world. Twenty-one documents covering IPTV requirements, architecture, quality of service (QoS), security, digital rights management (DRM), unicast and multicast, protocols, metadata, middleware and home networks will be submitted to the ITU-T Study Group charged with progressing and distributing the work. The IPTV-GSI will build on the momentum generated over the past 20 months, and it is foreseen that contributions and participation will continue to increase. Operators consider IPTV a key element of a triple-play package of voice, video and data services. Standardization is imperative if service providers are to offer high quality products with value-additions, such as video-on-demand services that will inevitably drive the market. A combination of voice, Internet and video services over a single broadband link and from a single provider is foreseen as the ultimate goal of the broadband revolution. FG IPTV benefited from collaboration with all ITU-T Study Groups and other forums and regional standards bodies, including ATIS IPTV Interoperability Forum (IIF), DSL Forum, the DVB project, ETSI TISPAN and the Home Gateway Initiative (HGI). The first meeting of IPTV-GSI will convene in Seoul, Republic of Korea from 15 to 22 January 2008.

From http://www.itu.int/ 01/18/2008

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Pakistan and Afghanistan Emerging as Bigger Focus in U.S. Terrorism Fight

WASHINGTON ¨C In a shift with profound implications, the Bush administration is attempting to re-energize its terrorism-fighting war efforts in Afghanistan, the original target of a post-Sept. 11 offensive. The U.S. also is refocusing on Pakistan, where a regenerating al-Qaeda is posing fresh threats. There is growing recognition that the United States risks further setbacks, if not deepening conflict or even defeat, in Afghanistan, and that success in that country hinges on stopping Pakistan from descending into disorder. AdvertisementPrivately, some senior U.S. military commanders say Pakistan's tribal areas are at the center of the fight against Islamic extremism; more so than Iraq, or even Afghanistan. These areas border on eastern Afghanistan and provide haven for al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters to regroup, rearm and reorganize. This view may explain, at least in part, the administration's increasingly public expressions of concern.

At a Pentagon news conference last week, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that while the U.S. respects the Pakistani government's right to decide what actions are needed to defeat extremists on its soil, there are reasons to worry that al-Qaeda poses more than an internal threat to Pakistan. ¡°I think we are all concerned about the re-establishment of al-Qaeda safe havens in the border area,¡± Gates said. ¡°I think it would be unrealistic to assume that all of the planning that they're doing is focused strictly on Pakistan. So I think that that is a continuing threat to Europe as well as to us.¡± The Pentagon says it has fewer than 100 troops in Pakistan, including personnel who are training Pakistan's paramilitary Frontier Corps in the western tribal region along the Afghanistan border.

The U.S. military has used other means, including aerial surveillance by drones, to hunt Osama bin Laden and other senior al-Qaeda leaders believed to be hiding near the Afghan border. Ground troops on the Afghan side sometimes fire artillery across the border at known Taliban or al-Qaeda targets, and U.S. officials have said special operations forces are poised to strike across the border under certain circumstances. In recent days, administration officials have said they would send more U.S. forces, including small numbers of combat troops, if the Pakistani government decided it wanted to collaborate more closely.

It is far from certain that U.S. combat troops will set foot in Pakistan in any substantial numbers. On Friday, Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, said his country opposes any foreign forces on its soil. ¡°The man in the street will not allow this ¨C he will come out and agitate,¡± he said. Musharraf said the U.S. instead should bolster its combat forces in Afghanistan. The top two U.S. intelligence officials made a secret visit to Pakistan in early January to seek Musharraf's permission for greater involvement of American forces in trying to ferret out al-Qaeda and other militant groups active in the tribal regions, a senior U.S. official said Saturday. Musharraf was said to have rebuffed an expansion of an American presence in Pakistan at the meeting, either through overt CIA. missions or by joint operations with Pakistani security forces.

The number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan has grown over the past two years from about 20,000 to the current total of 28,000. That is the highest number of the war, which began in October 2001. The total is to jump by 3,200 this spring with a new influx of Marine reinforcements, including 2,200 combat troops who will bolster a NATO-led counterinsurgency force in the south. ¡°There is strong pressure now from the international community to find some solution to Afghanistan because of the fear that this could quickly go south,¡± said Ashley J. Tellis, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. In 2006-07, he was an adviser to Nicholas Burns, the undersecretary of state for political affairs. ¡°We haven't lost the war yet, but we could be on our way to doing so,¡± Tellis said in a telephone interview Friday. He strongly recommends strengthening the U.S. military presence in southern Afghanistan. The vast majority of deployed U.S. troops are still in Iraq, although the force of nearly 160,000 is set on a downward trend. In recent weeks U.S. officials have spoken of Iraq as moving toward stability, with al-Qaeda-affiliated fighters weakened and possibly forced to make a last stand.

So there is no wholesale shift of U.S. military firepower from Iraq to Afghanistan. Gates recently rejected a Marine Corps proposal to move the 20,000-plus Marine contingent in Iraq to Afghanistan, reflecting a worry that Iraq's progress is still fragile. Just last month Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Congress that the war in Afghanistan is a secondary priority. ¡°In Afghanistan we do what we can. In Iraq we do what we must,¡± he said. Yet it is apparent that as security conditions in Iraq improve, the administration is looking closer at what needs to be done in Afghanistan to counter recent gains by the Taliban. The Taliban ruled the country in the late 1990s and provided haven and support for bin Laden as his global terrorist network laid the groundwork from Afghanistan for the Sept. 11 attacks.

Gates is leading a NATO effort to produce a statement of goals for Afghanistan that spells out clearly what is at stake. The purpose is to bolster NATO governments' efforts to convince their publics that fighting and dying in Afghanistan is an investment worth making. The statement is supposed to be ready for adoption by President Bush and other NATO leaders at a summit meeting in April. Also, the administration is showing more interest in deepening its involvement in Pakistan. Teresita C. Schaffer, director for South Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Friday that an important indicator of that approach was the recent visit to Pakistan by Adm. William J. Fallon, the commander of American forces in that region. Fallon met with senior officials, including the new chief of the Pakistani army, Gen. Ashfaq Kayani. ¡°Why is that happening now?¡± Schaffer asked. ¡°It suggests to me that the administration is taking this much more seriously than it was.¡± That has meant more attentiveness to the needs of U.S. commanders in Afghanistan, including officers' concerns about countering the threat inside Pakistan. ¡°The sense I get is that at least in military terms they are getting a response from Washington which they weren't getting all along,¡± said Schaffer, a career foreign service officer who was deputy assistant secretary of state for South Asia in the administration of former President Bush.

From http://www.signonsandiego.com/ 01/27/2008

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CHINA: Amendment to Road Traffic Law Adopted

China's top legislature adopted on Saturday an amendment to the country's road traffic safety law, changing one controversial article which has seen frictions between motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians over the past three years. It added: "If automobile drivers make no fault in accidents, they should face no more than 10 percent of the total compensation", despite the opposition from many Chinese drivers who argued they should not face compensation liability if they were not to blame in the accidents. The amendment to the Law on Road Traffic Safety passed by the 31st session of the Standing Committee of the 10th National People's Congress (NPC), will come into effect on May 1, 2008. The amendment, based on the principle of "showcasing respect to life", further clarified the responsibility of and compensation from vehicle drivers, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians. It stipulated that "If non-motorized vehicle drivers and pedestrians make no fault in accidents, the automobile drivers should bear the compensation liability." It read, "Automobile drivers should bear less responsibility if evidence shows that non-motorized vehicle drivers or pedestrians are at fault. The automobile driver's compensation liability should be reduced according to the extent of the fault that the non-motorized vehicle drivers or pedestrians have made." China reported 159,000 road accidents in the first six months of this year, in which 37,000 people were killed and 189,000 were injured, according to figures from the Ministry of Public Security.

From Xinhua News Agency 12/29/2007

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China Adopts Law to Streamline Labor Arbitration, Cut Costs

China's top legislature adopted a law on labor dispute mediation and arbitration on Saturday aimed at "fair and timely" settlement of disputes and lower costs for workers seeking to safeguard their rights. The new law takes effect on May 1, 2008. After three readings, the law was approved by lawmakers attending the weeklong 31st session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC). "To solve labor disputes fairly and in a timely way, the law has strengthened the role of grassroots mediation institutions, improved the arbitration system, and clearly stated that labor dispute arbitration is free of charge," said Wu Bangguo, the NPC Standing Committee chairman, who presided over the closing session. "It will shorten the cycle of labor dispute settlement, lower the cost for laborers to safeguard their lawful rights, and is conducive to the development of a harmonious relations between employees and employers." The new law has four chapters and 54 clauses, and it follows the labor contract law and the law on employment promotion in being approved this year to improve China's labor systems.

It stipulates that when workers file a complaint, authorities in charge of labor affairs should deal with employers that underpay or fail to pay wages, other compensation or medical fees for job-related injuries. Figures from the NPC Law Committee show that about 30 percent of labor disputes concern pay, with delayed payment a prominent issue at year end. Some NPC Standing Committee members said many labor disputes could have been avoided if the authorities in charge of labor affairs had intensified supervision of companies and dealt with major violations in a timely way. Under the arbitration law, an organization is entitled to establish its own labor mediation committee to solve internal disputes at its own level. Such a committee should include employees and management representatives. When disputes occur, litigants can either turn to such a committee or grassroots people's labor dispute mediation organizations, the law says. Further, disputes concerning pay, medical fees or work-related injury compensation can be settled by arbitration if the amount is less than 12 months of the local minimum monthly wage. The arbitration award will have the effect of law.

Similar provisions apply to disputes over working time, holidays and social insurance. "The law is intended to help solve labor disputes fairly without going to court," Li Yuan, an official with the NPC Law Committee, told a press conference held after the conclusion of the session. China's modern labor arbitration system began in 1987, leading to the establishment of procedures to cope with labor disputes through the steps of "mediation, arbitration and trial." Regulations on labor-management disputes and the Labor Law were promulgated in 1993 and 1994. The procedures and practices for dealing with labor disputes have won wide public acceptance. According to NPC statistics, labor disputes have risen continuously in recent years. Those statistics also show that labor dispute arbitration organizations at various levels dealt with 1.72 million cases involving 5.32 million employees from 1987through 2005, with a growth rate of 27.3 percent annually. However, there are problems with the arbitration system. For instance, arbitrators are rarely professionally trained and thus lack credibility. Further, although arbitration is supposed to be cheaper than going to court, the actual process is often long and therefore expensive.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 12/29/2007

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China Revises Law to Encourage Scientists for Innovation

China's top legislature on Saturday adopted an amendment to the Law on Science and Technology Progress, which aims to create a better environment for making innovations. The law, for the first time, allows scientists to report failures during the process of innovation without harming their records in future funding applications. "The country encourages scientists and technicians to freely explore innovation and bravely shoulder risks," reads the bill. Scientists and technicians, who can provide evidence that they have tried their best, will be tolerated if they fail to achieve their goals in high-risk researches, says the law. "It is known to all that failure is the mother of success." Li Yuan, an official with the NPC Law Committee said at a press conference after the adoption. "It will help create a relaxed academic atmosphere enabling scientists and technicians to take scientific risks." While showing tolerance to scientific failures, the law brook no scientific fraud. The law says scientists and technicians should observe academic regulations and ethics, improve their research capability and should not make fabrication in academic activities, or practice superstition or pseudo-science. In addition, a credit database shall be established for scientists and technicians who participate in state-funded research projects.

The data will act as an important criterion for new fund application, according to the revised law.The bill also holds the heads of state-owned enterprises responsible for the technical innovation by incorporating the innovation-oriented investments, innovative capacity and efficiency into the rating of their performances. President Hu Jintao outlined major strategic tasks for building an innovation-oriented country in January. He said innovation-oriented laws, regulations and scientific and technological development plans should be improved to create "a favorable mechanism" for innovation. The revised law regulates that researchers should own the patent rights of government-sponsored scientific programs -- except for those which concern major public interests, national security and benefits. In addition, the government will offer favorable policies on taxation and fund-raising to enterprises, especially high-tech ones, as a practice to underscore their "principal role in the country's science and technology innovation". The amendment, which is to take effect on July 1, 2008, was approved at the seven-day 31th session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) which ended on Saturday.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 12/29/2007

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Gov't Raises Income Tax Threshold

China's top legislature on Saturday adopted a law amendment to raise the country's individual income tax threshold from 1,600 yuan a month to 2,000 yuan. The individual income tax threshold increase was believed to relieve the economic burden of medium- and low-income earners amid the recent price increase of some goods. The amendment will go into effect as of March 1, 2008. Raising the threshold of individual income tax collection from 1,600 yuan to 2,000 yuan means a reduction of 30 billion yuan in state revenue a year, according to official statistics. However, the rise in personal income tax collection threshold will free 70 percent of income earners from paying income tax. The current threshold of 1,600 yuan makes 50 percent of income earners free from paying the tax. China's consumer price index climbed 6.9 percent in November, marking the fourth consecutive month the index had been above six percent. Price increases for various goods have already placed a burden on common families.

From Xinhua News Agency 12/29/2007

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China Announces Land Hoarding Penalties

In a new effort to boost supplies of housing and cool surging costs, China's government said Tuesday it will penalize developers that hoard land in order to push up prices. Developers that acquire government land and leave it undeveloped for one year will be charged a tax of 20 percent of the purchase price, the cabinet said on its Web site. It said parcels that go undeveloped for two years can be confiscated without compensation. The step adds to a string of government measures imposed in recent months to cool China's booming real estate market and ensure adequate supplies of housing for the poor. To cool housing price inflation, regulators have raised minimum downpayments to discourage speculative buying, imposed curbs on foreign investment and told banks to examine borrowers closely. Despite that, already record-high housing prices in China's 70 biggest cities rose by an additional 7.3 percent in the first 11 months of 2007, according to state media. Price rises of up to 19 percent for luxury housing have been reported over the same period. The latest measure is aimed at complaints that developers are keeping land and homes off the market in order to push up prices. The rise in housing prices has been especially painful at a time when Chinese consumers saw prices for food and other necessities rise at their fastest rate in a decade over the past four months. Until the late 1990s, most urban Chinese lived in apartments provided by their employers. But companies began selling off such housing a decade ago, and today millions of families live in private properties that they own or rent. The wealthiest live in villas in private, gated development

From http://biz.yahoo.com 01/08/2008

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Gov't Takes Measures to Improve Land Use Efficiency

State Council issued a circular on land conservation and improving the efficiency of land use Monday, in a bid to better protect arable land. "With the quick pace of industrialization and urbanization, China is facing a sharp conflict between land supply and demand, so it is crucial to improve land use efficiency and protect arable land," the circular said. Official statistics revealed that the country's area of arable land, which had shrunk by 4.6 million mu (306,700 hectares) in 2006 to 1.827 billion mu, was only slightly above the minimum of the 1.8-billion mu warning line set by the government. The circular called on relevant government agencies to map out large-scale "scientific infrastructure" programs, tighten land use approval in both rural and urban areas and step up land market monitoring. If land approved for development remains unused for more than two years, it should be recovered by the government according to laws and regulations. If the land remain idle for more than one year and less than two years, land developers should pay a 20 percent non-usage fee, the circular said.

"More than 70 percent of the land used for construction of urban housing should be designated for residential purposes for low-rent units, cheaper commercial homes and smaller units of less than 90 square meters," said the circular, a move to provide adequate housing for low-income families, against the backdrop of surging housing prices. In a similar development, the country released the low-rent housing guarantee policy last November, which took effect on December 1, 2007, to help the country's ten million low-income urban families, whose living space was less than ten square meters per person, accounting for 5.5 percent of the country's combined households. China also began to quintuple tax on the use of arable land for non-farming purposes and charge foreign invested companies as much as their domestic peers from December 1, 2007.

From Xinhua News Agency 01/08/2008

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Safety Watchdog Issues Work Safety Regulations

The safety watchdog publicized temporary provisions on uncovering hidden dangers in the workplace on Thursday, another effort to improve the country's work safety conditions. The provisions promulgated by the State Administration of Work Safety, which would take effect on February 1, 2008, stipulated that any person or unit could report directly to the safety watchdog on spotting potential dangers in the workplace in a timely manner. The provisions also ordered enterprises and mines to file quarterly and annual work safety reports to the administration. Those who do not provide these reports on time or try to cover up accidents would be named and pay a fine equal or less than 30,000 yuan (4,120 U.S. dollars). Those enterprises and mines that can not meet the work safety requirements would be closed down, according to the provisions. Official statistics showed that 5.07 million potential dangers in the manufacturing, mining, business and transportation sectors had been uncovered during check-ups by the end of 2007, 94.4 percent of which had been put into good order. As the world's largest coal producer, the country had been striving to improve work safety in its accident-prone coal mines.

But accidents were still frequent as enforcement was lax and mine owners pushed production beyond safety limits to earn higher profits. In 2006, China produced 2.4 billion tons of coal. Accidents in small mines with an annual capacity below 300,000 tons each, however, claimed 3,431 lives. A gas blast on December 29, 2007 at the Shunfa coal mine in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province killed 19 miners. The administration called on mines and enterprises to draw on lessons from the accident. Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, abundant in coal resources, closed 273 small coal mines last year and plans to close another 100 small ones this year, according to the provincial safety watchdog. According to an earlier report of the State Administration of Work Safety, China has closed 10,412 coal mines in the last three years amid efforts to improve workplace safety and to limit use of natural resources. The administration said it would step up work safety checks and law enforcement especially before and during the coming Spring Festival in February.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 01/22/2008

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China Issues Circular on Disaster Prevention

INDONESIA: Waste Law 'Will Reduce Floods'

The government expects a bill threatening fines and jail time for those who dispose of garbage in rivers can help prevent recurring flood problems. State Minister for the Environment Rachmat Witoelar said the absence of regulations on garbage disposal was behind current flood disasters in several regions. He said garbage-clogged rivers triggered flooding, especially in urban areas. "It is common for people to dump garbage into river," he said at a press conference on Friday. "That's why, once we have the waste management law, I promise to implement it seriously. There won't be any compromise as regards violators." A first-ever bill on garbage is expected to be passed this year. Rachmat said he would "urge the House of Representatives to pass it into law within two months" and that implementation would follow as soon as possible thereafter. The draft bill submitted by the government deals with reduction and disposal of garbage and covers the daily activities of the general public. It prohibits dumping and burning garbage in open areas. The law would require households to separate organic and non-organic garbage. Garbage in the country's urban areas, most of which comes from households, has long been a sensitive issue. The sanctions available for improper garbage disposal will be further elaborated within regional ordinances.

As a basic outline, the law provides that bringing waste into Indonesian territory is punishable with a fine of up to Rp 2 billion (US$212,000) or five years in prison. Fines of Rp 1.5 billion or a three-year sentence would apply to those operating recycling and other waste businesses without permits from the ministry. The ministry reported that garbage disposed into the country's 36 largest rivers contributes to their severe pollution. The recent floods and landslides that struck Central and East Java killed over 100 people while the overflowing of Java's longest river, the Bengawan Solo, displaced tens of thousands. The ministry said Java would remain prone to landslides during rainy seasons. According to a ministry count, there are some 600 flood and landslide high risk areas in East Java, 531 such areas in Central Java and 430 in West Java. It is estimated that Indonesia produces some 21,000 tons of household waste daily. The Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi) suggested the bill also include provisions on recycling in connection with the production of consumer goods to help reduce household garbage. Meanwhile, lawmakers suggested the government promote the use of high-tech waste treatment plants to deal with rising waste. The bill currently provides that regions producing 1,000 tons or more of daily waste have waste treatment plants.

From http://www.thejakartapost.com 01/08/2008

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MALAYSIA: Bakti¡¯s Programme for the Disabled to Go Nationwide

A special programme under Bakti (the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers) to help the disabled become more independent and integrated into society will be launched nationwide on Feb 1. Its head Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah said the programme would be launched by the Prime Minister in Penang. ¡°The Semai Bakti programme, which is being conducted in community rehabilitation centres located in Felda schemes, will be extended to all such centres throughout the country,¡± she said. ¡°The programme will also hold training for parents of the disabled as well as volunteers hoping to work with this group.¡± she said in her speech at the ceremony to introduce members of Bakti to Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah at Seri Perdana here yesterday. The ceremony was also attended by Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, who is the wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Besides helping the disabled, Bakti had also organised other programmes such as collecting information on this group¡¯s various disabilities and the types of treatment available for them in and out of the country, as well as fostering of children in Forms Four and Five by members. ¡°Bakti is not a political party. We are but a group of humble wives of politicians, who want to do our best to make our country a better place to live in,¡± said Jeanne. ¡°We will continue to focus our welfare and social activities on those who are in need of aid. Bakti wants to make all Malaysians a more caring and loving community,¡± she said. Yesterday's ceremony was held to celebrate last year¡¯s coronation of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and the Raja Permaisuri Agong.

From http://thestar.com.my 01/19/2008

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New Environmental Rules for Sarawak

KUCHING: Sarawak plans to introduce new environmental rules to enable the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) monitor more effectively how environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies are carried out. Assistant Minister of Environment Dr Abang Rauf Abang Zen said the rules, covering environmental auditing, registration of EIA consultants and environmental fees, would be tabled at the state Cabinet next month for approval. He said the purpose of introducing environmental auditing was to strengthen the enforcement activities of NREB and ensure that project proponents comply with environmental requirements. ¡°At present EIA consultants are appointed by the project proponents, who pay their fees also. When the proponent is the paymaster, the consultant may write the report according to what the proponent wants. ¡°To solve this problem, we will insist on an environmental audit to ensure that the EIA procedures and requirements are complied with,¡± he told a press conference at NREB headquarters here Monday.

From http://thestar.com.my 01/21/2008

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Waste¡¯ Aid for Certain Local Councils

Local authorities with an income of less than RM10mil annually will receive financial assistance to settle their dues with solid waste disposal companies, under a proposal aimed at ensuring that agreements to be signed between the two parties will start off on a ¡°clean slate.¡± Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Cabinet Committee on Solid Waste and Environment Management, which he chairs, would make the recommendation to the Cabinet soon. Under the proposal, the Government would provide between six and nine months of payment, which councils would usually have to fork out from their coffers, to pay these companies. Previously, local councils with an income of less than RM5mil were given assistance. ¡°This aid will not only cover local councils in the central and southern region of the peninsula which already have interim agreements with solid waste disposal companies but also those in the north and Terengganu. ¡°We want to ensure that when the concession agreements are signed later, there is no backlog that needs to be paid,¡± he said after chairing the Cabinet committee meeting yesterday. Such assistance was first given in 2002, when 18 local councils had difficulty paying the concessionaires.

Today, eight are ¡°debt-free¡± while another six councils only owe the companies between RM2,000 to RM3,000. According to records, the Sabak Bernam, Rompin, Jasin and Rembau local councils were ¡°facing problems¡± in making payments to the concessionaires. In an unrelated matter, the Deputy Prime Minister said the Opposition was in a habit of making promises to the people that it could not deliver. ¡°It is easy for them to make promises. They will promise the sun and the moon but whether they can deliver is another matter,¡± he said when asked to comment on a pledge by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to turn Malaysia into a ¡°welfare nation¡± should the Opposition wrest power from Barisan Nasional in the coming general election. Among the promises made by Abdul Hadi were to reduce the current oil price by 30 sen, do away with the Internal Security Act, and provide free schooling with no ¡°hidden or additional charges¡± and free healthcare services. ¡°We know the extent of their capabilities. They made promises in Terengganu and could not deliver. Now Abdul Hadi wants to make promises to the whole nation,¡± Najib said.

From http://thestar.com.my 01/22/2008

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PHILIPPINES: Antipoverty Program Launched

Norma Cotto¡¯s face lit up as soon as the big blinking machine in front of her coughed up her family¡¯s allowance for the month. With a few exhortations from social workers, the 37-year-old mother of nine had just experienced her very first automated teller machine (ATM) transaction which dispensed P1,400— a monthly government dole-out in exchange for keeping the children in school and bringing them to health centers regularly. The new poverty reduction strategy of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, called the Ahon Pamilyang Pilipino program, was launched here Wednesday by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The President distributed the first ATM cards to 10 of the 1,500 household-beneficiaries that local social workers identified from the towns of Lopez Jaena and Bonifacio. Under the program, a total of 6,000 families from other pilot areas -- Pasay and Caloocan cities in Metro Manila, and Esperanza and Sibagat towns in Agusan del Sur province —will be receiving their ATM cards by the end of the month.

¡°The eradication of poverty is the central mission of the government and the government is going to do everything in its power to be a catalyst for this process,¡± said Ms Arroyo in her speech during the launching of the program at the School of Arts and Trade in this city. The strategy was adapted from the conditional cash transfer program employed by the World Bank in Latin America and Africa. It figures that it may be better (and cheaper) to intervene early to help poor families rather than face the myriad, long-term consequences of low educational achievement, high maternal and infant mortality, malnutrition and prevalent child labor. According to Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral, the five-year program promises health and education cash packages, which could amount to as much as P15,000 annually.

But it comes with the following conditions:
· Pregnant women must get prenatal care starting in the first trimester; child birth must be attended by a skilled health professional and be followed by postnatal care.
· Parents must attend family planning sessions, mother¡¯s classes or effective parenting seminars.
· Children, aged zero to five, must be brought to health centers for regular checkups and vaccinations.
· Children, aged three to five, must be sent to daycare or preschool at least 85 percent of the time.
· Children, aged six to 14, must be in class at least 85 percent of the time.

Additional incentives await those who perform well. If a child logs perfect or at least 85-percent class attendance in a month, the family will get an additional P300. Three children per household can avail of this additional cash incentive. A trip to the health center for a checkup or vaccination once a month would add an extra P500 to the household budget. Cotto was excited to be part of this program. She told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in an interview that there had been days when three of their nine children — Cherry Mae, 14; John Carlo, 12; and Edna Jane, 10 -- could not attend class because there was no money to spare for transportation or ¡°baon¡± (lunch money). Cotto¡¯s husband, Carlito, works as a contractual cleaning hand at a fishpond in their hometown, Bonifacio, for P100 a day. But there are days when he is not called to clean.

From http://archive.inquirer.net/ 01/10/2008

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SINGAPORE: Government Unveils More Assistance for Needy Families in Singapore

The Government has unveiled yet another programme to help needy families. The move comes just days after the government said it was putting more money into the ComCare Fund to help needy Singaporeans cope with rising inflation. Under the latest initiative, the Community Development, Youth and Sports Ministry (MCYS) will set up a supervisory committee for its ComCare programme that will review genuine needy cases that do not fit the criteria of existing financial assistance schemes. The new ComCare Supervisory Committee is to make the social assistance system more flexible. Minister of State for Community Development, Youth And Sports, Mrs Yu¡ªFoo Yee Shoon says from this month, the committee will also be helping to review appeals cases. These are cases that have been rejected by the Community Development Councils, or CDCs, but genuinely need help.

Mrs Yu¡ªFoo says: "The ComCare supervisory committee, which is under MCYS, will have members who are Mayors, Members of Parliament and some members of Voluntary Welfare Organisations. So from this month onwards, we are going to consider those cases, rejected by CDC. If the CDC felt that they are deserving cases, but based on the present criteria, they do not qualify for any assistance, we want to have flexibility to look at these marginal cases, on a case¡ªby¡ªcase basis." The Supervisory Committee is set up, despite a drop in the number of cases helped by the ComCare schemes, which Mrs Yu¡ªFoo attributes to a booming economy and more jobs for Singapore. For the first three quarters of last year, the ComCare Fund has helped 16,500 cases, down slightly from 17,000 for the same period in 2006. Down too are the number of children not attending preschool. From February to December last year, the numbers fell from 5 per cent to 3 per cent, a result of outreach efforts by the Ministry and grassroots organisations.

From http://sg.news.yahoo.com 01/13/2008

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Review of Public Assistance Allowance Underway

TThe government is reviewing the S$290 monthly public assistance (PA) allowance for needy Singaporeans to see if it should be increased. It is also conducting a separate review on the qualifying income limit for assistance, which currently stands at S$1,500 a month. The review is expected to be completed later this year. Help is available for the low-income from many sources, from ComCare to grassroots and voluntary welfare organisations. And the public assistance allowance is just one component of the overall safety net to help the needy. Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said, "We do not peg the PA allowance to the CPI (Consumer Price Index) per se. Instead, we monitor the cost of items which the typical PA recipient (needs). A review is currently ongoing and is likely to be completed this year." He said the ministry has always been flexible in disbursement of financial aids to ensure no one slips through the cracks. Therefore, besides acting on a case-by-case basis for needy families, a review committee for financial assistance has also been set up to look into appeals.

And the qualifying income limit for PA assistance may be adjusted after the review. "As of the end of 2006, (data) showed that the (average) household income of the bottom 20 per cent was still about S$1,500 per month. But a review of the income criteria is currently ongoing, and will be supplemented by the latest figures¡­ And once (the figures are) available, I can then make a decision whether to shift that threshold," the minister said. MPs had asked for more assistance for the low-income to help mitigate the rising costs of living. Dr Balakrishnan said his ministry is looking into this, and details will be announced later. He said besides the various government schemes available, the poor and needy can also get help from their local community as well as through the generosity of Singaporeans.

From http://www.channelnewsasia.com 01/22/2008

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BANGLADESH: MRA Draft Rules for NGOs

The Micro-credit regulatory Authority (MRA) has drafted the rules and regulations for over 2000 NGOs engaged with micro-credit disbursement across the country. The board of MRA will hold a meeting this week to approve the draft rules and regulation, officials said. According to the draft rules, the NGO's will be able to charge a maximum of 12.5 per cent interest on loans and take prior permission from the MRA for opening new branches. "It (the draft) will make separation of management from ownership mandatory and bring changes in the post of the chief executive officer of NGOs every two years," an official said. Sources said the government move to formulate rules and regulations was expedited as there was widespread demand for lowering interest rate and suspicion over the transparency of a section of MFIs in disbursing credits. Salehuddin Ahmed, governor of Bangladesh Bank and also chairman of the MRA, recently hinted at the formulation of rules and regulation for NGOs. "We are working to formulate required rules and regulation for the MFIs through MRA," he said. A senior MRA Official said: "After completing the draft rules and regulation in line with the MRA act-2006 we have sent it to the stakeholders concerned for their opinion," M Tajul Islam, director of Federation of NGOs in Bangladesh (FNB), said: "Our comments have been communicated to the MRA." Md Abdul Awal, director of Credit and Development Fund, said: If the draft rules and regulation come into force this will deter the expansion and development of NGOs in Bangladesh. He said: "Borrowing from commercial banks at 15 per cent interest how will NGOs lend the same at the rate of 12.5 per cent." "Our purpose is to make NGOs, engaged with micro-credit disbursement across the country, more transparent and accountable in financial management," a MRA official said.

From http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/ 01/26/2008

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INDIA: New Schemes Launched to Tap Talent Pool of Diaspora

New Delhi, Jan 8 : An advisory council to tap the talent pool of the Indian diaspora and a multilingual centre to help migrant Indian workers in distress were among some new schemes announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday, as India sought to engage better with its 25 million diaspora in 130 countries. "An important constituent of overseas Indian community is the overseas Indian worker," the prime minister told the 6th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, India's annual conclave to engage with its diaspora. "Estimated at about five million, they are mostly located in the Gulf and South East Asia and play an important role in India's economy," he said, acknowledging the $26 billion overseas workers remit to India every year. "I am happy to announce today the launch of an Overseas Workers Resource Centre to provide relevant information and assistance to potential migrant workers," Singh told the estimated 1,500 overseas Indian delegates from 50 countries. The centre will also help overseas Indian workers in distress and address their grievances, he said, adding: "This is a pioneering effort and I hope this centre will in the long run expand the scope of services to promote legal migration." The prime minister said that the new initiative was in addition to the nationwide skills upgrade programme for an estimated 200,000 potential migrant workers during the 11th plan period to build a "strong cadre of highly skilled workers".

Manmohan Singh also said he had decided to establish the Prime Minister's Global Advisory Council of People of Indian Origin with members comprising leaders in various discipline among the diaspora. "The Council would serve as a high level platform for the prime minister to draw upon the experience and knowledge of the best Indian minds wherever they may be based," he said. The prime minister also lauded the contributions made by the diaspora in areas like philanthropy, which he said was not a new phenomenon. India, he said, was aware of their help during calamities like earthquakes and the tsunami. "To give impetus to the partnerships, a proposal to promote an India Development Foundation, as an autonomous non-profit trust, is being examined by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs," the prime minister said. "This foundation will serve as a credible institutional mechanism to direct overseas Indian philanthropic propensities into human development efforts in India." The prime minister also said that his government had given its approval to the policy framework for a new university for people of Indian origin under the public-private partnership model. "The university will have the autonomy and flexibility in the disciplines that it offers and in its academic governance," he said, adding it will also help securing the assistance the Indian diaspora intends to provide in education. "The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has, through a due diligence process, short-listed a few of the proposals and a final decision is expected to be taken soon. I am confident the work on the university will commence this year."

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/08/2008

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Centre to Amend Railways Act for Speedy Land Acquisition

New Delhi, Jan 10 : The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for promulgating an ordinance to amend the Railways Act, 1989 for carrying out the amendments for expeditious land acquisition for Special Railway Projects. The Cabinet also approved that a Bill would replace the Ordinance. The Bill will be introduced in the ensuing Parliament session. The proposed amendments would facilitate expeditious land acquisition for Special Railway Projects.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/10/2008

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IIndia Soon to Approve New Mining Policy

New Delhi, Jan 11 : The central government should be able to secure parliament's approval for the new national mining policy in the forthcoming budget session, said Union Minister of Mines T. Subbarami Reddy. "The ministry is in talks with mineral-producing states to resolve their key concerns on the policy and expects to achieve a breakthrough soon," Reddy said after meeting a delegation from the Ontario province of Canada here Friday. Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Trade Sandra Pupatello led the Canadian delegation. "The Canadian side was told the new mining policy will facilitate foreign investment in the Indian mining sector," Reddy said. In the meeting, the Indian minister raised several issues like transfer of mining technology and expediting supply of helicopters for use in mineral exploration to Geological Survey of India, for which it has placed an order. "The Canadian side assured us of its cooperation in facilitating resolution of these issues," Reddy said. The Ontario minister also assured to work towards expanding technical cooperation in mineral exploration with India.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/11/2008

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Cabinet Approves Amendment of Scheduled Tribes Order 1950

New Delhi, Jan 17 : The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for introduction of a Bill, namely the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2008 in Parliament by amending the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950. The amendment will effect the modifications in the list of Scheduled Tribes relating to the State of Arunachal Pradesh. The modified list of Scheduled Tribes in the State of Arunachal Pradesh will satisfy the aspirations of the 'Nyishi' community regarding removal of the term "Dafla" and insertion of 'Nyishi" in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/17/2008

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Cabinet Clears Dry Toilets Conversion Scheme

New Delhi, Jan 17 : In an effort to eliminate the inhuman practice of manual scavenging in the country, the union cabinet Thursday decided to convert 600,000 dry latrines into flush toilets at an investment of Rs.7.15 billion. After a cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said the approval was granted for "implementation of the revised guidelines for converting individual dry latrines into pour-flush latrines of the centrally sponsored scheme of integrated low cost sanitation scheme".The minister said the scheme would entail total financial implication of Rs.7.15 billion, of which Rs.5.45 billion would be given as subsidy. The target will be achieved by 2009-10 and the "state and union territories will be requested to take appropriate action to implement the scheme on priority basis," said the minister. Though India officially banned manual scavenging over a decade ago, the practice still continues in parts of the country. At the World Toilet Summit, in New Delhi last year, Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said India would eliminate the inhuman practice by 2010.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/17/2008

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Prime Minister to Announce Power Projects in Border Areas

Itanagar, Jan 20: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during his proposed visit to Arunachal Pradesh in the later part of this month, would announce a package to tap the potential of the small streams in border areas for generating power. Official sources said here today that Union ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) joint secretary Gauri Singh informed this to Arunachal Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu during a meeting here yesterday. Mr Khandu advocated handing over of mini hydel power projects to the village panchayat for maintenance and earning revenue by selling power to the Army and other para-military forces deployed in those areas. ''Whereas the plains have dirty water sources, the state has clean sources which would supplement the use of turbines,'' he informed. While seeking the Centre's cooperation for sustainable development, Mr Khandu said the development process had been gaining momentum and a generous attitude would accelerate it further to make Arunachal akin to Switzerland in the future. He pointed out that poor road connectivity and other communication bottlenecks were the biggest hurdles in the state's progress. Reiterating his pleas to the Centre to relax the population criteria for fund allocation for this land-locked state and take up schemes on cluster basis, he urged the officials to change the criteria under various central schemes considering the geographical condition of the state. He informed that strict vigilance and monitoring of every scheme had been introduced to ensure judicious utilisation. The team, however, assured to provide adequate funds to the state for developmental schemes, sources informed, adding that the team, accompanied by state Finance Minister Kalikho Pul, was on a visit to Anjaw, Tuting, Mechuka and Taksing today to assess the various Central schemes being implemented in the areas. A high-level team, led by Ms Singh and including MNRE Director P Saxena, arrived here yesterday after a two-day tour to Tawang district. The state government had submitted a Rs 85 crore proposal under the Border Village Illumination Programme to the Centre for developing mini hydel power projects of 2-50 KW capacities to illuminate the border areas and far-flung inaccessible villages. Responding to her query on the feasibility of solar lighting in the border villages, the Chief Minister clarified that due to extreme climatic conditions in those high altitude areas, the use of solar energy would be a total failure. He added that erection of transmission lines in those areas would be cost-prohibitive and time consuming and suggested availing the services of unemployed educated engineers for the proposed work.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/20/2008

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NEPAL: Maoists Vow End to Armed Struggle

The Communist Party of Nepal's Maoists has vowed to never again wage armed struggle. Their leader, Prachanda, gave this assurance during a recent interview with The Asahi Shimbun. He is known by only one name. Prachanda, who in November 2006 ended a decade-long fight to topple the monarchy, also welcomed the changing tide under which the monarchy is certain to be abolished through an agreement reached by major political parties, including his group. Protest movements against the autocratic rule of King Gyanendra spread in April 2006, causing him to hand over his administrative powers to the people. After that, major political parties discussed whether to maintain the monarchy or make Nepal a republic. In late December, the main political parties amended the current interim Constitution to state that Nepal will become a republic. About two weeks earlier, they also agreed that the actual changeover to a republic would be approved in the first session of the Constituent Assembly that will draft a new Constitution. An election to choose the members of the Constituent Assembly is scheduled to be held in April.

"It is a very significant victory for the Nepalese people," Prachanda said. "A republic will definitely be implemented after the election of the Constituent Assembly. No force can stop this implementation." Asked whether there is any possibility the Maoists will return to armed struggle, he said: "There is no possibility. What we wanted through the people's war will be achieved by the election of the Constituent Assembly through peaceful means. Therefore, it will not be necessary for us to go back to the jungle (war) again." Concerning the election, Prachanda added: "I myself and all of our major leaders will become candidates for the election. We will not come through from proportional seats. We will directly go to the constituencies and compete with other candidates." There has been criticism that young Maoist activists, mostly members of the Young Communist League (YCL), are using intimidation tactics to influence voters. In response to the criticism, Prachanda said: "In some cases, they deviated from their main objectives. Right now, I myself had long meetings with (members of) the YCL central committee. I instructed them to change the image. (I said to them,) 'You cannot force people to obey you.'"

From http://www.asahi.com/ 01/17/2008

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PAKISTAN: Pipeline Project Will Be Completed: Musharraf

TISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf on Friday assured Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki that the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project would be completed as it was vital for the prosperity of both the countries. In his meeting with Musharraf, Mottaki conveyed a special message from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad which assured Iran¡¯s support to Pakistan in the war on terror, diplomatic sources told Daily Times. President Musharraf said no external pressure to abandon the IPI project would be tolerated and Pakistan would pursue it irrespective of India¡¯s intentions in this regard, Online reported. Mottaki also met with Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro and Foreign Minister Inamul Haq.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 01/05/2008

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Effective Policy May Reduce Govt Oil Import Bill

ISLAMABAD: In the wake of lingering energy crisis, Pakistan can save up to $3 billion in its annual oil import bill by implementing an effective energy conservation plan, The News learnt on Friday. The government is in a catch-22 situation owing to sky rocketing oil prices in the international market during the current fiscal year, as it touched a historic $100 per barrel. The country is also facing acute power shortage and there is a dire need to change the whole culture by inculcating conservation in habits of 160 million population of the country. According to official estimates prepared by the ministries concerned, the country¡¯s industrial, agriculture, transportation sectors, residential areas etc are wasting precious energy worth $2 to $3 billion per annum. ¡°But the governments at the federal as well as provincial levels do not look serious about conservation plans, resulting into wasting precious energy worth billions of dollars,¡± official sources told The News. According to the government¡¯s own estimates, there is energy conservation potential of $2 to $3 billion per annum in the country with the help of all sectors as approximately 15% to 25% energy can be conserved. With the help of industry, the estimates showed that energy could be conserved up to the tune of 15% to 25%, transport 15% to 20%, agriculture 15% to 20% and buildings 20% to 30% per annum.

According to ENERCON, an organisation mainly responsible to promote conservation, they serviced 147 industries where annual fuel bill stood at Rs2.44 billion with savings identified at Rs150 million by spending only Rs3 million. They also tuned up 192 boiler/furnace, which saved Rs110 million. With cost of Rs9,000 of tune up, it has been estimated that the chemical industry can save Rs16.05m, food Rs2.35m, leather and tanneries Rs0.26m, steel Rs8.36m, sugar Rs46.23m, buildings Rs0.10m, textile Rs12.60m and others Rs24.91 million. According to a steam system survey conducted on 42 units, including chemical, food, leather, sugar, buildings, textile and others, the savings identified stands at Rs915 million per annum. In the light of the survey the government seems worried about the growing oil import bill, which is causing a large current account deficit, estimated to be hovering around $8.5 billion in the current fiscal year, or 5.4% of the GDP. The caretaker government led by Mohammadmian Soomro is reluctant to pass on the burden of increased oil prices to consumers before February 18 polls which is resulting into growing fiscal imbalance after every passing day. In order to reduce its negative outfall, the government can implement its conservation plan in letter and spirit rather than just issuing statements at the hours of crisis like situation, the source added.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 01/12/2008

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Plan Initiated to Set Up Hospitals in Punjab Industrial Towns

SIALKOT (January 27 2008): Provincial government has initiated a well-knitted plan for setting up most modern Social Security hospitals in major industrial towns of the Punjab. Official sources told Business Recorder here on Saturday that these hospitals are being constructed at Sialkot, Gujrat, Muzaffargarh and Manga and each hospital would consist of 100 beds. The construction work on social security hospital Sialkot has been accelerated as government has already removed all bottlenecks, which were hindering the completion of the project. It is expected that Outdoor Patient Department (OPD) of Sialkot Social Security hospital would be operational by the end of current month, sources said. The treatment facilities like cardiology, gynaecology and haemo dialysis treatment facilities would be available for the industrial workers in this ultra modern 100-bed hospital. The hospital would be completed at a cost of Rs 12 crore while Rs 15 crore would be utilised on equipping the hospital with the latest machinery. The construction of social security hospital Gujrat is near completion and it would be accomplished at the cost of Rs 10 crore while Social Security department will provide Rs 5 crore for equipping the hospital with the latest medical instruments. The Physiotherapy Units have been established in all social security hospitals for mitigating the problems of the industrial workers as well as to provide treatment facilities at their doorstep. Apart from this, Rs 23 crore had been allocated during current fiscal period for the purchase of quality medicines for the social security hospitals functioning in the Punjab. The government was making strenuous efforts for maximum treatment facilities to the industrial workers and their dependants in social security hospitals of the province, sources said.

From http://www.brecorder.com/ 01/27/2008

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Rs 437 Million Plan for Judicial Officers Rehabilitation Okayed

KARACHI (January 27 2008): Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan has approved rehabilitation and welfare schemes worth more than Rs 437 million for the judicial offices and judicial officers, it was learnt on Saturday. Legal offices in Sindh have suffered a loss of Rs 77 million as a result of agitation after the killing of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007. The Governor was told in a meeting, held at the Governor House here to review the needs of Sindh High Court and other legal offices in Sindh that legal offices suffered a loss of Rs 77 million. The Governor asked the Sindh Board of Revenue, Works and Services, Finance and Law departments to take necessary steps for the rehabilitation of legal offices. They were asked to keep the Governor posted with day to day progress in the work. The Governor also asked the Law Department to set up libraries and bar rooms in district courts, and to equip them with books and journals needed by the legal fraternity, provide them assistance for which Rs 9.2 million would be allocated. The Governor also asked the relevant authorities to hand over eight acres land available in the premises of Milk Plant, near Civic Centre, to the SHC to raise judicial complex.

The proposed judicial complex, when completed, will shift load of work from the City Courts to the new complex. It will also benefit the population living nearby. The Governor also asked the authorities to provide 100 acres land to the SHC for setting up a judicial academy. While reviewing plan for the construction of a 10-floor office complex of the Sindh High Court, the Governor said that all construction plans should have the approval of the Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA). In view of the increase in the population, adjacent to Northern Bypass, the Governor said that in the Northern Bypass area land should be earmarked for judicial offices. The Governor asked relevant authorities to earmark land at a suitable site for the Sindh High Court Employees Society. The meeting was informed that work on the proposal to construct 20 flats in Bath Island and 12 in Sukkur to provide residential facility to judicial officers was in progress. The Governor was given briefing on the installation of a diesel electrical power generator and lifts in buildings, having more than two floors, in the SHC premises. The Governor approved proposal to provide cars to lower judicial officers for which Rs 247.7 million was allocated and for purchasing cars for the judges Rs 20 million was sanctioned.

From http://www.brecorder.com/ 01/27/2008

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IRAQ: Cabinet Endorses Draft Law to Raise Salaries of Government Employees

Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih announced the cabinet's endorsement of an amended draft civil-service law that will raise the minimum starting salary as well as the annual pay of state employees, state-run Al-Iraqiyah television reported on January 2. The draft law calls for a 75 percent increase in the salaries of Ph.D. holders, a 50 percent increase in pay for master's degree holders, and a 35 percent pay increase for employees holding a bachelor's degree. Employees holding technical certificates will see a 25 percent increase in their salaries, and those holding preparatory-school certificates will see their salaries raised by 15 percent. Those employees not holding degrees will see a 10 percent salary increase. The draft must be sent to parliament for ratification before it can take effect. KR

From http://www.rferl.org/ 01/03/2008

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Sunni Leader Denounces Accountability and Justice Law

In a January 14 interview with the Jordanian daily "Al-Arab Al-Yawm," Salih al-Mutlaq, the leader of the Iraqi Front for National Dialogue, denounced the newly passed Accountability and Justice Law, describing it as highly politicized and "drafted in the interest of political agendas." Al-Mutlaq added that the new law is very loosely written, and warned that it may unfairly target a large percentage of the Iraqi population. "If we apply the new law, we will find that a big percentage of the people -- that is, half the population of Iraq -- will be deprived of their rights. Therefore, we wonder, how can we achieve the stability and reconciliation that the Iraqi government and the parliament continue to brag about?" al-Mutlaq asked. The Accountability and Justice Law, unanimously passed on January 12, is a revision of the earlier de-Ba'athification law, and paves the way for thousands of former Ba'athists who lost their jobs following the downfall of the former regime to return to government and military posts (see "RFE/RL Newsline," January 14, 2008). The draft law must now be ratified by the three-member Presidential Council to go into effect. SS

From http://www.rferl.org/ 01/16/2008

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IRAN: Government Opposes Parliamentary Bills

At a legislative session on January 21, Iran's parliament speaker, Gholam Ali Haddad-Adel, expressed surprise at what he said is an unprecedented government declaration opposing a ratified bill, apparently violating its own and legislative prerogatives, Iranian media reported on January 21 and 22. President Mahmud Ahmadinejad wrote to parliament stating his opposition to a bill passed to finance gas supplies for certain districts, describing it as unconstitutional. The Guardians Council is tasked with assessing the constitutionality of bills. Haddad-Adel informed parliamentarians he had to ask for the disputed bill to be published in the official state gazette -- to inform state agencies it is now in force -- following the government's failure to instruct them to implement the bill, "Aftab-i Yazd" reported on January 22. He said that "a government might at some point be unable to carry out a bill, but it is...unprecedented for the [president] to simply write...and declare a parliamentary bill unconstitutional, instead of the Guardians Council." "Aftab-i Yazd" observed on January 22 that this is an unusual reaction by Haddad-Adel, as he has usually sought to reconcile parliamentary and government interests instead of defending parliamentary prerogatives. Haddad-Adel told lawmakers that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wrote to parliament on January 20 in response to an inquiry about the disagreement, firmly stating that bills that have gone through due legislative stages must be implemented "by all branches of government," "Aftab-i Yazd" reported. VS

From http://www.rferl.org/ 01/22/2008

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KAZAKHSTAN: Official Announces Plans to Expand Oil Refining

Speaking to reporters in Astana, Kazakh Deputy Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bolat Akchulakov on January 16 announced plans to expand the country's oil-refining and -processing capabilities, Kazakhstan Today reported. He said that the goal was to expand oil processing at refineries by some 500,000 tons of oil, to reach a target level of 12.5 million tons of oil for 2008. He added that in 2007, Kazakh oil refineries processed some 12 million tons of oil and produced 2.6 million tons of gasoline, 3.9 million tons of diesel fuel, 2.6 million tons of fuel oil and 258,900 tons of paraffin. RG

From http://www.rferl.org/ 01/17/2008

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AUSTRALIA: Fed Govt, States Agree to $600m Health Plan

The nation's treasurers and health ministers have agreed to a new health funding plan to cut elective surgery waiting lists. The meeting, which was held in Brisbane, agreed to a four-year, $600 million plan. Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon says the first phase involves an immediate $150 million boost to reduce waiting lists by 25,000 people. "The most important thing about today is that we said we would end the blame game and today we have started doing that," she said. "[With] all of the states and territories working with the Commonwealth, we can [deliver] a better outcome to the community and it will have health benefits for everyone." She says the states have been doing it tough. "We know they've had money ripped out of the system and this is the first step to us saying 'we will work with you to provide better services'," she said. Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan says the meeting, which included state treasurers and health ministers, marks a new era in Commonwealth and state government cooperation. "The really important thing about today is that we worked cooperatively, and this is how we are going to do business from now on," he said. "In effect, we put an end to the blame game and instead of headbutting each other, we put our heads together. "We put our heads together in the national interest to work cooperatively for a better Australia." The meeting has also agreed on reforms to the specific purpose payments for capital works in each state and territory.

From http://www.abc.net.au/ 01/14/2008

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Federal Govt to Give States More Control

The South Australian Treasurer Kevin Foley says the Federal Government has signalled it will give the states more control on how it spends federal funds. Mr Foley is in Brisbane for today's joint Commonwealth States and Territories meeting, and says he will discuss reforms to the Specific Purpose Payments scheme. He says the constraints by the previous Federal Government on funding allocations will now become more flexible. "Well I think what the Commonwealth has recognised is that the money they give us for specific procedures or specific services in the states has been absolutely smothered in bureaucracy," he said. "We're going to free all that up, get rid of red tape and allow the states to spend money on the services that we think are the priorities for our states."

From http://www.abc.net.au 01/14/2008

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Government to Review Family Violence Laws

Tasmanian Police attend more than 400 domestic violence reports every month. Statistics, tallied over the past two and a half years, show 8419 Tasmanian families have been dealt with under the Government's 'Safe at Home' program. There were more than 12,400 cases of family violence and more than a third of those concerned children. The Justice Department's principal consultant, Liz Little, says the 2004 Family Violence Act and the 'Safe at Home' system are up for review. "I think we can always improve it. When we designed 'Safe at Home' we were doing something that was very different and very forward looking, and we still are," Ms Little said. "Now a number of states are copying whole chunks of what we've done, and I think particularly the work we're doing around children, looking at children who are living in family violence, is quite critical and we need to move that forward," she said.

From http://www.abc.net.au 01/16/2008

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SA Govt Defends Mining Environment Standards

A call for tougher environmental controls on mining exploration in the outback has been rejected by the South Australian Government. There are three separate investigations into the company Marathon Resources after bags of soil samples from a uranium exploration site were found buried just under the surface at the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the SA Flinders Ranges. Environmentalists say there is a need to ban mining in sanctuaries such as the one at Arkaroola. But SA Environment Minister Gail Gago says the current environmental standards are adequate. "Standards are already in place and they're very substantial standards," she said. "What we must also make sure that's done is that the law is abided by and adhered to and that we apply the letter of the law if and when breaches occur." Marathon is planning to mine uranium at Mount Gee, which is within the Arkaroola lease area.

From http://www.abc.net.au/ 01/17/2008

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Rudd Outlines Inflation Attack Plan

The Federal Government has declared war on inflation, with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd unveiling a five-point economic plan at a business breakfast in Perth. The central plank of the plan is to set a new budget surplus of 1.5 per cent of Australia's gross domestic product, giving the Government a surplus of about $18 billion. Mr Rudd says the other elements of the five-point plan will also help tackle inflationary pressures. "Second, we will examine all options to provide real incentives to encourage private savings," he said. "Third, we will be unfolding our plan for tackling the chronic skills shortages in the economy. "Fourth, we'll provide national leadership to tackle infrastructure bottlenecks. "And fifth, we will provide practical ways of helping people re-enter the workforce." Mr Rudd says the previous government's failure to address these issues is a clear case of neglect. He says it is his Government's role to make the Reserve Bank's job of managing interest rates easier. But Opposition treasury spokesman Malcolm Turnbull was sceptical about the new plan, saying the Government was already on track to deliver a big surplus in May.

"Because of the very strong economic management of the Howard government we've got a very strong economy, very high revenues going into the Commonwealth Treasury, and as a result we've got a big surplus," he said. "So Mr Rudd, as usual, is just trying to take credit for the hard work of others. "It is meaningless to set a target that is already going to be met." Mr Turnbull says Mr Rudd is trying to fool people into believing he is doing something to address the issue. "We have a $1 trillion-plus, a $1.1 trillion economy - cutting $10 billion from Commonwealth expenditure over four years will make absolutely no discernible difference to inflation and Mr Rudd knows that," he said. However, Paul Xiradis from fund manager Ausbil Dexia says investors will welcome the plan. He says rising inflation and interest rates have been a particular focus for the local share market. "Which is completely the opposite of what's happening globally, because we are seeing a bit of a slowdown in the US or potential for slowdown in the US and other parts of the globe," he said. "So if the Government here is responsible with its spending there's less likelihood that we'll see interest rates rise here in Australia." Federal Cabinet is now meeting in Perth, where the global economic climate is expected to dominate talks.

From http://www.abc.net.au/ 01/21/2008

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Rudd Government Considers IR Blueprint

The Rudd government is considering a blueprint for a uniform national industrial relations system to be in place by 2010. A system with identical federal and state laws covering most workers could build on the reforms implemented under the former Howard government's Work Choices legislation, The Australian reports. A new system would firmly entrench Labor's policies of a simplified award system, including collective bargaining and the restored role of the independent umpire. For any changes to take place all state governments would need to pass identical laws or refer powers to the commonwealth. A timetable for the proposed system has been released in a report which outlines the plan. The report concedes that a constitutional referendum allowing federal courts to enforce state laws may still be required one day. The report's author constitutional lawyer George Williams said the time was right for a nationally consistent system of industrial relations, particularly with labor governments at state and federal level. "Not since the 1890s has there been a better time for a national system," he said. "Post-Work Choices, there is a lot of momentum for change." However, the proposal faces a backlash from business which is worried that it fails to create a proper national system by allowing states to decide whether to refer powers to the commonwealth or mirror federal laws.

From http://ararat.yourguide.com.au/ 01/25/2008

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FIJI: Communique - National Council for Building a Better Fiji

The inaugural meeting of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji (NCBBF) was held on Wednesday, 16th January 2008 and was chaired by both Co-Chairs, His Grace Archbishop Petero Mataca and the Prime Minister, Commodore Ratu Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama. In delivering their introductory remarks, members of the NCBBF acknowledged the importance of this national initiative and pledged their full support to move the Charter process forward. The members strongly agreed to, and emphasised the need for an inclusive consultative process which involves open and free dialogue with all stakeholders. The NCBBF discussed four papers which include: the scope and responsibilities of the NCBBF; their working methods; the establishment of the three National Task Teams (NTTs); and the time frame for their work. Members noted the broad scope and complexity of the NCBBF¡¯s agenda and the short timeline envisaged for its completion which is driven by the government¡¯s desire to complete the People¡¯s Charter prior to the commitment made for the election to be held in March 2009.

Some NCBBF members stated that there should be no linkage between the NCBBF¡¯s work program and the election date. All Members agreed that sufficient time should be given for the NCBBF to complete its work thoroughly. The NCBBF members noted their role in overseeing the preparation of the draft State of the Nation and Economy (SNE) Report as a basis for the preparation of the draft People¡¯s Charter. Drafts of both of these will be disseminated widely in forms that can be readily accessed and circulated to all citizens, particularly in the rural areas and the outer islands. In considering its working methods the NCBBF noted that it evolves around three basic organizing principles which include inclusivity, effective participation and independence from government. Members also agreed to a Code of Conduct encompassing their role in providing consistent direction and leadership, working to a common purpose and the commitment to alignment with the objective of national integration and unity. To support its work, the NCBBF agreed to the establishment of 3 National Task Teams, covering 3 crucial areas i.e Good Governance, Growing the Economy and Social-Cultural Identity and Nation Building. In addition, at the level of the working groups a broad cross section of Fiji¡¯s society will be mobilized to actively contribute to the analytical and diagnostic work.

The NCBBF also endorsed the appointment of Mr. John Samy as Head of the Technical and Support Secretariat. Mr. Samy has extensive experience at the national, regional and international levels on economic, financial and development issues. The NCBBF noted with regret the lack of support from Fiji¡¯s international development partners. The NCBBF noted that Fiji would have to go forward on its own. The NCBBF however appealed to Fiji¡¯s International Development partners to extend financial and technical support for this very important national initiative. It also urged the interim government to proactively continue its efforts to mobilize such support. The NCBBF welcomed and supported the suggestion by the Prime Minister that the role of Fiji¡¯s Military in the nation¡¯s life be reviewed and agreed that a working group be established specifically to address the issue. The NCBBF considered a proposal to include the word ¡°peace¡± in the proposed Charter¡¯s title. It was unanimously agreed that the title be ¡°The People¡¯s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress¡±.

From http://www.pacificmagazine.net 01/17/2008

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NEW ZEALAND: Seven Out of 10 Practices to Provide Free Health Care to Children Under Six

Nearly 235,000 children under six will benefit. They include 85 percent of children under six from high-needs groups - Maori, Pacific or living in the poorest areas. 'We want to ensure that our young children get the best start in life,' Health Minister David Cunliffe said. 'Children are our future. Foundations of good health are best laid early in life,' he added. Four hundred and fifty-three practices have decided to participate in the Under-Sixes Initiative. Another 296 practices are already participating in the Very Low Cost Access scheme. In all, 749 practices commit to provide free care to children under six from 1 January 2008. They participate voluntarily in the scheme on a quarterly basis. Participation varies around New Zealand (refer to attached table). In six District Health Boards - Northland, Tairawhiti, Taranaki, Wairarapa, West Coast and Whanganui - all practices commit to provide free services to children under six. The Under Sixes Initiative applies to standard consultations during normal hours only. Practices participating in the initiative can still charge for after-hours consultations.

From http://www.moh.govt.nz/ 01/07/2008

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Reviews of Digital Broadcasting Regulation, and Content Standards

A review of digital broadcasting regulation in New Zealand is out now for public submissions and feedback, Broadcasting Minister Trevor Mallard and Communications and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe said today. Trevor Mallard also released a second public discussion paper, Broadcasting and New Digital Media: Future of Content Regulation. "Content regulation currently only focusses on traditional broadcasting media, with different rules applying when that same content is provided via other new media platforms. This discussion paper considers whether these different approaches are still appropriate or whether some change is desirable," Trevor Mallard said. The regulatory review paper, Digital Broadcasting: Review of Regulation, includes a discussion paper and research report, and looks at competition, standards and copyright in the areas of content, distribution and networks. "Broadcasting is undergoing a period of significant upheaval world-wide, driven by converging digital technologies across broadcasting, film, telecommunications and the internet sectors. This convergence is resulting in new business models and new patterns of consumer behaviour. So this review of regulation is timely because internationally - as in New Zealand - the sectors have been regulated separately," Trevor Mallard said. "Nothing is ruled in or ruled out at this stage. The review seeks views and offers some suggestions. Options may range from retaining the status quo with an emphasis on self-regulation, to updating or reforming the current regime." David Cunliffe said the research report examined market trends in broadcasting, the international regulatory responses to those developments, and the threats and opportunities resulting from the growing convergence between traditional broadcasting and telecommunications sectors. "The increasingly converged digital era offers opportunities for new forms of digital content and access to new markets; it is important that we address our future options now. Digital broadcasting is a pervasive and highly influential medium ¨C not just for our national identity but also for New Zealand's economic transformation to a high-wage, export-led innovative country." Feedback on both discussion papers is sought by 4 April 2008. It will then be analysed and if any regulatory change is proposed, further public consultation will be held on detailed options. The two discussion papers, the Review of Regulation research report and the related cabinet papers are on www.mch.govt.nz

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ 01/23/2008

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AMERICAN SAMOA: Govt Drafting Malpractice Legislation

The American Samoa government is drafting legislation that would have LBJ Medical Center pay any malpractice suits against the hospital and the government. The legislation would also appoint a hospital committee to review the work performance of each physician and if they were involved in a malpractice lawsuit, take necessary action against them. The hospital is an independent agency of the government, governed by a board of directors, but under current law, the Executive Branch pays for any malpractice lawsuits against the hospital and its employees. The hospital has faced several malpractice suits over the years, depleting the account set aside to pay for suits against the Executive Branch and the hospital. This year alone more than $100,000 has been paid out of the account, which has an annual budget of $200,000. Speaking on his weekend radio program, Gov. Togiola Tulafono said legislation is being drafted that would allow LBJ to take full responsibility for malpractice suits.

He said if it proven that a physician or nurse is liable, then LBJ can deduct from that employee¡¯s paycheck money to repay the LBJ. Togiola said medical personnel should be held responsible for malpractice suits, noting that some physicians have been found to be at fault in past lawsuits, yet they are still working at the hospital. He said the LBJ board should establish a special committee to review and recommend to the Health Service Regulatory Board possible actions against a physician found to be responsible for problems that resulted in the lawsuit. The governor also said that the Executive Branch is reviewing laws from other states in order to draft language allowing the government to criminally prosecute a physician or nurse found to be liable for the death of a patient. Togiola hopes the proposed legislation will ready for submission to the Fono this month. Hospital officials have told the Fono that the hospital does not have the money to pay for lawsuits and that requiring physicians to have malpractice insurance, which is very expensive, is not affordable by either LBJ or the physicians.

From http://www.pacificmagazine.net/ 01/03/2008

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TONGA: Cabinet Passes Income Tax Changes

The Tonga Cabinet has passed new regulations for the new Income Tax Act, as well as introducing new Customs duty rates and regulations, and Excise duty rates and regulations reports Matangi Tonga. Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele says under the new Income Tax Act, people in lower income brackets would not have to pay tax. "The tax free income for the lower income people used to be $2,500, non taxable. Now the minimum is $7,400 a year. So a lot of people will not have to pay any tax. "The higher incomes will pay more, those above $30,000 p.a. will pay 20 percent whereas it is currently 10 percent. So it is a more graduated fairer tax system," he said.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz 09/20/2007

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Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum Meeting in Auck

Parliamentarians from more than 20 countries gathering in Auckland at the end of [next] week [20 Jan] will be pressing for action on some of the Asia-Pacific region¡¯s thorniest problems, writes Speaker of the House Margaret Wilson. On Sunday, while many New Zealanders are thinking about barbecues and the beach, around 400 parliamentarians and support staff from around the Asia-Pacific region will be settling down to five days¡¯ work. The occasion is the 16th annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), a process set up in the early 1990s to make sure legislators from the world¡¯s fastest-growing and most dynamic region had an opportunity to work together on the major issues of the day. It¡¯s true that the APPF is not one of the best-known or showiest groupings around. It does not involve heads of government and the focus is more on poring over resolutions than on public events. However, this meeting is an important one for New Zealand and we are proud to be taking our turn to host.

The Asia-Pacific region is one of the major hubs of world affairs and we are very much ¡®part of the neighbourhood¡¯. This is not just a matter of geography. New Zealand is increasingly linked to the region by demography (around nine percent of us claim Asian ethnicity and around seven percent Pacific ethnicity) and the bonds created by fast-growing person-to-person links, cultural connections and trade. What goes on in the huge area to our north and immediate west really does matter to us, and we cannot afford to simply be passive spectators. For that reason we are already involved with a number of groupings in the region ¨C APEC is the best-known but there are others, including the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), with which we are a dialogue partner, and now the East Asia Summit process.

These are vitally important connections but they are not substitutes for involvement with the APPF. The Forum is unique because it operates not between governments, but between individual parliamentarians of every political hue and level. Many of those involved in the Forum are senior in their own parliamentary systems and have considerable input into the policy-making of their own parties. Others are up-and-comers who, in years to come, will play leading roles in the development of their countries. The value for our own MPs in forming good working relationships and friendships with their equivalents in other nations cannot be overstated. Participation in the APPF is an investment in our future.

Another key benefit to New Zealand from membership of the APPF is the range of issues it considers. The benefit is not necessarily a matter of legal authority ¨C the Forum works according to consensus, and, because it does not represent governments, its communiqu¨¦s do not have binding status. The value comes from the fact that resolutions put forward by member governments for deliberation and eventual incorporation in the final joint communiqu¨¦ are closely considered by decision-makers from a large number of significant countries. The APPF helps New Zealand and other active participants float some of their major concerns within the Asia-Pacific and global communities. Let¡¯s consider a couple of the resolutions that New Zealand is putting forward.

One of the most significant relates to cluster munitions ¨C that is, small ¡®bomblets¡¯ delivered within larger bombs ¨C that remain scattered, live and lethal long after conflicts have ended. As it did with land-mines, New Zealand has taken a strong international stand to rid the world of these obnoxious weapons. In fact, in February we are hosting a major international conference as part of a global process to have their development, production and use banned. It¡¯s a major boost to this initiative to have on the APPF schedule a resolution that encourages members to support a binding international agreement on cluster munitions by the end of this year [subs: 2008].

Another important resolution we are sponsoring looks to encourage a five-year moratorium on switching land currently used for growing food to growing energy crops, and discourage the clearing of indigenous or ecologically important land for growing energy crops. The resolution also calls for APPF members to investigate the development of biofuels made from non-food sources such as waste and cellulose. Increasing awareness of the need to move away from fossil fuel use has encouraged international interest in growing biofuel crops. This is a positive development ¨C as long as enough land is still used for producing food, and conservation areas are protected. Our resolution ensures this important issue is placed squarely on the Asia-Pacific agenda.

New Zealand is sponsoring other APPF resolutions that reflect our national perspective on issues of importance to the region and the world. These cover the search for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, mutual skills recognition between countries as a mechanism for strengthening economies, preventing the spread of bird ¡®flu, improving access to sanitation and clean drinking water, bringing free elections and an end to human rights abuses in Myanmar, and protecting free speech and eliminating poverty. These are goals that, I believe, all New Zealanders will be pleased to have pursued in their name. The Auckland meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum is one of many ways in which New Zealand can seek, despite its small size, to influence the international agenda. I am proud that New Zealand has the opportunity to host a gathering that will allow us to make our voice heard in the Asia-Pacific and beyond, and build much-needed bridges between the legislators of the region.

From http://www.scoop.co.nz/ 01/16/2008

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New APEC Secretariat Executive Director

Ambassador Juan Carlos Capunay will become the 16th Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat on January 1. A diplomat in the Peruvian Foreign Service since 1972, Ambassador Capunay has extensive APEC experience having served as Peru's Senior Official to APEC for four years. Ambassador Capunay is also the former Chair of the APEC SOM Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation that coordinates and manages APEC's economic and technical cooperation agenda. Ambassador Capunay has also been posted to Peruvian Diplomatic missions in China, Singapore, Japan, the Organization of American States and the United Nations. As the start of APEC Peru 2008 nears, Ambassador Capunay said he anticipates 2008 will be an important year for APEC as the organization seeks to advance its work program in the face of regional economic challenges. "Building on the commitments made by APEC Leaders in November this year, APEC will contribute to what we hope will be a successful conclusion to the WTO's Doha Development Agenda negotiations, strengthen the security of people and trade and enhance prosperity in the region," Ambassador Capunay said. "The Asia-Pacific has experienced very positive growth over recent years, and by working together we will ensure continued growth and will overcome any challenges that could lay ahead. "During APEC Peru 2008 the host economy is committed to enhance regional growth through increased attention to the social issues relating to the APEC agenda. "I anticipate this will include increased attention to issues such as expanding access to information technologies and education, the development of greater public-private partnerships including corporate social responsibility, as well as strengthening efforts to deal with corruption." The APEC Peru 2008 Year will incorporate a range of meetings at official and political levels. This includes ministerial meetings for issues such as small and medium enterprises, tourism, finance, education and trade, structural reform as well as four Senior Officials' Meetings, working group events and finally the APEC Leaders Meeting in November. In preparation for Singapore's hosting of APEC in 2009 the 2008 Deputy Executive Director will be Mr. Michael Tay of Singapore .

From http://www.apec.org/ 12/27/2007

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OECD Anti-Corruption Work Honoured by International Awards

19/12/2007 - Key participants involved in OECD's work in the global fight against corruption have been honoured by two prestigious bodies, Transparency International in its 2007 Integrity Awards and African investor magazine in its annual African Investor Awards. Transparency International, the leading international NGO campaigning against corruption, chose Mark Pieth, the chair of OECD's Working Group on Bribery, as one of two recipients of its annual Integrity Awards. Mark, who has led OECD's anti-corruption work since its early stages, teaches criminal law and criminology at the University of Basel in his native Switzerland. Separately, OECD's Anti-Corruption Division was "Highly Commended" in the 2007 African Investor Awards for its work with South Africa in the global fight against bribery. South Africa became the first African country to sign the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention earlier this year, joining the OECD Working Group on Bribery as its 37th member. Congratulating both Prof. Pieth and members of the Anti-Corruption Division, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurr¨ªa said these awards were a clear signal of support for the international fight against corruption. "Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the OECD Convention," he said, "these awards are important recognition of the value of our work in this area." Until the OECD Convention was adopted 10 years ago, Mr. Gurr¨ªa noted, bribery of foreign public officials was widely accepted as a normal way of doing business in many countries in the world. In recent years, by contrast, there has been growing recognition that corruption undermines democratic institutions and damages the investment climate in developing countries. In its citation honouring Prof. Pieth, Transparency International said that he "has provided outstanding leadership in fighting corruption on an international scale ¡­ not only as a co-founder of the Basel Institute on Governance but as chair of the OECD Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions and as a member of the Independent Inquiry Committee into the Iraq Oil-for-Food Programme of the United Nations." The OECD Anti-Corruption Division serves the OECD Working Group on Bribery, providing analytical and logistical support for its work. In a speech accepting the Africa Investor Award, Anti-Corruption Division Head Patrick Moulette said that this award gave "an important signal that the African business community is willing to take measures to tackle foreign bribery-a crucial step for ensuring an attractive and stable African investment climate."

From http://www.oecd.org/document/ 12/19/2007

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2007 Global Accountability Report

Following the global effects of the implosion of Enron, the recent leadership crisis at the World Bank, and evidence of the lack of accountability of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the post Tsunami reconstruction efforts, the importance of good governance at the global level has been thrown into the spotlight. The subject has subsequently received heightened recognition and today, the One World Trust, a leading expert in the field of global governance and accountability, has released a report at the British Parliament measuring and ranking the accountability of 30 of the world¡¯s most powerful intergovernmental (IGO), corporate, and non-governmental (INGO) organisations. Serious global challenges such as climate change and terrorism are growing beyond the control of national governments and global organisations such as those examined in the report are taking on bigger roles in finding solutions to them. The report comes at a time when there are growing calls for these organisations to be more accountable. Unique in nature, the report uses the Global Accountability Framework to assess the policies and systems of organisations according to four widely-accepted dimensions of accountability: transparency, participation, evaluation, and complaint and response mechanisms. Data is collected from publicly available information, documents provided by the organisations themselves, and interviews with their key officials. In addition, stakeholders and experts on each of the organisations are engaged in the data collection and verification stages of the research. The Report identifies high performers as those organisations that score at least 50% in 3 out of 4 dimensions. This year¡¯s highest performing intergovernmental, corporate, and non-governmental organisations are: IGOs 1. United Nations Development Programme 88; 2. Asian Development Bank 81; 3. United Nations Environment Programme 74; 4. United Nations World Food Programe 70; 5. Inter-American Development Bank 68. INGOs 1. Christian Aid 81; 2. The International Accounting Standards Board 69. Corporates 1. The General Electric Company 65; 2. GlaxoSmithKline 59; 4. The Coca-Cola Company 56.

Across all four dimensions, IGOs lead the pack with five organisations in the top 10. Each sector, however, leads in one dimension ¨C whilst IGOs showed excellent transparency and evaluation systems, INGOs showed the best participation capabilities and corporates showed the best complaint and response mechanisms. An annual publication that after a pilot report in 2003 and a full report in 2006 is now in its second year, the report also identifies that overall organisations assessed this year, have as a group performed better than the 30 organisations assessed last year. Says Rob Lloyd, the Report¡¯s lead author, ¡°The assessment is a measure of the extent to which organisations have the policies and systems in place to enhance consistent and coherent accountability to the people they affect. The fact that a number score so well shows that they have the capability to be accountable and the One World Trust encourages them to translate these systems and policies into actual practice.¡± The Report also showed that leadership is a key ingredient in pushing forward organisational reform towards greater accountability. On this, Lord Malloch-Brown, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, former Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, and keynote speaker at the Report¡¯s launch commented, ¡°The report¡¯s findings on leadership confirm my own experiences of working in international organisations. When leadership is not trusted, reform becomes next to impossible, and the institutions become mired in political gridlock. The Report provides global organisations with a practical road-map for reform and I congratulate the One World Trust for this important work.¡± The Executive Director of the One World Trust Michael Hammer adds, ¡°Accountability makes powerful organisations more effective and legitimate. Without it, solutions to global challenges will fail. The One World Trust are looking forward not only to continuing to publish the Report and raising awareness of this global issue, but also to continuing to work with organisations to provide tailored accountability solutions.¡±

From http://www.oneworldtrust.org/ 01/01/2008

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Peru Launches APEC 2008, Marking 10-Year Anniversary of Memberships

Peruvian President, Alan Garcia officially launched the year-long chairmanship of the 2008 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum on Thursday. In attendance were the President of the Extraordinary High Level Commission APEC 2008 (CEAN), Vice-Admiral (r) Luis Giampietri Rojas and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs; Economy and Finance; and International Trade and Tourism. The President's announcement, which took place in a ceremony at the Government Palace, marks 10 years of membership in APEC. Said President Garcia, "Hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum will help Peru to deepen its economic growth, trade and investment." He emphasized that the APEC forum will allow Peru to become the centre of the international community and help to insert itself in international trade. From Singapore, Ambassador Juan Carlos Capunay, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat explains that, "The APEC Economies represent over 55 percent of world trade and 2.7 billion people. This year's theme underlines the fact that genuine, sustainable development must benefit people at all levels." Embracing the theme, "A New Commitment to Asia-Pacific Development," APEC Peru 2008 will consider the social dimension of free trade and investment. Says Ambassador Capunay, "The objective of the forum is to encourage free trade and increase investment in Asia-Pacific. But the reason we consider these to be valuable pursuits is because they actually improve the lives of people in the region."

Particular emphasis will be placed on strengthening the association between the private and public sectors, and the ample participation of international financial organizations. Ministerial meetings will address subjects of commerce, tourism and finance. In other workshops, senior officials will discuss issues such as education, rules for transparency, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). "SMEs employ a significant amount of the Asia-Pacific population but represent only a minimal percentage of exports," Ambassador Capunay offers as example. "This equation has to be changed." One of the most important issues addressed will be partnerships between public and private sectors. To this end, the APEC CEO Summit 2008 will be held concurrently with the Leaders' Meeting in November. As an opportunity for CEOs to engage in discussions with APEC Economic Leaders, policymakers, academia and other businesspeople on the most critical economic and business issues facing the region, it has become a symbol of such cooperation. Meetings will span across 10 Peruvian cities throughout the course of the year in what Ambassador Capunay considers "an opportunity for Peru to demonstrate its potential and to access the Asia-Pacific market - the opening of a new chapter in a long-term relationship." Official events are to commence in Lima between February 19 and March 3 and will include working-level meetings as well as the first Meeting of Senior Officials for the year.

From http://www.apec.org/ 01/11/2008

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The Fight Against High-Level Corruption a Common International Responsibility

It is indeed my pleasure to be present here today at the Anti-corruption Asia Summit. Corruption affects economic development and the political stability of all countries as it has national and international implications. I am delighted to share with you the advances that APEC has made in the fight against corruption and some of the work APEC is undertaking in this field. The APEC region has experienced tremendous gains since its formation in 1989. Our members account for around half of world trade, 41 per cent of world population and 57 per cent of world GDP. Per capita GDP has increased by 26 per cent compared with eight per cent for non-APEC economies. Tariffs in APEC economies have decreased from an average of 17 per cent in 1988 to six per cent in 2004. At the same time more efficient customs procedures, progress towards paperless trading, and other trade facilitation measures are saving businesses millions of dollars each year. APEC's approach of voluntarism and consensus in developing best practice guidelines is a constructive and productive way of dealing with complex issues, many of which are sensitive in domestic economies. It is moreover an approach that fits well culturally with Asian economies, and ensures the highest level of commitment to dealing with regional issues. During each year, there are a large number of APEC meetings at ministerial, senior officials and expert working group level. But the Leaders' Meeting is the most visible event, and the highlight of the APEC year. At this meeting Leaders set priorities for APEC and make the key decisions that are then implemented by ministers and officials from each economy. APEC's agenda is multi-faceted and comprehensive, and is strongly supported by the private sector through its business arm the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). Each year business, through the CEO Summit, provides APEC's Leaders with recommendations aimed at assisting the private sector to be more competitive and efficient. This year's Leaders' meeting and CEO Summit will be held in Lima, Peru in November. Peru will be leading the effort to promote economic and trade relations between Asia and Latin America. (excerpt by Juan Carlos Capunay)f

From http://www.apec.org/ 01/23/2008

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World Bank to Beef Up Anti-Corruption Unit

¡°The World Bank said on Wednesday it would adopt recommendations by a panel led by former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker to beef up its main corruption fighting unit. ¡­ The Bank said on Wednesday after an internal review that it agreed broadly with Volcker's recommendations, including the creation of a small independent advisory board to ensure the independence and accountability of the Department of Institutional Integrity, or INT. The Bank also said the department would work more closely with World Bank's main operations¡­ It also said that the department needed to be more transparent about its policies and practices. ¡­¡± [Reuters/Factiva] FT adds that ¡°¡­The decision to implement the recommendations of the report was made by an internal Bank working group. It was supported by Robert Zoellick, the World Bank president. ¡­The World Bank management presented its decision to the board on Tuesday. It was expected to be the subject of ¡®additional discussions¡¯ with the panel with regard to implementation. Overall, the Bank said, the measures would ¡®enhance transparency and prevention, clarify responsibilities, and strengthen follow-up actions when fraud and corruption are discovered. ¡®They will integrate the investigative work of the INT more closely into bank operations and provide for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.¡¯ ¡­¡± [The Financial Times (UK)]

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 01/24/2008

Without Rigorous Country Progress Reports, UN Corruption Convention Will Be a "Dead Letter"

¡°As nearly 140 UN Member States head to Bali to kick off a conference on 28 January about the future of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) -the global road-map for eradicating corruption- Transparency International (TI) is advocating to ensure that governments keep their commitments and implement the convention. TI Chair Huguette Labelle cautions that ¡°without the development of a concrete plan to assess country progress in implementing the treaty, the convention will be nothing more than a dead letter, robbing the most vulnerable of their best chance at a better life¡±. Transparency International will be represented by its top leadership as well as over 30 of the organisation¡¯s national chapters and will be operating within a coalition of civil society groups including Oxfam and the Institute for Security Studies. TI and the coalition will be on hand to put pressure on governments to make concrete, action-oriented decisions, not just on a review mechanism, but on the return of assets stolen by corrupt leaders and stored abroad. Additional issues the group will focus on include technical assistance for lower-income countries to implement the convention and stronger measures to protect and engage with civil society activists and whistleblowers. Ahead of the meeting of convention signatories, the so-called Conference of States Parties (CoSP), Transparency International released a position paper with specific technical recommendations for a long-range, phased review of country progress. The paper notes, that in a globalised world, the UNCAC offers the only global framework for cooperation on anti-corruption measures, setting out universally agreed standards for government performance. Efforts at assessing country progress to date, through self-reporting, have been lacklustre, with barely half of signatory countries participating. "Our work has shown us that only through a transparent programme of mutual evaluation will countries take such an instrument seriously, and get serious about implementing it," said Gillian Dell of Transparency International. ¡°That¡¯s why we're pushing for dates and concrete plans about how the states parties to the convention want to assess the success of their implementation. This meeting here in Indonesia is the moment". Commenting on the concerns of some countries, Dell continued, "The fact is, that this is an opportunity for governments to demonstrate their accountability and their commitment to fighting corruption".

Lack of government commitment still plagues the UNCAC, for example the failure of G8 member states Germany, Italy and Japan to ratify the convention four years after signing it and despite numerous G8 summit pledges to do so. The absence of ratifications from global financial centres Singapore, Switzerland and Liechtenstein also casts doubt on their commitment to integrity in the financial market. A number of signatory countries have not even made the effort to send a representative to the Bali conference. Beyond ratification, TI also urges the private sector, whose activities are subject to the provisions of the convention and whose interests are ultimately served by it, to actively support the UNCAC and a strong review mechanism. Civil society involvement remains crucial to the success of the convention, in its adoption, implementation and in its review. Their participation is enshrined in the convention, but the willingness of the states parties to guarantee this is uneven, with some governments exhibiting direct hostility to citizens exercising their right to voice critical opinions. From 28 January to 1 February, the Conference of States Parties will also feature special sessions with well-known film and music artists, civil society, private sector representatives and journalists, in addition to thematic components on issues of prevention and criminalisation of corruption offences and the enforcement of new regulation under the convention. The risk remains high, though, that countries will remain locked in a defensive, suspicious mode, which could undermine the best chance for a global sea-change in the fight against what is, after all, a cross-border phenomenon. TI¡¯s position paper concludes that without monitoring, there is a high risk the convention will become another example of unfulfilled high expectations.

From http://www.transparency.org/ 01/25/2008

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China: New State Leaders Be Elected in March 2008

China has decided to convene the first plenary session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) on March 5, 2008, during which top state and government leaders will be elected. The 31st meeting of the 10th NPC Standing Committee, which concluded Saturday, passed a resolution which sets forth suggestions for the session's agenda. According to the resolution, the session, which will last for about two weeks, will elect chairman and vice chairmen of the NPC Standing Committee, and elect the country's president and vice-president. It will decide on the list of the State Council's premier and vice premiers, as well as state councilors and ministers for government departments. The meeting will elect chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China, and heads of the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate. The agenda also includes reading and approval of the government report; checking and approval of reports on the implementation of the annual plan on national economic and social development in 2007 and the draft plan on national economic and social development in 2008, and checking and approval of reports on the implementation of the central and local budgets of 2007 and the draft central and local budgets of 2008.

The session will also hear and deliberate three work reports by the NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and a State Council plan on institutional reform. The NPC is the highest institution through which the Chinese people exercise their state power. In 1953, China held people's congresses at different levels. In1954, the First National People's Congress (NPC) was convened, marking the establishment of the people's congress system in China. The NPC exercises legislative power, amends the Constitution and supervises its enforcement, formulates and amends basic statutes and other laws; elects and decides on the leading personnel of state-level administrative, judicial, procuratorial and military bodies, and has the right to recall them; supervises government work in accordance with the Constitution and laws; and examines and decides on the fundamental, long-term and key issues of the state. All administrative, judicial, procuratorial and military organs and other state-level institutions are responsible to the NPC and supervised by it.

From Xinhua News Agency 12/30/2007

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National Honors System to Boost Public Morality

China is planning a national honors system, including implementing two regulations on administrative rewards and national emblems, to boost ethical morality, according to the Ministry of Personnel. "Through a strict legal process, people who have made great contribution to the building of national morality will be awarded and honored in the name of the country," the People's Daily newspaper quoted an anonymous ministry official on Wednesday. He added the honors system stressed the core values of socialism. The system, expected to be fully implemented in "several" years, would consist of multiple levels and cover various fields. After the approval of the National People's Congress (NPC) and its Standing Committee, the country's chairman would award recipients with emblems and honorary titles. Since the founding of New China in 1949, the country had issued a series of regulations on awarding inventors, science researchers, civil servants and others. An official supreme honor system, however, remained a blind spot. Some experts suggested the honors could also be granted to foreigners who had made extraordinary contribution to China in various fields. Many Western countries, including the United States, France and New Zealand, have their own national honors system to reward its citizens for merit, service or bravery. Most are operated with multiple classes and different levels. The British honors system, one of the oldest in the world, has evolved for more than 650 years, according to the UK Honours System website.

From Xinhua News Agency 01/02/2008

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China Central Bank Names Two Vice Governors; Wu Exits

China appointed Yi Gang and Ma Delun as vice governors of the central bank as the government reshuffles jobs after the twice-a-decade Communist Party congress in October. The State Council, China's cabinet, approved the promotions from assistant governors on Dec. 23, the People's Bank of China said in a statement on its Web site today. Wu Xiaoling, 61, formerly the vice governor overseeing monetary policy, exited. The appointments haven't ended speculation that a bigger move is possible: the replacement of Governor Zhou Xiaochuan, 59, now that he's served five years in the role. He presided over the first change in currency policy in a decade as China ended a peg to the dollar and revalued the yuan in 2005. ``People are still speculating about whether Zhou will be replaced,'' said Shen Minggao, an economist at Citigroup Inc. in Beijing. The promotions fill vacancies from the exits of Wu, who's of retirement age, and Xiang Junbo, now the head of Agricultural Bank of China. Yi, who previously helped Wu in her oversight of monetary policy decisions, has academic qualifications including a doctorate in economics from the U.S. He's also been a professor at Peking University.

The 49-year-old has ``rich experience'' in monetary policy and ``a solid academic background,'' said Citigroup's Shen. Ma, 58, has worked across a range of central bank departments, served as its spokesman, and was deputy director of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, the nation's currency regulator, between 2001 and 2005. The People's Bank of China has six vice governors. Its Web site doesn't specify their responsibilities. China is trying to cool the economy after inflation jumped to an 11-year high in November. The government raised interest rates six times last year, curbed bank lending, and allowed the yuan to gain at double the pace of 2006. The currency rose today to a post-revaluation high of 7.2724 versus the dollar. Yi said last year that the central bank is ``resolute'' in fighting consumer-price increases and that it wants to boost deposit rates, so that returns are higher than the rate of inflation. He also said the pace of yuan gains was ``fine.'' Reshuffles since the party congress have included the appointment of trade minister Chen Deming.

From http://www.bloomberg.com 01/03/2008

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Officials' blogs Well Received

Eleven officials in the Pearl River Delta city of Zhongshan in Guangdong Province recently opened blogs on the local government's Web portal to help the public get better acquainted with their activities. "Many people take it for granted that officials open blogs just to show off. But I don't think so," said Fang Bingzhuo, deputy secretary-general of the municipal government. "Through the blog, we can tell local residents what we are doing and why," said Fang, one of the officials taking part. And officials can get to know citizens' ideas in a more timely manner via their messages on the blog, he said. "We consider it meaningful and the city government encourages more officials to open blogs." "The blogs make me understand what the government officials are like," said local resident Yang Shaofeng. "I used to mistakenly think that officials just passed the time by reading newspapers and gossiping," Yang said. "But their blogs tell me that they really have administrative capabilities and constructive ideas."

However, they should spend more time improving their blog subjects, such as including important local issues and and sharing their viewpoints on the work they are responsible for, to make their blogs more interesting, he suggested. Zheng Yongting, a philosophy professor at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, said blogs establish a new channel of communication between government officials and citizens and will help improve the image of those officials. "The blogs will make the officials closer to the public and will also help them to better understand public opinion," Zheng said. In addition to the Zhongshan officials, Zhu Yongxin, vice-mayor of Suzhou in East China's Jiangsu Province, and Liao Xinbo, deputy director of Guangdong Health Department, have also opened personal blogs.

From China Daily 01/05/2008

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Gov't Acting to Stabilize Prices

The Chinese government decided on Wednesday to take further measures to stabilize market prices and increase the severity of punishments for those guilty of driving up prices through hoarding or cheating. The government urged all local authorities to strengthen price management and supervision and to take the necessary steps to keep the market prices in order and safeguard consumers' interests at a State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao. "Prices of gasoline, natural gas and electricity shall not be adjusted in the near future, and charges for gas, water, heating and public transport in cities shall not be raised," a statement released from the meeting said. "Fees for medical treatment shall be stabilized. Prices of major fertilizers, such as carbamide and phosphate fertilizer, shall be kept steady too and can only be raised really because of cost increase and after being approved by the regulator," it said. The government announced it would temporarily intervene in the setting of prices of daily necessities in line with the Price Law.

The State Councilors urged relevant government departments to tighten supervision over price hikes of major goods and services and to monitor price-cost relations closely to help enterprises fix prices more reasonably. "Companies who collude in jacking up prices, stoke up fears for price hikes by hoarding or spreading phony information, or raise prices before they are approved and registered officially will face stern penalties," the statement said. They also decided at the meeting to make amendments to the Regulation on Administrative Punishment for Price Violations to allow more stringent penalties and define procedures of price adjustment applications. "No malpractice that violates the laws and regulations and disturbs the market order will escape punishment," the release said. Local governments are also required to conduct special checks over the grain, oil, meat and liquefied gas prices before the Spring Festival, China's traditional lunar new year, to stabilize prices and ensure market supply. China's inflation rate hit a new 11-year high of 6.9 percent last November, prompting the government to take a series of measures, including subsidizing pig breeders and oil makers, to fight price hikes.

From Xinhua News Agency 01/10/2008

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MND Sets Up Information Department

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has set up an information department, according to news released by the Xinhua News Agency on January 8. At a press conference on December 27, 2007, Cai Wu, minister of the State Council Information Office, said: "The Information Department of the Ministry of National Defense is now underway. Details regarding a spokesperson will be released soon. The department will provide information services for both domestic and foreign media." According to the Xinhua News Agency, the Information Department of China's Ministry of National Defense announced on January 8 that Timothy Keating, the US Pacific Command commander-in-chief, would visit China from Jan. 13 to 16. However, the report didn't give any details regarding an official spokesperson.

From China.org.cn 01/10/2008

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Prison Administration Reform to Start This Year

China plans to kick off a nationwide prison administration reform program this year after a five-year trial in 14 provinces, the Ministry of Justice said Wednesday. The reform, initiated by the ministry in 2003, is aimed at modifying the country's prison administration method, promoting a community correction system and improving prison facilities, with the emphasis on protecting inmates' legal rights, said a statement issued by the ministry. As a key part of the reform, China plans to relocate its 700-odd prisons across the country, from remote and isolated areas to places near the cities or busy traffic routes, by 2010. New prisons have been built and some old ones renovated during the relocation drive and about 300 prisons have finished the move with facilities greatly improved. The current layout of prisons developed in the 1950s have caused much inconvenience to the life of inmates and wardens and also made it difficult for families to visit them. The ministry also plans to change the management of prison-run workshops. The workshops where the inmates receive re-education through labor will be state-owned and run by the bureau of prison administration in local governments instead of the prisons themselves, in a bid to prevent the prisons from making profits through the workshops.

The trial on community correction will be expanded as well, said Wu Aiying, Minister of Justice. Community correction, another important part of the ongoing prison system reform, is aimed at preparing convicted criminals for a smooth return to society and exploring new ways to educate non-violent criminals. So far 5,865 communities in 25 out of China's 34 provinces have accommodated about 151,000 convicts and the reoffending rate remained at 1 percent, according to the ministry. This year, the pilot provinces will be asked to select more communities, from every city and county, for the correction programs, Wu said. China started its pilot community correction program in 2003. The program applies to convicted criminals sentenced to community service, those that had been given a reprieve, those on parole and medical parole, especially minors, the elderly, the ill and pregnant mothers involved in minor crimes. "When I was convicted, I thought my life was done for. However, the monthly consultation at the community correction center gave me the confidence and courage to look ahead again," said Xiaoqiang, a 17-year-old boy sentenced to six months in prison with a year's reprieve for robbery. He is taking part in a community correction program in Beijing's Chaoyang district and became one of the first five teenage offenders across the country to receive financial assistance of 1,000 yuan for education from a Hong Kong entrepreneur. "I hope to get a college diploma in three years and find a job, " he said. The majority of convicts in China stay behind bars and only 15 percent serve their terms outside prison.

From Xinhua News Agency 01/10/2008

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Senior Chinese Leader Details Criteria for Official Promotion

Senior Chinese leader Xi Jinping has pinpointed the criteria for selecting and appointing cadres as the country entered local leadership reshuffles. Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of Communist Party of China (CPC), made the remarks during his inspection tour in north China's Hebei province between Jan. 11-14. "The promotion of sound and rapid social and economic development hinges on government officials at various levels," he said. The CPC's 17th national congress put forward the aim of "increasing public trust in cadre selection and appointment," Xi said, noting that it must be incorporated into practice. Adhering to correct guidance in appointing cadres, the CPC will promote cadres who stick to the Scientific Outlook on Development and are able to guide their jurisdictions to achieve such development. The CPC will select excellent cadres from primary-level organizations and the frontline of production to join the CPC and government leading organs at all levels.

The Party will give special attention to cadres who have long been working diligently in places fraught with hardships and difficulties, and promote cadres who do solid work, enjoy popular support and have political integrity, Xi stressed. Xi called for "creating a clean and upright environment" for the election of new local leaders by firmly preventing and severely punishing misconducts such as selling and buying government posts. China is going through nationwide leadership elections and reshuffles of legislatures, governments and political advisory bodies at the provincial levels in the first half of this year. During his tour, Xi has visited villages, companies, communities and small commodities market, held seminars with commoners, and paid special visits to people with financial difficulties.

From http://news.xinhuanet.com 01/15/2008

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China's Subsistence Allowance System Benefits Urban, Rural Poor Equally

Urban and rural Chinese with financial difficulties benefited "equally" from the government's minimum living allowance system last year, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said on Thursday. The number of rural beneficiaries hit 34.5 million at the end of 2007, an increase of 19.48 million or 128.7 percent from the previous year, figures in a report released by the ministry showed. And more than 22.7 million low-income urban residents received minimum living allowances last year, an increase of 300,000 people year-on-year. Under the system, subsidies vary by region according to economic conditions, but the basic requirement is to enable low-income people in urban and rural areas to have adequate food and clothing. The average allowance in 2007 was 182.4 yuan (25 U.S. dollars) in urban areas per person each month and 70 yuan in rural areas, according to the report. The allowance in rural areas was less than that in urban areas because living costs in rural areas were lower. The rural minimum living allowance system was formally established last year in all 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China, 10 years after the system was set up in urban areas. The State Council, or the cabinet, issued a circular in July last year to introduce the system in all rural areas. Beneficiaries include villagers who suffer chronic living difficulties because of illness, disability, aging, or poor living conditions. Official statistics showed that China had 21.48 million rural people with an annual income less than 85 U.S. dollars at the end of 2006.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 01/24/2008

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China to Ensure Grain, Edible Oil Supplies

China will increase grain and edible oil supplies, monitoring rising food prices and strengthening market supervision and management ahead of the Spring Festival national holiday, said a senior official in an Internet interview on Thursday. Wang Jinjie, head of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) markets division, said on the central government site, www.gov.cn., that market supplies of grain and edible oil were guaranteed. "The market order is stable and there is no need for panic," said Wang, adding that anyone who violated consumers' rights and disrupted the market would be severely punished according to industry and commerce regulations. He said some vendors were still profiteering by "illegally driving up food prices and hoarding goods" before and during Chinese New Year holiday -- less than two weeks away. "We are closely watching the promotion activities of supermarkets and shopping malls, such as the limited time or quantity offers, in case low-cost food and edible products of cheap or substandard quality enter the market." Consumers can complain and report on products or services through a nationwide hotline number of 12315, Wang said.

From Xinhua News Agency 01/25/2008

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More Websites Set Up for Corruption Report

China's disciplinary bodies on Friday announced they were setting up more corruption-reporting websites. Up until now the Communist Party of China's (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the Ministry of Supervision, together with a further 18 provincial-level discipline inspection committees, have set up corruption-reporting websites. In Shanxi, Guizhou and Zhejiang Provinces, many cities and counties have set up similar websites. In Zhejiang Province, there are 11 cities and 85 counties which use information from similar websites to accept petitioners' report in a battle against the corruption of local officials. Reports of corruption from these websites is a primary and effective way to uncover officials' wrongdoing, said the CCDI.

To be better informed of corruption problems, China's National Bureau of Corruption Prevention (NCBP) launched a website on December 18 last year for petitioners to make online complains. However, the newly-founded website (www.yfj.mos.gov.cn) crashed, just hours after it was established, because of the huge numbers of people wanting to register their complaints about corruption among officials. An NBCP official said the number of visitors was very large and beyond expectations. In no more than two days' operation, netizens had left 22 pages of messages on the website's guestbook. The website is now working again. Last year, many senior officials were found guilty of serious corruption, including the former director of the National Bureau of Statistics Qiu Xiaohua, the former food and drug administration head Zheng Xiaoyu and former Party head of Shanghai Chen Liangyu. Zheng was executed for his crimes, Chen and Qiu have been removed from their posts.

From Xinhua News Agency 01/26/2008

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Top Official Puts Own Govt Under Public Scrutiny

Newly elected Shandong governor Jiang Daming has vowed for the provincial government to work under the scrutiny of local legislature, the public and the media. Jiang, the acting governor of the province, was elected governor on Saturday at the first session of the 11th Shandong provincial people's congress, the local legislative body. He said the government should be subject to supervision from local lawmakers, political advisors, the public and the media at all times. "We should administer by law, be cautious in using our power, be honest and clean and practice diligent governance to serve the people " Jiang said at a press conference after his election. The development of the province will be made the top priority to help create new advantages for economic growth, Jiang said. In his government work report delivered last Sunday, Jiang said that Shandong is aiming for a gross domestic product (GDP) of 4 trillion yuan ($555 billion) by 2010 with an average GDP growth rate of 10 percent in the next five years.

By 2010, per capita GDP is expected to reach $5,000 - four times that of 2000. It is the provincial government's responsibility to guarantee and improve people's livelihood and have the province's 93 million people enjoy the fruits of reform and development, Jiang said. He promised in the report that per capita annual disposable income of urban residents and per capita net income of farmers will exceed an average growth rate of 8 percent in the coming five years. "A pragmatic working style must always be promoted. The achievements must withstand the test of history, people and practice," he said. Jiang, born in March 1953, is a native of Rongcheng, Shandong. He joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in November 1976. He graduated from the philosophy department of Heilongjiang University and began working at the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China in 1982. He was appointed vice- and acting governor of Shandong province by the Standing Committee of the Shandong Provincial People's Congress on June 13 last year. He is a member of the 17th CPC Central Committee.

From China Daily 01/28/2008

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JAPAN: Public Officials Likely to Have Work Day Cut by 15 Minutes

The National Personnel Authority is considering reducing the working hours of national government employees by 15 minutes a day to seven hours and 45 minutes from the current eight hours from 2009, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. The reduction is in line with a trend of shorter stipulated working hours for private company employees. The authority will include in its annual recommendations to be issued in the summer a revision of a law on working hours and holidays of rank-and-file government workers, which stipulates eight-hour workdays. If adopted it would be the first reduction in working hours of national government employees since 1992 when the five-day work week was introduced. The Labor Standards Law stipulates that private firms should not make employees work more than 40 hours a week, or eight hours a day. However, company regulations often stipulate shorter working hours than the law as the trend toward shorter hours spreads with the popularization of the five-day work week. According to surveys conducted by the NPA between 2004 and 2007, the average stipulated working day was found to be seven hours, 45 minutes long in each of these years. The NPA will recommend the reduction after conducting another survey in 2008 to confirm that this trend has not changed. The reduction aims at eliminating discrepancies in the working hours of private company employees and government workers. It has already asked ministries about their respective situations, and decided that even if working hours are reduced by 15 minutes, this will not affect their basic operations. The law on working hours and holidays of rank-and-file government workers stipulates that government workers should be allocated eight working hours a day Monday through Friday. If the NPA makes a recommendation that the work hours be reduced by 15 minutes, then the government will consider whether to submit a bill to revise the law to the extraordinary Diet session in the autumn. However, past surveys by the NPA also found that employees of smaller companies tend to work longer hours, and the reduction likely will lead to a greater gap between these employees and government workers. The move is also likely to be criticized for representing an effective pay raise for government workers.

From The Yomiuri Shimbun 01/01/2008

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Upper House Members' Assets Hit Record Low

The average value of assets held by the 120 House of Councillors members elected in July is 23.78 million yen, a record-low figure for reelected or newly elected upper house members since disclosure began in 1993, according to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey Monday. The survey revealed the average value of the lawmakers' assets, including land, property and time deposits, was 8.7 percent lower than the corresponding figure released in the previous survey in January 2005, when the figure was 26.05 million yen. A change in the predominant generation in the upper house is believed to have contributed to the decline, political analysts say. In a serious setback to the Liberal Democratic Party in the election in July, a number of veteran lawmakers failed to win seats, while 65 candidates, many of whom belong to the opposition Democratic Party of Japan, were newly elected to the upper house. Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe was found to have the biggest assets in the survey, at 339.99 million yen. The survey showed that Masuzoe and four other LDP members held assets exceeding 100 million yen, compared with 11 in 2002 and six in 2005. Meanwhile, 14 said they had no significant assets to declare, compared with the five members who said so in the previous survey. Of the 14, seven belong to the DPJ, five are LDP members, one belongs to New Komeito and the other is an independent. Breaking down the results according to party, members of the People's New Party topped the list of assets, with an average of 48.46 million yen, followed by members of the LDP, with 47.3 million yen, the DPJ, with 13.86 million yen, the New Party Nippon, with 11.05 million yen, New Komeito, with 10.48 million yen, the Social Democratic Party, with 9.54 million yen, and the Japanese Communist Party, with 4.2 million yen. The average value of assets held by 65 newly elected upper house members, including those who formerly belonged to the House of Representatives, amounted to 20.44 million yen.

The average value of assets held by newly elected LDP members is 37.13 million yen, while the figure is 13.9 million yen for newly elected DPJ members. This is the sixth time upper house members were asked to disclose their assets under the 1993 law. Upper house members elected in July are required to declare the assets they held on July 29, 2007, when their tenures started. Land, buildings, time deposits and bonds, among others, registered under their names are subject to disclosure. Stocks are not included. Assets held by Takashi Yamamoto, the DPJ member who died in December, also were disclosed, based on the law. Although former LDP member Yutaka Kobayashi, who resigned as a lawmaker in September over election campaign irregularities, was also required to disclose his assets, he did not submit a report to the Diet. The fact that 14 upper house members said they had no assets to declare reflected the difficulty of getting a complete grasp of the size of lawmakers' assets through the reports they submit. Under the law, lawmakers are not required to report the value of assets held under the name of relatives. Nor are they required to report on savings held in ordinary and checking deposits. Of the upper house members subject to the disclosure, 41, or about one-third, reported that they had no deposits to declare. An LDP executive said a number of Diet members have transferred their savings into ordinary accounts or other financial forms that are not subject to disclosure under the law. Starting with the 2004 disclosure of lower house members' assets, lawmakers have no longer been required to disclose the face value of stocks they hold, making it more difficult to ascertain a complete picture of lawmakers' assets.

From The Yomiuri Shimbun 01/08/2008

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Proposals Drafted to Overhaul Bureaucracy

In a proposal that could radically change how the central government operates, an advisory panel to Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda is compiling recommendations that would ban bureaucrats from making any contact with politicians. The proposal is expected to meet fierce resistance from ruling coalition Diet members as well as bureaucrats. The advisory panel has been putting together a report for a fundamental revision of the central government bureaucracy. A final report is expected to be presented to Fukuda by the end of January. The government will seek to put together legislation based on the report for submittal to the ordinary Diet session scheduled to convene on Jan. 18. However, questions remain over how much of the report will survive the expected backlash from ruling coalition politicians and bureaucrats. As a means to strengthen Cabinet functions, a draft of the advisory panel's proposal calls for the establishment of a "state strategy staff" consisting of bureaucrats at the vice minister level. They would provide specialized knowledge directly to the prime minister. Cabinet ministers would also be assigned political affairs specialists who would serve as aides in dealing with Diet affairs. While bureaucrats would be eligible to be picked as political affairs specialists, they would be the only ones allowed to meet directly with politicians under the proposed draft. The proposal sets out five major areas of reform: a separation of the political and bureaucratic sectors; a more varied process of hiring and educating bureaucrats; establishment of work ethics for bureaucrats; ensuring greater personnel interchange between the public and private sectors; and the establishment of a unified agency to handle management and evaluation of central government bureaucrats.

As a means of fostering bureaucrats who are not solely concerned with furthering the interests of their ministries, the proposal calls for the establishment of a Cabinet personnel agency headed by a state minister. Under that new body, the Cabinet would make all decisions concerning appointments of high-level bureaucrats. The body would also encourage personnel transfers beyond ministerial boundaries. Another objective of the proposal is to have one-quarter of the bureaucrats hired every year eventually consist of mid-career hires from the private sector after 10 years. Taking a page out of the British practice, the proposal calls for a ban on contact between bureaucrats and politicians except for those appointed either as ministers, senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries or political affairs specialists. High-ranking bureaucrats in Japan now commonly meet with politicians and party officials to explain legislation and policies they want implemented. The state strategy staff to serve the prime minister would consist of about 10 individuals chosen from among applicants from central government ministries, academia and the private sector. There had been calls for abolishing the current system of selecting high-level officials from among those on the career bureaucrat path. However, the proposal only calls for having about half of all high-level officials selected from among mid-career hires or among those who were not hired as a generalist, normally considered an elite path among bureaucrats.

From http://www.asahi.com/ 01/10/2008

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Asbestos Removal System Failing: Less Than 40% of Local Govts Offer Subsidies, Only 122 Grants Approved

Less than 40 percent of prefectural governments have a subsidy system in place to help owners of private buildings pay for the removal or containment of asbestos to prevent it damaging people's health, a survey by the Construction and Transport Ministry showed Tuesday. The number was even smaller in wards and municipalities, with less than 10 percent setting up such systems, according to the survey. The survey also showed that the subsidy system has been used just 122 times, and no preventive measures have been taken at more than 7,000 large-scale facilities, prompting experts to warn firms not to underestimate the danger of asbestos. The production and use of asbestos is banned in the country as it is believed to cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. The subsidy system was established after it was found that people living near construction material and machinery maker Kubota Co.'s plant in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, were found to have suffered asbestos-related illnesses in June 2005. The system covers large-scale facilities, such as office buildings, department stores and hotels, as well as housing complexes. When asbestos is removed or contained with chemical substances, subsidies to prevent it from spreading are granted in one of three ways:
-- Local governments determine the subsidy rate and independently grant the subsidy.
-- Local governments determine the rate of the subsidy to be granted, and the central government provides 45 percent of the total.
-- Both central and local governments each provide one-third of the subsidy amount.

As of September, 18 prefectures, 13 government ordinance-designated major cities, and 122 wards and municipalities offered the subsidy system as of September, according to the ministry. Five prefectures, three government ordinance-designated cities and 83 municipalities plan to introduce the system. As for the subsidy system method that is partially funded by the central government, those who wish to use the system are unable to apply if local governments in their jurisdiction do not have the system. In addition, many local governments set a ceiling on the amount of subsidies they will provide--5 million yen in Okayama Prefecture, 750,000 yen in Kanagawa Prefecture and 300,000 yen in Nagoya. It is said to cost about 10,000 yen to 80,000 yen per square meter to remove asbestos. The Tokyo metropolitan and Chiba prefectural governments have said they have no plans to establish the system, saying that buildings in the private sector must be improved at their owners' discretion. The Saitama prefectural government said it had no excess funds that could be used for such subsidies due to its dire fiscal situation. Of 253,132 buildings with a floor space of 1,000 square meters or larger that were constructed between 1956 and 1989, a period when asbestos was widely used, asbestos was found to be exposed in 14,774 buildings, or 5.8 percent, the survey also showed. Of those, no measures to contain the asbestos were taken in 7,040 buildings. Of the 14,774 buildings where asbestos was found to be exposed, the largest number of 977 buildings are located in Osaka Prefecture, followed by 517 in Aichi Prefecture, 402 in Hokkaido, 386 in Hyogo Prefecture, 325 in Fukuoka Prefecture, and 320 in Hiroshima Prefecture. Prof. Hirotada Hirose of Tokyo Woman's Christian University urges the central government to take a more flexible and proactive approach. "It's hard to accurately grasp the damage asbestos can cause, so I suspect its danger is underestimated," Hirose said.

From The Yomiuri Shimbun 01/16/2007

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Fukuda Cabinet Approval Falls Under 50% for 1st Time

The approval rating for Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's Cabinet fell below 50 percent for the first time since it was formed, according to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey. The nationwide interview survey showed the approval rating for Fukuda's Cabinet was 45.6 percent, 6.9 percentage points down from the previous survey in December, while respondents who said they disapproved of the Cabinet increased by 6.3 percentage points to 41.6 percent. The decline in the approval rating likely was linked to difficulties the government faces in resolving the pension record-keeping fiasco. The survey conducted Saturday and Sunday on 3,000 eligible voters at 250 locations across the country, with 1,780, or 59.3 percent, giving valid answers. Among male respondents, 46 percent said they did not support the Cabinet, exceeding the 43 percent who said they did support it and marking the first time the approval rate among men has fallen below 50 percent. Meanwhile, a majority of respondents aged in their 20s, 30s and 40s said they disapproved of the Cabinet. Asked about an enactment of the new antiterrorism law that allows the Maritime Self-Defense Force to resume an Indian Ocean refueling mission, 47 percent praised the enactment, exceeding the 44 percent who did not. However, 46 percent said it was not appropriate that the bill authorizing the MSDF mission was approved with the support of a more than two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives after being rejected in the House of Councillors. Forty-one percent said it was appropriate. About 60 percent said the way the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan dealt with the extraordinary Diet session was not praiseworthy, while 34 percent said it was. Asked about when the lower house election should be held, 22 percent said it should be after the July's Group of Eight summit meeting in Hokkaido, while the same percentage said it should be by September 2009, when lower house lawmakers complete their terms. More than 60 percent, including 18 percent who said it should be held within this year, said they wanted the lower house election to be held after the summit.

From The Yomiuri Shimbun 01/16/2008

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Hashimoto Wins Osaka Governorship

Toru Hashimoto gives a banzai cheer with his supporters at his campaign headquarters in Osaka on Sunday night.Toru Hashimoto, a lawyer and TV personality backed by the prefectural chapters of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, won Sunday's Osaka gubernatorial election. Hashimoto defeated four other candidates, including one backed by the Democratic Party of Japan. Hashimoto gave a banzai cheer with his supporters at his campaign office in Osaka at about 9 p.m. and said, "I'm only 38 years old, but with my energy and explosive force, I want to reconstruct Osaka from the ground up." He will become the nation's youngest serving governor on Feb. 6, and the third youngest since the start of the public election system in 1947. The 38-year-old garnered 1,832,857 votes. Sadatoshi Kumagai, a former Osaka University professor backed by the DPJ, the Social Democratic Party and People's New Party, won 999,082 votes, followed by Shoji Umeda, a lawyer backed by the Japanese Communist Party, with 518,563 votes. Masaaki Takahashi, chairman of a residents' association, took 22,154 votes, and Seiichi Sugiura, a volunteer probation officer, 20,161.

For the first time in 33 years, three candidates separately backed by major parties ran in the race. However, Umeda's campaign was overshadowed by the fierce tussle between the other two major-party-backed candidates. The voter turnout was 48.95 percent, up from 40.49 percent in 2004, when incumbent Fusae Ota was reelected after the lowest turnout in Osaka gubernatorial election history. The race attracted nationwide attention as it was seen to be a harbinger of the lower house election expected later this year. Sunday's results are a blow to the DPJ, which gave Kumagai full organizational support. The DPJ gained a boost after it and the PNP backed Kunio Hiramatsu to victory in November's Osaka mayoral election, defeating the ruling coalition-endorsed incumbent Junichi Seki, and therefore believed victory on Sunday would bring further advantage in the lower house poll.

Nevertheless, Hashimoto's win may not strengthen the ruling coalition's performance in the lower house poll, as they blurred party lines to help Hashimoto attract floating voters. Hashimoto is believed to have earned most of the so-called owarai ballots--those cast by voters who tend to select TV personalities. It is said that there are about 1 million such voters in the prefecture. The achievements of Miyazaki Gov. Hideo Higashikokubaru, a former TV personality, in publicizing his prefecture may have contributed to Hashimoto's win. "You're the one who'll make a historic change tomorrow," Hashimoto yelled to supporters from atop his campaign vehicle, where he was joined by the Miyazaki governor, on Saturday in front of JR Osaka Station.

Hashimoto asked Higashikokubaru, who defeated the LDP-backed candidate in the Miyazaki gubernatorial election a year ago, to make a support speech, although Hashimoto has declined offers from party heavyweights and popular TV personalities for such speeches. "Hashimoto is the only one who can publicize Osaka [across the nation]," Higashikokubaru said. During the campaign, Hashimoto often encouraged the young voters who flocked around him to go to the polls, rarely explaining the details of his platform. Party policy forbade LDP and New Komeito heavyweights and local assembly members belonging to the parties from canvassing for Hashimoto on the streets, leading to some campaigning taking place behind the scenes.

From The Yomiuri Shimbun 01/28/2008

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SOUTH KOREA: Public Sector Reform - Lee Needs to Focus on Smaller, Efficient Government

The government plans to recruit 4,868 public officials next year through an open contest, according to the Civil Servant Service Monday. The number of fresh recruits represents a 24 percent decrease from this year. The plan is welcomed as it is in compliance with President-elect Lee Myung-bak's pledge to focus on making the government smaller and more efficient through restructuring. He also promised to run a task force for public sector reform in his transition team. In defiance of such move, an increasing number of government officials have been intent on preventing their organizations from being subject to the envisioned restructuring program. Toward that end, they have been developing theories and exploring new projects. There has been a growing call for the need to speed up reform in the public sector, which has been excessively enlarged under the current administration. President-elect Lee and his staffers are advised to implement the reform program as soon as possible so that the existing officials cannot find time to resist collectively. The Roh administration has been the target of criticism for having been bent on expanding government organizations despite opposition from the public and the media. As the government organizations have become larger, there have been more regulations in businesses and markets. All these resulted in increased tax burden on the people and lackluster economic activity. The administration increased the number of officials in central and local governments by 100,000 over the past five years. For instance, the number of committees, which stood at only 346 in the initial stage of the incumbent government, continued to grow to 416. Against this backdrop, the government was scornfully described as a ``republic of committees.'' The people have had to pay an additional 5 trillion won in wage costs for the civil servants per year. Though the Roh government managed to sever the collusive ties between politics and businesses, it has increased the number of committees and state-run organizations. It has been a global trend in industrialized nations, in particular, to pursue ``smaller government and bigger markets.'' France is poised to shed 100,000 officials over the next five years while Japan plans to decrease its number of officials by 4,122 next year. President-elect Lee has promised to cut the national budget by 10 percent while realizing a ``slimmer government.''The restructuring should be carried out in the initial stage of the new government. President-elect Lee needs to wrap up the planned restructuring by next April, when the nation is set to hold parliamentary elections. If he fails to complete the move by that time, he will probable lose the chance for good in the face of persistent resistance from officialdom.

From http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/ 12/24/2007

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Education Reform: Next Government to Promote Autonomy, Decentralization

President-elect Lee Myung-bak's transition team has outlined education reform that is badly needed to sharpen the nation's competitiveness. The next government is expected to focus on autonomy and decentralization of education. The direction of the reform is apparently designed to cultivate creative human resources in a knowledge-based information society. On Wednesday, the transition team said the next administration will give colleges greater autonomy in the selection of new students. The plan will end the country's decade-old government control on universities admissions policies, paving the way for improving their international competitiveness. For this, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development plans to transfer its college admission affairs to the Korean Council for University Education, a non-governmental group of college presidents. The plan means that universities will be allowed to set their own admission guidelines without government intervention. Colleges have repeatedly called for an easing of government control on their student selection process and their operations. The transition team said the incoming administration will also delegate much of the policy-making authority related to primary, middle and high school education to regional education offices. Lee's education reform is based on the thinking that more than 30 years of ``standardization'' education can no longer be tenable in the 21st century. The standardization policy had produced successful results in the mass production and mass consumption society in the 1970s-80s.

But it has increasingly lost ground since the 1990s, because it has led to a decline in students' scholastic performance. However, the Roh Moo-hyun government has stuck to the outdated policy under the name of left-leaning ``egalitarian'' education. Lee's reform marks the reversal of his predecessor's policy. Lee, who served as Seoul mayor and CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction, is seen as an advocate of the market economy and elite education. The next government also plans to overhaul the state-administered College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) to help ease the fierce competition for college entrance. It will push for a three-stage plan to allow colleges to set their own admission guidelines, cut the number of test subjects, and give full freedom to universities in selecting new students. However, such measures are not enough to normalize the dilapidated school education and cultivate human resources with creative thinking. South Korea has still a long way to go to realize education reform. Despite soaring spending on private tutoring, the quality of education shows little sign of improving. Only two local universities are on the list of the world's top 200 universities released by The Times Higher Education Supplement (THES). Against this backdrop, it is imperative to introduce a new paradigm to improve education quality and then hone the nation's competitiveness. More autonomy and decentralization will require universities and other schools to take more responsibility. They should go all-out to regenerate themselves as real higher learning institutes to foster creative human resources. There is no doubt that much of the nation's future depends on education.

From http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/ 01/03/2008

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Information Agency Faces Axe

The agency in charge of telling the government policy story is virtually useless in the eyes of the incoming Lee Myung-bak administration and it will likely be shut down or dramatically reshaped. When it was the Government Information Agency¡¯s turn yesterday to report to Lee¡¯s transition team, the disdain was made clear again. One of Lee¡¯s major promises was to close down the agency, which drew the ire of most of Korea¡¯s media companies when it followed President Roh Moo-hyun¡¯s instructions to shut down press rooms in government ministries in line with his policy of trying to change reporters behavior. ¡°President-elect Lee has several times pointed out that he will open the press rooms again, and that is the basic stance of the Grand National Party,¡± said Lee Dong-gwan, the transition team spokesman, in a briefing after the agency was done being grilled yesterday. Although he added that the final decision to close down the agency will be taken when the new administration conducts a government reshuffle, Lee repeated that the shutdown was a promise the president-elect will try to keep. Expecting the worst to happen, the agency admitted in its report that it did not do a very good job. ¡°The agency lost the power to carry out its administrative policy because the relationship with the press turned hostile during the last five years,¡± the report read. ¡°And the agency could not promote government policies and visions well enough to the public.¡± No, that¡¯s not right, the transition team responded. ¡°For the last five years, the Government Information Agency has virtually controlled the press by narrowing sources and channels of news and infringing on the people¡¯s right to know,¡± said Park Hyeong-joon, a transition committee member, accusing the agency of implementing a policy that was supposedly designed to ¡°enhance the transparency of the media,¡± but actually provided only information examined and vetted by government officials. To implement this, the press rooms where reporters used to file stories from government agencies were shut down, and reporters were not allowed to enter government offices or talk to government officials without permission, Park said. In its report, the agency suggested that it either go through some adjustments, or be merged with the Culture Ministry, with its function to promote the country¡¯s policies being retained. The transition team also wants to scrap KTV broadcasting, which is operated by the agency, but the agency said the service is needed to preserve a visual record of government activity. ¡°These five years have been like a war,¡± Roh said yesterday in his annual New Year address. ¡°It was a fight against special privileges and vested interests. The worst has been the press.¡± Roh has said he believed that the mainstream media has too many privileges and that one of his goals was to reform the media before his term was over.

From http://joongangdaily.joins.com/ 01/04/2008

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Special Prosecutors Launch Probe into Samsung Group Bribery Scandal

SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Yonhap) -- An independent counsel Thursday launched an investigation into Samsung Group in what was seen as a litmus test of whether South Korea is ready to crack down on shady business practices used by giant, family-owned conglomerates. The high-profile probe comes after a former Samsung lawyer alleged in November that the company regularly bribed politicians, prosecutors and government officials. The National Assembly subsequently passed a bill initiating the independent probe into the country's biggest conglomerate. Attorney Cho Joon-woong, a former senior prosecutor, launched the probe with a mandate of up to 105 days. "Too many allegations are involved in the investigation, so I don't expect to get all of them clarified within the given time. But we will do our best to get as much done as possible," Cho told reporters. Key investigations will center on whether Samsung amassed slush funds; peddled influence by routinely bribing government officials, the media and people in legal circles; and engaged in shady stock deals to pass control of the group from its chairman, Lee Kun-hee, to his only son, Jae-yong. The probe may require the Samsung chairman be summoned to face questioning, which civic organizations have vehemently called for but has never been carried out. In 2005, when Lee faced a graft scandal linked to the 1997 presidential election, he flew to the United States and returned home five months later, only after prosecutors decided not to indict him, citing lack of evidence. The special prosecutor evaded a direct answer, saying "It's only natural to summon someone if that's required for the investigation." The independent counsel will also look into allegations that outgoing President Roh Moo-hyun's camp took congratulatory money from Samsung just after his election in December 2002.

Roh had initially opposed the special probe, saying it was an abuse of the legislature's power, but later signed the legislation, which passed in the National Assembly with bipartisan support. Kim Yong-chul, the whistle-blower who worked at Samsung from 1997 to 2004 as an attorney, claimed he took part in creating over 7 trillion won (US$7.5 billion) in slush funds until 2000 for Samsung. Kim described the conglomerate and the Lee family as a "force mixed with injustice." With 58 affiliates in its group -- including Samsung Electronics Co., the world's biggest memory chip maker, and Samsung Heavy Industries, the world's No. 2 shipbuilder -- Samsung products account for nearly a quarter of South Korea's exports and gross national product. Industry watchers say the Samsung probe will show whether South Korea is ready to eradicate shady practices used by powerful family-owned conglomerates, which became the country's economic backbone under the protective wing of past authoritarian governments. In 2005, SK Chairman Chey Tae-won was sentenced to three years for an accounting fraud worth 1.9 trillion won (US$2.05 billion). More recently, Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Mong-koo received a five-year suspended jail term for embezzling more than US$100 million in company money to set up slush funds. Public opinion is torn between empowering the industrial growth engines with an amnesty and purifying them by holding them to global standards.

From http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/ 01/10/2008

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¡°Public Servants Are Obstacles,¡± Says President-Elect

¡°Korean officials have more knowledge and ability than any other officials of other countries, but their attitude seems to have reached an alarming level, becoming an obstacle in this era. Self-sacrifice is necessary,¡± said President-elect Lee Myung-bak during ¡°Great Korea Public Report Meeting¡± held at Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Tuesday. His remark on the transformation of bureaucracy was most emphasized since his transition committee initiated its task. ¡°It Is a Miracle that Korea Managed to Come This Far¡± Lee harshly criticized the regulatory bureaucracy represented by the Daebul Industrial Complex and resistance from several ministries during the overhaul process of the government bodies. He said, ¡°For a month, (after his election) I took a close look at the government administration and found many obstacles. I thought it was a miracle that Korea managed to come this far.¡± ¡°Korean enterprises will do very well, if the government paves the ways. It blocked every corner (with regulations). It knew pretty well where to block. Now, the new government should pave some paths,¡± added Lee. ¡°When I said, let¡¯s raise Korea¡¯s per capita income to $40,000 within a decade (during the campaigning), many people (including the bureaucracy) said that they can¡¯t while barraging with reasons for improbability,¡± said Lee. He confirmed the deregulation plan, saying that the new administration will never drag the market, and will offer a minimum level of supervision and a maximum level of help.

¡°Officials Need to Make up their Mind¡± Referring the restructuring of government bodies, Lee criticized the attitude of few public officials, saying, ¡°Enterprisers had to visit each ministry and office for permissions. In the era of global integration, I made a plan to transform scattered government agencies into functional bodies befitting this era. We are not going to reduce the number of ministries nonsensically.¡± ¡°Some ministry officials are lobbying transition committee members by using their affiliated enterprises to prevent their ministry from being removed. But it is an obsolete way. By doing so, you cannot make a ¡®Great Korea¡¯,¡± said Lee. ¡°When I was in business, I also lobbied. But it will not work anymore. It is an old tactic. Public servants should think more of their country rather than their positions,¡± said Lee. President-elect Lee said that Koreans are ¡°very competent,¡± enterprisers are ¡°competent,¡± and officials are a group that can do well if they make up their mind. Lee indicated an imminent bureaucracy reform, equivalent to ¡°boot camp training.¡±

From http://english.donga.com/ 01/23/2008

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Final Government Downsizing Plan Announced

The presidential transition committee announced its final version of the government reorganization plan yesterday. The current 52 central government agencies, including 2 boards, 18 ministries and 10 commissions, will be trimmed down to 39. Six Ministries¡ªUnification, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Information and Communication, Gender Equality and Family, Science and Technology and Finance and Economy¡ªwill be merged with related ministries and the Government Information Agency will be disbanded. Two special ministerial posts will be created to take responsible for key government projects. The number of departments in Cheong Wa Dae will be reduced from the current four to one department and one sub-department, and the number of senior secretaries to the president will be cut from the current ten to seven. The details of the finalized restructuring plan were made public yesterday by Lee Kyung-sook, chairwoman of the transition committee, at the committee office in Samcheong-dong, Seoul. The Ministry of Planning and Budget will absorb the Ministry of Finance and Economy to become the Ministry of Planning and Finance, which will be responsible for planning and coordination of economic policies, budgets, state funds, the tax system and international finance. The Financial Intelligence Unit and the financial supervisory functions of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, including supervision of foreign exchange deals, will be merged with the Financial Supervisory Commission and change its name to the Financial Commission.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Energy will be expanded and become the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy by adding the IT industry policies of the Ministry of Information and Communication, industrial technology policies of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the broadcasting industry promotion functions of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The Presidential Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission, which will be operated under direct presidential control, will be created to integrate the Ministry of Information and Communication¡¯s policies, which involves telecommunication services and the enforcement of telecommunication regulations, with the Korean Broadcasting Commission¡¯s policies and broadcasting regulation enforcement roles. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will be expanded and renamed the Ministry of Agricultural, Fishery and Marine Foods by absorbing the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries¡¯ fishery and marine product-related policies and the Ministry of Health and Welfare¡¯s food industry promotion policies. It will supervise the Korea Coast Guard. The Rural Development Administration will be turned into a government-funded research institution. The Ministry of Construction and Transportation will be reorganized into the Ministry of Homeland and Marine Affairs by embracing the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries¡¯ port logistics policies, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry¡¯s Korea Forest Service, and the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs¡¯ Land registration and real estate management function.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will absorb the Ministry of Unification to become the Ministry of Unification and Foreign Affairs, whose function includes management of inter-Korean dialogue. The Ministry of Unification¡¯s role to analyze intelligence on North Korea will be transferred to the National Intelligence Service and its role to promote inter-Korean economic cooperation will be split into the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy and the Ministry of Homeland and Marine Affairs. The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development will hand over its major supervisory roles on employment, promotion, curriculum development, and educational administration to regional education authorities and civilians. The Education Ministry will become the Ministry of Talent and Science by combining the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Energy¡¯s function to train human resources with the Ministry of Science and Technology¡¯s role to nurture scientists and engineers and promote basic science. The Ministry of Health and Welfare will become the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Women by integrating the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the National Youth Commission, as well as the anti-polarization authority of the Ministry of Planning and Budget. The Ministry of Environment will absorb the Korea Meteorological Administration and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries¡¯ role to manage marine environment polices. The Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs will be also renamed the Ministry of Administration and Security by adding the Civil Service Commission¡¯s personnel management system and its management function, the Emergency Planning Commission and the Ministry of Information and Communication¡¯s e-governance and information protection role.

The Government Information Agency will be dissolved and its function to promote Korea overseas will be transferred to the Ministry of Culture. Ministries of Justice, National Defense and Labor will remain unchanged. Out of the 10 exiting commissions, the Civil Service Commission, the Presidential Commission on Small and Medium Enterprises, the Ombusman of Korea, the Korea Independent Commission against Corruption, the Emergency Planning Commission and the Government Youth Commission will be abolished, but the Commission on People¡¯s Rights and Interests will be newly launched. The Presidential Secretariat and the Office of the Presidential Security will be merged into the Office of the President. The existing Office of the Presidential Security will be replaced with the Security Agency, located within the Presidential Secretariat. Presidential secretaries for national policy planning, political affairs, civil affairs, the economy, social policies, talent, science and culture, and national security will share the Office of the President. Before yesterday¡¯s announcement, the presidential transition committee explained the leaders of both the ruling and opposition parties about the government reform bill. The transition team, which aims to pass it by the end of this month, will begin to persuade politicians and submit the restructuring bill to the National Assembly on January 21, when the assembly committee session begins.

From http://english.donga.com/ 01/17/2008

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Lee Nominates Veteran Diplomat Han as Prime Minister

President-elect Lee Myung-bak introduces Han Seung-soo in a press conference as his incoming government¡¯s first prime minister on Monday (Jan. 28). President-elect Lee Myung-bak announced Monday (Jan. 28) that he has nominated former foreign minister Han Seung-soo to be his first prime minister. The 72-year-old Han, now serving as a special envoy on climate change for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, is known for his wide-ranging diplomatic and political career, which includes stints as finance minister, commerce minister, ambassador to the U.S. and presidential chief of staff. The former three-term lawmaker was also elected president of the U.N. General Assembly in 2001. "I asked Han to be my first prime minister in consideration of his global mindset and abundant experiences at home and abroad," Lee said in a news conference, standing beside Han. "Taking advantage of his international experiences and human networks, Han will be able to help revitalize our economy and successfully carry out national tasks in trade and resource diplomacy. He is also the right person to promote national harmony and cooperation between the administration and the National Assembly," Lee said, naming a number of public posts held by Han.

Prime Minister-designate Han, who earned the title of "international gentleman" after serving long in high-profile diplomatic and government posts, said that he will devote his efforts to the welfare of the nation, as well as to Lee¡¯s commitment to resource diplomacy. "I¡¯m ready to crisscross the globe to engage in resource diplomacy. I¡¯ll also strive to publicize our nation¡¯s human resources abroad," said Han. "We can overcome the looming global economic crisis through further deregulation." Lee, who will be sworn in on Feb. 25, has unveiled a plan to downsize the organizations and personnel of the prime minister¡¯s office, saying his prime minister will be primarily responsible for resource diplomacy. Han must undergo a parliamentary confirmation hearing before taking office as new prime minister.

From http://www.korea.net/ 01/28/2008

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MONGOLIA: Conference of State Servants to Be Held

Ulaanbaatar, /MONTSAME/. United training and a conference of state servants of Dornogobi aimag is being organized. During the conference that will be held on Friday, the issues will be discussed such as renovation of state service, works done in 2007 and goals of 2008 of the Citizens Representative Khural of the aimag, implementation of the programs of the aimag s governor and its results, a preparation for parliament and local elections in 2008, an improvement of cooperation in providing the locality s safety etc. Some state servants will be awarded. The above measures are organized in order to increase knowledge of local administrative officials, to improve the results of activities, to implement the principle of state servant to be "transparent and professional".B.Khuder

From http://www.montsame.mn/ 01/16/2008

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INDONESIA: Officials Using 'Backroom Deals' to Tackle Corruption

Indonesia seems to face an endless road corruption -- an issue that remains at the center of public attention. The cases emerging from state institutions and enterprises include a range of corruption allegations, including fund misappropriation to manipulation of procurement processes. And some of the cases involve high profile names. A prime example is the two VLCC tankers and their sale -- former minister of state enterprises Laksamana Sukardi is alleged to have been involved in inflicting around Rp 50 billion in losses of the state. Another high profile case involves the misappropriation of Rp 100 billion at the central bank, which allegedly involved legislators and law enforcers. This case is currently being investigated by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). But these high profile graft cases are among 1,341 corruption cases, across the country, that are currently being tackled by the Attorney General's Office (AGO) and the KPK. Some of these cases have been successfully won by prosecutors from both the AGO and the KPK. They also managed to retrieve some of the funds initially lost by the state to corruption. Attorney General Hendarman Supandji said this year the AGO had secured Rp 3,9 trillion of state losses and managed to return Rp 18 billion to the state treasury.

And the KPK, according to its report presented in a meeting with the House of Representatives' Law Commission, said it had secured around Rp 159 billion and had returned Rp 35.2 billion to state coffers. Along with encouraging these massive efforts toward eradicating corruption, these successfully handled case function to shine the light of public outrage on the previously hidden dark corners of the abyss that is corruption in Indonesia. Coordinator for the Judiciary Monitoring Commission of the Indonesian Corruption Watch, Adnan Topan Husodo, said efforts thus far had only truly frightened low scale perpetrators. He said they had seen lesser effects on high scale thieves because these law enforcers did not dare to even try to challenge the court mafia. "We will continuously suffer losses because of the rampant practice of corruption, until law enforcers decide to hammer into court Mafioso," he said recently. "Trillions of rupiah could be secured if these Mafioso are shaken up," he said. Denny Indrayana, chairman of the Anti Corruption Studies Center of Gadjah Mada University, said other than the existence of the court mafia, there were two things that could be used to measure the extent of corruption in Indonesia; this year's decrease in Indonesia's corruption perception index and the increasing trend for officials to declare publicly that they had settled graft allegations amicably by using "backroom deals".

Despite the decrease in the country's corruption perception index, from 2.4 last year to 2.3 this year, Indonesia remains in the category of corrupt countries in the world, along with Russia and Togo. "This shows us that nothing has changed in this country, it is still lawless," Chairman of Indonesia Transparency International, Todung Mulya Lubis, said has he commented on the results of the survey. One sign of this continued "lawlessness" can be seen in the trend of addressing corrupt acts through convoluted backroom deals, rather that through a more transparent legal processes. Denny said, "Every allegation must be proved through a legal process". "These compromises leave the people nothing but confusion as to the government's willingness to tackle corruption. "We never know what has actually been discussed in those deals, but, one thing for sure, it tears people's feeling apart," he said. Law expert from the University of Padjajaran, Bandung, Asep Iwan Iriawan, told The Jakarta Post recently these backroom deals see the nation's efforts to beat corruption become meaningless. Asep said even during Soeharto's regime, high officials rarely made any allegations of corruption in front of the media.

From http://www.thejakartapost.com 12/26/2007

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MALAYSIA: One Service, One Delivery, No Wrong Door - Public Service Mantra for 2008

"One Service, One Delivery, No Wrong Door" is the government's pledge in providing better public service this year. The Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan said this maxim was adopted for this year to institutionalise consistent quality and turnaround time of services across all 28 ministries, 720 agencies and 144 local councils. "No wrong door means that the public will no longer be simply turned away even if they approach inappropriate authorities because the concerned authority will forward the customer's needs to the relevant department or agency," he told reporters here today. The emphasis, focus and efforts for 2008 was to replicate the government's successes at improving delivery standards as promised last year in all ministries, agencies, departments and local authorities, he said.

He said that this year's commitment would be supported by six tasks: * Plan, implement, monitor, enforce, review * Empowering a workforce with the right attitude, skills and working stamina * Improving frontline delivery * Leveraging technology for quality services * Actions for eradicating poverty and * Fostering effective partnership with stakeholders

Under the first task, public service delivery standards would be implemented, monitored and enforced by the respective agencies as well as the Chief Secretary's Office and the Malaysian Administration Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (Mampu) which will be benchmarked using a key performance index system. The public service workforce would also be trained to have the right attitude, skills and working stamina right from top management to low-level staff, he said. Mohd Sidek said frontline delivery would be improved with additional focus on local authorities, land offices and agencies with high public interface like the Road Transport Department, National Registration Department, Royal Customs Department as well as enforcement agencies. "Heads of local authorities will be trained to negotiate and consult with their stakeholders. They cannot merely dictate. We will have in place the right leadership to drive local authorities to facilitate a review of regulations, engage stakeholders and to be more open to the views of public, thereby reducing the frustrations of the public," he said.

He said the deployment of ICT (information and communication technology) would be key to providing services that could effectively respond to the rising demands of the public and initiatives like the E-payment (government transactions through Internet banking), E-Perolehan (online government procurement) E-Khidmat (online payment of summonses, driver's licence applications, bills and assessment charges) and BLESS (business licensing electronic support system, a one-stop portal for application of business licenses). On efforts to eradicate poverty and reduce by half the current poverty rate by 2010, Mohd Sidek said the public would be frequently updated on the progress made to ensure the target was met. He also said that the traditional regulator-regulated relationship between the public and private sector was being transformed to be that of an ongoing and effective partnership in moving Malaysia forward. "There is no place in the Malaysian civil service for the "benevolent public official". The "I-know-what's-good-for-you" attitude must be shed and replaced with a system of listening to the community," he said. Engagement of all stakeholders, the public service, the private sector, civil society and every Malaysian would ensure oneness of purpose and shared sense of direction for all as the nation faces the challenges ahead, he added.

Last year, the public service scored some success stories notably the establishment of Pemudah, a private-public partnership to enhance and improve the public delivery system for ease of doing business in Malaysia, in February. Others include, from 30-day to 14-day payment of all invoices to the government, tax refunds within 30 days (compared to more than three months before), passports within 24 hours (compared to several days before), one-stop-centres in all local authorities (cutting processing of development and building plans approvals from 281 days to 134 days). Also replacing Certificates of Fitness for Occupation (CFO) with Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC), registration of new business in an hour (compared to several days before) and greater engagement of public officials with stakeholders from media, NGOs, residents associations and the public at large.

From http://www.bernama.com/ 01/16/2008

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Personal Accounts by Non-Bumi Civil Servants

KUALA LUMPUR: Senior civil servants will share their working experiences with the audience at the MCA 9-point party platform exhibition in a bid to attract more non-bumiputras to join the civil service. Fong Tian Yong and Liew Swee Liang, adviser and policy division director respectively to the Housing and Local Government Ministry, will be talking about their jobs, at the Putra World Trade Centre on Friday (5pm and 6pm). Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the talks were aimed at recruiting more Chinese to join the civil service. Liow said the event was the perfect opportunity for youths, especially the Chinese, to explore and understand what it takes to be in the civil service and its various incentives. ¡°This is only one of the many programmes we will be highlighting, and it serves as a reminder of how important it is to have an adequate multi-racial mix in the civil service,¡± he said. ¡°We will try to dispel the myths of the civil service and also inform the public on how fulfilling it is, both professionally and personally, to serve the country. ¡°The youth, especially, should not miss this opportunity to have all their questions answered rather than just assuming how it is like.¡± He added that the government had opened new doors for non-Malays to join the public sector. The government now offered more scholarships and had more vacancies for various positions. Various information booths will be available to handle queries and provide booklets.

From http://thestar.com.my 01/16/2008

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Transparency Needed in Government Spending, Says PAC

PETALING JAYA: Transparency and accountability are expected in all government expenses, said Public Accounts Committee chairman Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad. He said there was a system within the Government that ensured all expenses and projects were carried out with transparency. He said the system required a tender committee to be set up for every project and the committee should have some selection and decision process. He said such a system must be implemented and applied to all expenses and projects, whether they were carried out locally or overseas. ¡°Although there are projects that need to be carried out overseas, we still have to follow procedure,¡± he said, adding that the Government also required suppliers to be registered with the Treasury. Shahrir was commenting on the recent allegation against two senior Tourism Ministry officials for misusing funds overseas under the Visit Malaysia Year programme. The two are now being probed internally while the Anti-Corruption Agency has started querying ministry officials. Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the officials would be suspended if they were found guilty.

From http://thestar.com.my/ 01/17/2008

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THAILAND: PPP, Five Parties to Form Thai Coalition Government

The People Power Party (PPP) and five smaller political parties Saturday jointly announced that they would form a coalition government, almost a month after a general election was held in Thailand. Leaders and senior executives of the five smaller parties told a press conference, held at a Bangkok hotel, that they had decided to join the PPP-led coalition government in order to enable Thailand to move forward and to resolve crisis facing the country. Joining the PPP in the coalition government were the Chart Thai, Puea Pandin, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, Pracharat and Matchimatipataya parties. Their formal agreement to join the coalition government to be formed will leave the Democrat Party which gained second place in the election after the PPP to sit alone on the opposition bench in the 480-member House of representatives (Lower House). PPP leader Samak Sundaravej told the press conference that the next step was that the first House meeting will be held Monday, which would be followed by the election of the speaker of the House of Representatives, the prime minister and appointments of cabinet ministers.

Thanking the Chart Thai and Puea Pandin parties for joining the coalition government, the 72-year-old Samak said the six-party coalition government which commanded 315 seats of the 480-seat total in the House would be strong enough to make a stable government and be able to solve the problems facing the country. So far no discussions on ministerial portfolios have been reported by the leaders of the six parties, as they have to await the opening of the first session of the House, election of the House speaker and the prime minister before talks could be held, said Mr. Samak, who would become the new prime minister as his party swept most seats in the election. Mr. Samak, however, sidestepped a reporter's question as to whether the leaders of the five parties joining the coalition would support him to become Thailands next prime minister, saying that: "The question shouldn't be posed and in accordance with the constitution, the prime minister is elected inside the House and not from this (hotel) room." He said the cabinet line-up would become clearer in the next 15 days. Apart from Mr. Samak, the key leaders appearing at the press conference were PPP secretary general Surapong Suebwonglee, Chart Thai chief advisor Maj.Gen. Sanan Kachornprasart, Matchimatipataya represented by Secretary General Anongwan Thepsuthin, Pracharaj by its leader Sanoh Thienthong, Puea Paendin by leader Suwit Khunkitti and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Gen. Chetta Thanajaro.

From http://enews.mcot.net 01/19/2008

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Thailand's Parliament Convenes for First Time Since 2006 Coup

Thailand moved a step closer to having an elected government on Monday when the lower house holds its first post-election session after the September 2006 coup. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej signed a royal decree on Sunday inaugurating the first parliamentary session after the December 23 general election. HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn presided over the opening ceremony at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall of Dusit Palace at 4.30 pm. The Election Commission has so far endorsed 477 of the total 480 MPs. The People Power Party (PPP) - which landed a victory in the general election -and five smaller political parties including the Chart Thai, Puea Pandin, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, Pracharaj and Matchimathipataya parties,which commands about two-thirds of the 480-seat lower house, will jointly form a coalition government. The Democrat Party, which placed second in the general election with 165 seats, solely represents the opposition bloc in the House of Representatives, as all other parties have joined the coalition. The lawmakers are expected to nominate House speaker on Tuesday with PPP MP Yongyuth Tiyapairat strongly tipped for the post. The Democrat Party, despite having a zero chance to win the House speaker seat, will field two veteran Democrats, Banyat Banthatthan and Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, to vie for the positions of House speaker and deputy House speaker respectively.

From http://enews.mcot.net 01/21/2008

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Stiff Law Hinders Search for New Finance Minister

BANGKOK, Jan 22 (TNA) - People Power Party (PPP) secretary general Surapong Suebwonglee, tipped to become Thailand's next finance minister, on Tuesday said the stringent law and unfavourable poltical climate have deterred "outsiders" from taking the finance portfilio in the new Cabinet. He said several people approached by the PPP to join the Cabinet were concerned with the law which subjects political appointees to repeated scrutinies, adding that the political climate of "hostility and destruction" was another factor that drove capable people away. Despite high possibility that he will be given the finance portfolio, Surapong said the PPP was in the process of finding a capable person for the post and "that person must have been involved in the party's policy from the very beginning." He said details of the new Cabinet line-up will be discussed after the new prime minister is elected. PPP leader Samak Sundaravej is strongly tipped to assume the premiership. Surapong added that the allocation of Cabinet portfolios to each of the six political parties in the coalition is based on the ratio of one portfolio for nine elected seats. PPP and the five parties posses a combined votes of 315 in the lower house. The five other parties are Chart Thai, Puea Pandin, Machimathipataya, Ruamjaithai Chart Pattana and Pracharaj.

From http://enews.mcot.net 01/22/2008

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VIET NAM: Gov¡¯t Targets Administrative Reform

The Government announced this week that administrative reform would be given top priority this year. Minister of Home Affairs and deputy head of the Government Steering Committee for Administrative Reform Tran Van Tuan said reforms last year had achieved many positive results. However, he said the business environment in Viet Nam still needed to be more investor-friendly. He said that ministries and provincial authorities would work flat out to achieve the Government¡¯s reform goals. Under a pilot scheme, Tuan said People¡¯s Councils at district ¨C and ward-level would be dissolved this year, and voters would directly elect People¡¯s Committee chairmen. In addition, he said budgets would be directly allocated to local offices, while the salaries of civil servants and local officials would be reviewed. Tuan said efforts would also be made to attract investment in such things as health care, education and sports. The Prime Minister has approved plans to decentralise power and simplify administrative procedures, tasking ministries and local authorities with the job of streamlining bureaucratic practices. Tuan added that the competence of State and local officials would also be looked into in order to meet the demands of international economic integration.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn 01/05/2008s

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Administrative Procedures to Become Available Online

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has approved a plan to simplify State administrative procedures from 2007-10. The plan stipulates that by the end of 2010 all administrative procedural databases along with application forms must be made available to the public. The Government will establish a task force for this purpose. The PM decided that ministries, ministerial-level offices and localities must list and evaluate their administrative procedures and application forms for public viewing on the task force¡¯s website.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn 01/09/2008

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Civil Servants Must Declare Assets to Minimise Government Corruption

Government Chief Inspector Tran Van Truyen spoke to Nong Thon Ngay Nay (Countryside Today) newspaper about efforts over the past year to implement an anti-corruption law. How did you assess the implementation of the law during 2007? In its 2007 programme of actions, the Government singled out three major tasks: to continue to achieve a high economic growth rate, to accelerate administrative reform and to speed up the fight against corruption. Reviewing work during 2007, I can say we have achieved significant results. The first achievement I should mention was the introduction of declaration of assets held by civil servants. Based on what was declared, we can better monitor civil servants¡¯ incomes. Under a Government decision, many Government agencies started to pay staff salaries via their bank accounts. This helps a lot in monitoring their income. In addition, a legal framework is now in place to help with the fight against corruption.

What were some of the disappointments in the fight against corruption last year? I must confess that the number of corruption cases has not declined. One contributor to that situation was the lack of response from key leaders of various agencies. Many of them have even declared that their organisations were clean. But when inspectors visited them, problems were exposed. So in 2008, we must do something to raise awareness and responsibility at all levels. Another constraint was the poor enforcement of many Government¡¯s legal documents, particularly those related to the monitoring of the cadres¡¯ income. Many people have expressed interest in follow up activities after the supervisory visits. Just how successful have inspections been in recovering misappropriated property and funds? In 2007, Government inspectors conducted 25 visits, of which 20 were completed. Some VND450 billion (US$28.1 million) was found to have been misused.

Before 2007, the retrieval of misused money was reported at about 50 per cent. But in 2007, it was between 65 to 70 per cent. At the grass roots levels, 8,500 inspection visits were conducted during the year and about 6,500 visits were completed. Misused money to be uncovered was reported to total VND2.3 trillion ($173 million) and more than 1,000ha of land was also misused. As a result, more than 1,700 people received administrative sanctions. Quite a few of them were civil servants, policemen and tax officials.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn 01/11/2008

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Corruption Battle Tops 2008 Agenda

The fight against corruption must be a focus for the Government, administrations at all levels and the public sector in 2008, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has said. Speaking at a conference on corruption in HCM City last Saturday, he said the task was important for maintaining political stability, boosting socio-economic development, and building a strong Party and State based on upright and well-qualified personnel. "We must be determined to prevent and fight corruption in every Party cell and by every Party member." The fight against corruption had recorded significant achievements last year, thanks to the strong determination shown by the Party and State, concerted efforts by concerned agencies, and active participation by the political system and the public. But corruption and wrongdoing remained "serious" and "complicated" problems, especially with regard to land administration, public construction works, budgetary expenditure, and public assets. This was because of the loopholes in the anti-corruption mechanism and policies, lack of co-ordination among concerned agencies or personal accountability on the part of unit leaders, and the deficient self-criticism at State agencies.

"This year, we should strengthen education of State officials in preventing corruption, anti-corruption laws, and the moral example set by President Ho Chi Minh. "We should [also] complete the laws on corruption and accelerate administrative reform. The preventive and anti-corruption laws must be comprehensive, feasible, and cohesive." The quality and efficiency of State inspections, auditing, investigation, prosecution, and trial of corruption cases had to be improved and denunciations by the public promptly handled, he said. Heads of ministries, localities, and public firms should intensify the fight against corruption and squander at their agencies, while social organisations, businesses, the media, and the public had a major role in the task. The anti-corruption taskforce had to be improved as did the Central Steering Committee and local committees against corruption. The experiences and lessons drawn from the corruption fight last year had to be applied while drawing up this year¡¯s action plan to improve its efficacy. The Central Steering Committee for anti-corruption reported that 584 cases involving 1,299 people had been discovered and disposed of. Of the VND 865.4 billion (US$55million) involved in these cases, VND112 billion had been recovered, it added.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn 01/14/2008

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Government to Get More ¡¯Net Friendly

The Ministry of Information and Communications said it plans to concentrate on expanding its use of information technology in 2008 with the aim of building e-government services. This year, the ministry will accelerate the development of its information technology (IT) network, diversify its services as well as speed up IT application across-the-board. According to the ministry¡¯s statistics, Viet Nam¡¯s telecommunication network experienced a surge in growth in 2007 with 19.5 million new telephone subscribers. The nation now has 46.94 million phone subscribers, or 55.5 subscribers per 100 people of which mobile phone users account for 75 per cent. Ten years after first surfacing, Viet Nam is one of the countries with the highest internet use. From a population of 85 million, close to 20 million have access to the net. Moreover, 2007 was an important year as it saw the increased application of IT in State-owned agencies, laying the foundation for a professional and systematic e-government. Last year, electronics such as computers and computer components emerged as one of Viet Nam¡¯s key export staples earning US$3.9 billion.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn 01/19/2008

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New Lawyers Organisation, Congress Approved

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has approved a plan to establish a national lawyers¡¯ organisation as well as a Steering Committee for the first National Congress of lawyers, led by Minister of Justice Ha Hung Cuong. According to the decision, the national lawyers¡¯ organisation will serve as the primary social and professional organisation of lawyers nationwide, with its own legal status, seal and account. The organisation is part of the Fatherland Front of Viet Nam. Its official name will be the Viet Nam Lawyers¡¯ Federation, and the head office will be located in Ha Noi.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/ 01/19/2008

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INDIA: Union Cabinet Approves New Appointments

New Delhi, Jan 2 : The central government Wednesday announced the appointment of more than 27 senior bureaucrats in various ministries after a clearance by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet earlier. Subas Chandra Pani, an IAS officer of the Oris0sa cadre, at present secretary in the ministry of rural development, has been appointed secretary in the Planning Commission. He will replace Rajeeva Ratan Shah, IAS (retd.), who demits the office of member secretary, Planning Commission, according to a home ministry statement. Rita Sharma, IAS, at present additional secretary, department of aricultural research and education, agriculture ministry, will join Department Of Rural Development, rural development ministry, replacing Subas0Chandra Pani. The cabinet further approved appointments by in-situ upgradation of the officers in their present posts. These will take effect from the date of appointment of Rita Sharma. Dinesh Rai, IAS, will be vice chairman, Delhi Development Authority in the rank and pay of secretary. K. Mohandas, IAS, will be special secretary, department of revenue in finance ministry. M. Madhavan Nambiar, IAS, will be special secretary, department of information technology in the ministry of communications and information technology. Jivtesh Singh Maini, IAS, will be secretary, board for reconstruction of public sector enterprises, department of public enterprises, ministry of heavy industries and public enterprises in the rank and pay of secretary. Surendra Pal Gaur, IAS, will be secretary, Union Public Service Commission in the rank and pay of secretary.

Ramsevak Bandopadhyay, IAS, has been appointed as special secretary, Department of Telecommunications, ministry of communications and information technology. Vijai Sharma, IAS, will be special secretary in the cabinet secretariat, while Shantanu Consul, IAS, will be administrator, USOF in the Department of Telecommunications, in the rank and pay of secretary. Deepak Gupta, IAS, has been appointed as special secretary, department of health and family welfare. Alka Sirohi, IAS, has been appointed special secretary, department of consumer affairs, while Krishna Murari Acharya, IAS, will be special secretary, department of higher education, ministry of human resource development. Vivek Mehrotra, IAS, goes as special secretary and financial adviser, ministry of home affairs. Pulok Chaterji, IAS, will be special secretary in the Prime Minister's Office. Sudhir Nath, IAS goes as director (enforcement) ministry of finance in the rank and pay of Secretary. Raghu Menon, IAS, will be special secretary and financial adviser, ministry of civil aviation. Sushama Nath, IAS, has been appointed member secretary, sixth pay commission, in the rank and pay of Secretary. Ashok Kumar, IAS, will be chairman, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority, Department of Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals, in the rank and pay of secretary. R.S. Sirohi, IAS, will be special secretary and financial adviser, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. U.S. Bhatia, IAS, is the new ambassador and Permanent Representative of India, World Trade Organisation, ministry of commerce and industry in the rank and pay of secretary.

Pramod Kumar Rastogi, IAS, goes as special secretary, ministry of defence. A.N.P. Sinha, IAS, will be principal adviser, Planning Commission in the rank and pay of secretary, while Siddartha Mahavir Acharya, IAS, has been appointed special secretary, ministry of urban development. Mohan Krishna Khanna, IAS, goes as principal adviser Planning Commission in the rank and pay of Secretary while Rahul Sarin, IAS, will be special secretary, department of personnel and training, ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions. Atul Chaturvedi, IAS, has been appointed special secretary and financial adviser, department of rural development while N. Gokulram, IAS, will be chairman National Highways Authority of India in the rank and pay of secretary. Lambor Rynjah, IAS, will be principal adviser, Planning Commission in the rank and pay of Secretary. The Competent Authority has approved the assignment of additional charge of the post of Secretary, Department of Disinvestment, ministry of finance, to D. Subba Rao, IAS, finance secretary and secretary, department of economic affairs, ministry of finance with immediate effect and until further orders, the communiqu¨¦ said.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/02/2008

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Corruption in World Bank Aided Health Projects in India

New Delhi, Jan 12: The World Bank today said it has discovered serious cases of fraud and corruption in the five health sector projects dealing with eradication of tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS control schemes, even as the Indian government avowed that it will not spare the guilty. The probe into these projects has revealed "unacceptable indicators of fraud and corruption," World Bank President Robert B Zoellick said in a statement. These projects include 114 million dollar Malaria Control Project, 82.1 million dollar Orissa Health Systems Development Project, 54 million dollar Food and Drug Capacity Building Project, 193.7 million dollar Second National HIV/AIDS Control Project and 124.8 million dollar Tuberculosis Control Project. A 'Detailed Implementation Review' launched by the World Bank in 2006 and supported by the Indian government found serious incidents of fraud and corruption in these projects. The projects began implementation between 1997 and 2003, financed by the Indian government and other donors. Four projects have been completed, one is ongoing but is not disbursing and will be reviewed to incorporate the findnings of the DIR. A Statement by the Bank said the Indian government and the multilateral funding institution have "joined forces" to fight fraud and corruption and systematic deficiencies in India's health sector, announcing immediate steps to "investigate indicators of wrongdoing and implement further safeguards." The Indian government has announced its intention to re-examine ongoing and future projects to ensure they incorporate the lessons from the DIR. What prompted the fresh inquiry was an investigation in 2005, which found cases of corruption in 'Reproductive and Child Health project.' This prompted the multi-lateral agency to withhold aid for the project for sometime. Subsequent to the probe, two pharma companies were also debarred by the Bank. Zoellick pledged he and the government would get to the bottom of corruption prevelant in these projects.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/12/2008

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PAKISTAN: Govt May Change NWFP, Balochistan Governors

ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR: The government has decided to appoint the current Balochistan governor as NWFP governor ahead of the rescheduled general elections, according to well-placed sources. Highly-placed sources claimed that the government has decided to appoint Owais Ghani, incumbent Balochistan governor, as NWFP governor in place of Lt Gen (r) Ali Jan Muhammad Orakzai. ¡°In Balochistan, Chief Justice of Balochistan Amaullah Khan Yousafzai will be appointed acting governor in place of Owais Ghani until a suitable person is selected for this job,¡± they claimed. They said the decision to change the governors of the two provinces has been taken in principle, adding that it could take a few days before it is implemented. Possible resignation: Separately, Daily Times Bureau Chief Iqbal Khattak quoted official sources from Peshawar as saying that NWFP Governor Ali Jan Orakzai may have resigned. ¡°He has resigned and what we hear is that his successor is likely to be from Mardan district,¡± the sources told Daily Times on Friday. There are rumours that General Ehsanul Haq, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, could replace Orakzai as the next NWFP governor. The officials said the contents of the resignation letter could not be ascertained.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 01/05/2008

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President Orders Establishing FFC

RAWALPINDI: Taking serious note of the non-availability and the high price of flour and the hardships being faced by the people, President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday directed the government to immediately establish a Federal Food Committee (FFC) under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The committee, to be headed by NDMA Chairman Lt-Gen (retd) Farooq Ahmad Khan, would be responsible for ensuring market availability of food items, including flour, and would coordinate with the federal and provincial governments and the private sector agencies involved in the procurement, storage, transportation and distribution of such items. The FFC, which would be given necessary support by the law-enforcement agencies, would constantly monitor the demand-supply gap and prices to avert situation like the present one. The committee would be equipped with adequate administrative powers, including the confiscation of stocks and imposition of penalties, to check the hoarding and smuggling of food items. The NDMA chairman also presented the NDMA annual report for the year 2007 to the president.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 01/13/2008

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Committee Formed to Evaluate Eligibility for Ration Cards

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro has constituted a committee to collect data of low-paid people from the Baitulmal, Social Welfare Department, Zakat and Ushr Department, NADRA and provincial and local governments so that a scheme to issue ration cards to the poor can be launched on February 8. Ration cards will only be issued to the people with low-income who cannot afford to buy essential commodities from the open market, Soomro said while presiding over a meeting to review the performance of Utility Stores Corporation (USC) on Wednesday. The committee will collect the data and eligibility criteria [to avail essentials at subsidised rates] within 10 days. Soomro said that ration cards would enable the poor to get edibles, including wheat, cooking oil, rice, sugar and pulses, at ¡°much low¡± rates than the open market. He also praised a USC proposal to sell potable water at a minimal price. He directed the USC to expand its network across the country, particularly in the rural areas to benefit the low-paid people. Warehouses: The PM said that a network of storage places should be established in all four provinces to meet the demand for commodities in the time of need. He said warehouses should be monitored regularly with the cooperation of other agencies and provincial food departments. He also asked the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MINFAL) to evolve a standard operating procedure to ensure the availability of wheat and wheat flour at stable prices. Soomro said the USC should introduce its own product branding. The industries secretary briefed the meeting about initiatives the USC had taken to provide essential edibles at affordable rates. The meeting was told that during 2006-07, a subsidy of Rs 9.88 billion was given on food items, including wheat, rice, sugar, cooking oil and pulses. The meeting was informed that a plan was underway to modernise existing utility stores and increase their number to 6,000. Federal Industries and Production Minister Salmaan Taseer and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Dr Mohammad Akram Sheikh also attended the meeting.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 01/24/2008

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Sindh Government Revokes Transfers of Senior Officers

KARACHI (January 27 2008): The Government of Sindh has revoked the transfers of senior officials on the directive of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), former Justice Qazi Muhammad Farooq. This was stated by Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Secretary Kunwar Muhammad Dilshad, at a briefing here on Saturday. Provincial Election Commissioner, Sindh, Chaudhry Qamar-uz-Zaman, was also present on the occasion. Dilshad said the four to five important transfers included those of DPO Sukkur, DPO Tando Muhammad Khan and DCO Nausheroferoze, and added that about those transfers, there were observations and reservations on the part of some of the political parties. The ECP Secretary said that to address those, the Government of Sindh had withdrawn those important transfers and the officials had been restored to their previous positions. "This augurs well," he remarked and pointed out that Government of Sindh had assured that in future no transfer would be effected without permission of the ECP. Dilshad said the ECP was moving ahead in a systematic manner with regard to complaints that were being received by it, adding that this process was handled in a transparent manner and on the Internet. He also pointed out that when the ECP referred a complaint to the District and Sessions Judge (DSJ), he issued notice promptly to the person concerned. The ECP Secretary informed that about 1,400 complaints had been received from all over the country and of those 400 had been disposed of so far and matter resolved amicably. He said that in the wake of the tragic event of December 27, 2007, offices of the ECP in 11 districts of Sindh were also affected. All those offices of the ECP in the province had been activated and all the election related material is being dispatched to those offices, he said. Dilshad reiterated that the general elections would be held as per schedule on February 18. There are as many as 13,405 polling stations in Sindh and of these about 5,000 have been declared as sensitive. The provincial government was chalking out a strategy regarding this, he added. Dilshad declared that the entire machinery of the ECP was fully active for the February 18 general elections and that all the preparations were complete. He assured that all the required arrangements were being made for holding polls in a fair, free and transparent manner.

From http://www.brecorder.com/ 01/27/2008

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IRAQ: Former Premier to Form New Political Alliance

Former Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Ja'fari is reportedly set to announce the formation of a new nonpartisan political alliance, Iraqi media reported in recent days. Al-Ja'fari told Al-Arabiyah television on January 4 that a "reorganization of ranks" is taking place in Iraq. "The previous lineup of opposition ranks before the downfall of the regime is not necessarily suitable for the stage that followed," he said. He said his alliance will not be influenced by sectarian policies or quotas. "It is not dictated to the people by some elite party, but has come as a reaction to the people's responsiveness to and interaction with it." He noted, however, that the new alliance will conform to the principles of his Islamic Al-Da'wah Party. Asked to comment on Prime Minister al-Maliki's attempts to forge national reconciliation, al-Ja'fari said: "Al-Maliki represents one side only, not all. Therefore, all sides, inside and outside the government, should move actively toward achieving national reconciliation." Asked why reconciliation efforts are delayed, he said, in an apparent reference to al-Maliki's leadership: "It could be related to the lack of seriousness, of clear visions, of weak relations, or a lack of a theory. National reconciliation is actually a theory that is based on a practical and realistic visualization as well as on field work by all sides." KR

From http://www.rferl.org/ 01/07/2008

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IRAN: Iran Appoints Ambassadors

Iran has appointed Ahmad Musavi as its ambassador in Damascus, and Abbas Araqchi as its ambassador in Japan, "Jomhuri-yi Islami" reported on January 6. The appointments were proposed by the foreign minister and approved by the president. Musavi was previously the vice president for legal and parliamentary affairs, and Araqchi the deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs. Separately, Ali Larijani, the supreme leader's representative on the Supreme National Security Council, was in Damascus on January 4 to discuss bilateral ties and the situation in Lebanon with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallim, IRNA reported. He arrived in Syria on January 3 and was to meet with President Bashar al-Assad and Vice President Faruq al-Shara, IRNA reported. VS

From http://www.rferl.org/ 01/07/2008

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KYRGYZSTAN: Opposition Forms New Bloc

Some 12 Kyrgyz opposition parties on January 14 in Bishkek announced the formation of a new opposition bloc, the For Justice movement, and vowed to create a new "public parliament," RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reported. The new opposition bloc, which includes the Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party and the Ar-Namys (Dignity) party, is seeking to maintain public momentum to protest what is says were "unfair" elections for a new parliament last month. Another 21 civil groups have also joined the new For Justice movement, according to AKIpress. RG

From http://www.rferl.org/ 01/15/2008

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Kyrgyz President Appoints New Interior Minister and Several Regional Governors

President Kurmanbek Bakiev on January 14 appointed Moldomusa Kongantiev as the new interior minister, replacing Bolotbek Nogoibaev, according to the 24.kg website. Prior to the appointment, Kongantiev served as the police chief of the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. Bakiev also replaced Osmonali Guronov, the first deputy interior minister, with Melis Turganbaev, and named Jenish Jakipov as a new deputy interior minister, replacing Rasulberdi Raimberdiev, AKIpress reported. In another series of appointments, Bakiev named several new regional governors on January 14, including Maratbek Jumabekov as the new governor of the Batken region, Beishenbek Bolotbekov as the new governor of the Talas region, and Omurbek Suvanaliev as the governor of the Naryn region. RG

From http://www.rferl.org/ 01/15/2008

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KAZAKHSTAN£ºThe Agency on Competitiveness Protection Chairman Was Appointed

Mazhit Esenbayev was appointed as the new Agency on Competitiveness Protection chairman, reported on the meeting of the bureau of political council of "Nur Otan" party the president of the republic of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, the agency reports. "Akmola oblast akim, Mazhit Esenbayev, is appointed as the new Agency on Competitiveness Development", - Nursultan Nazarbayev said.

From http://eng.gazeta.kz/ 01/24/2008

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TAJIKISTAN: Tajikistan Establishes New Center to Combat Human Trafficking

The Tajik State National University's law department hosted a ceremony on January 2 in Dushanbe marking the establishment of a new center to combat human trafficking, Asia-Plus reported. The new center, created with the assistance of the International Organization for Migration and funded by the U.S. Department of State, is the first-ever center in the region aimed at fighting human trafficking. The center is to provide training for the personnel of prosecutor's offices, police departments, courts and other specialists and will seek to support other programs designed to aid trafficking victims. RG

From http://www.rferl.org/ 01/04/2008

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TURKMENISTAN: Turkmenistan Intends to Set Up Anti-Drugs Agency

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the executive director of the UN's Office on Drugs and Crime, Antonio Maria Costa, discussed aspects of setting up a new specialized agency for drugs control in Turkmenistan at a meeting on January 9, the Turkmen State News Service (TDH) reports. The sides noted that the creation of the new body would enrich the scale and quality of the cooperation. The sides also agreed that training of national specialists is one of the main conditions for the efficient work of the planned agency. Antonio Maria Costa assured that all possible assistance would be provided to Turkmenistan in this respect. The priority tasks for partnership between Turkmenistan and the UN's Office on Drugs and Crime were also highlighted during the meeting. These tasks include the strengthening of control on state borders and taking measures for preventing the drugs trafficking threat as well as establishing close regional partnership on this issue. Turkmenistan "has taken a firm and principled stand in the fight against trafficking and illegal trade in drugs that pose a real threat to the entire mankind," Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said during the meeting.

From http://www.turkmenistan.ru/ 01/10/2008

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Turkmen President Appoints New Press Secretary and Minister of Culture

At an expanded government meeting on January 11, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a decree relieving Akmyrat Hudayberdiyev of the posts of the Turkmen president's press secretary and editor-in-chief of "Turkmenistanyn Prezidentinin Metbugat Capary" newspaper due to his transfer to another post. The head of state appointed Kakageldi Charyyardurdiyev, who occupied the post of minister of culture and TV and Radio broadcasting of Turkmenistan, to the vacant posts. By a decree of the head of state, Akmyrat Hudayberdiyev has been appointed editor-in-chief of Lebap province's "Turkmen Gundogary" newspaper. According to a decree of the head of state, deputy minister of culture and TV and Radio broadcasting of Turkmenistan Gulmyrat Meredov has been promoted to the post of minister of culture and TV and Radio broadcasting. As the Ashgabat correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru reports, the appointments were made following the Turkmen president's sharp criticism of editorial offices of newspapers and magazines, TV and Radio channels. According to the head of state, the mass media lack creativity and genre variety, interesting programmes and publications. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said he would arrange a meeting with staff of print and electronic mass media of Turkmenistan to jointly identify ways of resolution of urgent problems.

From http://www.turkmenistan.ru/ 01/12/2008

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UZBEKISTAN: New Government Appointments Announced

President Islam Karimov on January 2 promoted Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Azimov to the post of first deputy prime minister, uzmetronom.com and centrasia.ru reported. Azimov was named deputy prime minister seven years ago; since then he has also held several key posts in the economic sector (see "RFE/RL Newsline," August 3, 2000, January 24, 2003, and July 27, 2005). Karimov dismissed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education Rustam Kasymov, naming First Deputy Minister Azimjon Parpiev to succeed him. He also appointed as minister of justice former Deputy Prosecutor-General Ravshan Mukhitdinov, and named former Deputy Finance Minister Sunatullo Bekenov to head the government press service. LF

From http://www.rferl.org/ 01/03/2008

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AUSTRALIA: Govt Announces New Petitions Committee

The Federal Government has released the list of committees for the House of Representatives for this term of Parliament. For the first time there will be a petitions committee to receive and consider petitions lodged by the public. All petitions will require an Australian citizen as a principle sponsor to liaise with the Committee. The overall number of house committees has been reduced by two from the previous Parliament.

From http://www.abc.net.au/ 01/11/2008

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Cabinet Agrees to New National Infrastructure Body

Federal Cabinet has signed off on a plan to establish a new body to oversee infrastructure development across the country. Infrastructure Australia will be a statutory advisory council consisting of 12 people - five drawn from the private sector and the rest chosen from each level of government. The new body was a pre-election commitment. Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese says the council will assess the current state of infrastructure, create a national priority list and work with governments and the private sector to deliver on those projects. "[This will] go to the core of addressing what the Reserve Bank has warned on 20 occasions, which is that infrastructure bottlenecks are causing capacity constraints in our economy, causing inflationary pressures and therefore causing pressure on interest rates," he said. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says the new task force will look at how to ease infrastructure pressures on the resource states as a way to combat inflation. He says a shortage of labour and transport is adding to inflation by pushing up prices. Mr Rudd says those problems are particularly bad in the resource states. "The fact that our Cabinet, in terms of its formal national agenda, meets here in WA for the first time in 2008, says something about the seriousness that the Government attaches to the WA economy and this economy's needs for the future," he said. "You have such an acute skills shortage, [and] that you have infrastructure bottlenecks here."

From http://www.abc.net.au 01/21/2008

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Springborg Elected to Lead Qld Nationals

The Queensland Nationals have dumped Jeff Seeney as their leader and have decided to give Lawrence Springborg another go. Rumblings about Mr Seeney's performance came to a head this afternoon when the party's 17 MPs held a leadership ballot. Mr Springborg came out on top, even though he has lead the party to two previous state election losses. Mr Springborg says the past 16 months on the backbench has given him time to think. "I believe that I have grown in experience, I have been through the hard road so to speak and I will be able to take to the people of Queensland through that experience a plan and proposal which will ensure that the alternative they want can be delivered," he said. Mr Seeney says he will serve whatever role he can under Mr Springborg, but he has attacked his critics. "I despise people who don't have the courage to come and talk to me face-to-face, and there were some in there today," he said. "Even the people who raised issues in the media over the last week while I was on holidays didn't have the courage to stand and raise the issues in the party room. "That's the sort of cowardice that is in complete contradiction to my character." Fiona Simpson has retained the deputy leader position. Premier Anna Bligh has ruled out calling an early election this year to capitalise on the change of leadership, but has congratulated Mr Springborg on his success. "The Leader of the Opposition in any democracy is a very important position," she said. "We've seen leadership change becoming a recurring in the conservative parties here in Queensland but I wish Lawrence well in what I believe is a very important and serious responsibility."

From http://www.abc.net.au 01/21/2008

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FIJI: Cabinet Reshuffle Announced

Eight ministers have been dropped from the interim government of Fiji military commander, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. Those who have been replaced are: tourism minister Bernadette Rounds-Ganilau; trade minister Taito Waradi; local government and public utilities minister Jone Navakamocea; Dr Jona Senilagakali from health; Manu Korovulavula from transport; Adi Laufitu Malani from women; Poseci Bune from the ministry for public service and Ratu Tevita Vuibau from lands. The four newcomers are former finance minister Filipe Bole, Dr Jiko Luveni, Tom Ricketts and Brigadier Timoci Natuva. Several ministries have merged.

From http://www.pacificmagazine.net 01/04/2008

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FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA: National Trade Facilitation Committee to Be Established

FSM Vice President Alik Alik expects to be calling a meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee soon in a bid to alleviate the reliance on Compact funding. FSM President Emanuel Mori called for the establishment of the National Trade Facilitation Committee in Executive Order No. 34 issued on January 14, 2008. The Committee will consist of Government leaders, representatives from the Private Sector, and representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations from the FSM. The order called for the establishment of the committee within 30 days. The Committee is to have written recommendations to the President¡¯s office within six months of the order. Vice President Alik is to be the committee¡¯s chairperson. Vice President Alik says that the Economic Planning and Implementation Council passed a resolution in 2005 that called for the establishment of the committee but after three years nothing had yet been done. He said that the FSM has been participating in international trade negotiations without a comprehensive trade policy to guide it and that fact has been hampering the FSM¡¯s participation in international trade. In light of the declining compact funding, it is necessary and indeed imperative for FSM to start looking for solutions on how to achieve self sustenance and sustainable development. If all the parties work together, trade and investment in the FSM have the potential to lift our nation from economic malaise, underdevelopment and hardship, said the Vice President. He said that besides having one of the world¡¯s most productive tuna resources, there is also a potential in the services sector of the economy, particularly in the area of tourism. He also pointed out that there is potential in the temporal movement of the FSM's citizens to work abroad and called upon the education system to upgrade their vocational training centers so that the relevant skills can be marketed globally. He said more work needs to be done to add value to FSM's agricultural commodities so that an export market could be developed. ¡°The ball is now in our court. We can either watch these opportunities slip through our fingers or we can start working hard now. I know it¡¯s not going to be easy, but if we work together, it will be manageable."

From http://www.pacificmagazine.net 01/23/2008

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NEW MARSHALL ISLANDS: Cabinet Named

Marshall Islands President Litokwa Tomeing named a 10-member Cabinet Wednesday, including veteran politician Tony deBrum as his foreign minister. DeBrum's Foreign Affairs portfolio is likely to calm fears of a diplomatic switch to China, since deBrum was the architect of the country1s diplomatic recognition of Taiwan when he was in government 10 years ago.DeBrum was a 16-year veteran of parliament, first elected in 1983, before he and others lost to a reformist United Democratic Party led by commoner Kessai Note in 1999. DeBrum was reelected in 2007, and has been spokesman for the resurgent Aelon Kein Ad (Our Islands) party that has now taken the reins of government. After eight years of the Note administration, disillusioned members of Note's party defected, including Tomeing, leading to Monday's change in government that reasserts chiefly control of the political system in this western Pacific nation. The Cabinet includes two members who left the former government to support the Aelon Kein Ad party - Nidel Lorak in Education and Norman Matthew in Internal Affairs. For the first time, the Cabinet includes two successful businessmen -David Kramer, who is a manager in Pacific International Inc., the largest construction company in the country, and Dennis Momotaro, the chief executive officer of Momotaro Corporation, a retail and wholesale company in Majuro, were given the Justice and Transportation/Communications, respectively.

Tomeing also named the first woman to Cabinet in 12 years. Newly elected independent MP Amenta Matthew, the only woman in parliament, was named to head the Ministry of Health. Tomeing's naming of traditional chief and six-term MP Christopher Loeak as Minister in Assistance to the President solidifies chiefly control of the executive branch and the parliament under the new Aelon Kein Ad (Our Islands) party coalition. New Speaker Jurelang Zedkaia is a high-ranking chief for Majuro, the capital. The President is a chief from the eastern or Ratak Chain, while Loeak is a chief from the western or Ralik Chain. Others in the Cabinet include Enewetak Atoll representative Jack Ading in Finance, Kejjo Bien, who returns to parliament after a 12-year hiatus, in Public Works, and former permanent secretary of Resources and Development Frederick Muller as head of that ministry.

From http://www.pacificmagazine.net 01/10/2008

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NEW ZEALAND: Govt Revives National ID

Amid criticisms, government security forces revive on Monday the shelved proposal for a national identification (ID) system in a bid to curb national security threats such as the communist insurgency and Islamic militancy. The Armed Forces has broached this proposal again to President Gloria Arroyo during a command conference at Camp Aguinaldo. The President had shown interest in the implementation of the national ID system this year, said the Philippine National Police chief, Director General Avelino Razon Jr., who attended the command conference. ¡°She is in favor of having a national ID system . . . in the vein that it would provide services to our citizens,¡± Razon said. He said the President has directed Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to make a study on how the national ID system would be implemented this year, based on the military¡¯s proposal. ¡°She gave her instructions . . . [its implementation] as soon as possible, so that insurgents, terrorists, [and] criminal elements could not hide behind the cloak of anonymity,¡± Razon said. The Armed Forces Public Information chief, Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, said the military¡¯s recommendation for the implementation of the National ID system has been carefully studied. ¡°The recommendation for the national ID system was to accelerate and accomplish the marching orders given to the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines]. It is subject to very tedious study within the purview of the law,¡± Bacarro added. Razon also explained the need for a national ID system, saying it would not violate one¡¯s rights and allayed fears of possible abuses. ¡°The people have no reason to fear,¡± he said. ¡°The ID system is not a way to infringe on basic human rights, but to provide service to the people.¡± He added that the national ID system would only contain fingerprints of its holder and other basic data that would identity such person, not his ¡°secrets.¡±

From http://www.manilatimes.net 01/08/2008

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Acting Chief Executive and Secretary, Ministry for the Environment

The Deputy State Services Commissioner, Iain Rennie, today announced that Howard Fancy has agreed to act as Chief Executive and Secretary for the Environment. Howard Fancy was the Secretary for Education and Chief Executive, Ministry of Education from 1996 to 2006 and was previously the Secretary for Commerce and Chief Executive, Ministry of Commerce. "Howard is a very experienced chief executive and will provide the necessary leadership and stability at the Ministry for the Environment while we recruit a new chief executive," Iain Rennie said. Howard Fancy will take up the position on 11 February 2008 and will remain in the role until a new chief executive is appointed. Lindsay Gow, currently the Deputy Chief Executive, will be the Acting Chief Executive for the period 2-10 February.

From http://www.ssc.govt.nz 01/17/2008

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Government Portal to Get a Makeover

The online face of the Government, the Govt.nz web portal, is to get a makeover to make it easier to use and search as a UN report rates New Zealand high in e-government uptake but still well behind Australia. Figures reveal the Govt.nz portal attracted 3.7 million unique visitors last year, a 35 per cent increase on 2006 with around 60 per cent of visitors coming from offshore. While increasingly on the radar of locals as a place to get information on everything from dog licences to tax issues, nearly as many people visited the Trade Me auction website in December alone as visited the Govt.nz portal in the whole of 2007. The 2008 United Nations E-Government Survey ranks New Zealand 18th in the world in terms of e-government readiness, in between Israel and Ireland and 10 places behind Australia. New Zealand has slipped three places since the last survey in 2005. Laurence Millar, the State Services Commission's deputy commissioner for information and communication technologies, said the Govt.nz website was being revamped to bring it up to date with changes made to the portals of other governments.

"We're at the end of the lifecycle of that version of the portal which actually rated very well back in 2005," he said. RSS (really simple syndication) feeds will be added across the portal to allow information updates to be sent to people rather than them having to visit the website regularly. Software widgets would also allow people to receive information directly to their computers. "Having government information on people's desktops will be a theme," he said. The Govt.nz search engine was revamped last year to include page indexing by Vivisimo and external search results from Windows Live Search, as people sought a search experience similar to that of Google. Millar said the weighing towards international visitors to the website was due to its high rankings in search results for information about New Zealand. "New Zealand isn't that well known in the world. "So the place people go to for information about us is the portal," he said. Local web users were increasingly going directly to specific Government websites rather than to Govt.nz. The Ministry of Social Development alone has 18 websites.

"We're not looking to be the single gateway," said Millar. "That was a concept out of the commercial world that isn't really relevant to government." While the UN rates New Zealand well in terms of e-participation and e-democracy, our relatively poor track record in broadband has held us back. The UN picked out some good examples of e-government in action - Brazil's House of Representatives website allows citizens to talk to their representatives and participate in debates directly through the internet, while Singapore's SingPass system lets citizens with an ID and password gain secure access to 370 e-services across 40 government agencies.

From http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ 01/24/2008

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Government Thanks Prebble for Service to Public Sector

State Services Minister David Parker today paid tribute to State Services Commissioner Mark Prebble for his long and distinguished service to the public sector. The Commissioner has announced that he intends to retire at the end of June. ¡°Dr Prebble has served in several of the public service¡¯s most senior roles, including as the head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet,¡± David Parker said. ¡°His long and varied service, under both Labour and National-led governments, is testament to his competence and professionalism. ¡°On behalf of the government, I thank him for his dedication and commitment to the public service, and wish him all the best for the future,¡± David Parker said.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz 01/25/2008

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TONGA: Education Board to Be Set Up

Tonga¡¯s government has established an independent board to oversee the quality of education in the Kingdom. Director of Education Dr Uili Fukofuka says the so-called Board for Qualification and Accreditation is an independent body and has nothing to do with the government or any other organization. ¡°There has to be a board to administer the good quality of education in Tonga, and the cabinet approved it, to be effective from December 12, 2007¡±, Dr Fukofuka said. Dr Fukofuka also stated that the new board is part of proposals aiming to assist with the upgrading of the standard of education in Tonga under a fund from the NZAid, World Bank and the government. He said ministers then will have to appoint members of the board.

From http://www.pacificmagazine.net 01/14/2008

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Unleashing the Power of Innovation to Reach a US$5 Trillion Economy

In today¡¯s technology-driven world where innovation is the recognized engine of growth, India is seen as a top global player. The country has many islands of excellence. It is a nuclear and space power with acknowledged strengths in information technology, pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Cutting-edge technology and innovative methods are also being put to use in many other sectors. Novel approaches are connecting distant villages, and India¡¯s nascent animation industry is using innovative techniques to bring Asian epics to world audiences. The strong economic contribution of these new sectors to India¡¯s economy is a vivid testament to the power of broad-based innovation. They clearly illustrate that the adoption of new technology and the use of innovative methods can make an enormous difference to the economy and the lives of all Indians. The Indian economy today comprises two distinct groups of enterprises. While the country¡¯s leading enterprises are on par with some of the most advanced in the world, those at the lower end of the scale - mostly in the informal sector which employs 90 percent of the workforce - are left far behind. The gap between the two is extremely large ¨C much more so in India than in China, Korea, Mexico or Russia. In the automobile components and textile industries, for example, the least productive enterprises are hundreds of times less productive than the most productive ones. In its broadest sense, innovation includes efforts that both move the technological frontier forward - such as inventions - as well as those that take existing ideas to market - such as methods that commercialize and apply knowledge that already exists.

Given the realities of India¡¯s dual-track economy, the country today has more to gain from better diffusion and absorption of existing technologies across enterprises than from new inventions themselves. In fact, if the benefits of modern technology ¨C either generated domestically or acquired from abroad - were brought to firms across the country, this would make a dramatic difference to their productivity, hugely benefiting the nation and the people. This would, in turn, raise the country¡¯s economic output exponentially, with GDP going up more than five-times to reach a staggering US$5 trillion or Rs.20,000,000 crores. As the international weekly The Economist echoed in its special report on technology in India and China (November 10-16, 2007), India¡¯s technological fortunes rest as much if not more on its powers of diffusion and absorption as on its powers of invention. For example, the first leather producer in a village to import the latest machinery and adapt it to local needs is undertaking innovative absorption. This improves prevailing practices across the entire economy, helping underperforming enterprises come closer to the frontier. And the focus is not just on innovative goods and services, but also on innovative methods of production, as well as innovative organizational forms - such as new ways of interaction between enterprises, governments and people.

But in order to promote the absorption of innovative methods and technologies across the board in the country, a lot more needs to happen. First, India needs to encourage stronger competition among enterprises. The need for this is amply borne out by the fact that since the Indian economy opened up in 1991, the vast majority of private sector investments in R&D went into sectors that were most open to competition. Another important area is building skills. With its young workforce, India could be a world-class supplier of skills to the world. But more market-relevant skills need to be introduced in higher education. Indian firms can also capitalize on this valuable resource by investing more in worker training. It has been found that firms which provide in-service training are about 25 percent more productive than those that do not. At present, however, only 15 percent of Indian firms offer training to their employees, compared to over 92 percent in China. Therefore, providing financial incentives to firms for investing in in-service training can bring large benefits to the economy as a whole.

Second, a large number of central public institutions have programs that try to help enterprises create and absorb knowledge. These programs are often overlapping. Not only do different ministries run similar programs, but different departments within the same ministry do so too. There would be clear benefits in rationalizing these programs, and also in ensuring better third party monitoring and evaluation with international benchmarking. The money spent on this multitude of programs represents scarce resources from the Indian taxpayer, and it is critical that the money is spent as well as possible. Then again, only 22 percent of Indian enterprises have adopted internationally recognized quality certification such as ISO 9000 or sector-specific certifications, compared to double that percentage in China. Proactive policies such as increasing awareness of the benefits of certification, improving availability of such services, and modernizing facilities can help make the desired impact. Moreover, some 2 percent of Indians live abroad. Together, they earn almost two thirds of India¡¯s GDP. A lot more can be done to tap the talent of the entrepreneurs and technologists of the Indian diaspora to better diffuse and use existing knowledge. One way to encourage top scientists and researchers to work from India is to develop a truly national Research and Education network for high-end research institutions and other applications, with a strong entity managing the high-speed national backbone network, akin to Internet 2 in the US or DANTE in Europe (running GEANT2, Europe¡¯s transnational high-bandwidth network). The entity should facilitate connectivity to high-demand areas and clusters with a concentration of universities and research institutes, then to institutes of national importance and secondary and primary schools.

Third, innovation systems and processes must percolate down to the common people, especially in ways that are most relevant for the poor. India needs to better promote all the exciting innovations by grassroots entrepreneurs that are bubbling up from bottom of the pyramid. For instance, the National Innovation Foundation is a repository of more than 70,000 innovations and traditional knowledge practices from across India. These can be built on by encouraging private entrepreneurs to commercialize the most promising ideas. The challenge is to have more location-specific technology solutions that are accessible, affordable, and work for the poor in rural India. There is a lot at stake for India in today¡¯s rapidly changing and increasingly demanding international environment. The country has enormous untapped potential; it must now capitalize on it. (by Mark Dutz)

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 12/10/2007

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UN 'Civilization' Forum Launched to Bridge Divide Between Cultures

¡°World leaders and personalities from some 60 countries Tuesday launched a new UN forum aimed at averting the ¡®predicted clash of civilizations¡¯ in the wake of September 11 and other terror attacks. The first Alliance of Civilizations Forum seeks to ¡®mobilize those great majorities of the population who want to, and know how to, live in peace...,¡¯ Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said in an inaugural speech. ¡­The two-day gathering is to announce initiatives aimed at promoting greater understanding between cultures. ¡­¡± AP notes that ¡°¡­ ¡®Never in our lifetime has there been a more desperate need for constructive and committed dialogue, among individuals, among communities, among cultures, among and between nations,¡¯ UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday as he opened the two-day meeting of the Alliance of Civilizations. ¡­The alliance has set education, migration, the media and youth as its four areas for special attention. The two-day meeting features workshops on issues ranging from building cross-cultural understanding of conflict prevention, religion and politics at the community level. ¡­¡± IHT reports that ¡°¡­Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, chairwoman of the Qatar Foundation, announced a plan at the meeting Tuesday to invest $100 million in setting up a global youth employment initiative involving corporations, major multilateral organizations and governments. ¡­¡± In a separate piece, AFP writes that ¡°¡­Queen Noor of Jordan unveiled a $100 million fund to back major film productions that help combat stereotypes. The fund will ¡®support the production and distribution of ¡­films that will enhance the connections that already exist between different societies, but are seldom noted on screen and in popular culture,¡¯ she said. ¡­Another project is a Rapid Response Media Mechanism, aimed at reducing tensions in times of cross-cultural crises. ¡®If a new crisis erupts on this front, a rapid response mechanism will furnish voices of reason to reporters and producers around the world,¡¯ said Ban. ¡­¡± [Agence France Presse/Factiva]

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 01/16/2008

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CHINA: National Compensation System to Be Created

China will establish a pension system for victims of natural disasters, under which the families of those killed in natural disasters will be compensated. "The system will gradually cover all regions of China from next year," Wang Zhenyao, director of disaster relief of the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs, told a national conference on civil affairs here on Thursday. Currently, pay-outs ranging from 5,000 yuan (about 680 U.S. dollars) to 10,000 yuan are given to victims' families in regions with frequent natural disasters. These regions include the southern province of Guangdong and the southeastern Fujian Province. Various natural disasters claimed more than 2,000 lives this year in China, government statistics show. Wang also vowed to improve China's disaster prevention and relief next year. "We will try our best to provide timely personnel and material assistance to disaster-stricken regions to ensure the safe relocation of people and their temporary accommodation," he said. "We will also gradually increase the pensions for victims according to their difficulties," he said.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 12/27/2007

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Independent Innovation Boosts High-tech Industry

China's high-tech industry has grown an average of 27 percent each year for the last five years, according to a senior Chinese official. Wu Zhongze, vice minister of science and technology, said the total production value of the industry accounted for 16 percent of China's manufacturing. "Chinese manufacturing has made great progress in upgrading itself by applying more high-tech technologies," said Liu Yong, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Chinese companies have become more interested in controlling core technologies by developing major equipment manufacturing industries, such as automobile and shipbuilding in which homegrown or innovative high-tech technologies have allowed domestic products to substitute imports. Domestic car makers enjoyed a 17-percent share of China's total auto sales in 2007 and some key breakthroughs in shipbuilding have narrowed the technological gap between the Chinese and its east Asian competitors Japan and the Republic of Korea. Vice Minister of Commerce Ma Xiuhong also said that China would continue to come up with more policies in 2008 to encourage foreign capital to invest in high-tech manufacturing and environmental conservation industries.

Chinese President Hu Jintao said in his report to the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China that China should "improve the capacity for independent innovation" and "promote the translation of scientific and technological advances into practical productive forces". So far, Chinese governments at all levels have built up 230 institutions and 32 software bases to help manufacturers master more independent innovations and technologies. China's 54 national high-tech industry zones have attracted about half of the Chinese high-tech enterprises and one third of research and developing funds of the whole country, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology. "These high-tech zones have become important bases for China to develop independent innovation," said Li Xueyong, another vice minister of science and technology.

From Xinhua News Agency 01/06/2008

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Gov't Promotes Energy Efficient Lighting

A government subsidy of more than 30 percent is to be offered to promote the use of energy-efficient lighting products in China, which aims at reducing power use by 29 billion kilowatt hours by 2010. In order to replace the country's widely used incandescent light bulbs and other low-efficiency lighting products, the Ministry of Finance and National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) jointly launched a program to promote the use of 150 million energy efficient lighting products nationwide, according to a circular released by NDRC on Monday. The government would offer a 30-percent subsidy on wholesale purchases and 50 percent on retail sales. The circular did not specify quantities that would qualify for the subsidies. The government will subsidize manufacturers that bid the lowest supply price for the program. Consumers would be encouraged to buy energy-efficient bulbs because the manufacturer would sell them at a discount equal to the subsidy. The energy efficient lighting products manufacturers should meet national energy-saving requirements and have well-established after-sales services. The list of these enterprises and the product prices should be decided through opening bidding process later, said the NDRC.

From Xinhua News Agency January 01/22/2008

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Monitoring System to Aid Product Quality

Want to know when and where the product you just bought was made, or whether or not it is authentic? Visit the website www.95001111.com and type in the trace code. Alternatively, call 95001111, or visit any of the designated "service terminals" in stores and supermarkets. This is the new electronic identification, authentication and tracking system being promoted by the country's top quality watchdog - the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ). From June, nine categories of products, including food, cosmetics, home appliances and farming materials, will have to carry identification and tracking codes or they will not be allowed to be sold, according to a circular jointly issued by the AQSIQ, Ministry of Commerce and State Administration for Industry and Commerce. Released yesterday, the circular said the system will cover all products by the end of 2010. AQSIQ Minister Li Changjiang said the development of the system is another major step in ensuring product quality. "It can trace the whole production and circulation process," he said. "If any problem occurs, law enforcement officers can take countermeasures in the shortest period of time." Chen Xiaoying, deputy director of the system's promotions office, said the system also safeguarded consumers' rights to know about their purchases.

She said the system already covers more than 700 million products from 30,000 companies across the country, and is expanding rapidly. "We're now busy installing service terminals in stores and supermarkets," she said. Quality control officers yesterday demonstrated how the terminals work in a pilot store in Beijing's Chaoyang district. As soon as a cashier scanned a product's tracking code information about it, including a picture, its name, producer, production date, expiry date, batch number, seller and price, appeared on screen. If there is anything wrong, such as if the product has expired, it cannot be sold and an alarm will ring. Also, reports of any prohibited products are automatically transmitted to the local quality control authorities. Once a product has been labeled as substandard in the system, all products with the same batch number will be blocked from further circulation nationwide. Wang Xiaojuan, a shopper who watched the demonstration, said the system boosted her confidence in the country's product quality. "In the future, I'll pay attention to whether or not products have a code," she said.

From China Daily 01/22/2008

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Resource-Exhausted Mining City in PRC to Become Model for Redevelopment

The resource-exhausted mining city of Baiyin in the People's Republic China (PRC) is being transformed into an industrial center, offering a model of redevelopment to other towns facing dwindling mining resources. The $161.53 million Gansu Baiyin Urban Development Project includes an $80 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with the balance funded by PRC government participants including the Baiyin Municipal Government. The project will facilitate the economic transformation of Baiyin by strengthening urban services and infrastructure. "Baiyin stands for a new model of economic transformation from a resource-exhausted mining city into a new industrial center through technology upgrading and extension, and diversification of the existing production chains," said Fei Yue, Social Sector Specialist of ADB's East Asia Department.

PRC has identified 118 cities that have developed around the mining of natural resources. Most of these cities have encountered difficulty in the urbanization process due to their remoteness, imbalanced economic structures, limited financial capacity, poor urban infrastructure and limited development prospects. Of the cities, 18 are classified as resource-exhausted cities, posing a special challenge to urbanization in the PRC. In these cities, using the Baiyin project as a model for redevelopment, miners could be retrained to work in other fields including agriculture, tourism or technology. ADB involvement in the Baiyin project will provide not only financial support, but also international knowledge and policy advice for the municipal government to help ensure that the economic transformation will be accomplished in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. The project will develop industrial land by providing basic public infrastructure including roads, water supply pipelines, drainage pipelines and sewers, heating supply pipelines, optical-fabric cable and electricity distribution lines, lighting and public green areas.

It will also construct and rehabilitate roads and bridges, expand centralized district heating services, help the municipal government design and introduce an effective environmental management system, and develop an integrated urban transport planning and management system. Baiyin was established in the 1950s under the planned economy to support copper mining production. However, the copper mines had been exhausted and were closed in the 1980s, while mining of associated mineral resources such as lead and zinc is also on the decline.

From http://www.adb.org/ 01/24/2008

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China Launches First Market Credit Index

China has launched the country's first market credit index in Yiwu, the country's largest distribution center for small commodities, in the eastern province of Zhejiang. The Yiwu Market Credit Index (YMCI), launched on Wednesday, has eight specific sub-indices: credit management, entrepreneur quality, business performance, financial credit, fair competition, commodity quality, intellectual property rights and consumer rights protection. Jointly developed by the Zhejiang Provincial Administration for Industry and Commerce, Yiwu municipal government and China Credit Research Center with Beijing University, the YMCI is aimed at reflecting the development, changes and trends of the credit situation at the Yiwu market. The index would be published monthly, covering 13 typical commodity categories, said Du Liqun, deputy director of the China Credit Research Center. It took September 2007 as the base period -- the basic points of YMCI and its sub-indices are designed at 100 -- for its measurement and calculation, because according to historical data and analysis, September usually saw a stable situation in market transactions with rational credit data, Du said.

The newly-released YMCI for the September-December period stood at 101.575 points on average, indicating a good situation in terms of credit levels at the market, with business performance and consumer rights protection indices fluctuating slightly with other indices steadily rising, Du said. "It is a significant innovation in market management for Yiwu and also a good experiment in perfecting China's market system," Du added. He Meihua, vice mayor of Yiwu, believed the YMCI could offer an alternative to assessing the market credit situation and help enhance credit awareness among dealers. Yiwu has more than 1,400 accessories enterprises employing almost 90,000 people. Its major products are jewellery and ties. The accessories output of the city accounts for 80 percent of the country's market share with an annual sales value of 9 billion yuan (1.24 billion U.S. dollars). It has trade exchanges with 200 countries and regions and about 30 billion U.S. dollars worth of goods orders each year. The city has been designated China's first national-level shopping tourist destination by the National Tourism Administration. The Yiwu market, with more than 50,000 stalls, reported a trade volume of 3.48 billion yuan (481.3 million U.S. dollars) last year. In October 2006, the central government officially launched the country's first small commodities index in Yiwu, covering 23 specific sub-indices in three main categories: price indices, market prosperity indices, and single monitoring and measuring indices.

From Xinhua News Agency 01/25/2008

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China Needs to Enhance Indigenous Innovation Capability

Although China's research and development spending has shot up in recent years, the country still suffers from a lack of local innovation, an official from the Chinese Science and Technology Ministry said Thursday. At a conference in The Hague this week, Zhang Weixing, Vice Director General of the ministry's Torch Hi-Tech Industrial Development Center, said to stimulate science and technology development, China is working to integrate science and technology with industry. China's R&D expenditure, at 37.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2006, was the fifth largest in the world after the United States, Japan, Germany and France, he told a largely Western audience Wednesday at the conference, "Organizing Science-based Business with China." Around 100 people from the science industry, government agencies, the European Patent Office, think-tanks and intellectual property law firms took part in the two-day meeting which closed Thursday at the European Patent Office. Zhang said the value of China's R&D had more than doubled in the past decade to 1.4 percent of its GDP in 2006, and invention patent applications amounted to 210,000 that year, the fourth largest in the world. However, more than 40 percent of these applications came from foreign companies, he said.

China's overall capacity for sustainable innovation is still low, and the intensity of R&D in the hi-tech industry is much lower than that of developed countries. Moreover, China lacks core technologies, and is highly dependent on foreign input, he said. A means of integrating science innovation with technology innovation is yet to be established, Zhang said. But the Chinese government has made serious efforts to address the situation, he said. For instance, the government has set a requirement that funding for science and technology from the state financial budget shall increase at a faster pace than the regular financial revenue of the country. A legal framework has been put into place to promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements and the development of a technology market through means like tax exemption, he said. China also encourages the building of science and technology industrial parks, which pull together hi-tech firms and play an important role in upgrading the local industrial structure, Zhang said.

There are now 54 state-level science and technology industrial parks in China, which are home to 46,000 enterprises, he said. To lend a hand to technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the government established an Innovation Fund for Tech-based SMEs in 1999. Start-ups with less than 500 employees and whose technological personnel amount to more than 30 percent of their staff could apply for aid from the fund, Zhang said. Until now the central government has approved over 12,000 applications with total funding allocated standing at 7.5 billion Chinese yuan (about 1.03 billion dollars).

From http://www.chinaview.cn 01/25/2008

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JAPAN: Govt Adopts Reforms for Independent Agencies

The government has adopted a plan to consolidate and streamline its 101 independent administrative entities into 85. Under the plan, final decisions on whether to privatize the Urban Renaissance Agency and the Japan Housing Finance Agency--a central pillar of policies initiated by Yoshimi Watanabe, state minister in charge of financial policy and administrative reforms--were postponed by three years and two years, respectively. The move is a major policy shift from the drastic administrative reform course under former Prime Ministers Junichiro Koizumi and Shinzo Abe. Based on the plan approved at the Cabinet meeting Monday, the government will review operations of the affected entities, starting from next fiscal year. The government will cut spending for the independent administrative entities by 156.9 billion yen in the fiscal 2008 budget from the previous fiscal year. At a discussion of the government's Headquarters for the Promotion of Administrative Reform held before the Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda instructed relevant ministers, "We need to steadily and speedily realize matters incorporated in the plan." According to the blueprint, the Commemorative Organization for the Japan World Exposition '70, the National Institute of Multimedia Education and the Japan Green Resources Agency will be abolished, while the Nippon Automated Cargo Clearance System Operations Organization, the Nippon Export and Investment Insurance and the Maritime Disaster Prevention Center will be privatized.

From The Yomiuri Shimbun 12/26/2007

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Small-Scale Consolidation Plan

The government has adopted a plan to consolidate and streamline its 102 independent administrative agencies. Six entities will be abolished or privatized and 16 others will be integrated into six entities. Many of the entities affected are small, like research institutes. The government should continue a thorough review of independent administrative entities, for which the government has been providing funds amounting to £¤3.5 trillion annually. As a result of the plan, government spending for those entities in the fiscal 2008 draft budget will be reduced by some £¤156.9 billion, or only about 4.5 percent. In August 2007, then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe adopted a policy statement that the government would scrap all independent administrative entities except those that are "truly indispensable." A government panel also recommended that 11 entities be abolished or privatized. The adopted plan appears substantially reduced from the earlier goal. Attention had been placed on what the government would do with two bigger entities ¡ª the Urban Renaissance Agency, which has some 4,000 workers, and the Japan Housing Finance Agency, which annually receives more than £¤300 billion from state coffers. But discussions on privatization will be concluded within three years for the former and two years for the latter. The government has rationally decided that independent administrative agencies in principle must use a public tender, abolishing private contracts. A 2005 survey of 40 such entities showed that 90 percent of their contracts were private. The government will also move to reduce salaries of some entity heads. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda is of the opinion that entities really helpful to people, such as the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan, should be strengthened. This is a reasonable and understandable argument. But the government must do its utmost to rid the public sector of wasteful spending. This is what bureaucrats do not dare to do.

From http://search.japantimes.co.jp/ 01/17/2008

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SOUTH KOREA: New Gov't to Fuel Growth Through Deregulation, Boosted Entrepreneurship

SEOUL, Jan. 8 (Yonhap) -- The incoming Lee Myung-bak administration aims to fuel economic growth through deregulation and bolstering the morale of the business community, policy observers said Tuesday. The assessment comes after the presidential transition committee wrapped up its review of the government's economic ministries and outlined broad policy directives for the next five years. Experts said while global and domestic developments may cause growth targets to be adjusted this year, the new government has made clear that it will deal with unnecessary red tape and create a business friendly environment. President-elect Lee won a landslide victory in the Dec. 19 polls by promising to breathe new life into the economy and push up growth to 7 percent during his five year term in office. He also said he will create a total of 3 million new jobs in the 2008-2013 period and lay the foundations allowing bolstering of the country' per capita income to US$40,000 from $20,000 at present. These objectives have been lowered to 6 percent growth in 2008, with projections of the annual increase in jobs to be cut from the original 600,000 to around 400,000. The former Seoul mayor and CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. has openly declared that he will create a business environment conducive to investment and has met with all the major corporate umbrella groups within a month of the elections. Lee held talks with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Korean Industries and the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business, and pledged to make changes that have been cited as holding up investments. The transition team has said existing rules that have prevented industrial capital from controlling financial firms will be dismantled along with the equity investment ceiling system that prevented large family-owned businesses from investing more than 25 percent of their net assets into new companies and affiliates. At present corporations, including family owned conglomerates like Samsung, Hyundai Motor Co., SK and LG, are barred for holding more than a 4 percent voting stake in financial institutions. The new government said this will be raised to 10 percent and then to 15 percent in the long run after certain firewalls have been set up.

This opens the door for the government to sell off its holdings in Woori Financial Group, Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Industrial Bank of Korea. The transition team said Monday that it plans to set up a Korea Investment Fund with the 20 trillion won it hopes to gain from selling off KDB that can be used to help small- and medium- sized enterprises. On raising the morale of the business community, the new Lee Administration has hinted that it will reduce corporate audits to a bare minimum and told the justice ministry to conduct investigations into illegal slush funds, false accounting in a manner that does not affect ordinary business activities. It stressed that conducting publicized searches of accounts and banning the overseas travel of CEO's should be avoided since it could adversely affect the corporate image of the company abroad. The National Tax Service chief Han Sang-ryule said earlier in the year that it will reexamine its tax probe procedures to lessen any burden on companies. Other government ministries pledged to deregulate administrative red tape that has held up corporate investment in the coming months. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said it will examine current policies that prevented the building of new plants and expanding existing factories in and around Seoul, while the Small and Medium Business Administration said it will help startup companies. Broader efforts are to be made to enhance labor market flexibility that business claimed prevented hiring of new workers. The agriculture ministry said it will consider moves that will allow farm land to be converted into industrial use. Meanwhile, the new government is expected to clamp down on real estate speculation by enforcing tougher standards on loans, and will move to lower fuel costs by 10 percent. Measures are also in place to reduce communications costs by 20 percent.

From http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/ 01/08/2008

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Militant Labor Movement: Mutual Efforts Needed to Smoothly Resolve Dispute

It seems President-elect Lee Myung-bak and the labor sector are engaged in a war of nerves ahead of the inauguration of the next government. Lee has had a series of meetings with business organizations including the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), the mouthpiece of the nation's major conglomerates or chaebol. But he has not met with leaders of labor bodies since winning the presidential election in December. Apparently angered by Lee's seeming slight, the leader of the militant Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) threatened to stage massive general strikes that would drastically lower national credit. He indicated he would use hard-line tactics such as cutting off the supply of gas and electricity. ``A total of 980 activists were jailed under the governments of Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun. And we will carry out the struggle at the risk of 9,800 people being put behind bars under the incoming Lee Myung-bak government,'' he said. He also threatened to send a delegation to the meeting of world leaders in Tokyo in June to strengthen solidarity with foreign labor activists. It is very disappointing for the nation's largest labor body to declare such an extreme stance. The economy will face series setbacks should the national credit fall and the so-called ``Korea discount'' phenomenon intensify, due to possible militant labor action. A sluggish economy will also negatively affect the livelihood of unionized workers. It is tantamount to declaring an anti-government struggle.

The business-friendly policies are not against unionists' interests as they are designed to promote investment, creation of jobs, and raise growth rates. Foreign companies have been viewing the belligerent labor organizations as the major barriers to investing in Korea. The KCTU is advised to learn lesson from the humiliating defeat of the progressive Democratic Labor Party in the presidential election in December and the drastic decrease in members of the nationwide Korean Teachers and Education Workers' Union. Resorting to an outmoded method of struggle will only deepen people's distrust of unions. Should they resort to extreme means in the future, the people would not acknowledge them any longer. We don't support the next government's possible policies of neglecting the labor sector. The Moderate Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) complained that the next government has been giving too slight a weight to labor issues while pushing for a package of business-friendly policies. We believe President-elect Lee needs to pay heed to the voices of the labor organizations and attempt to resolve all pending issues through dialogue and compromise. For this, frequent contact is needed so that the relevant concerns can deepen mutual understanding and meet half way without having to depend on unilateral action.

From http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/ 01/13/2008

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For Small Government: Follow-Up Measures Urgent to Push for Restructuring

The transition committee unveiled its government reorganization plan Wednesday that features the abolition of five ministries. In the plan the Ministry of Unification, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, Information and Communication Ministry, Gender Equality and Family Ministry, and Science and Technology Ministry, alongside the Government Information Agency will cease to exist, while the Ministry of Planning and Budget will be absorbed by the Ministry of Finance and Economy. The plan, designed to slim down the number of government organizations, is in line with President-elect Lee Myung-bak's pursuit of a smaller but more effective government. Lee said during a New Year press conference that the government should initiate change and that his primary task is to make an efficient and capable administration. He underlined the need to trim and screw tight the hitherto lax government apparatus. The reform move, however, has faced fierce resistance from ministries subject to realignment. They have staged rallies and even threatened a campaign of disobedience armed with many statements in defiance of the restructuring plan. The reorganization bill will be submitted to the National Assembly for endorsement at the end of this month. There is high possibility that the affected ministry officials will intensively lobby lawmakers to prevent their organizations from being abolished. The pro-government United New Democratic Party (UNDP) has so far maintained a cautious attitude toward the government restructuring. It is opposing the idea of doing away with the Unification Ministry, in particular, as well as the science and information ministries. We believe most people support the idea of smaller but more efficient government as President-elect Lee promised during the presidential campaign. There should be no behind-the-scenes deals over the restructuring program ahead of the incoming general elections in April. Critics say the transition team decided to put the Unification Ministry on its abolition list to utilize it as a bargaining chip in inducing the UNDP's cooperation for passage of the restructuring bill. What is most urgent for the next government is to take follow-up measures to minimize any possible adverse impact on state administration in the wake of the realignment. The committee is asked to wisely allot the work of the eliminated organizations to the proper ministries at the earliest date possible. For one thing, it needs to consider the possible negative effect on inter-Korean relations if the Unification Ministry is merged into the Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry. There has been rising concern that the possible abolition of the science and information ministries will lead to a decrease in national competitiveness in the information and technology (IT) area. So the next government is admonished to take proper steps to prevent such a scenario. We support the move to decrease the number of civil servants along with the restructuring drive. Reform without self-sacrifice will amount merely to slogan shouting that may fall on deaf ears. More public officials means more regulations and weaker competitiveness.

From http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/ 01/16/2008

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To Innovate, Keep Minds Open: Think Tank

¡°Show me evidence the idea will work¡± and ¡°That¡¯s not my job¡± are phrases that hinder innovation, according to a private think tank. LG Economic Research Institute yesterday released a report on corporate atmospheres that inhibit innovation in multinational companies. The institute said in order to make a new product from a new idea, firms need to follow four steps: make new ideas, propose them, manifest the ideas in projects and then release the new products. Only 300 of every 3,000 new ideas are proposed and only 100 of the 300 proposed ideas become projects, according to the report. Only one of those becomes a new product. To make sure as many ideas as possible get through, the think tank said that words such as ¡°Show me evidence it will work¡± should be avoided at the proposal stage. Excessive fear of failure makes people refrain from expressing their new ideas, the think tank said. The institute said the phrase, ¡°That¡¯s not my job,¡± stems from employees being reluctant to participate in new projects because they are already busy and feel the project is not directly related to what is expected of them.

From http://joongangdaily.joins.com/ 01/16/2008

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15 'Global Zones' for Foreigners to Open in Seoul

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has designated 15 spots within the capital as "global zones" for foreigners to live in and conduct business. A city spokesman announced the measure Friday (Jan. 25), as well as the proposed opening of six "global villages" and five "global culture exchange regions" close to existing foreign neighborhoods in Korea. The global business zones will be made friendlier toward foreign investment. They will include the districts of Mugyo-dong, Da-dong, Taepyeongno 1-ga, Euljiro 1-ga and Seonrin-dong to cover about two-tenths of a square kilometer. The World Trade Center region will include the Samseong-dong district (0.19km ²) and the LG Tower region Yeoksam-dong (0.07km ²) and Yeouido-dong (0.12km ²). The global villages will include Yongsan-gu, Hannam 1-dong (1.22km ²); Itaewon 1-dong (0.61km ²); Ichon 1-dong (2.86km ²); Seocho-gu, Seorae Village (3.10km ²); Gangnam-gu, Yeoksam 1-dong (2.65km ²); and Seodaemun-gu, Yeonnam-dong (0.65km ²). Americans in Korea live mostly in the districts of Hannam-dong, Itaewon and Yeoksam-dong, Japanese in Ichon-dong and French in Seorae Village. The global culture exchange zones will cover the tourist districts of Myeongdong (0.33km ²), Namdaemun (0.09km ²), Dongdaemun (0.58km ²), Itaewon (0.38km ²) and Insa-dong (0.17km ²). Seoul will establish help centers in the respective zones to assist foreigners or foreign companies with investment, information and other cooperative projects.

The city government opened Wednesday (Jan. 23) its first civil service consultation center for foreigners inside the Korea Press Foundation building in downtown Seoul. The new Global Center will help foreigners with services such as getting a driver¡¯s license, cell phone or credit card and opening a bank account. Service is available in English, Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese. Similar centers are expected to open in Yeoksam-dong and Yeonnam-dong in the coming months. The Intelligent Building System building, where foreign firms account for half of all occupants, will be designated a "global business cluster building." This will make it eligible for tax cuts and all nearby signboards and guides will include English. Global villages will distribute government documents, receipts, trash bags and public utility bills in foreign languages. There will also be clinics and a daycare centers for foreigners. The number of foreigners in Seoul has jumped more than four times over the past decade to reach 229,000 last year, accounting for 2.2 percent of the city population. Last year alone, the figure rose 54,000 from 2006.

From http://www.korea.net/ 01/24/2008

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2 Think Tanks Greatly Influence New Gov¡¯t

As the Lee Myung-bak administration forms a new Cabinet and selects secretaries, the president-elect¡¯s two policy think tanks are emerging as crucial resources. These think tanks, which created policies in critical areas such as the economy, diplomacy, education and welfare during Lee¡¯s campaign period, are said to be the most suitable for materializing his vision into policies and implementing them.

Former staff members at the Global Strategy Institute led by Seoul National University professor Yoo Woo-ik are often mentioned as favorites for important posts. President-elect Lee founded the think tank as the East Asia Institute in the mid-1990s. Several of its employees are playing critical roles in the presidential transition committee and Lee¡¯s secretariat. Yoo will likely get the nomination as Lee¡¯s first presidential chief of staff. He is not on the transition committee, but reportedly often visits Lee¡¯s office for in-depth discussions about appointments and the direction of national policies. The think tank¡¯s policy division chief, Gwak Seung-joon, is a member of the committee¡¯s planning and coordination division and a close policy adviser to the president-elect. Reports say Gwak could be the next chief presidential secretary for the economy. Committee members who used to work for the think tank as researchers are also favored candidates for the new administration. Hyun In-taek, President-elect Lee¡¯s diplomacy adviser, is a leading candidate to head the Foreign Affairs and Unification Ministry. Hong Doo-seung, a member of the transition committee¡¯s diplomacy, unification and security division, could be the next defense minister. Hyun is also a potential nominee for chief presidential secretary for diplomacy and security. Nam Joo-hong, a member of the state affairs division, and Lee Dal-gon, a member of the legal administration division, have been mentioned as potential Cabinet members. Staff at the think tank who work with the committee and Lee¡¯s secretariat are expected to play key roles in the new administration. Kim Yeong-woo, a policy director of the Global Strategy Institute and vice chief of policy planning under the secretariat, is planning to run in the April general elections in Pocheon and Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province. Moon Hyung-wook, a fellow researcher and a member of the committee¡¯s planning and coordination advisory, is expected to work in the new administration after directly reporting policies to President-elect Lee during his campaign.

Researchers at the Barun Policy Institute, the second main policy think tank for Lee, are also known as favorite candidates for the new government. Ahn Byeong-man, former president and a board director of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, was initially considered a candidate for prime minister. Barun President and transition committee member Baek Yong-ho is said to be a candidate to head the newly created finance committee and the position of chief presidential secretary for the economy. Yoo In-chon is a strong candidate for culture minister. He is an advisory member of the society, education, and culture division, a board director of Barun, and someone close to President-elect Lee. Choi Jae-deok, a member of the committee¡¯s second economy division and a Barun board director, gave real estate policy advice to Lee during his presidential campaign. Choi is considered a candidate to head the Homeland and Maritime Affairs Ministry. Barun board director Lee Jong-chan, a former head prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutor¡¯s Office, has been mentioned as a candidate for justice minister.

From http://english.donga.com/ 01/28/2008

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INDONESIA: New System 'May Overcome Congestion'

Transportation analysts have urged the city administration to focus on the development of an integrated public transportation system in 2008 to soothe Jakarta's chronic traffic woes. The head of the City Transportation Council, Edi Toet Hendratno, said Wednesday the administration should consider integrating the already-established busway network with railway-based transportation in Jakarta. "Trains are the most efficient and fastest carrier of people," he said. As Jakarta already has an extensive railway network in place, the administration needs to do nothing more than connect train stations with busway stops, he said. "We can use existing trains and railway lines that connect parts of Greater Jakarta. They're still in good shape but are under-utilized," said Edi. "So under this new system, when a commuter takes a train they will wait no longer than 10 minutes for a busway bus to come," he said. Edi said the council had conducted investigations into the combined system and had received a positive response from state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia.

"We'll submit the plan to the administration on Friday," he said, adding that the administration would make the final decision on the plan. "The future of railway-based transportation is bright and Jakarta's traffic situation will be far better if the administration takes this seriously," he said. After two decades of sitting idle, a circle-line train with the capacity to carry up to 400 passengers per trip was revived last month by the administration. The air-conditioned Ciliwung train sets off from the Manggarai train station in South Jakarta, traveling through five municipalities. The administration is also planning to launch a south-line train on Thursday that will connect Manggarai in South Jakarta to Depok in West Java.

Echoing Edi's sentiments, a member of the Transportation Study Institute (Instran) and chairman of the Jakarta Residents Forum, Azas Tigor Nainggolan, said Jakarta's traffic problems may be overcome if the administration decides to integrate the busway system and railway networks. "We're expecting the administration to come up with a tremendous transportation solution this year and it would be good if it combined the busway and train networks," he said. "The administration would only have to spend a minimal amount of money to develop the integrated transportation system because railway networks already exist in the city and it could use busway's seven existing corridors." However, Azaz said the administration should investigate the performance and financial reports of the busway operator, dismantle the company's "corrupt" management and replace its "officials with professionals" before going ahead with the plan.

From http://www.thejakartapost.com 01/03/2008

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Improvement Needed in Security Sector

A group of NGOs has called on the government to conduct thorough reforms in the country's security sector this year, saying that efforts to improve the sector during previous years involved policy alone, lacking concrete implementation. The NGOs, including the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), Imparsial, International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development (INFID) and Human Rights Working Group (HRWG), told a media conference here Tuesday that as Indonesia was entering its 10th year of reform, there had not been significant enough improvement in the sector, mainly within the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police. "There are still many delayed agenda items in the TNI internal reforms, including the absence of a presidential decree to complete the 2004 law on TNI that prohibits the military from engaging in business activities," said Haris Azhar of Kontras. "In fact, the military has not entirely given up its interests in business and politics," he said. A long-delayed strategic defense review and quarrels between TNI and the police also pointed to irregularities in the security sector, he said. "While the government has not been able to improve the welfare of military personnel, it has made a fuss about ... reserves, which will definitely require more budget.

"The defense budget itself has not been used efficiently. Sixty percent of the budget is still allotted for military personnel instead of establishing a more advanced defense strategy." "The most important issue is not about the number of military personnel, but more about how to manage the defense system, particularly the military equipment." The NGOs, however, noted several achievements in the sector, including the separation of police and military and success in making the state budget the only source of defense funding. Don Kladius Marut, executive director of INFID, questioned the establishment of new military regional commands in areas including Papua and Flores (East Nusa Tenggara), where foreign investors are set to develop mining operations. He believed the purpose of military force in those areas might be to exert control on local people who might oppose development. "In Flores for example, most of the land belongs to the local community, who usually refuse to give land to investors, except by use of force. And this, can be done by deploying military personnel." Regarding the police, the NGOs criticized the institution for being sluggish in responding to complaints from the public, notwithstanding the 2006 establishment of the National Police Commission which has oversight and monitoring authority. They also urged the government to formulate policies on the state's intelligence body.

From http://www.thejakartapost.com 01/09/2008

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MALAYSIA: Pat on Back for Civil Servants

PUTRAJAYA: The various measures taken to improve the government's delivery system have been fruitful, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said. The measures included the establishment of the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (Pemudah), a joint initiative by the Government and private sector to improve the delivery system and simplify business operations. The Prime Minister said: ¡°The complaints which were sometimes humiliating are no longer heard. There has been much improvement and it's true that efforts to provide service had improved last year. ¡°Thank you and congratulations to all of you. But we can't be complacent, because such an attitude will not be able to add value to the efforts that we have put in,¡± he said at the monthly gathering of the Prime Minister's Department yesterday. Abdullah called on civil servants to improve performance, efficiency, productivity and diligence in discharging their responsibilities as part of their new year's resolution. ¡°Hopefully, such determination will bring about results as aspired by the people,¡± he said. He said civil servants should also be proud of the achievements in the past year and strive to further improve this year. ¡°Equip yourself with the latest knowledge to improve quality and achieve excellence,¡± he said.

From http://thestar.com.my/ 01/08/2008

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Govt to Improve Ethnic Diversity in Public Service

The Government will be "blind" to gender, colour and creed when it comes to recruiting civil servants. That is the assurance given by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan who said the plan was to attract the best to work in the public sector. "We are determined to improve ethnic diversity in the public service through recruitment and career development programmes. Our target is to employ the best and the rest speaks for itself. "This is part of our commitment to ensure the public gets the best service from its public sector, where the public delivery system runs efficiently and effectively," he told the media in a special briefing Wednesday. Sidek also said poverty was among six tasks the Government had set to tackle this year, adding programmes and initiatives, ranging from grants, counselling and employment plans, have been put in place to support the task. He said poverty eradication was one of the paramount and foremost commitments of the Government, where the target was to eradicate poverty by 2010 and reducing by half the current rates of poverty. "We have even developed an in-house programme, E-Kaseh that will track this initiative. The public service will develop frequent public reporting to update the public of this task to ensure targets are met," he added.

From http://thestar.com.my 01/16/2008

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Rebranding to Enhance Public Delivery System

The Public Service Department (PSD) has taken a bold move to rebrand itself in efforts to further enhance the public delivery system and transform it into a world-class service provider. Director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam said from this year the PSD would "rebrand, review and refocus on its core business". "Our approach is to tell them (officers and staff) to go back to the basics. "First, they have to know what they are supposed to do, as PSD is responsible for the organisational structures, schemes of service, personnel appraisal system and human capital development, including getting people to go abroad for studies and for them to return to work for the government. "We are supposed to take care of the remuneration schemes, salaries, perks and so on. We are responsible for what kind of organisational structures to have at the various agencies or departments. "These used to be a rigid system but over the last few years, we have allowed a lot of flexibility as long as they work within the budget.

"We give flexibility to heads of department to organise themselves not only in terms of the structure but also the personnel they have," he said yesterday. As a central agency for human resource and organisational development, Ismail said: "We have to ensure that the public sector is equipped with the appropriate personnel and structured accordingly so that the officers and staff can perform effectively as expected by the stakeholders. "That is our main responsibility, that is to enhance the capacity of the public sector in terms of human resource and organisational capability." Late last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi reminded the PSD that it should be driving initiatives towards enhancing the government machinery, together with other central agencies like the Treasury, Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit, Economic Planning Unit and Implementation Co-ordination Unit. According to Ismail, he had explained to PSD staff "this is our responsibility and we have to improve on our performance". "The most important ingredient for success is that the officers and staff must have the right skills, knowledge and attitude in doing what they are supposed to do.

"They must be able to relate to, educate and enlighten our corporate clients, essentially the 720 agencies at the federal, state, district and local levels." Apart from that, Ismail reminded the PSD staff that they also have individual clients -- students applying for scholarships, sponsored students, parents of students and the 1.2 million civil servants and half a million pensioners. Ismail said over the years, a lot of improvement had been made, some in bits and pieces and some in large doses. "Probably, the problem with government service is that we don't tell people what we do. "So, just a few bad experiences of individuals could give a general bad impression of government service among the public. "As the prime minister had mentioned, we have been doing okay, but okay is not enough. We have to improve because our clients expect much more from us.

From http://www.nst.com.my 01/28/2008

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72 New Posts in Ministry Open to Outsiders

PUTRAJAYA: The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry has undergone a restructuring process, creating additional posts for experts and professionals not in the civil service. An additional 177 posts are available to be filled by this year, of which 72 are open to outsiders. Of the number, four are for senior management posts, 68 for management and professional posts and the rest for additional support staff. Minister Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis said the new structure, planned by the National Innovation Council, was approved by the Cabinet in December. It is part of the plan aimed at making Malaysia a country which conducts its own research and development, and then manufactures and markets its own brand name overseas. Jamaluddin said the available new posts promise private-sector salaries while working on contract, adding that the experts need not be science-based but could also have expertise in economy and finance.

¡°There are also 91 vacancies after the promotion exercise to be filled either by capable ministry staff or by professionals from outside,¡± he said, adding that the Public Service Department had approved the additional posts. He was speaking to reporters yesterday after addressing his ministry staff at a monthly gathering here attended by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan. Sidek, in his message to the staff, said there was nothing wrong for outsiders to be employed by the ministry as long as the work benefited the country. ¡°You should be able to accept someone from outside who can perform and deliver. The mantra here is ¡®must deliver¡¯,¡± he said, adding that if they did not want an outsider, the staff members should deliver. Sidek said they must challenge the status quo instead of being complacent, in order to continue performing better. ¡°This ministry is where innovation is the keyword, and there is no end to innovation in this new economy,¡± he said, adding that with added technology now, civil servants could serve the public 24 hours a day and 365 days a year and not only from 8am to 4pm.

From http://thestar.com.my/ 01/18/2008

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SINGAPORE: New Govt Committee to Look into Sustainable Development

Singapore has formed a new government committee to look into sustainable development for the country. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made this announcement at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday. He stressed that sustainable development would continue to be a priority for Singapore going forward. The new committee will be co¡ªchaired by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan and Environment and Water Resources Minister Dr Yaacob Ibrahim. The committee will look into a holistic sustainable development strategy for Singapore. The Inter¡ªMinisterial Committee also includes Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Transport Raymond Lim, and Minister of State for Trade & Industry S Iswaran. The committee will first come up with a national strategy to achieve a high quality living environment that is consistent with economic growth in Singapore.

Second, it will seek to build new competencies and facilitate mindshare across the public, private and people sectors to develop Singapore as an "Eco¡ªHub". The aim is to make Singapore an innovative thought centre and hub for urban and environmental sustainability. The committee¡¯s co¡ªchairman, Mr Mah Bow Tan, said the plan is to make sure that "people would be happy to stay in Singapore because there are economic opportunities, and it is a great place to live, for them and their children." The committee would consult widely to tap the ideas of the public and the business community. According to the committee¡¯s other chairman, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, he said there will be efforts to harness expertise, both locally and overseas. Work is already underway and the committee will meet early February to discuss the future plans.

From http://sg.news.yahoo.com 01/25/2008

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THAILAND: 'Green Governance' Promoted

The Industry Ministry is encouraging operators of factories located around Bangkok to adopt good governance principles for pollution management. Witoon Simachokedee, the ministry's deputy permanent secretary, said officials would step up attempts to encourage the industrial sector to improve environmental management this year The principle of good governance would enable industrial sector to grow with social responsibility and live in more harmony with surrounding communities. ''The targeted areas for this strategy include provinces facing severe pollution problems such as Rayong, Chon Buri and Saraburi, and also the provinces around Bangkok,'' Mr Witoon said.

Industrial estates in Pathum Thani province, for example, have begun pilot projects by inviting local communities to work together with factories and government agencies to determine criteria for good governance for environmental management, he added. The programme involves 44 factories in Bang Kadi Industrial Park, as well as Ajinomoto (Thailand) Co Ltd, the Pathum Thani Industrial Office, Bang Kadi Municipality and representatives from 17 communities. The participants are expected to sign an agreement on good governance standards for environmental management once they determine a common direction, Mr Witoon said.

From http://www.bangkokpost.com/ 01/12/2008

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SAARC Nations Urged to Join Hands for Disaster Management

New Delhi, Jan 21 : Indian Home Minister Shivraj Patil Monday called upon the SAARC nations to use their strength in science and technology to build a robust system of prevention, mitigation and preparedness to reduce the risks of natural and manmade disasters. Inaugurating the two-day SAARC Workshop on Application of Science and Technology for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in South Asia here, Patil stressed the need for sustained scientific research on earthquake, particularly in the Himalayan region, so as to be able to identify the fault zones and the return period more accurately. The South Asian region is one of the most disaster prone areas in the world. Natural disasters, ranging from earthquakes to cyclones, have afflicted the region often in the past causing immense damage to life and property. Patil emphasised that it is not the earthquakes that killed but the buildings and hence, "there was a need for earthquake resistant designs and technology which make use of local ethos and locally available building materials," he said. He described cyclone risk mitigation as another priority area for scientists. "Prediction of the precise location of the landfall was essential so that the people who would not be affected by the storm surge do not have to be evacuated," Patil said. He also highlighted the need to deal with challenges like the sea level rise and climate change. He said India would extend all possible assistance and cooperation to all its neighbouring countries for better management of disasters. Stating that the region has the best and largest technical and scientific manpower in the world, Patil said: "We must use our strength in science and technology to build a robust system of prevention, mitigation and preparedness to reduce the risk of natural and man-made disasters."

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/21/2008

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INDIA: Broadband Revolution in the Offing

Mumbai: Even as India is stepping into a future, which is poised to be digital across all platforms, a lot of questions face the media and entertainment industry. For starters questions like does India have the talent pool for digital content creation? Are the digital platforms able enough? In which year will digital content see a boom in India? Addressing the industry at the ASSOCHAM Focus conference in New Delhi, Planning Commission member secretary Raajeva Ratna Shah disclosed the 11th Five Year plan for 2008-2012. The plan is in keeping with digital content production and distribution in India. Shah said, "The government along with Nasscom and private industry associates will set up 20 IIIT's (Indian Institute of Information Technology) in various parts of the country for which the Planning Commission has already made a provision of Rs 100 crores. The government will ensure broadband accessibility to almost every citizen in countryside, covering 97% of its geographical area by 2012." Elaborating further on the IIITs, Shah said, "Relevant industry associates have to come forward with a blueprint. The government will not encourage any particular industrial house to take initiative for setting up IIITs. The industry associations having a clear cut vision of such institutions would be entitled to receive a part of allocations out of Rs 100 crores in which education would be imparted for skill contents relating to nano IT/computing content, bio- IT/computing content, information security, telemedicine, telebanking and finance."

From http://www.digitalopportunity.org/ 12/26/2007

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New Initiatives on Disaster Management in India

Colourful toadstools, a blue sky, a pup staring at a rainbow in fascination, bees bumbling about and trees standing majestically in a corner of the frame looks like a perfect painting of nature in full glory. And that¡¯s what the home page of the web portal would have been had it not been for the bigger picture inside. Launched by the Pune-based Neeti Solutions Private Limited, this is an exercise in introducing the serious subject of disaster management to school children, albeit through a fun-filled approach that drives home the message in a subtle manner. Introduced at a workshop on ¡®Technology, Risk Reduction and Children Education¡¯ at the Film and Television Institute of India, the portal has games, photographs and videos related to disaster management. ¡°Disaster management is everyone¡¯s concern and why should we leave children out of it? It is this thought that has driven us to create this portal and make children aware about the causes and effects of disasters and how they can be managed or prevented through online games like Snakes and Ladders and drawing or painting contests,¡± explains the organisation¡¯s chief executive officer Dr Parag Mankeekar. Neeti is in talks with United Nations and UNICEF to create more content as also introduce digital versions of classical board games like Play Safe and Riskland which focus on multiple hazards.

The organisation is also developing a game on disaster management to be installed in the Tsunami Memorial, a citizen resource centre being built at Port Blair in the Andaman Islands. Meanwhile, another aspect of disaster management was unfolded with the presentation of a flood report by Medha Patkar on behalf of the Narmada Bachao Andolan at Kolhapur. Patkar has demanded the formation of a river basin authority for the entire Krishna basin, which will have statutory powers to deal with the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. She has asked the Maharashtra government to adhere to its stand that there will be no storage built up above RL509 metre in the Almatti dam in Karnataka. Briefing the media on the findings of the expert committee appointed by the National Alliance of the People¡¯s Movement (NAPM) to probe into the causes of the catastrophic floods in the Krishna river valley in 2005, Patkar said that the backwaters of Karnataka¡¯s Almatti dam and large discharge from various dams in south Maharashtra were responsible for the floods. According to Satish Bhingare, a member of the expert committee, ¡°the stable water remains in equilibrium but the waters flowing in the reservoir tries to achieve the equilibrium resulting in backwater slope curve.¡± If the reservoir level of the Almatti dam was kept at 515-metre height, the flood in Kurnudwad village of Kolhapur could have been avoided, the committee has pointed out.

¡°According to the dam safety manual of 1984, the pre-monsoon storage in the dams should not have been more than 10% of the dam¡¯s capacity. However, the carryover storage of Koyna dam in the monsoon of 2005 was 31% which was non-compliance with the Central Water Commission¡¯s guidelines,¡± stated Vijay Paranjpe, another committee member. It has also been pointed out that construction of Kt-weirs and river embankments were also instrumental in aggravating the condition. The report has come down heavily on the Karnataka government for maintaining the reservoir level of Almatti dam at 519.6 metres. ¡°The Supreme Court has permitted Karnataka to increase the reservoir level at Almatta to 519.6 metres, provided it doesn¡¯t cause any submergence of habitation and displacement in Maharashtra. The Karnataka government has contravened the conditions of the SC,¡± the report reads. According to Patkar, the findings will be presented to the Maharashtra state government and there will be a demand to compensate the flood victims. ¡°The disaster was caused due to negligence and was therefore a manmade catastrophe,¡± Patkar pointed out.

From http://southasia.oneworld.net/ 01/08/2008

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Govt Approves Capacity Building Scheme Under National E-Governance Plan

New Delhi, Jan 10 : The Union Government today approved the Capacity Building Scheme for taking National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) forward across the country. The scheme is mainly for providing technical and professional support to State level policy and decision-making bodies and to develop specialised skills for e-governance. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 313 crore (Rs 3.13 billion) for a period of three years and will be implemented by the Department of Information Technology. The scheme envisages establishment of institutional framework for state-level strategic decision-making, including setting-up of State e-Governance Mission Team (SeMT). Besides, the scheme also proposes to impart specialised training, orientation programme for SeMTs and decision makers (state legislature and senior bureaucrats), knowledge sharing and bringing in international best practices.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/10/2008

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India to Train Officials for E-Governance

New Delhi, Jan 10: The Indian government will spend Rs.3.13 billion ($80 million) over three years to build capacity of policy and decision makers for the nation's e-governance plan, to be implemented by the department of information technology. The capacity building scheme, approved Thursday by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs, will provide technical and professional help to develop specialised e-governance skills to policy and decision making bodies in all the states and union territories. The approval would help in setting up of a central capacity building management cell to coordinate and implement the scheme. The cell will be working under the empowered committee for capacity building under the chairmanship of IT secretary, an official release said.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/10/2008

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Delhi Will Become South Asia's Knowledge Capital: Chief Minister

New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS) All higher educational institutions in the capital city will be interlinked and there will be a regular exchange of the faculty and curricula among them to make Delhi as the 'knowledge capital' of South Asia, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said Monday. The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) headed by Sam Pitroda has prepared the blueprint of a plan to link these institutions. 'Delhi is on its way to become the knowledge capital. All higher education institutions would be interlinked,' Dikshit said after a meeting with Pitroda. She reiterated her commitment to make Delhi the 'best knowledge destination for all'. 'All possible measures would be taken to implement recommendations of the NKC.' The University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jamia Milia Islamia, Jamia Hamdard University, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-Delhi) and other capital-based educational institutions would be interlinked.

'It is imminent to develop the interconnection between these institutes to facilitate instant and free flow of knowledge. The blueprint includes a large number of initiatives relating to school education, vocational education and training, higher education, professional education, libraries, development of translation as an industry, English language teaching, national network, e-governance, health information network, traditional health systems and eco system for entrepreneurship,' Dikshit elaborated. She said that implementation of initiatives envisaged in the blueprint would make 'learning outcome evaluation an integral part of accountability, enhance community participation in the management of government schools and forge partnership with NGOs and civil societies for overcoming (the trend of) dropouts'. There is also a plan for the introduction of vocational education courses at the high school level apart from facilitating convergence of the open and distance education system with conventional universities. The initiatives would also go a long way in introducing English in schools, along with the first language starting from Class I.

'Steps would be taken to establish independent and multiple accreditation agencies for all professional institutions and modernisation of all public libraries through greater community participation and interlinking. 'All school teachers would be trained in English regardless of subject expertise through vacation training programmes and other short term courses,' the chief minister said. Interlinking of educational hubs and provision of local area network in individual institutions would take Delhi into an era of learning at doorsteps, she explained. The NKC was set up in 2005 as an advisory body to the prime minister to provide a blueprint for reform of our knowledge related institutions and infrastructure.

From http://in.news.yahoo.com/ 01/14/2008

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Government Justifies Use of Narco-Analysis, Brain Mapping

New Delhi, Jan 22 : The Union government Tuesday justified before the Supreme Court the use of modern scientific techniques like brain mapping, narco-analysis and polygraph to investigate a crime. The government took its stand while arguing a bunch of petitions challenging these methods' use. Solicitor General Goolam E. Vahanvati defended the use of such techniques before a bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, hearing petitions against these techniques. The petitions have been filed by some accused of various crimes. "In today's complex social milieu with proliferating crimes against the society and the integrity of the country, it is necessary to keep in mind the interest of the society at large and the need for a thorough and proper investigation, as against individual rights, while ensuring that the individual constitutional rights are not infringed," the law officer said. "If these tests are properly considered to be steps in the aid of investigation and not for obtaining incrimination statements, there is no constitutional infirmity whatsoever," Vahanvati contended. "These tests are scientific methods in furtherance of investigation. All these tests are considered to be part of the process of collecting some subsequent evidence. These tests may provide some clues to the investigative agency to collect some evidence but the statements given by the accused against themselves during these tests are not of any evidentiary value," he clarified. Rebutting the contention by various accused that the polygraph, brain mapping and narco-analysis tests had no legal sanction, Vahanvati asserted that section 53 of the Criminal Procedure Code accords the requisite statutory sanction for the conducting these tests. "The use of term 'such other tests' in section 53 of the CrPC includes in its ambit polygraph, brain mapping and narco-analysis," he asserted.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/22/2008

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NEPAL: National Research Lab for Nepal Soon

The Nepal government has announced a national science laboratory to carry out advanced research on biofuel, solar and renewable energy, biotechnology, the environment and biodiversity. The establishment of the National Research Laboratory was announced this month (6 December) as part of the twenty-fifth anniversary celebrations of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). NAST will oversee the laboratory, due to open in the beginning of 2010. The government will provide around 70 million Nepali rupees (around US$1.1 million) to build the laboratory, with 20 million Nepali rupees (around US$345,000) of funding already in place. "Science and technology will be the basis of the economic development of the nation. However, we are behind in science and technology in the global context. Therefore, we need new ideas for the development of the nation through science and technology," said Nepali prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala at the announcement ceremony. He added that the government was looking into ways to increase investment in science and technology. Currently, NAST has one laboratory, which lacks adequate facilities for research on biotechnology, biofuels and renewable energy, says Hom Nath Bhattarai, vice-chancellor of NAST. "The new laboratory will be a well-equipped modern laboratory. But to give a life to it, we need modern equipments, qualified scientific manpower and international collaboration in knowledge sharing," says Bhattarai. Bhattarai adds that such a research centre might ultimately help attract Nepali scientists working abroad to return to the nation. Along with the laboratory, the government also announced the establishment of a Nepali science learning centre, to provide hands-on opportunities for the public to understand scientific principles, technological applications and the social implications of science and technology. The centre will be established with technical and financial support from the Indian government and will open in mid-2010.

From http://southasia.oneworld.net/ 12/31/2007

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Nepal's Education Reforms to Meet Demands of Expanding EconomyS

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Preparations are underway to take Nepal's school system into the next stages of reform and restructuring with new grants that will make the nation's educational programs more responsive to the needs of an expanding economy. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is extending an $8 million grant for the Education Sector Program Cluster Subprogram II. This will be jointly financed with other education development partners including the European Commission, which intends to provide 6 million euros ($8.7 million) as part of its contribution to the school sector. The Japan Special Fund is also giving a $600,000 grant to be managed by the ADB for the preparation of the third and final subprogram of the Education Sector Program. The government of Nepal is providing $110,000 to the technical assistance.

The overall objective of the program is to work toward a fair, inclusive, effective and complete education system for Nepal. It also supports Nepal¡¯s Education for All Program for 2004-2009, the framework for basic and primary education in the country. The second subprogram will support the preparation and transition of the country's public education into an integrated 12-year system - eight years of basic education and four years of secondary education, which is prescribed under the country's school sector reform plan. With the education system under pressure to further improve its services, the government has recognized that the old system of five years of basic education is not sufficient. "Through the implementation of the second subprogram, Nepal's education system will be in a better position to successfully pursue the school sector reform plan on a countrywide basis in 2009. This will result in an education system capable of providing better quality education that will enhance the educational attainment and livelihoods for children, particularly girls and disadvantaged groups," said Ayako Inagaki, senior education specialist of ADB's South Asia Department. The final subprogram, which is scheduled to start in 2009, will support the full implementation of the school sector reform plan once it is finalized, financed, and the legal and financing framework is adjusted to a 12-year school system.

The first subprogram, which began in January 2007 and will run until July 2009, supports the Education for All Program and is laying the groundwork for the integration of the current system into the planned 12-year school framework. This subprogram received a $30 million loan and $2 million grant from the ADB. Nepal is entering a period of economic development as the country recovers from years of conflict following political changes since 2006. As a result, people's expectations and demands in terms of quality education have risen. "Despite the government's efforts to meet the increasing demand for education, especially at post-primary level, financing problems, a poorly qualified teaching force and institutional weaknesses are slowing down improvements in school education," said Ms. Inagaki.

From http://www.adb.org/ 01/24/2008

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UZBEKISTAN: Parliament's Lower House Holds Session in Tashkent

The next session of the Legislative Chamber [lower house] of Oliy Majlis [parliament] of the Republic of Uzbekistan was held in Tashkent on 9-10 January this year. Deputies approved the agenda proposed by the chamber's council. MPs discussed the draft Law "On introducing amendments in the Article 16 of the Law "On advertisement", submitted by A.Boykulov, a member of the Committee for Information and Communication Technologies. Having considered the bill, deputies made amendments and addenda in the document and approved it, UzA reported. Z.Ubaydullaev, a member of the Committee for International Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations, delivered report on the draft Law "On introducing amendments and addenda in the Law "On international agreements of the Republic of Uzbekistan".

During the discussion MPs shared opinions aimed at further improvement of separate legal norms. After answering questions and thorough discussion of each article of the document, the parliament's lower house approved the bill in the second reading. The draft Law "On introducing amendments and addenda in some legislative documents of the Republic of Uzbekistan in connection with improvement of the legislation on the protection of rights of minors" was submitted by F.Kamilov, a member of the Committee for Legislation and Judicial-Legal Issues. During thorough discussion of this document, deputies noted the necessity of further strengthening legal bases of protection of minors and made proposals on more precise definition of its separate norms. The Legislative Chamber approved the bill taking into account the amendments introduced by deputies. The session of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan will continue on 15 January this year.

From http://news.uzreport.com/ 01/11/2008

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Round Table Forum on Public and Private Sector Partnership Held

The World Bank office in Tashkent hosted a Public and Private Sector Partnership (PPP) Forum on 22 January. The World Bank team represented by the experts in infrastructure, as well as the delegates from the UNDP and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan participated in the meeting. Opening the forum, the World Bank's Country Manager for Uzbekistan Loup Brefort spoke of the World Bank's projects in Uzbekistan in the spheres of infrastructure and municipal sector. The representatives of the UNDP and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan made a presentation on the PPP Project, as well as the problems, prospects and methods of implementing PPP in Uzbekistan. Meeting participants discussed the possibilities of technical and financial assistance on the part of the World Bank in integration of the PPP mechanism in the municipal and other sectors of the infrastructure. The representatives of the public sector agencies, particularly those working in the sectors of the infrastructure and municipality, partner organizations, and project groups discussed the issues of legal, regulative, and institutional nature, as well as the issues concerning the management of financial risks and pilot projects. Closer to the end of the meeting they reviewed the plans for the future. A question and answer session closed the meeting.

From http://business.uzreport.com/ 01/25/2008

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AUSTRALIA: New MPs Begin Parliamentary Seminar

The nation's new federal parliamentarians are learning about their place of work at a two-day seminar in Canberra. The 42 MPs are being told about the committee system and the different procedures and administrative aspects of the federal Parliament. Queensland member for Fadden, Stuart Robert, is one of only eight new Coalition MPs. He says he is looking forward to the year ahead. "[It is a] good opportunity to learn," he said. "We've got some very experienced parliamentarians in the Coalition, so I'm looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them and join the assault to make sure the Rudd Government does the right thing." The new Labor MP for the Sydney seat of Lindsay, David Bradbury, has compared it to the first day at school. "The first challenge is going to be negotiating the building, I think that's a big challenge, but I'm sure that won't be a difficult one," he said. "On top of that, [I'm] really keen to work out a bit more about the committee system and how I can start to get involved in some of the areas of interest that I've got, so I can be a part of the Government's legislative agenda."

From http://www.abc.net.au/ 01/16/2008

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Australian Government Announces Review of National Innovation System

Australian Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, announced a wide ranging review of Australia's national innovation system. The establishment of the review recognises the vital role innovation plays in boosting productivity and international competitiveness, and underpins the newly elected Australian Government's commitment to fostering innovation across the economy and to ensure Australia reaches its full potential as a dynamic, internationally competitive and prosperous nation. "Innovation is critical to Australia's national future. Our prosperity, our economic strength and our ability to compete in the global economy, all depend on valuing innovation, harnessing its potential and putting it to work for the benefit of all Australians," said Senator Carr. Senator Carr sees that "in today's economy, innovation policy is industry policy." "In particular, we need to find ways to increase innovation performance across the economy, to ensure that business has better access to new ideas and new technologies and to bridge the divide between industry and research."

"In short, this review is about building a strong, robust and truly national innovation system to bolster Australia's innovation performance and boost productivity." The panel chair, Dr Terry Cutler, is a highly regarded expert on innovation and industry policy and currently a Director of CSIRO and Chair of the Advisory Board for the Centre for Excellence for Creative Industries. The panel will consist of industry and academia representatives including Professor Mary O'Kane (Vice Chancellor, Adelaide University); Dr Megan Clark (Vice President Technology, BHP Billiton); Professor Glyn Davis (Vice Chancellor, University of Melbourne); Professor Steve Dowrick (School of Economics, Australian National University); Dr Nicholas Gruen (CEO, Lateral Economics); Ms Narelle Kennedy (Chief Executive, Australian Business Foundation); Ms Catherine Livingstone (former Chair of CSIRO and Director, Macquarie Bank and Telstra); and Dr Jim Peacock (ex-officio, the Commonwealth Chief Scientist). A Green Paper will be released by the end of July 2008, to be followed by a White Paper response from the Australian Government.

From http://au.biz.yahoo.com 01/23/2008

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NEW ZEALAND: Police Ethnic Perceptions Research

Ethnic* communities welcome the opportunity to build better relationships of trust and confidence with Police, according to recently released research on the perceptions local ethnic communities have of NZ Police. Key findings of the research showed that the experiences ethnic communities had with police staff were critical in shaping their subsequent perceptions of Police. The research found the most common reason for contact with Police was to report crime. Proficiency in the English language was found to influence how ethnic communities perceived NZ Police, and how they reported crime. For instance, people who could not speak English well often relied on others in their communities to interpret for them, and it was felt this could potentially lead to delays in reporting or not reporting incidents at all. Both positive and negative comments were made in regard to attitudes about police staff. It was found that existing knowledge and understanding of policing influenced perceptions of police and was often based on people's experiences of policing and police in their home countries. The research revealed considerable differences across the ethnic groups. Participants from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and Korea, for example, had mostly positive experiences of their home country's police systems and interactions with police officers, whereas those from Cambodia, Vietnam, Somalia and the Middle East considered their home country police to be less reliable.

The report also identified that the crime and safety issues ethnic communities were most concerned about were burglary; racial harassment; juvenile issues such as street violence, drinking and drugs; vandalism and car theft; small business-related crime (shoplifting, not paying) and gambling. The research establishes a baseline for trends on ethnic communities' perceptions of New Zealand Police. "With the changing demographics in New Zealand, one of the main challenges for Police is how to better engage with and understand linguistically and culturally diverse ethnic communities," said Police ethnic strategic advisor, Kefeng Chu. He said that Police were continuing to improve their capacity and capability to respond to ethnic communities. This research has indicated that fundamental to developing these relationships is face-to-face contact. Recent initiatives by New Zealand Police include a customised approach towards recruitment programmes; providing support for police officers with different ethnic backgrounds, interacting more closely with specific ethnic communities on serious issues, and developing more resources in different languages. Eight ethnic communities - Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Somali and Middle Eastern - in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch, took part in the research. The research included an advisory group with representatives from the Office of Ethnic Affairs, NZ Federation of Ethnic Councils, Land Transport NZ, Department of Labour Refugee Quota Branch, Refugee Council of New Zealand and the Human Rights Commission.

From http://www.police.govt.nz/ 01/11/2008

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Home Energy Rating Scheme

The Home Energy Rating programme has been developed to give New Zealanders the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their homes. Lack of information has been identified as a major barrier to the uptake of energy efficiency in the residential sector. The Home Energy Rating programme aims to increase awareness of the benefits and encourage uptake of energy efficiency measures in the home. The programme was launched on a voluntary basis from December 2007. The Home Energy Rating programme is one of a broad package of Government initiatives working towards warm, healthy homes with reduced energy costs and lower environmental impact. Visit EECA's ENERGYWISETM website for more information about Home Energy Ratings. What is A HOME ENERGY RATING? A Home Energy Rating is an assessment of the energy efficiency performance of a home. It includes the building itself, and the two biggest energy users in a home - the room heating and the water heating systems. A qualified assessor evaluates the home, then generates a report containing star ratings showing the energy performance of the home, and professional recommendations on the most appropriate actions to improve the home's rating. If you would like to receive regular email updates about Home Energy Ratings or you have any questions about Home Energy Ratings, please email hers@eeca.govt.nz.

From http://www.eeca.govt.nz 01/16/2008

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Funding Helps Local Sustainability Programmes Take Next Steps

Two community-based initiatives, the Sustainable Living Programme and the Sustainability Trust¡¯s Ecokiwi scheme, have received $100,000 each to help people take their next steps to be more sustainable in their everyday lives. The funding from the Ministry for the Environment will help both initiatives increase their exposure and expand their reach. The Sustainable Living Programme is run by Marlborough District Council on behalf of 21 councils around New Zealand. It includes seminars and night classes on topics such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, water use, building and renovation, travel, and shopping wisely. Marlborough District Council¡¯s education officer Annie McDonald says interest in the programme has grown significantly, and the extra funding will make a difference to its development and the number of people it can reach. The Sustainable Living Programme is successful because it provides opportunities for participants to take action in an informative and fun way, she says. ¡°We have seen many people change the way they have done things for the benefit of the environment and their families¡±, said Annie McDonald. The Sustainability Trust¡¯s Ecokiwi scheme will train and support local community groups to engage members of their community in sustainable living. The scheme will tap into community organisations including Lions groups, Rotary, health clinics, marae, churches, community centres, childcare centres and schools to encourage as many people as possible to take small steps for a more sustainable lifestyle. Sustainability Trust Executive Officer Hilary Campbell says ¡°We believe that changing our behaviour to become more sustainable is within the reach of most New Zealanders, and that it can also bring about a number of other personal benefits. For example, finding ways to use the car less can also help improve health and save money¡±. The scheme, which is currently being trialled in Wellington, Dunedin and Wanaka, links sustainable living with other benefits such as better health, lower living costs and having time for the important things in life. Both the Ecokiwi scheme and the Sustainable Living Programme complement the Ministry¡¯s new sustainability website, sustainability.govt.nz, and its Sustainability Challenge which invites New Zealanders to commit to their next steps to be more sustainable. The website has lots of information to help Kiwis select ¨C and complete ¨C their next steps.

From http://www.mfe.govt.nz 01/23/2008

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Model for Elected Health Authorities Has Proved a Success in New Zealand

In New Zealand, getting the public involved in local district health boards has helped tackle the age-old problem of healthcare inequalities. Run as non-profit organisations, the boards - based in 21 regions throughout the country - decide how best to provide health and disability services to their areas. Seven of the 11 board members are chosen by the public every three years, with the elections happening at the same time as those for local authorities. Turnout for the elections is relatively high - around 40% - and most of the candidates stand as independents. The four other members are appointed by the government minister of health and are used to balance the board's expertise. advertisementThe health boards work hand in hand with public agencies and other organisations in a bid to implement nationwide programmes to address issues such as unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. A main part of these programmes has been to target support for hard-to-reach groups such as the Maoris and those living on the Pacific Islands. They have also stressed the importance of primary health care and by investing ¡ê810m of government money over the past seven years, New Zealanders are reaping the rewards. Patients across the country now find it far easier to make an appointment to see their GP than people in the Scotland as GPs in New Zealand lose income if their patients seek primary care from a practice other than the one with which they are registered. However, these changes have taken a long time to arrive. In the early 1990s, the New Zealand health system was heavily criticised for inefficient management, budget overruns and its poor response to patient welfare. This was, in part, due to a government decision to encourage competition between hospitals by making them publicly owned companies in a bid to keep down costs and reduce waiting lists. However, the scheme was never fully implemented. As a result, in 1996, under prime minister Helen Clark, the country turned its back on the internal market experiment and embraced the co-operative nature of health boards. By allowing greater community voice in decision-making within the health sector, public trust and support for the health boards is stronger than ever. The relatively high turnout for the health board elections demonstrates an apparent greater willingness to deal with the challenges of the New Zealand health system at a local level, instead of passing on any problems directly to Wellington, the country's political centre.

From http://www.theherald.co.uk/ 01/25/2008

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New Zealand's Latest Road Safety Tool Launched

New Zealand's latest road safety tool has been launched today by the AA and government transport agencies. KiwiRAP is an internationally recognised road assessment programme (RAP) that aims to raise awareness of the risk of being involved in a crash on New Zealand's state highways. KiwiRAP uses different methods to measure road safety, including risk maps based on the crash history of a road and five-star ratings based on a road's engineering features. KiwiRAP spokesman Mike Noon says the KiwiRAP risk maps being published today are based on crash statistics from 2002 to 2006. The crash history has then been used to grade our state highways into five different categories of risk: High, Medium-high, Medium, Low-medium and Low. Road risk maps are either collective or personal. Collective risk maps are based on the total number of crashes on a road, while Personal risk maps are based on the likelihood of an individual being involved in a crash on that road.

From http://www.landtransport.govt.nz 01/27/2008

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Asia Pacific Leads Outsourcing Market with Major Growth

Outsourcing growth in the Asia Pacific region was double the global average in 2007, according to the latest TPI Index. Although the number of contracts signed in 2007 grew by just four percent, their total contract value increased 30 percent year over year from US$9.9 billion to US$12.8 billion and annualized revenues showed a 13 percent increase, nearly double that of the global average. The average value of outsourcing contracts in Asia Pacific increased by 25 percent from US$141 million to US$176 million, due largely to increased mega relationship activity in the region, especially in the last quarter of 2007. The region showed particular strength in mega relationships with nine signed in 2007 at a total value of US$1.5 billion. This represents one third of the mega relationships globally and contrasts sharply with the region's overall share of one-sixth of the global outsourcing market.

Outsourcing growth was largely driven by corporations in India and China, according to Arno Franz, partner and managing director of TPI Asia Pacific. "In this region, we usually see Australia, India and Japan topping the list of countries buying outsourcing services. In 2007, India led the pack by almost doubling the value of its outsourcing work year on year," Franz said. "It appears that, fuelled by a booming economy, Indian industry in particular has found outsourcing to be a viable tool to improve performance and drive growth in market share. "With increased competition among Indian corporations and the potential privatization of public sector organizations in the next few years, we expect to see this level of activity continue through 2008 and beyond."

At the end of 2007, about 2,700 active contracts delivered around US$80 billion globally in revenue to providers, accounting for a growth rate in annualized revenue of more than seven percent. On a global level, Franz said the fourth quarter was the best quarter in 11 years based on contract values. He said this was fuelled by mega contracts valued at US$100 million or more annually. The TPI Index mirrors findings released by Gartner last week with the analyst firm forecasting an 8.1 percent growth rate for the global outsourcing market in 2008.

In Australia, Gartner said outsourcing is expected to grow only 4.7 percent to reach A$10.9 billion in 2008. Despite strong growth, Gartner research director, Kurt Potter, said IT sourcing strategies and governance structures are still immature, and misaligned with enterprise objectives. "In 2007, organizations focused less on outsourcing for cost savings than in previous years and more on using providers' global delivery models to access the right skills at a reasonable price, wherever they are," Potter said. "In 2008, we expect to see some early adopters of multisourcing to consolidate around fewer providers to reduce their service integration costs and harvest the benefits of better relationship management with fewer strategic suppliers." Gartner research vice president Jim Longwood, described Australia as a mature market in terms of outsourcing, with enterprises now signing second and third-generation deals.

But Longwood said staff shortages for internal and outsourced projects are a growing problem in Australia and most other countries in the Asia Pacific including India, New Zealand, Thailand and even China for some specialized skills. Gartner believes that the outsourcing market has reached a tipping point with regard to utility and alternative delivery models. More providers are developing utility-based offerings across infrastructure, application and business process domains. According to Gartner, the utility delivery model is a viable alternative to traditional outsourcing, and organizations should seriously consider utilities in their sourcing strategies.

From http://www.computerworld.com.sg/ 01/28/2008

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Tokyo Is Asia's Capital; 4th Most Important City in World: Survey

LONDON ¡ª Tokyo is the capital of Asia thanks to its economic and cultural power, according to a recent survey which showed it far surpassing its rivals in the region. Tokyo was also ranked as the world's fourth most important city in the survey conducted by the Independent newspaper's "Traveller" supplement. London took the title of "capital of the world," followed by New York and then Paris in third place. A team of researchers scored 60 cities on data derived from 14 criteria, in order to find the world's most influential cities. This included things like population, the number of World Heritage sites, whether the city had ever hosted the Olympics and the city's stock market capitalization. They also used less conventional measures, such as the number of results on Google when you type in the name of that city, the number of individual guidebooks on a city at a London store and the number of symphony orchestras. Danielle Demetriou, the newspaper's correspondent in Tokyo, says that stereotyping undermines Tokyo's cosmopolitan nature which has been fueled by its economic might. She says it has a range of international stores and restaurants which can often be overlooked elsewhere in the world. After the various scores had been added up, the figures were readjusted to give London 100 points, and each city's score was changed accordingly. Tokyo scored 74 and was well ahead in Asia with Beijing on 51 and Seoul on 49. Close by were Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore.

From http://www.japantoday.com/ 01/03/2008

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Tokyo Is Asia's Capital, 4th in the World: Survey

(Kyodo) _ Tokyo is the capital of Asia thanks to its economic and cultural power, according to a recent survey which showed it far surpassing its rivals in the region. And Tokyo was ranked as the world's fourth most important city in the survey conducted by the Independent newspaper's "Traveller" supplement. London took the title of "capital of the world," followed by New York and then Paris in third place.

A team of researchers scored 60 cities on data derived from 14 criteria, in order to find the world's most influential cities. This included things like population, the number of World Heritage sites, whether the city had ever hosted the Olympics and the city's stock market capitalization. They also used less conventional measures, such as the number of results on Google when you type in the name of that city, the number of individual guidebooks on a city at a London store and the number of symphony orchestras. Danielle Demetriou, the newspaper's correspondent in Tokyo, says that stereotyping undermines Tokyo's cosmopolitan nature which has been fueled by its economic might. She says it has a range of international stores and restaurants which can often be overlooked elsewhere in the world. After the various scores had been added up, the figures were readjusted to give London 100 points, and each city's score was changed accordingly. Tokyo scored 74 and was well ahead in Asia with Beijing on 51 and Seoul on 49. Close by were Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore.

From http://asia.news.yahoo.com/ 01/03/2008

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Japan Offers 10 Bln Dlrs in Global Warming Aid: Report

¡°Japan is expected to pledge $10 billion in aid to developing countries over five years to help them combat the effects of global warming, according to the Nikkei business daily Thursday. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda is expected to make the announcement either in parliament or at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, later this month, the newspaper added without citing sources. ¡­¡± [Agence France Presse/Factiva]

Kyodo News writes that ¡°¡­Under the program, Japan will help aid recipients reduce greenhouse gas emissions, work to prevent natural disasters linked to global warming and shift to use of more renewable energy sources such as solar power rather than oil and other fossil fuels, the sources said. The aid package is expected to cover more than 40 countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America, with Tokyo already discussing concrete support measures with Indonesia, they said. ¡­¡± [Kyodo News (Japan)/Factiva]

Reuters reports that ¡°¡­The aid would come in the form of grants or low-interest loans, it said. Japan would help improve the efficiency of China's ageing coal-fired power plants and money would also be used to assist developing countries to gather meteorological data to help them prevent natural disasters, the Nikkei said. ¡­¡± [Reuters/Factiva] Nikkei notes that ¡°¡­Japan is already in negotiations with Indonesia under this framework, and an agreement could be reached as early as March. Aid will also be extended to Tuvalu, a Pacific island nation endangered by rising sea levels. ¡­¡± [Nikkei (Japan)/Factiva]

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 01/10/2008

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ADB Chief Warns on Asia Growth

¡°Growth in Asia's developing economies is likely to slacken this year because of the US slowdown and higher fuel prices, the President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Monday. Haruhiko Kuroda told the FT the ADB's next set of forecasts, due to be published in March, would put regional growth - including China but excluding Japan - at ¡®slightly less¡¯ than 8 percent. ¡­Kuroda said that rising Asian inflation would be ¡®a really serious issue this year¡¯, which governments would have to confront by eliminating or reducing domestic subsidies, in particular for fuel after oil briefly breached $100 a barrel earlier this month. Kuroda would not comment on specific countries but he said subsidy arrangements were ¡®unsustainable¡¯ in the longer term, even if many Asian governments might use their ¡®fairly sound fiscal position¡¯ to delay further reform. ¡­He predicted Japanese growth this year of about 2 percent, thanks to a pick-up in the second half. ¡­¡± [The Financial Times (UK)]

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 01/15/2008

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Improving South Asia's Transport Network to Promote Economic Cooperation

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Japan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are helping prepare an investment project that will ease the flow of goods, services and people across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal to promote economic cooperation and integration among the four member-countries of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC). The Japan Special Fund is extending a $1 million grant to draw up the design for the SASEC Transport Logistics and Trade Facilitation Project. ADB will manage the grant. The technical assistance consists of three components - a road corridor that passes from Kakarvitta in Nepal, through Panitanki-Fulbari in India to Banglabandha in Bangladesh; a rail link from Akhaura in Bangladesh to Agartala in India; and a modernized cross-border regime at key cross-border points. "The project will work toward improving cross-border transport infrastructure and the introduction of modern cross-border management to facilitate trade and the movement of people across SASEC countries," said Dong-Soo Pyo, Principal Financial Analysis Specialist of ADB's Southeast Asia Department. The project was borne out of the fifth SASEC transport working group meeting in 2006, and the fourth SASEC country advisors' meeting in 2007, where SASEC members agreed to develop a regional transport and trade facilitation project to improve intraregional transport. Across the mainland of South Asia, the original transport infrastructure is already in place but has fallen into disuse and needs upgrading in many areas. Apart from the inconvenience to travelers, these barriers have raised the cost of travel and trade. The SASEC initiative was launched in 2001 with ADB assistance to support and facilitate regional cooperation initiatives in six priority sectors: energy and power; environment; information and communication technology; tourism; trade, investment and private sector cooperation; and transport. It provides a venue for policy dialogue, information sharing and confidence building among participating countries to enable better economic cooperation.

From http://www.adb.org/ 01/21/2008

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Global Unemployment Rate to Climb in 2008 ¨C ILO

¡°More people will be out of work in 2008 as a result of global economic cooling, and any major slowdown could cause disruption and further hike unemployment, the International Labor Organization (ILO) said on Thursday. The ILO estimated that 3 billion people aged 15 and older had jobs in 2007, up nearly 2 percent from the year before and more than 17 percent higher than in 1997. There were 190 million unemployed in 2007. Among those employed, about 487 million people did not earn enough to lift themselves and their families above the $1-a-day poverty line, and 1.3 billion earned less than $2 a day. ¡®Despite working, more than 4 out of 10 workers are poor,¡¯ the report concluded. ¡­¡± [Reuters/Factiva] Xinhua notes that ¡°¡­According to the [Global Employment Trends] report ¡­ the world unemployment rate would climb to 6.1 percent this year from 6.0 percent in 2007. However, the projection could be proven much too low if the world economy grows at an even slower rate than the 4.8 percent estimated by the International Monetary Fund, Jose Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, head of the ILO's employment sector, told a news briefing. ¡­¡± [Xinhua/Factiva] AFP adds that ILO ¡°¡­ Economist Dorothea Schmidt told journalists that five million fewer jobs are expected to be created in the year ahead. ¡­South Asia was at the vanguard of job creation in 2007, accounting for 28 percent of all new jobs. But the ILO cautioned that many of these new jobs remain vulnerable, with more than seven out of ten people in work classified as 'own-account' workers who lack social security and workplace protection. ¡­The ILO urged governments to place labor market policies at the heart of macroeconomic strategy to ensure that growth translates into new jobs. ¡­¡± [Agence France Presse/Factiva]

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 01/24/2008

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CHINA: Olympics Spur on High-tech Sector

Mobile communications, next generation networks, digital television and RFID are major information technologies to be fueled by the Beijing Olympic Games 2008, said a Beijing-based research firm. The technologies, covering energy-efficient, high-speed and wireless Internet and improved security, will become popular after the sports event this year, according to CCID Consulting, a research firm authorized by the Ministry of Information Industry. "The Olympics is the engine to quicken development of the promising technologies. The various applications include ticketing," CCID said in a recent note. The 3.5G network for mobile communications, which supports high-speed data services like TV and video conferencing on handsets, will be adopted around the stadiums, along with wireless Internet access services based on Wi-Fi and WiMax, according to Beijing officials. China Mobile invested about 30 billion yuan (US$4.04 billion) on homegrown 3G networks in several cities where Olympic events will be held. China Mobile is expected to provide trial TD-SCDMA (time division-synchronous code division multiple access) services in the cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen this year.

China will launch a special program to develop the technology for a "next-generation broadband wireless mobile communication network" in 2008, said Wang Xudong, the minister of MII. China Netcom, the country's second biggest fixed-line phone carrier with a strong position in the northern regions, including Beijing, invested more than 10 billion yuan, or 40 percent-plus of its annual capital spending, in 2007 on broadband upgrades to establish next generation networks, according to Zuo Xunsheng, the company's president. "Broadband, the Olympics and globalization are our three strategies now," Zuo said. RFID, or radio frequency identification technologies, will be used in e-ticketing, identity recognition, food safety and product tracking systems during the Olympics, according to CCID. US-based Unisys Corp has been selected to provide electronic-ticketing systems for Beijing's tourist sites. Based on touch-less technology, visitors will be able to walk into sites without ticket checking.

From Shanghai Daily 01/02/2008

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Telecommunication Cost Down 13.6%

Chinese phone users are now less reluctant to check their phone bills as efforts to reform the monopoly industry resulted in a 13.6 percent drop in 2007 in overall telecommunication charges in China. It means the cost have reduced by half in the past five years, said Information Industry Minister Wang Xudong at a work conference on Wednesday. He added that "a preliminary market-oriented pricing system has been established." He did not mention the specific amount or how the cost was calculated. A spokesman for the ministry was not available for comment. As more Chinese accused the telecommunication industry, dominated by several state-owned giants, for reaping handsome profits by charging monopolistic prices, the government urged the companies to offer lower pricing packages. China Mobile started to offer charge packages that offer free incoming calls in February, a major change promoted by the Ministry of Information Industry early in 2007. Similar packages were also adopted by rival China Unicom.

Chinese mobile operators used to charge both the caller and the receiver. Price cuts did not bring down the mobile operator profits because the 539 million Chinese mobile users were encouraged to make more phone calls. China Mobile registered 37.9 billion yuan net profits (5.19 billion US dollars), up 25.7 percent in the first half. But the fixed line operators reported profit losses as mobile operators won more customers with cheaper prices. The rapid proliferation of mobile phones in China has made the traditional fixed-line less attractive. While 39.9 percent of the population have a mobile phone, only 28.3 percent have fixed-lines. The telecom business volume reached 1,680.86 billion yuan, up 27 percent in the first 11 months last year, and the business revenue amounted to 663.92 billion yuan, up 10.9 percent.

From Xinhua News Agency 01/03/2008

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China to Build Platform for Internet IPR Monitoring

China's National Copyright Administration (NCA) has launched the first phase construction of a monitoring platform for the violation of intellectual property rights (IPR) on the Internet, said a chief official of the body on Thursday. The monitoring platform, which will be completed in May, will have an automatic search system for music and film products that are being broadcasted online without permission, said Yan Xiaohong, NCA deputy-director. "This will help us to locate and deal with IPR violation cases more accurately and swiftly. "We have to resort to new technology to tackle the problems brought about by technological development," he said, adding the first phase of the project will cost eight million yuan. Yan said the platform worked like Internet search engines. With authorized film, TV and music products uploaded to its data base, it would be able to identify unauthorized use of those products by surfing online. Once it has detected such products, it will send a notice to the relevant websites and ask them to delete them. Yan added the project's second phase is under appraisal.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 01/17/2008

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China Internet Population Tops 200 Million

The number of Internet users in China soared past 200 million in 2007, a new report from the country's quasi-government Internet overseer said Thursday. The Industry Standard China's Internet population stood at 210 million at the end of last year, up 53 percent from the same time in 2006 when there were 137 million, the China Internet Network Information Centre said in its semi-annual report on Internet use here. That figure puts China just 5 million users away from becoming the world's largest wired nation and with only about 16 percent of the population online. At its current growth rate, China will become the world's top Internet market sometime in the next few months. The greatest growth came from users under 18 and over 30, CNNIC said. One of the most surprising statistics from the new report indicates that about 40 percent of users added over the last year, over 29 million, came from rural areas. Even in the January 2007 report, the vast majority of Chinese Netizens were based in major urban areas such as Beijing and Shanghai. Also surprising among the new results is that China's most popular Internet application is online music, used by 86.6 percent of those surveyed, followed by instant messaging with 81 percent. E-mail placed only fifth, with 56.5 percent using it.

CNNIC's survey provides the most reliable information about Internet use in China, although its methodology is translucent at best. It does not reveal its sample size, nor does it reveal what consists of an Internet user except that the person used the Internet at least once in the month prior to when the survey was taken. While the new statistics may seem impressive, it highlights how Internet usage in the country still lags behind mobile phone use, and how even greater usage could be spurred by more access through wireless devices. "China's admittedly impressive user statistics hide an important fact: only a fraction of those users have regular access to a PC," said David Wolf, CEO of Wolf Group Asia, a Beijing-based technology consultancy. Despite limited PC access for some users, Chinese Internet users have embraced the Internet as a means of expression. "In addition to an increase in overall numbers, you also see a rise in the number of Netizens creating content on BBS and blogs, making Chinese Netizens some of the most active participants in the Web 2.0 phenomena in the world," said Sam Flemming, founder and CEO of CIC, an Internet word of mouth monitoring firm based in Shanghai.

From http://www.nytimes.com 01/18/2008

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China's Economic Growth Seen Topping 11.5% in 2007

CHINA'S 2007 economic growth figures to be released on Thursday are expected to show a stunning expansion of around 11.5 per cent that could be the highest annual rate in 13 years, analysts said. The pace of growth is seen topping even 2006's sizzling 11.1 per cent on the strength of surging foreign investment and exports, but is expected to moderate in 2008 as the government tightens monetary policy, they said. 'GDP is likely to have grown the fastest in more than a decade, by 11.4 per cent, led by brisk investment demand and a record-breaking contribution of net exports,' Mr Wang Tao, a Beijing-based economist with Bank of America, said in a research note. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, growth in that range would be the fastest since 1994, when the economy expanded by 13.1 per cent. The numbers also look likely to bring China, the world's fourth-largest economy, even closer to overtaking No. 3 Germany, analysts said. 'I'm not sure what the 2007 figure will reveal on that, but I am sure China's GDP will surpass Germany in 2008,' said Mr Feng Yuming, a Shanghai-based economist with Oriental Securities.

China's economy was unstoppable last year, shrugging off rocketing world energy prices, product-safety scandals in its export sector, and government efforts to slam on the brakes. Among the eye-popping 2007 numbers released so far were record foreign investment of US$82.7 billion (S$120 billion) and 25.7 per cent growth in exports, which hit US$1.22 trillion. These helped the economy blast past a now quaint-looking growth target of eight per cent set by the government, which will now face added pressure to cool things down, analysts said. Spooked by spiralling inflation - traditionally a source of unrest in China - Beijing implemented a series of rate hikes and other monetary moves last year to slow the economy, to little effect. But earlier this month Beijing upped the ante with strict new price controls on key commodities, and has listed inflation and cooling the economy the top priorities for 2008. 'Inflation pressure is certainly now the biggest problem the government is facing,' said Mr Feng, who estimates 2007 growth of 11.4-11.5 per cent. But other factors could aid the government's cause, including a looming global slowdown and the steady appreciation of the Chinese yuan, which would make the country's exports less competitive.

Likewise, China will have increasing difficulty meeting its insatiable demand for energy and gaining the other resources it needs to fuel growth as oil and key commodity prices soar, posing another hurdle for the economy. Mr Jun Ma, Deutsche Bank's chief economist for Greater China, said he expects growth to moderate in 2008 to 10.4 per cent this year, due to an export slowdown. He added that inflation, which reportedly remained near 11-year highs at 6.5 per cent in December, could dip to 3.8 per cent for 2008. But China's stellar expansion will continue as the economy finds other ways to grow, particularly as increasingly wealthy Chinese spend and invest their own money. 'Strong domestic demand, especially investment growth, is expected to sustain overall GDP growth,' Bank of America's Wang said. Much of the future growth will come as China's diversifying economy climbs up the manufacturing value chain and other sectors like the services industry boom, said Mr Andy Xie, an independent economist based in Shanghai. 'We are seeing big growth in service businesses like the restaurant industry and others, all of them competing for the increasing disposable incomes of the Chinese,' Mr Xie said. -- AFP

From http://www.straitstimes.com 01/22/2008

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QC Ranks Among Top 10 Asian Cities, No. 1 in RP

Quezon City has joined the ranks of Hong Kong, Singapore and Taipei as one of the Top 10 Asian Cities of the Future. Quezon City was ranked No. 7 among more than 200 Asian cities, based on a survey commissioned by the London Financial Times through AsiaBiz Strategy, an investment and trade promotion consultancy based in Singapore. Hong Kong, Singapore and Taipei were the top three. Consistently figuring in the top 10, and practically outranking other Philippine cities except in one category, Quezon City was assessed No. 5 in the category ¡°Best Economic Potential.¡± It was third best in Asia in terms of ¡°Cost Effectiveness,¡± sixth best in terms of ¡°Best Human Resources,¡± and 10th best in terms of ¡°Quality of Life.¡± Analyzing the reasons for Quezon City¡¯s splendid showing, the think tank Advocacy for Empowered Local Governments (AELG) cited the city government¡¯s ability to parlay the most cumbersome challenges into assets for development. Studying the city¡¯s growth over the past two decades, AELG noted the rapid rise in investor interest over the past five years.

Among the reasons consistently cited by business owners is the credibility of the local government whose governance initiatives have made it a favorite case study of international institutions like the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Add to that the huge resources being invested by the city government for infrastructure improvement, which has prompted a taxpayer to remark, ¡°At least in Quezon City, we can see where our taxes go.¡± Mayor Feliciano Belmonte¡¯s forward-looking management style has been able to make the most of the city¡¯s strategic assets ¨C its large and generally young, 2.4 million population, its central location at the heart of Metro Manila, as well as its location of choice for media operations, schools and training centers and medical facilities. While other cities and municipalities would view a huge population as a burden and a drain on public services, Mayor Belmonte views the city¡¯s young population both as a large, trainable human resource pool as well as a big consumer market. While previous administrations regarded the city¡¯s 16- hectare expanse as a problem of uncontrolled blight, Belmonte has transformed it into an investment attraction.

The results have been policies and programs that have attracted a continuous inflow of education and training institutions (counting just colleges and universities, the city now has 65), shopping malls in practically every community cluster, and information technology companies that find real estate values in Quezon City very competitive. IBM and eTelecare, which decided to locate their largest Philippine facilities in Quezon City, cite the city¡¯s large population, wide choice of available locations and real estate prices, as their main reasons for expanding in the city. Ayala Land, which has invested P3.5 billion in the TriNoma Shopping Mall along North Avenue, and the UP North Science and Technology Park, reportedly capitalized at P1.2 billion, believes that Quezon City is the strategic door of development for northern Metro Manila. TriNoma marks the start of development of the City¡¯s 250-hectare Central Business District (CBD) set to rise over the North and East Triangles and Veterans Memorial area of Quezon City.

Belmonte saw the waste of government assets just across City Hall where the national government owns about 95 percent of the properties. He envisioned a modern, mixed-use community to rise in these 250 hectares that would make the most of its broad EDSA frontage and its multiple transportation access points. This attracted the World Bank to commission a framework plan for development. President Arroyo gave the national imprimatur by creating a management team called the Urban Triangle Development (TriDev) Commission, co-chaired by the mayor, to direct the development of this CBD.

From http://www.philstar.com/ 01/17/2008

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SINGAPORE: Govt Launches S$3m Programme to Develop Age-Friendly Products

The Government wants to help Singapore companies and inventors tap into the fast¡ªgrowing global silver market. To do that, a S$3 million Silver Community Test Bed Programme was launched on Saturday to encourage industry players to market¡ªtest their products in households with elderly persons. The programme was launched by Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan at the Silver Industry Conference and Exhibition at Suntec Convention Centre. Singapore wants to create a barrier¡ªfree environment for the elderly to retire in and one way to do so is by leveraging on technology to help seniors live independently at home. The Silver Community Test¡ªBed Programme will encourage companies and inventors to develop products for senior citizens. Successful applicants could receive seed funding that covers 30 to 80 percent of the cost incurred, up to a cap of S$300,000 per product.

The programme aims to encourage inventors to test new prototypes, and for existing commercial products to customise to the needs of the elderly. Over time this will help to build up the silver industry to cater to a growing pool of elderly in Singapore and in the region. Ten volunteer households with at least one elderly person, living in a studio apartment, or 3¡ª to 5¡ªroom HDB flats, will help test the products under the programme. Dr Balakrishnan says: "What we¡¯re focusing our efforts on is in the development of new ideas, new technologies, in adapting them to local conditions and prototyping them in a local HDB context. So this is a process of co¡ªdiscovery and co¡ªevolution which I believe that Singapore is well¡ªplaced to lead in the world. We have a population that¡¯s very practical and pragmatic. "We have a good set of research institutions with deep capabilities and we also have businesses which are able to sense business opportunities and to go grab it. In the Singapore context, I can say if you can prove that something works in Singapore, and it¡¯s got the Singapore brand name of reliability, I think we¡¯ll be able to come up with marketable products which we can export and to the rest of the world." One company that is keen to apply for the funding is Eubiq.

From http://sg.news.yahoo.com 01/13/2008

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BOJ Survey: Consumer Gloom Growing

A Bank of Japan survey found that 46.4 percent of 2,303 consumers believe the economy will deteriorate in the coming year. The figure for December is up 16.8 points from a survey conducted in September and the highest since the question was included in March 1996. Results of the survey, released Wednesday, indicate that the consumer sentiment is worsening because prices of everyday goods, from gasoline to food items, have risen. The survey found that 86.3 percent of the respondents believe prices will increase in the coming year, up 14.6 points from the previous survey. They expect prices to rise by an average of 7.3 percent, the highest figure since the question was included in the survey in March 2004.

From THE ASAHI SHIMBUN 01/17/2008

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SOUTH KOREA: 2007 in Statistics

Korea in the 1950s was one of the poorest nations in the world. Over the past six decades, the country has risen to one of the world¡¯s top 15 economies thanks to an export-oriented industry and is nearing $20,000 in per capita income. Ships, cars and semiconductors are among several areas that Korea has secured global dominance. Most households in Korea have at least one car and a mobile phone and use the Internet, showing how far Korea has come in industrialization. Modernization, however, has brought on headaches such as the world¡¯s lowest birth rate and rapidly aging society, heavy spending for private education and income inequality.

Nearing $20,000 in per capita income Korea last year had a gross domestic product of $887.4 billion and gross national income of $18,372, an incredible leap from the corresponding figures of $1.3 billion and $67 in 1953. GDP exceeded $10 billion for the first time in 1972, $100 billion in 1986 and $500 billion in 1995. GNI went past $1,000 in 1977, $5,000 in 1989 and $10,000 in 1995. LG Economic Research Institute says that if this year¡¯s growth rate reaches 4.8 percent, GDP deflator 1.5 percent and the won-dollar exchange rate 931, per income capita will break the $20,000 barrier. Average monthly income per urban household last year was 3.44 million won, up 575 times that in 1963 (5,990 won). Household expenditures also increased to an average of 2.68 million won from 6,330 won. An export-oriented strategy has allowed the Korean economy to grow by leaps and bounds. Exports recorded just $22 million in 1948, but have since gone up 14,794 times to $325.465 billion last year. Imports have also skyrocketed over the same period, rising 1,487 times from $208 million to $309.383 billion. Consequently Korea¡¯s share of the world market has risen from 0.03 percent of exports and 0.27 percent of imports in 1960 to 2.7 percent in exports and 2.5 percent in imports in 2007, ranking among the world¡¯s top ten trading nations. The number of Korea¡¯s export items increased from 712 in 1960 to 8,486 in 2005, a 12-fold jump. That of import items grew seven times from 1,439 to 10,014 over the same period. The number of Korea¡¯s export destinations has risen from 59 to 227 nations and that of importing nations from 50 to 222, covering just about every country on earth. A closer look at export commodities over the years shows the differences in priorities at the time. In 1960, Korean exports were mostly low-priced goods under the category of primary commodities (45.4 percent) and light industrial materials (45.4 percent). By 2006, primary commodities took up just 1.6 percent and light industrial materials 7.7 percent of Korean exports. Cars, semiconductors, ships, information technology and other heavy and chemical industry products now account for more than 90 percent of exports, with IT products comprising 31 percent alone. This has boosted Korea¡¯s image as a premier seller of high-tech products.

Population growth and plummeting birth rate The population of Korea has shown a steady increase, growing from 20.2 million in 1949 to 30 million in 1967 and further to 40 million in 1984. 2007 saw 48.456 million Koreans in the country, 2.4 times that in 1949. The nosedive in the birth rate and the rapid growth of the elderly, however, raised Korea¡¯s senior citizen population from eight percent in 1055 to 55 percent in 2007, up 6.9 fold. The percentage of welfare spending for those aged 15 to 64 increased from six percent to 13.8 percent over the same period. Economic growth naturally resulted in higher salaries, improved nutrition, advanced medical technology and other general services. This contributed to prolonging the average life expectancy from 59 for males and 66 for females in 1971 to 75 for males and 82 for females in 2007. The number of households rose from 3.791 million in 1955 to 16.417 million in 2007, 4.3 times higher than five decades ago, but the average family size decreased from 5.5 to 2.8 due to the nuclear family effect. The area of the country has grown 6.5 percent. The Republic of Korea measured up to 93,634km ² in 1949, but has widened a bit to 99,678km ² thanks to land reclamation projects. The size of farmland showed little change, growing from 20,535skm ² in 1960 to 20,547(km) ² in 2007, but the area of plains doubled in size from 1,205km ² to 2,575km ² over the same period.

Majority of households own a car The housing supply recorded 81.3 percent in 1965, and showed a steady decrease through the late 1980s. After the 1990s, apartment construction grew rapidly due to the building of new cities around the country. In 2004, the housing supply ratio recorded 102.2 percent, exceeding saturation. The number of car registrations jumped from around 18,000 in 1955 to 10 million during the late 1990s. By 2005, the number was 15.4 million. Only one out of 100 households had cars during the 1970s, with the number of car registrations hitting 46,000. In 2005, 90 percent of households owned a car. Of 14.6 million vehicles registered in the country that year, 10.8 million (73.9 percent) were passenger cars. The number of phone users was 41,000 in 1949, or just two out of every 1,000 people in Korea. Now every one out of two people (22.7871 million) in the country use landline phones. With the arrival of the new millennium and spread of cell phones, about 758 people out of every 1,000, or 36.586 million people, are using phones. High-speed or broadband Internet service, which was officially launched in 1999, had 11.292 million subscribers in 2004, accounting for 235 out of every 1,000 people. The number of domestic households using the Web was 92.7 percent in 2005, giving Korea the top ranking among member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Korean education has also shown impressive growth. In 1947, 95 percent of the population failed to finish elementary school but that figure dropped to 19.1 percent in 2005. The percentage of college graduates also rose over the same period from just 0.6 percent to 31.4 percent. In 1952, the number of elementary students per class was 60.2, 41.8 for middle school and 37.9 for high school. Those figures were halved in 2005, with 25.1 students for elementary school, 19.4 for middle school and 15.1 for high school. At the 2003 OECD Program for International Student Assessment, Korean students took second in reading, third in science and second in math. Heavy spending on education remains a problem in Korea, however, as the country spent the second most among OECD nations in 2003. Korea also had the highest private education expenditures, spurring worry over negative side effects. The number of hospitals increased from 4,306 in 1953 to 47,378 in 2004, an 11-fold jump. That of doctors increased 18 times from about 6,000 to 107,000 over the same period. The ratio of people per doctor decreased from 3,347 to 468 per doctor in 2004. Korea, however, ranked 26th among the 30 OECD nations in public health spending at $591 per head. Only 4.4 percent of GDP went to cultural activities (18th) and leisure (19th), showing room for improvement.

From http://www.korea.net/ 01/03/2007

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Korea Sees Improved Digital-Electronics Competitiveness

LG booth at CES 2008The competitiveness of Korea¡¯s digital electronics industry made solid gains in 2007, fueled by improved quality, the government said Tuesday (Jan. 15). A survey of 32 products including digital TV sets, mobile phones, display panels, next-generation fuel cells and robots, showed the country¡¯s technical competitiveness moving up an average 3 to 5 percentage points compared to the year before, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said. It said noticeable strides were made last year with locally produced liquid crystal display (LCD) and plasma display panel (PDP) TV sets being rated as technologically equal to Japanese products. In 2006, Korean-made LCD and PDP TVs were considered less high-tech that those from Japan. The ministry also said continued efforts by South Korean companies and laboratories raised technological levels of both industrial and domestic robots to around 80 percent of market leaders. It said that with more effort being made in research and development, the industry could expect to further close the gap. In fuel cells, Korean-made lithium ion batteries posted 3 percentage point gains in competitiveness versus top brands made in Japan. Locally made batteries were considered to have technology levels roughly equivalent to 78 percent of global pace setters in this field. The latest findings said there was almost no technological gap in such areas as next-generation mobile TVs, DVD recorders and mobile phones. South Korean goods were rated as being the world¡¯s best or only slightly behind leaders in these areas, the ministry said.

From http://www.korea.net/ 01/15/2008

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CEconomic Freedom Index Puts Korea 41st

A 2008 index of economic freedom by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal released yesterday showed that Korea ranked 41st among 157 countries in terms of economic freedom, slipping from the 36th position last year. Korea ranked seventh out of 30 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It is the 14th edition of the annual survey, which grades countries on factors related to economic freedom such as property rights protection, tax rates, government intervention in the economy, monetary, fiscal and trade policy and business freedom, among others. The index reports that the top 20 percent of the world¡¯s economies in terms of economic freedom have five times the per capita income of the lowest 20 percent, showing the correlation between economic freedom and prosperity. The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that the fact the average score did not fall from last year is an achievement in itself, with increasing U.S. protectionism, economic uncertainty from spiking global energy prices and the continuing threat of extremist Islamic terrorism. Hong Kong came in first place and two other former British colonies in the region ¨D Singapore and Australia, also took top-five spots. North Korea came in dead last, at 157th.

From http://joongangdaily.joins.com/ 01/16/2008

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MALAYSIA: Clearing House Introduces Automated Settlement System

Bursa Malaysia Securities Clearing Sdn Bhd has introduced the central matching facility (CMF), an automated settlement system which is centralised on Bursa Malaysia's settlement infrastructure. In a statement yesterday, Bursa Malaysia said the CMF would provide a more effective and faster matching of settlement for institutional trades in line with the exchange's commitment to achieve greater operational efficiency. It said the CMF would allow clearing participants, which comprised stockbroking companies and custodian banks, to automatically and electronically match trade and settlement details which were previously done manually. ¡°With CMF, files of the matched record for depository transfer and institutional settlement service (ISS) transactions can be produced. ¡°Additionally, CMF automates the creation of the instruction and confirmation of ISS transactions,¡± it said. Bursa Malaysia said the process improvement would reduce clearing participants' workload, minimise settlement errors, eliminate human intervention and provide immediate confirmation of trade details. Bursa Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Yusli Mohd Yusoff said the CMF was a significant development for the bourse as part of its continuous efforts to provide new value-added services to help improve the delivery channel. ¡°The CMF will provide an efficient clearing and settlement service that is in line with international best practices and standards,¡± he said.

From http://thestar.com.my 01/08/2008

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Top 10 Position in World Bank Ranking

Malaysia aims to move from the 24th to a top 10 position in the World Bank's ¡°Doing Business¡± ranking list, says Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (Mida) director general, Datuk R. Karunakaran. ¡°We continue to ask ourselves what it will take to reach the top 10, and whether we are wiling to do what it takes to get there. ¡°Some may argue about the (ranking's) accuracy and objectiveness but the fact is that people looking outward give credence to the ranking,¡± he said in an interview published in the Oxford Business Group's business report on Malaysia. He said among the key investment criteria where the country was making focused improvements were in human capital development and the government delivery system. Karunakaran said Mida would always take the lead to promote Malaysia first and would play its role as a ¡°one-stop centre¡± for any investor coming to or already in Malaysia. ¡°Mida will always take the lead despite the emergence of specialist agencies set up to target and facilitate investments in specific industries such as Multimedia Development Corp Sdn Bhd for information and communications technology and the Malaysian Biotech Corp for biotechnology. Industries where Malaysia showed the most promise in securing foreign direct investment were those in high end manufacturing, research and development in electronics and electrical, machinery and equipment and medical devices.

From http://thestar.com.my 01/08/2008

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Skali to Upgrade 450 Government Websites

E-business specialist Alam Teknokrat Sdn Bhd, or Skali, has been appointed to upgrade 450 websites belonging to the Federal Government and its agencies. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that the Economic Planning Unit had approved the project under the Managed Portal Services programme. He said Skali would also train 4,000 unemployed graduates in new fields of technology such as design and project management leadership. "We believe that this programme will produce at least 400 new entrepreneurs," Najib said, adding that the programme, which had been started, would be officially launched soon. He was speaking this to newsmen after launching the book Skali Lagi ¨C One More Time written by Skali group chief executive officer and co-founder YM Tengku Farith Rithaudeen, which tells of the story the company and the journey of YM Tegku Farith and Skali's founding team.

From http://star-techcentral.com 07/12/2007

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PHILIPPINES: Electronic Voting in House Meets with Senator¡¯s Approval

Senator Joke Arroyo on Wednesday welcomed the automation of voting in the 240-strong House of Representatives, saying it would relieve the otherwise ¡°excruciating¡± process. ¡°Computerization of voting during plenary sessions is long overdue and therefore a most welcome development,¡± Arroyo told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net. ¡°I had long advocated this when I was in the House,¡± said the former Makati congressman who served three consecutive terms before being elected to the Senate in 2001. Arroyo, however, warned that automated voting in Congress could fall prey to corrupt practices, noting that the billion-peso Commission on Elections poll automation project was found to be so highly irregular that it was voided by the Supreme Court. ¡°It is assumed that what the House would install would be unlike the Mega Pacific counting machines the Comelec approved in a deal that the Supreme Court subsequently voided,¡± Arroyo said. ¡°They were faulty machines. The House should not be saddled with election machines that are open to manipulation.¡± Arroyo said the old manner of voting in the House reflected the country¡¯s ¡°antiquated manual electoral voting system where it takes weeks before the election results are known.¡±

¡°In the impeachment trial of US President (Bill) Clinton, the results were known in a matter of minutes in the 500-member House of Representatives and the 100-member Senate of the US,¡± Arroyo said. ¡°In the impeachment vote on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, it took an excruciatingly long 20 hours,¡± he pointed out. Under the former system in the House, voting on important and controversial issues such as the impeachment of the President was done nominally. Each member¡¯s name was called and he explained his vote. With 240 members, the process took hours. ¡°In an automated system, the explanation may be made only after the results are known. This is the Senate practice even without automation,¡± Arroyo said. Arroyo said some measures were also approved by the House even when there was no quorum. ¡°Electronic voting will show whether a quorum exists at the time of the voting. If there is no quorum, the measure cannot be voted upon,¡± he said.

From http://archive.inquirer.net/ 01/02/2008

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More ICT Councils Formed in South RP

More cities in the southern Philippines are following Cebu's model and forming their own information and communication technology (ICT) councils in order to attract investments from the outsourcing industry. Following the example of the Cebu Educational Foundation for Information Technology (CEDF-IT), similar groups have already been formed in Iloilo (the Iloilo Federation for Information Technology or I-FIT) and Bacolod (Bacolod-Negros Occidental Educational Foundation for Information Technology or B-NEFIT). The creation of similar ICT councils is now underway in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Iligan, according to Bonifacio Belen, president of CEDF-IT, which comprises local government, business groups and non-governmental organizations. Representatives from these cities recently met in Cebu City to organize a governing body for all regional ICT councils. "In the next six months, we will organize ourselves into a national federation," Belen said.

From http://archive.inquirer.net/ 01/07/2008

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28 Gov't Agencies Link Up to Drum up Investments

Twenty-eight government agencies, led by the Board of Investments (BoI), will sign a memorandum of agreement to form a network that will promote the country as a preferred investment site. According to the draft agreement, the establishment of the Investment Promotion Units Network will improve coordination among the government agencies, some of whose functions affect the country's investment climate. The network is expected to help the government address conflicting policies and streamline procedures so as to make it easier to attract more investors to do business in the Philippines. As lead agency of the IPU Network, the BoI will directly coordinate with the concerned government units to document investor-related issues and concerns, and follow up on their resolutions. The BoI shall also build a database on Frequently Asked Questions that will be helpful for foreign investors who are willing to do business in the Philippines, or Filipinos who want to engage in business.

Members of the network shall expedite the approval of permits, licenses and other documents needed to establish a business in the country. They are also tasked to streamline procedures regarding the processing of investor-related concerns. The government agencies in the IPU Network will also be expected to recommend legislative or administrative measures that will make it easier for investors to do business in the Philippines. The Civil Service Commission shall be the one in charge of conducting periodic assessment of the efficiency of government agencies in the delivery of services, and make the necessary recommendations for improvement. Among the agencies that will become part of the network are the central bank, the Bureau of Customs, the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

From http://archive.inquirer.net/ 07/14/2007

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SINGAPORE: High in IT Competitiveness But Singapore Lags in R&D Efforts

A new study on global IT competitiveness ranks Singapore highly, but it said the Republic's Achilles' heel lies in research and development, specifically in patent generation - the single biggest indicator of IT competitiveness. According to the inaugural study by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and sponsored by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), Singapore is listed 11th globally in terms of IT competitiveness, and fifth within the Asia-Pacific, behind Japan, South Korea, Australia and Taiwan. Mr Jeffrey Hardee, BSA's Asia Pacific vice-president and regional director, said: "Singapore is doing well overall. There are some areas where it can improve and one of those might be IT infrastructure. For example, broadband penetration was surprisingly low for Singapore, relative to the other places in the region such as South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia." Other factors that made up a country's ranking ranged from an ample supply of skills, an innovation-friendly culture to a competition-friendly business environment. With all those added up, the ranking assesses and compares the environment of the IT industry across 64 countries in order to determine the extent to which they enable competitiveness in the IT sector.

Singapore scored in developing talent and support for IT industry development, said Mr Tony Nash, EIU's Asia director of country and economic research. "It is ranked as one of the highest countries in the world in terms of human capital along with the US and other countries probably because of how it handles education and how it responds to the needs of the workforce - very rapidly, very flexibly and in a very quality-focused way." Singapore could improve in its rankings by encouraging "businesses to do more innovation in Singapore", Mr Hardee said. "This will have a spin-off effect to make the IT industry more competitive. Also, it will do well by encouraging venture capitalists to come and provide seed money to firms, to encourage entrepreneurial spirit in Singapore and do more risk taking." The United States topped the global ranking. Surprisingly, typical Asian powerhouses such as India and China lagged behind, taking up 46th and 49th places in the ranking respectively.

From http://www.channelnewsasia.com 07/12/2007

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THAILAND: Mobile Banking Ship Aims to Encourage Youths to Save

BANGKOK, Jan 10 (TNA) ¨C The Government Savings Bank (GSB) brought 15 outstanding children and youth selected from across the nation to learn the value of saving and to get a glimpse of the habit of saving as they visited the self-proclaimed the "world's only mobile banking on shipboard." The 15 children visited what is claimed to be the "world's only mobile shipboard banking facility" at the Temple of Dawn pier, where they also deposited money. The ship belongs to GSB Pakklong Talad Branch that has offered banking services to residents on both banks of the Chao Phraya River since 2006. The 'bank ship' had served residents along Bangkok Noi Canal for over 22 years, but the services were increasingly popular among the people so the bank decided to expand the boat's routes, according to GSB Pakklong Talad Branch manager Sompong Ambamrung. He said shipboard banking was still popular and facilitated customers, particularly clients along the Pakklong Talad-Temple of Dawn-Wat Rakang route, with over 100 customers daily. The banking ship offers almost the same services as onshore bank branches--including deposits and withdrawals of funds, as well as loans, he said. The bank manager also said that the branch is considering expanding more ship routes to encourage savings habits among the people.

From http://enews.mcot.net/ 01/10/2008

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Public TV Channel Launched

All TITV programming went off the air shortly after midnight, replaced by Channel 11 shows, when it became an ad-free public television station, amid concerns about job security for its staff. The move came after the Thai Public Broadcasting Service Act came into force yesterday. The law paves the way for the establishment of a five-member board to govern and set the direction of the station. The committee, nominated by Prime Minister's Office Minister Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan, will be approved by the government today. It will spend at least six months planning programme content in line with the public television principle and recruit staff to work for the station. As the law took effect, Channel 11 was ordered to take over the transmission of TITV by broadcasting prepared programmes with no commercial breaks, said Public Relations Department director-general Pramoj Rathavinij. The programmes include documentaries about the late Princess Galyani Vadhana and in-stock foreign documentaries, which would be on air over the next few days, he said.

TITV was launched in 1995 as iTV with a 30-year concession from the Prime Minister's Office. It was the country's first UHF channel. After a lengthy dispute over non-payment of concession fees to the Prime Minister's Office, the station was taken over by the Public Relations Department last year and renamed TITV. PM's Office permanent secretary Chullayuth Hiranyawisith said in a letter to Mr Pramoj that his department must ensure the station abides by the ban on advertising. Mr Pramoj and Mr Chullayuth both said they were confident the selection of the five board members would benefit TITV and ensure a smooth transition. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, a research director at the Thailand Development Research Institute who played a role in launching the public television station, admitted on a radio programme that it would take some time for things to settle at the station.

But he insisted that viewers would eventually benefit from having an alternative news and information source other than mainstream commercial media. TITV employs 835 staff. About 200 employees resigned or were recruited by other stations when it was under the control of the Prime Minister's Office. The future of the current staff remains uncertain. It will be decided by the board, in due course. TITV staff yesterday criticised the government for failing to make clear their job situation despite repeated requests that it do so. Thapanee Eiadsrichai, a political reporter at Government House, said she did not know where her career was heading now. "We love this station and this job. That's why we continue to work for it," she said. Boonlert Manosujjaritchon, also a political reporter, said he was ready to re-apply for the job and called on those responsible for the newl public television station to come up with an employment policy as quickly as possible. Mr Chullayuth said there would be a change in the number of staff, except for television technicians. Tripop Limpapath, who hosts a show, reiterated his opposition to TITV being converted to a public station, and said he would make a public announcement today.

He said the station should stick with the old format, which allows commercials. TITV shareholders will today submit a letter to the cabinet, to show the public they disagree with the conversion of TITV into a commercial-free station. "Why not other television channels, such as Channel 11?" said Rattanaporn Nammontree. Ms Rattanaporn yesterday led a group to file another lawsuit with the National Counter Corruption Commission against Khunying Dhipavadee, Mr Chullayuth and Mr Pramoj on grounds of malfeasance.She said the three had improperly instructed state officials to seize the assets of the television station in preparation for TITV's transformation into a public station.

From http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu 01/15/2008

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PM: ICT Ministry Can Revoke 'Inappropriate' Concessions with Private Sector

Thailand's Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont said Friday that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Ministry could revoke or amend concession contracts agreed with private operators if the contracts were later considered inappropriate. Gen. Surayud said his government would not give special instructions to the ministry in dealing with Shin Satellite (SATTEL) which had allowed Al-Manar TV, reportedly backed by the Lebanese Shiite Muslim militant group Hezbollah, to test signals from Thaicom Satellite. Senior executives of SATTEL yesterday met with Vorapat Tiewthanom, ICT deputy permanent secretary, and told him that Al-Manar TV contracted to test its signal via Thaicom satellite between January 9-11. The broadcast of Al-Manar was halted last Friday one day into a three-day "test run'' beamed through the Thaicom satellite. The firm decided to stop the signal after the company was informed by a foreign journalist that Al-Manar TV was allegedly linked to Hezbollah.

"The incident was considered not especially serious. There're several things concerning information technology, which we still can't catch up to, because we didn't invent but are simply users. Inventors can find ways to check but our technology is still lagging," Gen. Surayud said. Meanwhile, ICT permanent secretary Sue Lo-Uthai said his ministry would later today dispatch results on probe conducted by an investigative committee to Deputy Prime Minister Kosit Panpiemras on why SATTEL had allowed Al-Manar TV to test signals from the Thaicom satellite. Mr. Sue said it was found that a contract to lease the Thaicom satellite was not yet signed by SATTEL with the Lebanese television station. Therefore, concession contract signed between the Thai government and SATTEL should not be affected. Normally, SATTEL would offer test signals one month to customers before a contract is signed, he said. In this case, the company terminated the signal transmission immediately after learning the problem.

From http://enews.mcot.net/ 01/18/2008

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Thailand's Tsunami Warning Systems Up to Standard

NONTHABURI, Dec 26 (TNA) ¨C Senior officials reaffirmed that Thailand's existing tsunami warning systems are effective on the commemorative day of the tsunami, which smashed Thailand on Dec 26, 2004. Smith Tumsaroch, chairman of the National Disaster Warning Committee and Suparerk Tansriratanawong, director of the Meteorological Department, attended a merit-making ceremony for victims of the 2004 tidal waves. Meanwhile, Mr. Smith said that the existing tsunami warning systems along the Andaman coastline and the Gulf of Thailand are up to standard, but that additional tsunami detection buoys will be installed in the Andaman Sea. Growing numbers of tourist arrivals showed that they are confident of Thailand's warning systems, he said. However, Mr. Smith warned that he was worried about the installation of the disaster warning systems in other regions nationwide. He said the centre would try to finish the task before the next rainy season. Mr. Suparerk said that the installation of the disaster warning systems will be accelerated across the country. The cooperation will expand to international disaster warning agencies. He affirmed that the existing systems are ready to operate, and that officials test the systems every day. Smith said that the National disaster warning centre will hold the merit making ceremony every year on December 26 to commemorate the loss of more than 5,000 lives in the tsunami, which hit Thailand's six Andaman coastal provinces. The disaster led to the establishment of the disaster warning system in the country.

From http://enews.mcot.net 12/26/2007

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"Smart" Traffic Report Service via Cell Phones Launched

BANGKOK, Dec 27 (TNA) - Ministry of Science and Technology on Wednesday unveiled a new "smart" system to report traffic conditions via mobile phone to help drivers returning to their hometowns arrive safely and without incident, Prof. Dr. Yongyuth Yuthavong, Minister of Science and Technology said. Dr. Yongyuth, Highway Police Commander Pol. Maj-Gen Pasin Noksakul and Andrew McBean, senior vice president of mobile-phone operator Total Access Communication (DTAC)'s business division held a joint press conference to launch the new technology as a travel aid to the public. Under the system, travellers can check traffic conditions via their mobile phones by downloading programme from the website http://map.longdo.com/m/pc or use a mobile phone to download the programme directly from http://map.longdo.com/m, he said. With the programme, users can see road maps with graphics showing real-time traffic conditions, he said, adding that a red line means traffic congestion, yellow means heavy traffic and green means flowing traffic. The road user can also inquires regarding traffic conditions through MSN Messenger and SMS, he said. The traffic report would cover main roads in Bangkok and expressways. The project is part of the smart transport and traffic system project of the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (NECTEC) and the Highway Police. The initial project had traffic reports via a government-sponsored website http://traffic.thai.net during last year's Songkran Festival holiday which proved successful. The newly launched services were an improved version able to better help drivers when they are on the road.

From http://enews.mcot.net 12/27/2007

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VIET NAM: Report: SMBs to Spend $1.4B on ICT

The latest study by Access Markets International (AMI) Partners Inc. found that small and medium businesses (SMBs) in Vietnam are on track to spend more than $1.4 billion on information and communications technology (ICT) in 2008, up some 11 percent over 2007. "Small businesses will account for more than 75 percent of this spending, with the manufacturing industry driving almost 45 percent of total ICT spending," says James Cheng, Singapore-based SMB Research Manager at AMI-Partners. "Basic computing hardware in the form of desktop and notebook PCs will continue to dominate Vietnam SMBs' spending this year. However, Internet, storage and security spending is likely to also grow at a fast clip." AMI's survey reveals that PC penetration among Vietnam-based SMBs was slightly above 50 percent in 2007. MBs are set to increase their adoption of mobility computing products such as notebook PCs this year. "Indeed, notebook spending among Vietnam-based MBs is likely to hit US$19 million this year, up 16 percent over 2007," Cheng said. "This is due to a rise in mobile employees. Up to 71 percent of MBs said in AMI surveys that they had a mobile workforce and want to increase the number of mobile employees in the future. This trend will ensure the continued rise in notebook spending by Vietnam MBs."

MBs in Vietnam invested about $199 million in 2007 on computing hardware alone. Though spending on basic computing infrastructure will continue to dominate the bulk of IT spend this year, strong growth in areas such as the Internet, storage and security will be evident. More MBs will require higher bandwidth to boost collaboration among employees, especially for mobile employees who need to stay connected while out of the office. Increasing amounts of data will continue to strain existing storage infrastructures. Hence, MBs may opt for storage management software to optimize current storage space. In addition, with increasing security threats on the horizon, there will be a continued focus on security to protect electronic data against virus attacks and sabotage.

"While investments in basic infrastructure will continue, the investment priorities for SMBs in the next 12 months will center on increasing bandwidth, improving storage and security capabilities to prepare for their next phase of organization growth," says Mr. Cheng. "This trend presents excellent business opportunities for channel partners to offer computing support, development and integration services in areas like storage and security." Vietnam is expected to continue its strong economic growth in 2008 and MBs are likely to be the direct beneficiaries. MBs will invest more in higher-end IT infrastructure to increase employee productivity and ensure better competitiveness. With Vietnam only at the beginning of an economic boom, IT vendors will do well to focus on this country and listen to the requirements of SMBs. Vietnam could very well prove to be their fastest growing market in the next few years.

From http://www.eetasia.com 01/25/2008

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SAARC Gender Database Launched

New Delhi: The recent Sixth South Asian Regional Ministerial Conference, organised by the UNIFEM South Asia regional office was formally inaugurated by the President Smt Pratibha Patil last week on January 17. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, the highlight of the event was the launch of the SAARC Gender Database by Mr Lyonpo Chenkyab Dorji, the SAARC Secretary-General. A single data pool on gender issues of the region, it has records on trafficking and violence against women, and women¡¯s health, including HIV/AIDS and feminization of poverty. While lauding SAARC for its effort, the President Smt Patil said there is a need to implement more legislative and policy measures for the empowerment of women. There is also the need to make women aware of various schemes and development initiatives, she added. ¡°Empowering women is the most effective tool for development as well as for poverty reduction¡­ Educated and enlightened women can look after families better, make societies compassionate and make nations progressive.¡± In her speech, the President made a tribute to the women of India who had fought along with men in the freedom struggle. In the words of Nehru, India¡¯s first Prime Minister, she quoted: "Most of us men folk were in prison. And then a remarkable thing happened. Our women came to the front and took charge of the struggle¡­which took not only the British Government but their own men folk by surprise."

¡°Such is the strength of our women and all that is needed is to give them the opportunities and options for realising their potential,¡± she added. Ms Renuka Chowdhury, Minister of Women and Child Development, said ¡°It is undeniable that the goals of development are essentially entwined with those of women.¡± Chandni Joshi, Regional Programme Director, UNIFEM, admitted that gender inequalities continue to persist and perpetuate in the region. ¡°Women are still on the fringes of social, economic and political developments, and key processes in participation and decision-making.¡± According to UNESCAP (2007), gender discrimination has cost the Asia Pacific region nearly US$ 80 billion per year, she added. At the same time, she was emphatic that gender equality was ¡°doable¡±, when backed by political commitments and resources. The recent Sixth South Asian Regional Ministerial Conference was a commemoration of the 1995 Beijing Platform of Action. More than a decade back, world leaders from 189 countries had gathered at Beijing at the Fourth World Conference on Women, to make a commitment of gender justice and equality to the women of the world, and develop a global action plan ¨C the Beijing Platform of Action. In an effort to keep the spirit of Beijing alive, the UNIFEM South Asia regional office has been organising the ministerial conferences along with host governments since 1996. These meetings are a collective journey by the governments of the region and women's groups to assess progress on gender justice and empowerment, fill in the gaps and strategise the future.

From http://southasia.oneworld.net/ 01/21/2008

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BANGLADESH: UAE to Help Bangladesh Set Up Internet-Based System to Assist Jobseekers

Abu Dhabi: The UAE would assist Bangladesh Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment in setting up an internet-based system to assist jobseekers, said Bangladesh Embassy in a statement. Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka¡¯abi, the UAE Labour Minister, assured Dr Iftekhar Ahmad Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, who is in Abu Dhabi for a labour conference. They also decided to set up a joint committee to implement the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Dhaka during the UAE minister's recent visit to Bangladesh.

From http://www.gulfnews.com/ 01/22/2008

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INDIA: Govt Accepts TRAI Formula for Spectrum Allocation

New Delhi, Dec 26: The subscriber linked formula for spectrum allocation has been accepted by the government today which is based on telecom regulator TRAl's recommendation, a move that may hit telecom service providers as they would suffer mounting capital expenditure. Telecom Minister A Raja has signed the file and sent it to Department of Telecom (DoT) Secretary D S Mathur for its implementation. Talking to UNI, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) Director General T R Ramachandran said, ''The step has validated all the concerns of COAI and acceptance of the report by the government is not a perfect but a practical way forward.'' DoT is unlikely to allocate spectrum to CDMA player Reliance Communications before the High Court ruling that is slated on January 3. Meanwhile in a related development Telecom Minister A Raja is expected to meet Solicitor General of India before the High Court ruling on spectrum. TRAI recommendations are based on subscriber linked formula in which operators have to increase their customer base 2-8 times and lower the spectrum allocation in multiple of 1MHz. The government nod would mean that the telecom operators have to increase their subscriber base 2-8 times for additional allocation of spectrum. The move is expected to hit the smaller players at the cost of existing dominant players. Stating TRAI's recommendations were not based on scientific calculation and were without consultation of the stakeholders, GSM operators COAI had challenged it in the telecom tribunal. Till now, the GSM operators were getting additional spectrum in the multiples of 2.4 to 2.8 MHz and lowering it to 1 MHz would hit the operators as this would mean additional capital expenditure for them.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 12/26/2007

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India APEC Membership May Be Years Away ¨C Director

¡°India is increasingly important to Asia and the Pacific, but its membership in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)¡­is likely to still be years away, APEC's Executive Director said on Wednesday. ¡­ ¡®You cannot talk about trade in Asia-Pacific if you do not talk about India,¡¯ Juan Capunay¡­ told Reuters in an interview at the group's Singapore headquarters. While Indian membership would be ¡®convenient¡¯ for APEC, it ¡®will have to negotiate membership according to World Trade Organization regulations¡¯ and gain consensus support from existing members, a process that would likely take several years and also depend on Doha global trade talks, Capunay said. ¡­APEC does not intend to approve any new members until 2010, with membership becoming effective the next year. ¡­Any new Asian member should be matched with one from Latin America, he said¡­. adding that the consensus among Peru and some other nations was to admit Colombia. ¡­ APEC is not just about lowering trade barriers, Capunay said. It exists to push sustainable development as well, and under Peru's leadership he wants to do more in social areas such as education and to aid small and medium enterprises. ¡­¡±

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 12/27/2007

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Study Reveals High Unemployment Rate Among Educated Indian Women

¡°A survey to study the behavior pattern of the youth in India revealed a high rate of unemployment among the educated women, the Indian Express reported Wednesday. The survey was conducted by the Mumbai-based International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS) at a time when the government has begun work to formulate the nation's next National Youth Policy. The findings showed that in average half of educated women are unemployed, higher than among men. ¡­The study attempts to collate information regarding the youth in terms of employment, education, premarital and extramarital sexual behavior, access to economic resources, autonomy, gender issues, and community participation. ¡­¡±

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 01/03/2008

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Virtual Government Offices to Come Up in Every Small Town

The Maharashtra government plans to set up around 9,000 kiosks across the state on a build, operate, own and transfer (BOOT) basis to mark the year 2008 as the ¡®Year of IT and e-governance.¡¯ It is currently evaluating the bids it has received on various parameters including the technology to be used and user-friendliness of the interface. The kiosks will offer government services like land records, various licences, getting caste or domicile certificates, filing of VAT return, payment of motor vehicle tax, and enrolment forms for the state government¡¯s pension scheme for the old and destitute. The operators, running these kiosks, will be allowed to collect user charges to recover their investment. Confirming the development, Maharashtra IT secretary K. Shivaji told Business Standard: ¡°Apart from ushering in an era of transparency and reducing the influence of middlemen involved in the process, it (the move to set up kiosks) will help people from rural areas to save on travel time besides loss of income.¡± People who require various government services are most often from the poor and lower-middle class, engaged in various odd jobs, he noted. If they have to avail of these services, they have to either go to the taluka headquarters or district headquarters, spend a day in figuring out which office they have to submit the forms; then fill the forms, collect the documents submit them.

¡°It¡¯s a tedious and time-consuming process. Besides, it means the loss of a day¡¯s wages for that person, which he or she can hardly afford,¡± explained Shivaji. The government plans to install the virtual government office (read kiosk) in every small town, if not in every village, which is often a local marketplace where people often go to work or shop - thus reducing their travel expenses. Then it will make government machinery accountable. Once the application is submitted, if the person concerned doesn¡¯t get the required certificate or NOC or licence from the government office within the stipulated time, an explanation will have to be given, failing which action will be taken, noted Shivaji. ¡°It will help senior officials like district collectors to track how the government machinery in his/her district is functioning and take corrective measures if the job is not satisfactory,¡± he added. Meanwhile, as a part of the e-governance drive, the state has also connected all 358 taluka headquarters and 35 district headquarters with Mantralya using broadband (2 Mbps line which can be upgraded to 6 Mbps if required, and up to 32 Mbps, without making any additions to the physical infrastructure). Shivaji explained that this is ¡°making inter-departmental transfer of data, exchange of memos, government circulars, etc., instantaneous, and secure¡±. To set up this dedicated network, the state government has already spent over Rs 100 crore. ¡°Now that this architecture for e-governance is ready, we will be adding features to make our system more transparent which will eventually make the decision-making process fast and accurate,¡± he asserted.

From http://southasia.oneworld.net/ 01/09/2008

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Govt Approves Funds for India's Participation in Shanghai Expo 2010

New Delhi, Jan 10 : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for supporting the ITPO (India Trade Promotion Organisation) for India's participation in the Expo 2010 to be held in Shanghai, China from May 1 to October 31, 2010. It is expected that India's participation in Expo 2010 would provide a forum to project the progress made by India in a variety of fields such as rural development, education, telecommunication, science and technology and showcase India's technological advancement and contribution. World Expos are held once in five years in different cities with specific themes. The next World Expo will be held in Shanghai. The theme of the Expo is "Better City, Better Life".

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/10/2008

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Government Plans 100,000 Jobs for Disabled

New Delhi, Jan 17 : The government Thursday approved an ambitious plan to provide 100,000 jobs for the people with disabilities with a proposed outlay of Rs.18 billion ($450 million). "Today (Thursday) the CCEA (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) took a very important and socially sensitive decision, which will generate 100,000 jobs per annum for persons with disability," Union Information and Broadcasting minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said here. He announced the decision was made by the CCEA at its meeting held Thursday with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in chair. "However, the scheme will be applicable only to people drawing a monthly salary of Rs.25,000 or less," according to the minister. Listing out the conditions for the implementation of the scheme, Dasmunsi said it would be applicable to persons "covered under the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1955 and the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999." "The government will provide directly employers' contribution for the schemes covered under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 and the Employees State Insurance Act, 1948. This will be done for each of the concerned employee up to a maximum period of three years," said Dasmunsi. "The Rs.18 billion proposed amount for the scheme will come from the resources generated by the social justice and empowerment ministry," he said. "The CCEA also decided to set up a high level committee to monitor the implementation of the scheme and it will be co-chaired by the ministries of labour and employment and social justice and empowerment," he added.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/17/2008

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Taking E-Governance to Rural Areas

NEW DELHI: An expert group on Information Technology Programmes of the Panchayati Raj Ministry has recommended computerisation of 2.5 lakh panchayats in the next three years. This will set the stage for taking e-governance to rural areas, where people can get services such as birth and death certificates, tax payments, and e-mail connectivity at the gram panchayat office itself. Once the scheme is implemented, the gram panchayat president or the sarpanch will monitor panchayat-centric schemes, carry out financial accounting and reporting, and maintain records of gram sabha and panchayat meetings on the computer. The expert group, which submitted its report to Panchayati Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar here on Thursday, has recommended the use of information and communication technologies as an integral part of multi-mode training and capacity building. It has given extensive recommendations on hardware and system software, application of software, connectivity, domain-specific data and metadata standards and adoption of a national panchayati portal. With e-governance, grassroots organisations will benefit in many ways, leading to decentralised planning, effective monitoring of centrally sponsored schemes, transparency and accountability. Introduction of Information and Communications Technology at the panchayat level will not only allow experimentation with technology but also give immense opportunity to the people to handle technology they have been denied for so long. It will also create job opportunities at the grass roots level in the form of operational services, maintenance and in many other ancillary areas. Importantly, it is likely to create an improved cyber space covering the entire government spectrum of the country. Computerisation of 250,000 panchayats is likely to cost Rs 5,400 crore. It is a mission-mode project under the National e-Governance Plan of the Centre.

From http://southasia.oneworld.net/ 01/18/2008

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AZERBAIJAN: E-Government Project Be Launched This Year

Azerbaijan¡¯s Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies will launch the E-Government Project this year. The ministry said specifications of the project will be drafted at government's expense at the first phase. The E-Government Project will be financed from a grant of the Government of South Korea. The plan of actions on the project has been submitted for approval to the Presidential Office. Before sending to the Presidential office the plan of actions was put for public discussion.

From http://www.today.az/ 01//23/2008

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IRAQ: Iraq to Use E-Government System to Battle Corruption

Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih told a conference in Baghdad on January 3 that the government will require all ministries to use an e-government system, which will help ensure greater transparency and fight corruption, Iraqi media reported. Salih said Science and Technology Minister Ra'id Fahmi will head a committee tasked with designing the system by year-end. "All ministries and government institutions are to take part in this system and put their data and information into this system to show the movement of public funds, to enable citizens and the media to see this movement," Salih said. He added that ministries will be required to make their spending public from April 1. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said in a New Year's address that 2008 is the year of reconstruction in Iraq, adding that fighting corruption will be a key goal of his administration this year. Salih told conference participants that Iraq must break the cycle of corruption that took hold under the former regime and continued throughout the oil-for-food program, and later through the mismanagement of contracts by post-Hussein governments. KR

From http://www.rferl.org/ 01/04/2008

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IRAN: Int¡¯l Telecom Confab Will Highlight Potentials

The First International Conference on Investment Opportunities in Iran¡¯s Telecom Sector will be held in Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting¡¯s International Conference Center in Tehran on January 16, said manager of Teyf Scientific-Analytic Group. Mehdi Rouhani-Nejad, who is also the secretary of conference, explained that the one-day gathering will be inaugurated with a speech by Communications and Information Technology Minister Mohammad Soleimani, according to a fax sent to Iran Daily by Teyf Group. In addition, caretaker of Telecommunications Company of Iran¡¯s Research Center Kamala Mohammadpour, head of State Radio Frequency Regulations Organization Mahmoud Khosravi, TCI Managing Director Saber Feizi and head of Privatization Organization Gholamreza Heidari Kord-Zangeneh will speak at the event, he pointed out. Representative of Nokia-Siemens Company and manager of the second operator project from France-based BNP Company will also address the seminar.

Operators from UAE, Norway and Egypt will take part in the event thanks to efforts of International Relations Office of Communications and Information Technology Ministry as well as Foreign Affairs Ministry, the official stated. According to him, Iranian agencies in Turkey, Sweden and Malaysia have also declared their readiness to introduce opportunities available in Iran¡¯s telecommunications market to foreign investors by inviting them to participate in the conference. Earlier, operators from Russia, France and Sweden had announced their readiness to take part in the gathering. Teyf will provide an environment for identifying various investment capacities, opportunities and challenges in Iran¡¯s telecommunication market. The seminar, which is to be sponsored by Communications and Information Technology Ministry and Sharif University of Technology, aims to introduce new opportunities in Iran¡¯s telecom sector in an effort to help attract domestic and foreign investments. In addition, it will also study the capabilities of and challenges facing investors. Those interested can refer to www.teyf.ir/icioit or contact (+98-21)88511303 to obtain the latest information on the event.

From http://www.iran-daily.com/ 01/15/2008

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TAJIKISTAN: Babilon-T to Deploy Mobile Wimax Network

Babilon-T and Huawei have signed a deal under which the latter will supply what it claims is central Asia¡¯s first commercial mobile WiMAX network. The planned infrastructure will cover the four major areas of Tajikistan, including the capital Dushanbe, with rollout starting immediately and a launch planned for sometime during the first quarter of 2008. ¡®Babilon-T is looking forward to implement wireless broadband access infrastructure nationally,¡¯ said Fayzullaev B, the company¡¯s General Director. ¡®By introducing mobile WiMAX technology, we will be able to provide our customers all over Tajikistan with broadband access to the Internet.¡¯

From http://www.telegeography.com/ 01/02/2008

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UZBEKISTAN: Number of Mobile Users Exceeds 6 Million

The number of mobile users in Uzbekistan exceeded 6 million as of 10 January 2008, Uzbek agency for communication and information (UzACI) said Thursday. Rapid development of mobile communication networks and strong growth of the number of mobile subscribers have been observed in the country in the past five years. If in November 2005 there were 1 million mobile users in Uzbekistan, in early 2007 their number reached 2.7 million. During last year, the quantity of mobile subscribers increased by 3.1 million, comprising 5.8 million at the year end, UzACI press service said. To compare, during 2006 the growth of mobile users made up 1.5 million. Currently, there are five mobile operators in Uzbekistan, including MTS-Uzbekistan (Uzdunrobita, GSM), Unitel (Beeline trade mark, GSM), COSCOM (GSM), Perfectum Mobile (Rubicon Wireless Communication, CDMA) and Uzbektelecom Mobile (Uzmobile trade mark,

From http://uza.uz/ 01/10/2008

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Development of Intellectual Property Rights Supported in Uzbekistan

Intellect is probably the most important factor in the world's progress. Ideas and knowledge are becoming an increasingly important part of contemporary global economy and culture. Protection of the intellectual property rights has grown in importance over the past several decades and is closely associated with the economic and political processes taking place both inside any particular country, and internationally. Clear and valid legislation and procedures regulating the rights for intellectual property serve as an additional impulse for further and more intensive development of economic relations between the companies, people and nations in the age of globalization and economic integration. At this time administrative regulation of the economic processes in the Republic of Uzbekistan has changed. It aims at protection of entrepreneurship and industry. In light of this, the protection of intellectual property rights gains priority importance.

Decent legislation on the protection of intellectual property rights (LIPR) and its practical implementation raise the trust of investors, stimulate the follow of investments in the domestic market and create a favourable environment for the development of trade and investment relations at the national and international scale. But the main argument in favour of the protection of intellectual property is motivation of the creative and innovative activity. Throughout the sixteen years of Uzbekistan's independence the Government of the country has pursued a target policy on LIPR based on international standards. A whole range of measures was implemented to improve the situation in this field, among them several laws and amendments to the Civil Code of Uzbekistan, ratification of a number of international conventions and agreements on LIPR, as well as creation of new state agencies performing the LIPR related functions.

Uzbekistan's ratification of a number of international agreements allowed it to strengthen its international reputation, and take further steps towards improvement of the existing system of legal protection of creations, industrial samples, trademarks, selection achievements, etc. The adoption of the corresponding legislative acts in turn made it possible to include the provisions of the international acts into national legislation. The adoption of the legislative acts became an additional stimulus towards further development of scientific-technological and innovative activity, efficient use of scientific-technological potential and reduction of the costs incurred by corporate and private entities for legal production of the discoveries, useful models, industrial samples, selection achievements, registration of trademarks, service marks, names of the places of origin, software programmes and databases, topologies of integral micro-schemes, and was aimed at creation of favourable conditions for the development of small business, stimulation of economic development and reduction of the costs associated with the legal protection of intellectual property.

Nevertheless, the legislation regulation this area still needs harmonization, and the staff of courts and regulatory agencies dealing with the issues of copyright and intellectual rights protection should have the necessary knowledge on the subject. The ratification of a large number of regulatory documents at once and the issues requiring clarification related to this field are still a barrier on the way to the economic development of entrepreneurial and industrial sectors. In light of this, the issue of development, synchronization and explanation of the laws on copyright protection is on today's agenda. These actions are required in order to assist the success of local and international industry present in Uzbekistan. It is worth mentioning that the international community in its turn also contributes to the solution of the problem by support the positive changes that have already taken place in Uzbekistan.

One of the examples of such support and cooperation is the off-budget OSCE Project Coordinator's Project on the "Support in the field of development of the right for intellectual property in Uzbekistan." The funds for the implementation of the two phases of the Project were provided by the Government of the United States. The aim of the project is to review the issues on the protection of the copyright in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The project considers the following key issues: synchronization and simplification of the legislation; organizational structure of the copyright regulative system; study of the experience of parties involved in the process of copyright protection: regulative agencies, courts, agencies regulating competition, entrepreneurs. The aim of the project is also to contribute to the process of economic development, create democratic structures and assist the development of legislation, which would simplify further integration of the country into the international community. This project fully agrees with the main aims and activity of the OSCE.

The case is that as a part of its complex approach to security, OSCE considers the economic and ecological issues recognizing that cooperation in these fields helps the maintenance of peace, prosperity and stability. According to the 1990 Bonne Convention on Economic Development and the OSCE Strategic Paper on Economic and Ecological Measurement, the OSCE provides assistance to the member-states in the process of economic transition and fight against economic threats to security. With this aim in mind the office coordinator provides support and takes action intended to: - assist regional and global economic integration, trade and access to markets;- simplify the economic cooperation in the areas lying near the country borders;- develop the business environment that attracts investments and assists the economic growth;- support the development of small and medium-sized business;- provide opportunities to the vulnerable groups and speed up the economic growth in the regions with experiencing slower development;- develop the human capital and entrepreneurial initiative in the countries with transition economies.

A partner in the implementation of the Project on the Uzbek side is the Centre for the Improvement of Anti-Monopoly Policy under the State Demonopolisation Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Also, several consultants/specialists of the concerned parties whose participation it is hard to overestimate are involved in the implementation of the project. In particular, the representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers, State Patent agencies, State Demonopolisation Committee, the Ministry of Justice, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Higher Economic Court, the Uzbek Republican Agency for Copyright are enclosing their professional contributions for the successful implementation of the project. The project was launched in April 2007. Its completion is scheduled for May 2008. According to the tasks set, two main phases of the project ¨C the phase of data collection and the phase of their analysis have already been completed. In particular, the existing legislation was analysed with the aim of determining the legal framework for the issues to be reviewed. Moreover, focus groups and field studies have been carried out.

Focus group discussions covered the issues representing particular importance to the agencies regulating this field and entrepreneurs. This has helped determine and classify existing and potential problems in the system of copyright protection. After each of the meetings, every member of the focus group filled out a questionnaire developed by the staff and consultants of the project. Among the respondents were entities working in the following sectors of the economy and regions of the country: science, scientific service, education, culture, healthcare, industry, construction, transportation and communication, services, trade and agriculture. The idea behind the organization of focus groups and the social survey is the identification of the existing and potential problems in the system of copyright protection through the questionnaire filled out by the participants. The survey and the focus groups were conducted in different parts of the country. The total number of the participants was ¨C 1905, of whom 57% are the members of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and 80% do not have the rights for any type of intellectual property.

The results of the survey revealed the following key facts: - only 20% of the respondents are the owners of the copyrights for certain type of intellectual property. Of them 47% received a protection document in order to protect the object against unfair competition, 30% - in order to receive a certificate at UzStandard and 25% - in order to receive tax and other benefits; - 89.4% of the respondents said that measures aimed at raising the awareness about the intellectual property objects among small and medium-sized enterprise represented an important trend in the solution of the LIPR issues; - 87.5% of the respondents said coordination and cooperation between different agencies and state institutions in protection of intellectual property rights was important to the solution of the problems existing in this sphere; - 59% think there are problems related to the inactiveness of the law enforcement agencies in the problems concerning the protection of intellectual property rights; - 88.9% agreed that particularly important to the solution of the LIPR problems was the quality of the legislation on trademarks, 86.7% - thought it was legislation on creations, discoveries, useful models and industrial samples, 76.6% - legislation on copyright protection of computer software and databases, 67.5% - legislation on copyright protection of the topologies of integral micro-schemes, 72.2% - legislation on selection achievements. On average, slightly over 11% of the respondents found it difficult to answer this question.

Also, the results of the informational block of the survey indicate that the majority of the respondents are not very competent in the issues of intellectual property, do not have the necessary knowledge on the contracts, claims and agencies regulating the issues related to intellectual property. The next stage of the Project was the data analysis phase, which included the study of local (laws and bylaw acts on LIPR and the results of the survey and focus groups) and world best practices in regulation of the copyright protection system, the determination of the key related issues and problems. At this stage the project task group studied the legislations regulating the issues of intellectual property of five countries ¨C Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Japan, South Korea and the United States. Comparative analysis of the legislations of Uzbekistan and other countries was carried out.

As a result some discrepancies were identified on the main issues and aspects of the policy pursued in this field. Recommendations were developed individually each object of intellectual property: creations, useful models, industrial samples, trademarks and service marks, topologies of intellectual micro-schemes, selection achievements, databases and software, copyright and related rights. The reports are basically the reports on the results of the research carried out by local experts, including the analytical part, comparative analysis, general trends in the area of study, the results of surveys and focus groups, and recommendations on introduction of amendments to the legislation of Uzbekistan. In 2008 the Project is to carry out two closing phases: the phase involving the publication of the results of the research among the interested parties and the closing phase on the development of the regulatory acts on introduction of changes to the existing legislation. At this time measures are being taken to organise seminars and conferences with the participation of international experts, representatives of state agencies and the private sector of Uzbekistan.

From http://business.uzreport.com/ 01/13/2008

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Australian Company Hub Will Provide Broadband Services to Pacific

Adelaide-based Australian Satellite Services has installed a new hub on the U.S. west coast that will enable it to provide a range of IP-based broadband services to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Australian Satellite Communications Pty Lt (which trades as Australian Satellite Services) has purchased an iDirect 51F hub from VT Systems' subsidiary iDirect and plans to introduce both Ku-Band and C-Band services into Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It already uses an iDirect hub to serve much of the Asia Pacific region but according to iDirect the new hub will enable it to provide high- speed connectivity to the oil and gas and maritime industries and support bandwidth-intensive IP applications that must function in real time. The new hub will also enable Australian Satellite Services to deliver Internet broadband, VoIP and other services to government, educational and non-profit organisations expanding their operations in the region. According to Australian Satellite Services' managing director, Chris Joseland, "The Asia Pacific region is so vast, and the applications for satellite communications so diverse that iDirect is the only platform capable of meeting all our business objectives. With iDirect's intelligent technology, we can combine users with diverse user profiles onto the same hub platform to save both space segment and capital costs, and pass on these benefits to our customers." According to iDirect, its group quality of service (QoS) feature will allow Australian Satellite Services to allocate bandwidth efficiently across remotes and tailor service levels to balance real-time and less critical applications that share a common network.

From http://www.pacificmagazine.net 01/14/2008

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AUSTRALIA: Public Transport 'Smart Card' Coming Soon

The Queensland Government says tunnels, busways and smart card tickets will revolutionise public transport in the south-east of the state. But the Opposition says the card is years behind schedule. Acting Premier Paul Lucas has inspected work on the tunnel for Brisbane's Eastern Busway, which will link bayside suburbs with the University of Queensland. He also says the long-awaited public transport "smart card" will be ready in a month or two. "In the not too distant future or else we can take legal action if we need to," he said. The Opposition's Tim Nicholls says the "Go Card" is not just long-awaited, it is long overdue. "This year isn't the much vaunted year of infrastructure delivery," he said. Mr Nicholls also claims drivers are quickly learning how to avoid being caught by the Government's new fixed speed cameras. But Mr Lucas says the cameras are doing their job as part of a wider road safety strategy.

Hale St Bridge Meanwhile, the State Government has indicated it could take control of work on Brisbane's Hale Street Bridge if the City Council (BCC) fails to minimise potential traffic delays. The Government and the Council have been at odds after it was revealed that an upgrade to an adjoining intersection would cause major delays on Coronation Drive.Lord Mayor Campbell Newman today announced he would scrap the intersection upgrade in a bid to kick-start work on the bridge. But Mr Lucas says the council has two weeks to address the issue before the state considers what action to take. "If the BCC is not capable of managing these projects adequately, the state will then look as to what action it has to take to step in to take control of the project," he said. "I don't want to do that, we should be able to expect the BCC to be able to manage a project without giving people a 40 to 50 minute extra traffic delay going into work, let alone the extra 20 to 30 minutes going home."

From http://www.abc.net.au/ 01/15/2008

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Aust Broadband Will Fail to Compete Globally, Expert Says

One of the United States' top technology gurus is warning that Australia will not be able to compete in the global economy if it does not greatly improve its broadband internet capabilities. Professor Larry Smarr from the University of California is collaborating with Melbourne University on a broadband connection 3,000 times faster than what is available to Australian consumers. This morning the two universities will unveil a broadband link between the two institutions which moves data at one gigabit per second. The quality and speed of Australia's broadband is below that of many other countries, according to Professor Smarr, one of the original architects of the internet. The initiative is being promoted by the Australian American Leadership Dialogue, which involves some of Australia's most influential business people, academics and politicians, including Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

From http://www.abc.net.au 01/16/2008

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Australian Women Executives Paid Half as Much as Men

Many of Australia's top women executives are paid only half as much as their male counterparts, according to a report issued Friday. The government-commissioned survey found women held only 7 percent of senior executive jobs in Australia's top 200 public companies and were paid far less than men in equivalent positions. Female Chief Financial Officers and Chief Operating Officers earn half the remuneration of men in the same job, according to the data gathered by Macquarie University. Female Chief Executive Officers are paid two-thirds of the salary of top corporate men, the report said. The report comes after recent government statistics revealed Australian women are paid 35 percent less than the average male earns each week. Minister for the Status of Women Tanya Plibersek described the results as "quite extraordinary.'' "What's actually surprising about these figures is that the disparity between the highest paid women and men is greater than at lower levels of the work force,'' Plibersek told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio. "That's something that's very difficult to explain.'' But Plibersek ruled out government intervention to correct the imbalance. "Frankly, I don't know how business can explain this and I think it would be well worth boards of directors and shareholders giving some consideration to this problem,'' Plibersek said.

From http://thestar.com.my 01/25/2008s

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Qld Government Gets Big Blue for Big Deal

The Queensland government has signed a four-year deal with IBM as part of its Shared Services Initiative aimed at consolidating the management of its business processes. IBM said its first priority as the state government's new shared services partner will be to implement new human resources systems in the Queensland Department of Education, Training and the Arts; Queensland Health; Queensland Corrective Services and the Department of Emergency Services. The Queensland governments Shared Services Initiative is aimed at reducing duplication by streamlining a number of business processes and consolidating systems across the state. "As far as shared services projects in Australian government go Queensland is one of the biggest," said Richard Harris, research vice president at analyst firm Gartner. "The Queensland Shared Services Initiative has had its problems, the formidable task of implementing a state-wide consolidated finance and human resources system is one that comes to mind," he said. The state government contract will also include a consultancy component for IBM, involving members of its human capital management and financial capital management sectors to assist in application development, training and change management. According to IBM, its involvement will also include the rollout of a new SAP based finance suite in addition to the consolidation of the government's human resources systems. "Presuming this is a substantial involvement that IBM is having with them -- which it looks as though it is -- this is a step up in type of engagement the Queensland government has sought with other service providers before," said Harris. "

From http://www.zdnet.com.au 01/25/2008

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NEW ZEALAND: Auckland Regional Council and Auckland Regional Transport Authority Select Impress

WALTHAM, Mass. ¡ª Impress Software, a leading provider of packaged integration applications, today announced that it has been selected by the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) and the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) in New Zealand to integrate their SAP and ESRI systems. The ARC and ARTA will implement Impress for GIS, a solution that ensures consistency of asset information between SAP and ESRI and streamlines asset management processes that span both systems. The ARC is responsible for protecting and sustaining the region's air, soil and water resources, and ARTA is responsible for managing the growing demands on its transport systems. The ARC and ARTA manage a significant portfolio of assets, including approximately 40,000 hectares of regional parkland, 40 railway stations, rail carriages, 14 ferry wharves, and Mt. Smart Stadium. Recently, the ARC completed an advanced asset management plan for its regional parks in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002. One of the plan's top priorities was to improve the current asset management system. The Auckland Regional Council concluded that a solution that would seamlessly integrate SAP PM with their ESRI geographical information system would significantly improve workforce productivity, decision-making and compliance. "With our asset management strategy centered on SAP and GIS, it was important for the ARC and ARTA to find a way to fully leverage both systems in a timely and cost-effective manner," said John Holley, Group Manager Information Services from the ARC. "Impress for GIS, as a certified, fully supported and upgradeable solution, gives us confidence that we will complete the integration on time and budget, and peace of mind that our investment will be protected as we face future upgrades to SAP or ESRI." The ARC and ARTA expect that Impress for GIS will enable employees to work more effectively in their most familiar environments. The integrated solution will also provide management with accurate and current asset information to facilitate effective decision-making for long-term financial planning and risk management. "The Auckland Regional Council has embarked on a strategic charter to meet the region's present and future needs," explains Warren Utt, CEO, Impress Software. "We're pleased that Impress was selected to help the ARC simplify and unify its asset management approach, and believe that more and more government agencies will follow the ARC's lead as a way to more effectively manage resources and prepare for future growth."

From http://www.centredaily.com/ 01/07/2008

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Moving Minds with Information Technology

Modern communication technologies are not just transforming the world we live in but are a vital part of any world-leading education system, Minister of Education Chris Carter says. In a speech delivered to the ¡°Moving Minds Conference¡± in London today, the Minister emphasised the Labour-led government¡¯s continuing commitment to ensuring all young New Zealanders could take advantage of the opportunities provided by digital and web-related technologies. ¡°Education is a life-long opportunity and we all now know that ¡°one shot¡± of education is no longer enough,¡± Chris Carter said. ¡°Everyone needs to gain the skills for life-long learning, to learn to problem solve, be self-motivated, work with others, be creative and innovative. Above all, effective communication through Information Communication Technologies (ICT) will be essential for all our young people now and in the future.¡±

Since 2001, the Labour-led government has invested $400 million in ICT projects, including providing principals and teachers with laptop computers, providing broadband to rural schools, development of the Virtual Learning Network where students and teachers can connect with their classrooms 24 hours a day, e-Mentoring for music education where real-time, online tuition is delivered to students over the web and the Digital Conversations website where students are able to video conference with experts from around the world. The government is addressing the problem of access to technologies for students from poorer homes through the ¡°Computers in Homes¡± project where families can access computer skills through their local school so that training is provided for parents, thereby making a computer a key resource for the entire family. Chris Carter said while much had been achieved since Labour was elected, there was more work to be done. New funding streams would be developed to further support and expand the use of ICT in schools. ¡°ICT is an important part of the government¡¯s vision for the 21st century. The power of education to drive change is as powerful as ever it was. E-learning, in all its forms, will make a substantial contribution to the education of all young New Zealanders now and into the future.¡±

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz 01/09/2008

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New Sustainability Website Makes It Easier to Go Green

New Zealanders now have a new, interactive website with lots of information on how to live more sustainably. The website features discussion forums, a ¡®Next Steps¡¯ sustainability challenge, and practical information on the small, medium and big steps that can be taken to live more sustainably.

From www.sustainability.govt.nz 01/09/2008

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New Site Sees Improved Public Access to Legislation

A new website launched today will mean greatly improved access to legislation for New Zealanders, Attorney-General Michael Cullen said today. The new website ¨C www.legislation.govt.nz ¨C provides free public access to Acts, Regulations, and Bills to anyone with access to the internet. "Providing public access to legislation is an important step in improving public engagement with the legislative process," Michael Cullen said. "New Zealanders have a right to know what¡¯s on our statute books and the government has an obligation to make that as easy as possible." The New Zealand Legislation website is the culmination of the Public Access to Legislation (PAL) project, undertaken by the Parliamentary Counsel Office (PCO) in conjunction with the Office of the Clerk, and the Tax Drafting Unit of the Inland Revenue Department.

The PAL system is designed to improve the way in which New Zealand legislation (Bills, Acts, Statutory Regulations, and Supplementary Order Papers) is made available to the public. The aim is to provide public access to up-to-date official legislation in both printed and electronic form. As the library of legislation on the website is built up over time, the website will show legislation at all its different stages¡ªfrom a Bill as introduced, at each stage during its passage through Parliament, to an Act as originally passed, to an Act as it is amended over time, to a repealed Act. The new website also provides extensive information about the site and how to use it, in its "About this site" and "Glossary" sections. The legislation on the new website will initially be an unofficial version of New Zealand legislation. The PCO will now undertake a process of "officialising" the legislation, so that the website can ultimately become an official source of New Zealand legislation. This process is expected to take around three years.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz 01/16/2008

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Record Number of Opportunities Now on State Sector Job Site

A record number of State sector employment vacancies are being advertised on the dedicated government career website jobs.govt.nz. As at today, the number of advertisements is 620 - a 37 percent increase since the site was upgraded six months ago. "The jobs.govt.nz site is proving to be a real hit with State sector employers and potential employees of all ages and from all walks of life here and overseas," says Deputy Commissioner Peter Brown. "Last year's revamp has made the site more user friendly and we can see the result in increased visitors and number of jobs posted on it. State sector employers are increasingly using this free service as their primary recruitment tool." There have been 473,035 visitors since the site was re-launched in August 2007.To further increase interest in the recruitment site, the State Services Commission is advertising the website and the exciting opportunities available in the State sector in the Dominion Post. The first of three feature pages will appear this Saturday. The SSC is also currently looking into how to share this feature with other regions.

Mr Brown says this is the first time the SSC has used print media in this way to promote jobs.govt.nz. "If this trial is successful in attracting more visitors to the site, the SSC may use a similar approach in future years." "A new year often means a new start for many. It is at this time of the year that we are keen to promote career opportunities in the State sector to those new to the workforce, and experienced people, who want to make a real difference to New Zealand." "This is part of the SSC's ongoing programme of work to attract high performing people to the State sector and deliver world class services." There are some 280,000 people employed by the State sector in a variety of jobs across New Zealand.

From http://www.ssc.govt.nz/ 01/24/2008

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Demand for Change at ADB

The US, the UK and other leading donors are demanding an overhaul of staffing and oversight procedures at the Asian Development Bank. Concerns about the functioning of the Manila-based Asian lender have prompted the UK to withdraw a commitment to provide more funds, citing a ¡°lack of significant progress on the reform agenda¡±. US concerns were underlined in a recent statement from a senior US official ¨C distributed to ADB board members and seen by the Financial Times ¨C in which Washington said it would undertake ¡°a range of public and private efforts to underscore our capital's continued disappointment in the bank's human resources efforts and broader management practices ¨C practices which are at times less than world class¡±.

Washington is the leading financial contributor to the ADB alongside Tokyo but the Japanese finance ministry has traditionally had the biggest grip on the top jobs, including the appointment of the ADB president. The criticism coincides with record staff turnover at the ADB. People familiar with the situation say about a 10th of its professional staff of about 850 people left last year. The UK insists the bank must conduct a human resources review by the end of the year, as well as a staff survey. The ADB has been criticised by other multilateral agencies after Haruhiko Kuroda, the president, recently blocked the unanimous recommendation of a board committee to extend the term of the director-general of the bank's operations evaluation department. While the president has the right to such a veto, institutions including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Inter-American Development Bank have written to the ADB to underline the importance of independent oversight. Canada and some European shareholders also question the appointment process. But Mr Kuroda rejected the criticism, saying the independence of the evaluations department would ¡°continue to be guaranteed¡±. He dismissed calls for an immediate overhaul of the appointments system.

From http://www.ftchinese.com/ 01/17/2008

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ADB May Return to Global Bond Market Later in 08

¡°The Asian Development Bank may return to the global bond market later this year, depending on its funding requirements, Senior [Treasury specialist, Maria Lomotan]¡­at the bank said Friday. If it sells another global bond in 2008, it would mark only the second time ever that the supranational borrower has tapped the global bond market twice in a given year. The Manila-based borrower earlier this week raised $1 billion in bonds due in 2011. ¡­The supranational is looking to raise around $8 billion for its 2008 financing requirement, about the same as last year. The ADB, which provides soft loans to fund projects aimed at reducing poverty, may continue to see strong demand for its loans this year as governments work to fill urgent infrastructure gaps and improve their citizens' quality of life amid sustained economic growth in the region. ¡­¡± Meanwhile in related ADB news, AFP reports that it ¡°¡­admitted in an in-house report released Friday that many of its loans made over the past seven years have failed to deliver their desired results. The report assessed the outcome of funds contributed by the ¡­bank's wealthy Western members to the operation of its Asian Development Fund. ¡­ The report said the administration of some $5.4 billion worth of concessional loans approved between 2001 and 2004 was ¡®less than efficient¡¯ and added that there was a ¡®decline in effectiveness in the period.¡¯ ¡­ The report urged the bank to ¡®avoid goal congestion in operations and in ADB as a whole¡¯ because supervision and resources were spread too thin.¡±

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 01/18/2008

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Asian Shares Dip on US Worries

Shares in Asia fell, with Japan and South Korea down around 1.5 per cent, as concerns over the health of the US economy came back to haunt stock markets, sending investors to seek a safe haven in bonds. The dollar dipped slightly against the euro as investors nervously jockeyed into position ahead of this week¡¯s Federal Reserve meeting, at which the bank is set to cut interest rates again, having slashed them in an emergency move last week. Asian real estate funds post losses - Jan-27Allco Finance bounces back - Jan-24State funds intervene in Asia - Jan-23Asia-Pacific comes back down to earth with a bump - Jan-21Australian stocks erase 2007 gains - Jan-21Asian markets still fretting about US - Jan-14Oil drifted back down to $90 a barrel with traders saying Friday¡¯s $1.30 surge might have been overdone after Wall Street ended the week on a down note following two days of sharp gains.

The market mood was calmer after last week¡¯s nerve-wracking rollercoaster, which saw global equity markets toppled by growing despair over the US economy earlier in the week and then lifted by a $150bn stimulus plan agreed by US legislators and the White House. But investors were on edge as they sifted through French bank Societe Generale¡¯s trading scandal. On Sunday the bank defended its handling of the world¡¯s biggest trading scandal, but admitted its risk systems had failed to detect a €50bn market bet by a lone trader. The benchmark Nikkei average was down 1.8 per cent by 0052 GMT, after finishing Friday up 4.1 per cent to mark its biggest one-day gain in nearly six years. Shares in exporters such as Sony Corp fell more than 2 per cent.

Seoul¡¯s KOSPI index shed 1.34 per cent. ¡±Although aggressive US stimulus measures are likely to stablise global financial markets, South Korea and its companies are still vulnerable to economic risks,¡± said Lee Young-won, a strategist at Prudential Investment & Securities. Australia¡¯s market was shut for a public holiday, while Hong Kong was expected to open lower. World business leaders gathered in Davos for last week¡¯s meeting said on Saturday the worst might yet be to come in a financial crisis driven by continuing fears of bank losses and uncertainty over US emergency stimulus measures. Banks said there were few cures for a financial system faced with hundreds of billions of dollars in investments which have turned bad. ¡±It will be a while before you see a return of normalcy in banking and markets,¡± Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain said.

For now, some investors sought safety in Japanese government bonds. March 10-year futures rose 0.49 of a point to 137.85, while the benchmark 10-year bond yield fell 5 basis points to 1.425 per cent. The dollar edged up to Y106.74, holding above the trough of Y104.95 struck last week as global equities tumbled, its lowest since May 2005. The euro edged up 0.1 per cent from late US trade on Friday to $1.4690. US crude fell 59 cents to $90.12 a barrel by 0108 GMT.

From http://www.ft.com/ 01/28/2008

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CHINA: Foreign Investment Allowed in Securities Companies

China eased some of its restrictions on foreign participation in domestic securities companies in a revised regulation published on Friday. The move honored a pledge made during a high-profile dialogue with the United States that concluded earlier this month. The revised regulation allowed more foreign companies access to Chinese securities companies. They would be able to do so via more varied channels, said a China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) official. The new rule expanded foreign investors from securities companies alone, stipulated in the previous 2002 rule, to all financial institutions and common institutional investors. Qualified investors would have to be in operation for five consecutive years, against the previously demanded 10 year minimum. At least 30 employees of foreign investors were required to have the license to be engaged in a securities business, down from the previous 50. For joint-venture securities companies, however, the maximum shares held by overseas investors was maintained and still capped below 33 percent.

Overseas investors could either hold shares of listed domestic securities companies via securities trading on the stock exchange or establish strategic cooperation with a Chinese partner to become its shareholder, the new regulation said. The new regulation also outlined the regulatory supervision of such foreign participation. Foreign investors would have to report the share purchase and suspend share trading if they wanted to buy a five percent stake or higher in a Chinese securities company. The CSRC would decide whether the related foreign investors were qualified shareholders. Foreign investors would also need CSRC approval if they wanted to become the shareholder of a Chinese company as its strategic partner. The new rule said shares held by an individual foreign investor in a listed Chinese company would be kept below 20 percent. Overseas investors as a whole were restricted to a combined maximum 25 percent.

From Xinhua News Agency 12/29/2007

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China Mutual Fund Industry Nearly Quadruples in 2007

China's mutual fund industry nearly quadrupled in 2007 as millions of investors rushed to convert their bank deposits for higher returns in the stock market, state media said Thursday. Net assets of China's 363 mutual funds totalled 3.3 trillion yuan (450 billion dollars) by the end of 2007, up from 856.5 billion yuan a year earlier, the China Securities Journal reported, citing data from Galaxy Securities. A survey conducted late last year showed that 83 percent of 14,800 respondents thought mutual funds were the first choice for wealth management, the report said. Mutual funds are particularly attractive to Chinese who are eager to profit from the booming stock market, analysts said, adding that with around 16 trillion yuan in bank deposits the trend may well continue. "People are willing to invest their money, and they've been keen to shift from the low-return bank deposits to mutual funds where experts handle their funds," said Yi Linming, an analyst with Industrial Securities. "Once they realise investing in mutual funds is more profitable and less risky than buying individual stocks by themselves, they just swarm to funds. It's the herd instinct," said Yi. China's stock market rose about 97 percent after a volatile 2007 despite a 18 percent decline in the key index in November -- its biggest monthly drop since July 1994.

From http://news.yahoo.com 01/03/2008

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Central Bank Urges to Increase Credit Loans for Farming

China's central bank is urging local branches to increase credit loans to farmers to support spring plowing, a circular posted on its website said. Local financial institutions should increase credit loans for farming while curbing those for non-agricultural purposes as the country had adopted a tightening monetary policy, the central bank said. Rural credit cooperatives were allowed to take advantage of floating rate policies to set a more favorable loan interest rate for farmers. In addition, the central bank would continue its relatively lower reserve requirement ratio for rural credit cooperatives. It would also appropriate 10 billion yuan (1.4 billion U.S. dollars) to increase funds for farm loans to support the central and western regions as well as major grain production areas.

From Xinhua News Agency 01/10/2008

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Foreign Banks Make More RMB Loans in Shanghai

Foreign banks performed impressively last year in Shanghai, China's economic hub. Sources with the Shanghai headquarters of the People's Bank of China, the central bank, said on Thursday that RMB-denominated deposits of foreign banks soared rapidly in the city. The banks also claimed a larger share of the local RMB-denominated credit market. According to PBOC's Shanghai headquarters, foreign banks drew 55.09 billion yuan (7.5 billion U.S. dollars) in deposits last year, an increment of 27.35 billion yuan and nearly 100 percent over the previous- year level. Their combined outstanding RMB-denominated deposits increased by 61.7 percent from the 2006 year-end level. The growth rate was 16.7 percentage points from the level at the beginning of 2007. Of their total RMB-denominated deposits made last year, 32.16 billion yuan, or 58.4 percent, were drawn in the fourth quarter. In December alone, the figure reached a monthly record of 17.45 billion yuan, a growth of 4.89 billion yuan in comparison with the same month of the previous year. In 2007, foreign banks in Shanghai extended 34.79 billion yuan in RMB-denominated loans, accounting for 31.8 percent of the city's total RMB credits. The market share was 2.5 percentage points higher than the 2006 level. Meanwhile, foreign bank's outstanding RMB loans made up 10.7 percent of the city's total, up 3.5 percentage points over the previous year.

From Xinhua News Agency 01/10/2008

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Banks Dip into Insurance Market

Chinese banks have received approval from the State Council to invest in insurance companies, sources said yesterday. Three to four banks will be chosen to run the businesses on a pilot basis, Caijing Magazine quoted one of its sources as saying. "But there is no exact stipulation as to how much of a stake a bank can take in an insurance company." Also, the State Council move does not currently allow banks to form a new insurance company. Since 2006, a number of banks have submitted applications to financial regulators in order to own insurance companies. "We submitted an application to the State Council late December," a regulatory commission source told China Daily. "(State Council) approval is a significant move toward universal banking, paving the way for banks to set up their own insurance companies," said Wang Xiaogang, an analyst with Orient Securities, adding the move could strengthen the profitability of banks. Compared with insurance companies, Chinese banks have more limited investment channels and they are not allowed to invest in the stock market directly. "But they can still share in the harvest from a bullish stock market through their stakes in insurance companies and fund management companies," Wang said. For the time being, a bank's stake in an insurer is not likely to have a big impact on the insurance market. But once they are allowed to run their own insurance companies, competition in the market is expected to be more intense, Wang said. Wan Feng, president of China Life, the country's largest life insurer, said competition will benefit the industry.

From China Daily 01/12/2008

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China to Set Up Early Warning System for Financial Risks

China Securities Regulatory Commission says the US sub-prime lending crisis may affect the Chinese capital market. At a financial forum in Beijing over the weekend, Chairman Shang Fulin says that his commission will set up an early warning, control and prevention system for the financial risks. "In a long run, the spreading of sub-prime lending crisis will decrease the external need for the Chinese economic development. It will affect the Chinese exporters and indirectly has impact on the listed companies in relevant sectors. It will also affect the stability of China's capital market." Shang Fulin said his commission will keep an eye on the impact brought by the changing of external environment. He added the commission will "expand the scale of fundraising in the capital market, increase the amount of tradable shares and push forward the listing of large companies and high-quality medium-sized companies." Meanwhile, the government says it will also encourage brokerages to set up direct equity investments and let bigger, better-run securities companies grow and weed out poor ones.

From CRIENGLISH.com 01/14/2008

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China Tells Banks to Ensure Financial Security

With 200 days to go before the Beijing Olympics start in August, China has ordered its banks to step up their computer infrastructure to ensure that no financial mishaps happen during the Games. Beijing has pulled out all the stops in preparing for what it views as a major coming-out party, spending billions of dollars on venues, new subway lines and a beautification campaign. Jiang Dingzhi, vice chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission, said that the country's banks needed to be extra vigilant to ensure that no embarrassing slip-ups occurred. "Banks must ensure that during the Olympic period, banking services are completely safe, to present a good image of the Chinese banking industry," Jiang said in a statement on the agency's Web site. The call echoes a similar one by the civil aviation regulator, which earlier this month vowed tough punishments for airlines that are chronically late. Beijing has spent enormous sums cleaning up its banking sector over the past several years, but cases of embezzlement and fraud have persisted, and authorities say that economic crimes such as credit card fraud are on the rise.

From http://news.yahoo.com 01/21/2008

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Banks Expected to See Slower Growth This Year

Mainland commercial banks may have to accept lower growth this year, experts say, after a successful 2007 when most saw big rises in net profits. Of the 14 Chinese listed banks, eight commercial banks have estimated or reported around 50 percent profit surges in 2007, according to financial data provider Wind Info. China's top lender, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) estimated a net profit of 78 billion yuan (US$10.8 billion) on Friday, a rise of more than 60 percent year on year. China Construction Bank, the nation's third largest bank, said its 2007 net profit would rise 48 percent to 68.6 billion yuan, due to higher fees and interest rates. Earlier reports contributed the profit surge to higher revenues from loans and expanding wealth management and credit card services. But Li Yang, principal of Finance Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Social Science (CASS), was not so optimistic about the prospect of the commercial banks in 2008. "It will be a lot slower, because things could be totally different. Commercial banks should be wary of any coming challenges," Li said at a forum organized by business magazine Caijing earlier this month.

"Banks could be swamped in homogenized competition, as they all offer similar services, earn their money from high interest margins between deposit and loan rates, and rely heavily on loans," said Li. "With the market oriented reform of interest rates that gradually narrow down the lucrative interest margin, the banks could lose revenue," said Li. Also, as China's commercial banks went global, turbulence in the international markets affected by the value of the US dollar and the sub-prime crisis could also take their toll on earnings. Small and medium-sized banks in particular, such as city banks and country banks, would find it more difficult to make profits, since they were more vulnerable to tighter monetary policies adopted this year, said Cao Honghui, an expert also from the Finance Research Institute of CASS. Asian Development Bank senior analyst Zhuang Jian, however, said, "China's commercial banks are getting stronger after all reforms and progress in previous years. "Commercial banks are believed to be more cautious in innovation this year, but the progress could still be healthy."

From Xinhua News Agency 01/22/2008

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China Takes New Anti-Inflation Steps

China unveiled new steps Friday to cool rapidly rising food prices, saying it will boost farm subsidies and curb industrial use of corn after data showed inflation at near decade-high levels despite a slew of earlier measure. Beijing also will try to boost grain production by paying more for wheat and rice, the country's planning agency, the National Development and Reform Commission, announced. It promised to take steps to increase supplies of grain, meat and cooking oil. December's inflation rate was 6.5 percent compared with the year-earlier period, down only slightly from November's 6.9 percent, the highest rate in 11 years, the government said Thursday. December's food price rise was not announced, but November's rate was 18.2 percent. Food prices have been climbing at double-digit annual rates since mid-2007, due mostly to shortages of pork and grain. Communist leaders are worried about possible political tensions because the rises hit China's poor majority hard. The government will "increase the minimum purchase price for grain and wheat and make progress in raising the standard of subsidies paid to grain farmers in order to motivate them to produce more," the NDRC said on its Web site. It gave no financial details.

Regulators also will "seriously control the development of industrial use of corn," the statement said, without giving details. Corn can be used to produce ethanol, a vehicle fuel, but Chinese leaders worry that industrial demand might raise the price of such food crops. The government said earlier it would curb their use for fuel in order to keep consumer prices down. The inflation spike is especially sensitive ahead of the Lunar New Year in February, when households stock up on groceries for banquets and to feed visitors during the most important family holiday of the year. Beijing has taken a series of steps in recent months, raising aid to pig farmers, curbing grain exports and barring price increases by producers without official permission. This week, the price freeze was extended to fertilizer to cushion the blow on farmers. Food prices in 2007 rose by 12.3 percent for the full year, while the cost of pork, China's staple meat, rose 48.3 percent, according to the government. Inflation is expected to stay high through 2008, with analysts forecasting a full-year figure of up to 5 percent.

From http://biz.yahoo.com 01/25/2008

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JAPAN: May Miss Long-Term Fiscal Target - Govt Report

Reuters - Wednesday, January 16 So far, the government has been hesitant about putting such a move on the agenda, however, fearing a voter backlash and the possibility that such a hike could hurt already soft consumption. (Reporting by Yuko Yoshikawa; Additional Reporting by Hideyuki Sano; Editing by Hugh Lawson) - TOKYO, Jan 15 - Japan will likely miss its fiscal target of balancing its public finances by 2011/12 due to lower growth forecasts, a government document obtained by Reuters showed on Tuesday. In the report, to be submitted to the government's top economic advisory council later this week, the Cabinet Office revised down its growth projection in coming years following the recent slowdown in the Japanese economy. As that will likely mean lower tax revenue, the government's projection for the primary balance -- the budget balance excluding debt servicing and issuance -- was also lowered to minus 0.1 percent of the nation's gross domestic product in 2011/12, compared with the previous forecast of plus 0.2 percent. The ministry now expects Japan's nominal growth to accelerate to 3.3 percent in 2011/12, compared with 3.9 percent in previous reports, under what it calls an optimistic scenario in which economic reforms will raise productivity and growth. The ministry added that growth could be much lower if there is an unexpected downturn in the world economy. Many economists think that the projection could prove too optimistic and that it will probably need to raise the consumption tax rate to achieve the self-imposed target. So far, the government has been hesitant about putting such a move on the agenda, however, fearing a voter backlash and the possibility that such a hike could hurt already soft consumption.

From http://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/ 01/15/2008

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Revisions to Let Local Governments Issue Deficit-Covering Bonds

The central government plans to let local governments issue deficit-covering bonds for only the third time in postwar Japan, a plan opposition parties say only scratches the surface of the problem. The decision was made Monday as local governments will likely see a sharp drop in local tax revenues in fiscal 2007, which ends in March, sources said. To execute the plan, the central government plans to submit revisions to the local finance law, which currently bans the issuance of local deficit-covering bonds, to the next ordinary Diet session scheduled to open Friday, they said. About 80 local governments are hoping to issue deficit-covering bonds worth a total of about 180 billion yen, they said. If the central government fails to pass the revisions, many local governments could fall into deficit. However, opposition parties are criticizing what they say are the central government's slipshod methods of estimating revenues from local taxes. The opposition parties say the entire system needs revamping to reduce Tokyo's control over local governments. Local governments have been granted permission to issue deficit-covering bonds only twice in postwar Japan--in fiscal 1975, amid the recession following the first oil crisis, and in fiscal 2002, after the collapse of the IT bubble. In conventional years, local governments have issued bonds when tax revenues were expected to fall short of government estimates. However, the use of those bonds has been restricted to construction projects on grounds that the buildings or other properties created will remain assets for future generations. In fiscal 2006, which ended in March 2007, 15 municipal governments issued bonds worth a total of 1.7 billion yen for construction projects.

In fiscal 2007, however, many more local governments are expected to suffer a shortage of local tax revenues due to their sluggish economies. Fifteen prefectures and 65 municipalities are seeking to issue deficit-covering bonds. The central government is also likely to suffer a decline in national tax revenue, which could force Tokyo to decrease its grants to local governments. To prevent that from happening, Tokyo plans to secure 299.2 billion yen from the general account to maintain the amount of grants. The government will also submit revisions to related laws to the next ordinary Diet session. Prefectural governments will be declared bankrupt if their deficits account for at least 5 percent of their budgets. The figure for municipal governments is 20 percent. Under the current local finance system, the central government decides the basic plans of local governments, which local governments use to work out budget plans. Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan), the largest party in the Upper House, says the current system is the basis of central government control over local governments. The party also says the central government's estimates of local governments' revenues have been sloppy. However, Minshuto said it will take into consideration the possible confusion caused if the revisions to the laws are not passed in the Diet.

From http://www.asahi.com/ 01/16/2008

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Bank of Japan Votes Unanimously to Keep Key Rate Unchanged

TOKYO (Thomson Financial) - The Bank of Japan kept its overnight call rate target unchanged at 0.5 percent for the 13th straight meeting Tuesday, as widely expected. This gives the Japanese central bank time to assess whether the financial market turmoil triggered by the credit crisis in the US will settle down soon, and whether weakness in the US housing market poses further material downside risk to its economy, given that the US is one of Japan's most important trading partners. The BoJ also needs to ascertain whether the Japanese economy can maintain its recovery momentum despite emerging uncertainty about domestic private demand and the appreciation of the yen. The Bank of Japan said the nine members of its policy board voted unanimously to leave the rate unchanged. The central bank's overnight call rate target, or the minimum interest commercial banks charge each other for short-term needs, has remained at 0.5 percent since February last year, when the bank raised it from 0.25 percent. After the decision was announced, the yen was trading at 106.33 yen to the US dollar from 106.23-27 yen just before the announcement. Financial markets reacted little to the widely expected BoJ decision. Stocks, bonds and the yen were little changed from their levels on Monday. The Nikkei 225 index was last down 555.68 points or 4.2 percent at 12,770.26, up slightly from the morning session's closing level of 12,738.31. Earlier in the day, the benchmark index had fallen to as low as 12,674.57, its lowest intra-session level since September 9, 2005 when it 12,556.43. The yield on the benchmark 10-year bond was at 1.325 percent, unchanged from the morning session's closing level.

Investors are keenly waiting BoJ governor Toshihiko Fukui's comments at a news conference at 3.30 pm (0630 GMT), amid speculation that the Japanese central bank may be forced to lower interest rates given increased downside risk for the US economy, continued financial market turmoil and emerging uncertainty about the Japanese economy. Fukui has so far been supportive of an increase in interest rates, citing the risk of a misallocation of resources in the future if interest rates stay at levels that do not reflect economic fundamentals. But like other central bankers, Fukui is also wary of adjusting rates at a time when the subprime crisis continues to roil financial markets and as domestic private demand remains sluggish. The Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark rate by a total of 1 percentage point last year in a bid to boost the flagging US economy and avert a recession. The Fed is expected to deliver another rate cut at the next FOMC meeting. But these measures, including President Bush's 145 billion-dollar-stimulus plan announced Friday, have failed to dispel market anxiety about the worsening credit crunch. 'Growing problems at US bond insurers may increase funding costs which could constrain spending by the corporate and household sectors, which may then undo the effects of the ongoing rate cuts,' BNP Paribas (other-otc: BNPQY.PK - news - people ) Securities chief economist Ryutaro Kono said. After bond insurer Ambac Financial Group (nyse: ABK - news - people ) Inc scrapped plans to raise 1 billion US dollars in capital, Fitch Ratings cut the company's crucial financial strength rating to 'AA' from 'AAA.''If the bond insurer problem were to be sustained, it may take more time than had previously been thought for the financial market turmoil to settle down and for the US economy to start picking up,' Kono said. Due to the unabated fall of the global stock market and worries about the global economy triggered by the credit crunch, the financial markets now see some chance of a rate cut by the BoJ, according to market watchers.

Waiting game 'The market wants the BOJ to lower interest rates in order to increase liquidity and stem a further appreciation of the yen,' said Kazuhiro Takahashi, a manager of equities marketing at Daiwa Securities SMBC. But most economists see slim chances such a decision would be taken. 'Unless the credit crunch starts to threaten the financial system in Japan, it is highly unlikely for the BoJ to lower interest rates,' Tokai Tokyo Securities chief economist Mitsuru Saito said. 'What the BoJ can do for now is to do nothing until things calm down and not to rush to resume interest rate hikes,' he said. Hiroko Ota, state minister of fiscal and economic policy, said Tuesday that despite turbulence on the financial markets, it is difficult for the Japanese government to take any policy action right now. 'The BoJ is most likely to leave interest rates for the rest of this year, unless the economies of emerging markets drastically slow down and the yen appreciates more sharply,' said Izuru Kato, chief economist at Totan Research Institute. The yen strengthened to as high as 105.61 yen today, its highest level since May 11, 2005 when it hit 104.92 yen. It is also way stronger than the average hedging cost of 114.23 yen set by most Japanese companies for the second half to March 2008. While speculation about the chances of a domestic rate reduction is rife regardless of the actual likelihood, economists are also divided about the effects of such a policy action, if the BoJ does decide to cut. 'Rate cuts from the current rate levels cannot possibly yield any material impact,' Calyon Securities chief economist Susumu Kato said. 'And what happens if a rate cut failed to buoy the market and the economy?'Emerging risk to domestic private demand, triggered by the introduction of tighter construction regulations, is also likely to prevent the BoJ from resuming its interest rate adjustments anytime soon. Housing starts dropped by a double-digit pace until November after the introduction in June of tighter building regulations. 'If exports, which have so far been supporting the Japanese economy, were to slow down due to weakness in the US economy, BoJ board members may then discuss cutting rates,' said Tatsushi Shikano, senior economist at Mitsubishi.

From http://www.forbes.com/ 01/21/2008

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Guideline Hampers Pension Efforts

A Social Insurance Agency guideline set up to prevent fraud has hindered efforts of people trying to claim rightful ownership to hundreds of thousands of mystery pension accounts, sources said. The agency instructed officials trying to verify the rightful owners of the accounts not to divulge information that could help the claimants match themselves with existing records. For example, if a person had paid premiums but cannot recall the name of the company when the payments took place, agency officials are not allowed to give hints, such as the initials of the company. The stringent guideline, part of an in-house manual, is meant as a safeguard against fraudulent claims by people assuming false identities, SIA officials said. But the rule puts the onus on applicants to provide proof for their claims in the attempt to clean up the mess originally caused by the agency's mistakes and incompetence. "For the SIA to hold victims of the fiasco responsible to prove their claims is like putting the cart before the horse. It will be impossible to match up records," said Hideo Inoue, a professor specializing in welfare policy at Kanazawa University. Notices were sent out in December last year to 480,000 people believed to be holders of public pension accounts whose records are deemed to be incomplete. So far, however, only about 20,000 have been able to recover lost records. The stringent rule is believed to be impeding efforts. SIA officials said they are considering reviewing the contents of the manual. Those wishing to recover records must first visit local SIA offices, where they are expected to present actual documentation of their employment or other credible accounts. But the SIA manual, sent to 312 SIA offices and municipal governments on Dec. 14, instructs officials not to respond to vague inquiries, such as people seeking information about records based on their birthdates. On Dec. 18, the SIA distributed a new manual instructing officials not to provide names of previous workplaces, periods of employment, and locations of companies. The manual also instructs officials not to give even initials or names of municipalities where the company was located if the claimants cannot recall the workplace's name. Late last year, a 67-year-old unemployed man was turned away by the Suita Social Insurance Office in Osaka Prefecture because he could not recall the name of the company he worked at 50 years ago. "My former colleagues have either died or have moved somewhere else. The least they (the officials) could do is give a hint," the man said. The man came to Osaka in the mid-1950s from Miyazaki Prefecture and hopped from one job to another over the years. The information that was missing involved a company in Nara Prefecture where he worked for five years after arriving in Osaka. Officials at another SIA office in Osaka Prefecture said they sometimes bend the rules for people with rare names or other features that make fraud an unlikely motive.

From http://www.asahi.com/ 01/22/2008

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SOUTH KOREA: 10% Budget Cut Planned Next Year

The incoming government will cut budget spending by 10 percent or 24 trillion won next year in a move to restore fiscal health, a major turnaround from the current expansionary fiscal policy. The plan was revealed by Kang Man-soo, a key economic advisor to President-elect Lee Myung-bak, Tuesday after he met officials of the Planning and Budget Ministry. ``A 10-pecent cut in the state budget can be an unattainable goal, but we can make it by changing the way we think,'' Kang told reporters. ``To reduce expenditure, we will consider selling public firms, downsizing government agencies and reforming pension funds. All efforts should be made to save costs and create a more efficient government.''During his presidential campaign, President-elect Lee pledged to slash the state budget by 20 trillion won. Kang said the government can save an additional 4 trillion won if it reforms tax policies. By saving 24 trillion won, the government will funnel 14 trillion won into new economic projects and cut tax by 10 trillion won. It also plans to privatize the Korea Electric Power Corp. and Korea Gas Corporation in stages. According to the 2008 budget plan, fiscal spending will reach 257.3 trillion won, up 7.9 percent from last year's 238.4 trillion won. The budget growth rate is the highest since 2002 when it stood at 10.5 percent. Last year, the ministry set up roadmaps for budget spending for the next decade based on the current government's expansionary policies. The plan is expected to be revised. President Roh Moo-hyun had pursued an expansionary fiscal policy, putting more weight on welfare programs amid a rapid increase in the number of elderly citizens and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. The state budget increased by some 150 trillion won for the past five years. Under the Roh administration, the number of civil servants increased by about 50,000, and another 50,000 are supposed to be recruited over the next five years.

From http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/ 01/10/2008

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Property Tax Cut Planned in February

The main opposition Grand National Party (GNP) and the United New Democratic Party (UNDP) are seeking to pass a bill for lowering the real estate transaction tax rate from two percent to one percent in the National Assembly session next month. The two parties also consider lowering the capital gains tax for those who own only one house for a long time. The tax reduction is likely because the presidential power transition team is also considering it in order to revive the real estate market, sources at the transition committee said Friday. ``The real estate transaction tax reduction by 1 percentage point should be realized immediately as well as the reduction in capital gains tax for one-house-owner,¡¯¡¯ Sohn Hak-kyu, chairman of the UNDP, said. ``We plan to pass a bill for it in the parliamentary session next month.¡¯¡¯ Under the current law, the capital gains tax can be exempt by up to 45 percent for a long-time possessor of a house. The UNDP reportedly plans to raise the figure to 80 percent. Lee Hahn-koo, chief policymaker of the GNP, said his party also agrees to the real estate-related tax reductions. ``I welcome the UNDP¡¯s plan to decrease the real estate transaction tax from two percent to one percent,¡¯¡¯ Lee said. But the GNP differed in how much percentage of exemption should be made in the capital gains tax. Though the transition team refused to confirm whether they approve the tax reduction as policy suggestion for President-elect Lee Myung-bak, they were optimistic. Rep. Choi Kyung-hwan, economic affairs chief of the team, said, ``The team decided only on a big picture to revive the transaction in the market without finalizing any detailed measures. But we will consider the tax reduction if the two parties want it.¡¯¡¯

From http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ 01/11/2008

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Basket for Top-20-Index Renewed

Ulaanbaatar, /MONTSAME/. Based on the ¡°Index calculation rule¡± of Mongolian Stock Exchange, the Top-20 Index has been recalculated using semi-annual trading results. Among 20 companies that formulated the Top 20 Index, 15 have remained and five new companies--Genco-Tour Bureau, BDSec, Shariin Gol, APU and Ulaanbaatar Hotel--have passed the criteria and are included in the calculation of Top 20 Index. The trading volume of Top 20 Index companies were representing some 68.3 percent of half year s total trading volume and covered up to 85.0 percent of total market capitalization. Today, the Top 20 Index basket consists of the following companies--Gobi, Baganuur, Shivee Ovoo, Zoos Bank, NIC, Shariin Gol, Tavan Tolgoi, Genco-Tour Bureau, Mongolian Tellecommunications, Bayangol Hotel, Mongol Shiltgeen, State Department Store, BDSec, Makh Impex, Moninjbar, Spirt Bal Buram, Ulaanbaatar Hotel, Eermel, APU, and Material Impex. S. Batbayar

From http://www.montsame.mn/ 01/11/2008

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Money, Loan and Stock Market

.According to the report of the Bank of Mongolia, at the end of June of 2007, money supply (broad money, or M2) increased by 2.5 percent or 50.0 bln.togrogs over the May of 2007 by reaching 2016.1 bln. togrogs and added by 36.7 percent or 541.5 bln.togrogs compared to the same period of the previous year At the end of June, 2007 currency issued in circulation decreased 0.9 percent or 3.0 bln.togrogs compared to May of 2007, reaching 319.9 bln.togrogs and compared to June of 2006, increased by 32.5 percent or 78.5 bln.togrogs. Time saving deposits increased by 5.2 percent or 46.9 bln.togrogs over the previous month, increased by 78.5 percent or 415.3 bln.togrogs compared with June of 2006, reaching 944.0 bln.togrogs. As for foreign currency deposits, they increased by 2.5 percent or 7.8 bln.togrogs reaching 316.9 bln.togrogs over the previous month and reduced by 17.2 percent or 65.9 bln.togrogs compared to June of 2006 . At the end of June 2007, the remainder of loans outstanding increased by 52.3 percent compared with June of 2006, reaching 1600.2 bln.togrogs, of which loans in private sectors increased by 63.4 percent, individuals loans grew by 49.8 percent, other sectors rose by 21.0 percent, other financial corporations jumped up by 74.6 percent and public sectors decreased by 23.5 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, principals in arrears increased by 77.8 percent and substandard, doubtful, loss loans jumped up by 2.5 percent. The non-performing loans reached 61.9 bln.togrogs, which was 3.9 percent of the total loans outstanding. According to Mongolian Stock Exchange report, in June of 2007, the stocks were traded 20 times, in total 2.3 mln.stocks were traded and value of traded stocks has reached to 6.9 bln. togrogs. Compared with May of 2007, bartered stocks decreased by 6.1 times and value of traded stocks increased by 12.6 percent respectively, traded stocks declined by 34.3 percent and value of traded stocks increased by 11.3 times compared to the same period of the previous year. During June of 2007, the TOP-20 average index increased by 1009.8 points compared to the previous month, reaching 4027.0. Total market capitalization of listed companies reached 252.8 bln. togrogs in the first six months of this year.

From www.montsame.mn 07/18/2007

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INDONESIA: Govt, BI Work Toward Inflation Target

The government and central bank have set an inflation target for the next three years as a benchmark for fiscal and monetary regulators, to determine policies and to provide certainty for businesses. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati told a press conference late Thursday the inflation target was set at 5 percent (plus and minus 1) for 2008, at 4.5 percent (plus and minus 1) for 2009, and at 4 percent (plus and minus 1) for 2010. "This inflation targeting system is crucial not only for policy makers, but also for business players in calculating the cost of their business," Sri Mulyani said. The target, she said, had factored in the oil prices -- which have been hovering at close to US$100 per barrel -- and the 2009 general elections. "The target will allow us, for instance, to ensure stability of prices in main commodities, as well as ensuring the supply and distribution of those commodities." The target is considered by commentators to be realistic due to the relatively low inflation trend the country has experienced in the last few years.

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported Wednesday that 2007's full-year inflation stood at 6.59 percent, slightly lower than the 6.6 percent booked a year earlier. Under the 2008 state budget, the government expects inflation this year to reach 6 percent. Sri Mulyani said the government expects the inflation-targeting system to help retain the momentum of growth in the country's economy, which is targeted to expand this year by 6.8 percent, from an estimated 6.5 percent in 2007. With inflation kept relatively low, it will do little to damage the public's purchasing power and will help in turn retain robust consumption -- which has been the nation's main engine for economic growth since the 1998 economic crisis. BPS data shows consumption makes up some 70 percent of the economy, as reflected in gross domestic products (GDP). Investment and exports are the other two components of the economy.

Low inflation rates would also provide a leeway for the central bank to reduce its benchmark interest rates, which would result in the cheaper cost of borrowing and greater economic activity. To monitor these targets and strengthen coordination, a forum, called the Coordinating Forum for Inflation Controlling, has been established. Headed by the coordinating minister for the economy, forum members include the finance minister, Bank Indonesia's governor and the trade minister. "We will meet regularly under this forum and possibly determine certain measures to keep inflation targets on track," Coordinating Minister for the Economy Boediono said. Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said on her part, the trade ministry would focus on ensuring stable prices and supply and distribution of key commodities, which have a significant bearing on inflation of commodities including rice, sugar and cooking oil.

From http://www.thejakartapost.com 01/04/2008

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PHILIPPINES: PSBank Bags Top Award for Transparency

Philippine Savings Bank, the savings bank arm of the Metrobank Group, was recently cited as ¡°Best in Corporate Governance Disclosure¡± in the 5th Best Annual Report (BAR) Awards of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP). The country¡¯s premier business organization recognized PSBank's 2006 annual report among financial institutions in terms of proper disclosure, good governance, and compliance with international reporting standards. ¡°This is PSBank¡¯s second time to join the BAR awards and the second time for us to be counted among the finalists. To have been chosen as the winner for this category is a great recognition and blessing for us in PSBank,¡± said chief finance officer Perfecto Z. Dimayuga, Jr. ¡°We share this honor with our loyal PSBank customers and our staff, who inspire us to work harder.¡± The PSBank annual report was chosen among more than 70 entries in a field dominated by the country's universal banks and top 1,000 publicly listed corporations. PSBank was the sole savings bank to qualify among 20 finalists. The award was given at the Hotel Intercontinental Hotel last Dec. 11.

Mr. Dimayuga added that the award underscores PSBank¡¯s continuing efforts to practice and promote the good governance principles of transparency, accountability and fairness. True to its annual report theme ¡°simple banking,¡± PSBank communicates to its customers how its products and services meet their financial needs, aided by powerful technology applications. The report has a predominantly ¡°minimalist¡± look and feel but at the same time captured the visual drama of a young couple acquiring their first car through the PSBank Auto Loan or a family painting their new home after getting a PSBank Home Loan. Aside from using annual reports to communicate clearly and truthfully with company shareholders, creditors, and investors, the MAP seeks to help educate the public to read, understand, and appreciate annual reports.

Technical and final judging for the awards spanned over two months before the final judging panel decided on the winners from among the finalists. The panel was composed of: Celso P. Vivas, chairman of the MAP Best Annual Report Committee and vice chairman and CEO of the Corporate Governance Institute of the Philippines, Atty. Francisco Ed Lim, president and CEO of the Philippine Stock Exchange, co-sponsor of the awards; Ambassador Albert F. Del Rosario, president of MAP; Baltazar N. Endriga, governor-in-charge of the Awards Committee; Commissioner Raul J. Palabrica, commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and Ma. Dolores Yuvienco, assistant governor for Centralized Supervisory Support Sub-Sector and Supervision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The award was held in partnership with the Philippine Stock Exchange and BusinessWorld Publishing Corp., the country's biggest business daily.

From http://archive.inquirer.net/ 01/03/2008

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BSP Approves $500M Sale of Gov¡¯t Bonds

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the country¡¯s central bank, has approved a government plan to issue as much as $500 million in sovereign bonds for its funding requirements this year, central bank sources said on Friday. The central bank approves all public and private sector foreign borrowings to ensure the country's capability to cover such obligations and prevent any foreign exchange crisis. The plan would be to re-open an existing global bond issue, a central bank source said. Department of Finance officials were not immediately available for comment. Bank treasury sources said market players expect the government to sell more of its sovereign bonds maturing in 2032. The government said last month it would limit its overseas debt issues to just $500 million, or half of its original target, in 2008 and resort to more domestic borrowings to help dampen the rapid appreciation of the peso. The peso, which gained 19 percent last year to become Asia's best performer, hit a fresh 7 1/2year high of 40.55 per dollar at mid-session on Friday before closing at 40.60, firmer than Thursday's close at 40.74.

From http://archive.inquirer.net 01/11/2008

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Gov¡¯t to Levy New Taxes in ¡¯08 to Deal with Financial Crisis

While believers of Chinese astrology and numerology consider 2008 a lucky year, a socio-economic research group said on Tuesday the numbers that show the country¡¯s economic performance in 2007 only hint of another bleak 12 months for most Filipinos. In its yearend report presented on Tuesday, the IBON Foundation Inc. cautioned of a possible ¡°fiscal flare up¡± in 2008 should the government fail to find sustainable solution to its fiscal woes. ¡°The administration was able to buy time in 2007. But 2008, much more than last year, will likely see pent-up pressures soon come to a head,¡± the group said. In a paper entitled ¡°The Economy and the Arroyo Presidency: Buying Time in 2007, Critical Times in 2008,¡± the independent think-tank likewise warned that the government might resort to imposing new tax measures to resolve its worsening financial debacle. Jose Enrique Africa, head of IBON¡¯s research department, said a two percent increase in the current 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) was a possibility.

He said since the administration of former president Corazon Aquino, the government has been using VAT and other forms of indirect taxes as a way of gaining financial stability. ¡°Just like in the past, the easiest way to increase revenues is to increase taxes and VAT is the most favored tax of the government because it¡¯s the easiest to collect and the hardest to avoid,¡± he said in a news briefing. ¡°The burden of collecting VAT falls on the business and not on the government. It is the business establishment which collects the tax from the people. The government, in essence, made the businessmen its collectors,¡± he said. The government might also start exploring other small-scale taxes, Africa said. In fact, he said, the Arroyo government has actually started to look at collecting a common carrier tax on vehicles and the controversial proposed tax on text messaging. ¡°We believe the government would eventually [backpedal] as this is an unpopular option,¡± he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) in an interview. Africa said worsening global conditions, like the ¡°inevitable¡± global economic slowdown in 2008 and the continuing hike in oil price, would further dwarf the efforts of the Arroyo administration in solving its serious financial problems.

He said instead of imposing new taxes, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should start a genuine drive to put an end to graft and corruption which, he said, had drained billions of pesos of people¡¯s money. He noted that estimates made by an international anti-corruption watchdog showed that the government had been losing 20 percent of its annual national budget to corrupt practices of unscrupulous public officials. ¡°If there¡¯s one reason why the government failed in increasing revenues is because it is not sincere in addressing the issue of graft and corruption. The unstoppable graft and corruption is undermining the efforts of the government to increase its revenues,¡± he said. He said while Arroyo repeatedly announced the creation of an anti-corruption task force, she failed to clamp down on unresolved and controversial multi-billion-peso corruption cases like the questionable ZTE broadband deal to which her husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, was linked. Africa said cutting down on military spending and debt servicing would also help in reducing the budget deficit. He said in the proposed P1.227-trillion national budget for 2008, debt servicing amounted to P624 million while the allocation for the military was pegged at more than P1 billion.

From http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/ 01/15/2008

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Public Sector Seen to Post Budget Surplus of P56.8B in '08

MANILA, Philippines -- Efforts of the national government to post a balanced budget, along with the local governments' thrust to shore up revenues, will enable the entire public sector to post a combined budget surplus of P56.8 billion this year, according to the Department of Finance. DOF data showed that this year's consolidated public sector surplus (CPSS) target of P56.8 billion would be equal to, if not better than, last year's figure. In 2007, CPSS stood at P52.7 billion in the nine months to September. The DOF has yet to announce the full-year, 2007 CPSS figure. An indicator of a country's fiscal health, the consolidated public sector budget position is the combined deficits and/or surpluses of the national government, local government units (LGUs), government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), government financial institutions (GFIs), and social security institutions (SSIs).

Since the Asian crisis in the late 1990s, the public sector annually had been posting budget deficits. But in 2006, the public sector finally posted a surplus, amounting to P13.9 billion. The P56.8-billion consolidated public sector surplus targeted for 2008 takes into account the goal of the national government to post a balanced budget. The national government hopes to balance its budget this year, or about a decade after the Asian financial crisis adversely affected tax collection of concerned governments, including that of the Philippines. The Arrroyo administration has committed to balance the national government's budget this year. A balanced budget by the national government is expected to improve the country's credit ratings, which have long been below investment grades.

From http://archive.inquirer.net/ 01/15/2008

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SINGAPORE: Government to Pump in More Money into ComCare Fund

The government will pump in more money into the ComCare Fund ¡ª to help needy Singaporeans cope with rising inflation. The Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Vivian Balakrishnan, announced this on Wednesday when he launched the ComCare Call Centre. He said details would be announced later. The prices of food and necessities have been going up ¡ª leading to inflation hitting a 16¡ªyear high recently. This has caused much concern among Singaporeans, especially the needy. Launching the new ComCare Call Centre ¡ª a first¡ªstop for needy Singaporeans who do not know where to get the required help ¡ª Dr Balakrishnan said the government would continue to provide assistance to them for the tough times ahead. He said: "There continues to be families that need help. And we are committed to making sure they get the help. "We will make more funds available to the grassroots organisations, as well as the VWOs (voluntary welfare organisations) working on the ground, so that they will have these funds available. And it can be deployed in a flexible way to address the needs of the ground."

The 24¡ªhour ComCare Call Centre will help create networks among agencies in the social service sector to provide Singaporeans with better, more comprehensive service. Under Phase One, it will link up with Community Development Councils and Family Service Centres. Yu¡ªFoo Yee Shoon, Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports, said: "(Under) Phase Two, we¡¯re thinking of (linking) all the VWOs, the referral centres, and the local Connect (Centre)... I think that will be a very comprehensive system in Singapore." The third and final phase will establish it as the centre of information for the public to navigate the social service sector. However, the centre will not be a social assistance agency. Singaporeans in¡ªthe¡ªknow should still contact the relevant authorities and those currently being assisted should continue to contact their case workers.

From http://sg.news.yahoo.com 01/10/2008

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VIET NAM: State Bank Forges Inflation Plan

The State Bank of Viet Nam has sent the Government a very detailed plan to balance the supply of goods and money to control inflation, its Governor Nguyen Van Giau has revealed. The central bank was now awaiting final approval of its proposal from Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, he told a news conference in Ha Noi on Tuesday. "The Prime Minister could now be awaiting suggestions from the Consulting Council for Monetary Policy Management," he said. "But he has allowed me to increase total-payment instruments." Stabilising the stock market The governor said the central bank was committed to supply money for the harmonious development of a stable stock market. But the money was not for speculators, he warned. Raising loans with stock as collateral would continue while the bank drafted new regulations. The regulations are likely to formalise the bank¡¯s requirement that the lending be no more than 3 percent of total outstanding loans. The governor did not say when they would be introduced. The governor said the bank would consider thoroughly the time for the Initial Public Offering for the Bank for Investment and Development and the Industrial and Trade Bank to ensure the IPOs were as successful as possible.

A heavy load The central bank is sometimes described as the silk worm that has to carry all the mulberry leaves and its governor called the news conference for a year¡¯s end-review of its day-to-day management of the financial market. The bank¡¯s tasks had been to curb inflation; boost economic growth; stabilise the exchange rate against continually rising commodity prices; the meltdown of the American real-estate market; the depreciation of the US dollar and the higher domestic consumer prices that resulted partially from the impact of natural disasters and diseases. Controlling credit growth The bank had introduced measures to control total-payment instruments and credit growth in an effort to staunch inflation and to establish a common interest rate early last year, the governor said. It had then required commercial banks to double compulsory reserves in the middle of the year and this had unexpectedly fuelled an interest-rate war as banks struggled to maintain market share. The central bank had bought US$7 billion to neutralise the market and widen the interbank daily trading band from +/-0.5 to +/-0.75 per cent as a part of measures to curb rising inflation.

The greenback fell 10.6 per cent against the euro and 14.64 per cent against the Thai baht last year. "We tried to ensure that the dong neither appreciated nor depreciated," the governor said. "I reiterate that this is the policy we will follow." The central bank was a buyer of last resort for US dollars. It would not buy dollars every time, the commercial banks had to do so, but only when there was too much money in circulation. The decision would be based on many factors, not just the amount of reserve currency held by commercial banks. Other countries primarily target monetary management to support economic growth and help curb inflation, the governor said. It had been implied that the central bank do the same. But the exchange rate depended on supply and demand and the central bank believed its management accorded with this rule. "But the economy¡¯s capacity to absorb capital was rather limited and, as a result, the prime minister had ordered the harmonisation of the monetary and exchange-rate policies."

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn 1/11/2008

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Government Issues Bonds to Improve Healthcare

The Health Ministry hopes to raise nearly US$250 million to boost local and provincial hospitals. The Government of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Health (MoH) would issue health bonds in order to mobilise capital for healthcare sector investment in 2008, said Deputy Minister of MoH Nguyen Thi Xuyen. The MoH aims to raise an estimated VND3-4,000 billion (US$187 ¨C 250 million) from bond sales. "The mobilisation of capital, hopefully, will be spent on both local and provincial hospitals at once to reduce patient overload," said Xuyen. According to a recent survey conducted by the MoH and the World Health Organisation, about 2 million patients or 40 per cent of all patients, go straight to central hospitals instead of to district or provincial hospitals for health check-ups and treatment. Bach Mai Hospital, Cancer Hospital K and Viet Duc (Viet Nam - Germany) Hospital are presently on the list of overloaded hospitals, the three exceeding total bed capacity by over 200 per cent. According to professor Nguyen Ba Duc, the director of Cancer Hospital K, his institution was treating a rate of 285 per cent of their capacity and could not find a way to meet the needs of cancer patients without mobilising capital from the private sector.

From private sources, Hospital K mobilised nearly $5 million to equip medical facilities for cancer treatment in 2007. In 2008, the hospital expects to mobilise over $5.3 million more to further modernise facilities and meet patient demand. Two years since the Government¡¯s healthcare socialisation policy began, hospitals have mobilised more than VND2,000 billion (over $125 million) for new facilities. The number is equal to 10 per cent of the total 2007 State budget for the healthcare sector, according to MoH statistics. Lack of professionalism, facilities and staff at the commune and district and even provincial levels had led to many patients heading straight to central hospitals, Xuyen said. The survey says that around 3 per cent of total commune medical stations (equivalent to more than 300 stations) cannot provide adequate healthcare due to sub-par facilities. Half of village and hamlet health staffs are unqualified. In mountainous and remote areas, qualified staff are even rarer, comprising between 28 to 41 per cent of the work force. Presently, the health care system of Viet Nam is divided into 4 levels: commune, district, provincial and central. The highest level includes general hospitals and speciality hospitals in big cities like Ha Noi, HCM City and Da Nang. The second highest level includes provincial hospitals that meet all basic professional health treatment requirements.

"Regional clinics, ministry and sector hospitals, maternity hospitals and particularly remote district hospitals have very low bed occupancy (under 70 per cent)," according to the survey. According to the MoH statistics, there are few doctors willing to work in remote or mountainous areas in the northwest, central Highlands and Cuu Long Delta. The doctor patient ratio is 6:10,000. These doctors account for 20 per cent of the total healthcare human resources. In some areas the percentage is slightly higher: the northern Delta area at 22.6 per cent and the southeast at 20.5 per cent. In some other places the percentages are worse: the northwest at 12.6 per cent and the northern central provinces at 17.6 per cent. With capital mobilised from health bonds, the MoH will invest in and upgrade both human resources and facilities for provincial hospitals. Commune medical stations, especially in mountainous and remote areas, will be given priority to upgrade infrastructure and facilities. Then, the MoH will issue specific regulations for changes at all levels. Xuyen said that central hospitals would be planned and built with extended units in the suburbs of Ha Noi in 2008, with priority given to large and technical projects.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn 01/21/2008

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INDIA: Invests $208 Million in Northeast Education Infrastructure

Agartala, Jan 4 : The central government has launched an ambitious Rs.8.17-billion ($208 million) scheme to develop educational infrastructure in India's eight northeastern states, according to an official report. "Of the Rs.8.166 billion, Rs.6.558 billion have been released so far for various educational projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura," said an official report of the central human resource development (HRD) ministry. The development plans in the northeast are centrally financed on the basis of 90 percent grant and 10 percent loan, the report said. "In addition to that allocation, Rs.520 million was released to five universities located in the states of Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura for setting up of engineering and management faculties." The HRD ministry report said an Indian Institute of Management would be set up in Meghalaya capital Shillong and the state government has agreed to provide 120 acres of land free of cost for the proposed institute. The central government converted the Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura universities into central universities in August 2007 and established a new central university in Sikkim. According to the report, Tripura Engineering College in Agartala has also been upgraded into a National Institute of Technology (NIT) and the HRD ministry will soon convert Manipur Institute of Technology into a NIT. The HRD ministry, with the help of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the northeastern states has launched satellite-based educational facilities in the region aimed at increasing the knowledge base of students. On Aug 14 last year, the satellite-based facility was started in Tripura with the help of the Edusat, a dedicated satellite of the ISRO to beam educational and training programmes in the country.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/04/2008

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CCEA Approves Rs 2.95 Billion for Research in Water Sector

New Delhi, Jan 10 : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today gave its approval for the Plan Scheme "Research and Development Programme in Water Sector" with an outlay of Rs 295 crore (Rs. 2.95 billion) for the Eleventh Plan. The main objective of the scheme is to undertake and promote research activity for addressing challenges in water sector by adopting modern techniques and technology and upgrading the existing facilities. Besides, the scheme envisages to actively involve research institutions of the State Government (such as engineering / irrigation research institutions, water and land management institutes) and various academic institutions and other research centres in water sector. The scheme will be beneficial in development of technology with a view to improve the efficiency of the water resources systems, reduce risk / hazard in water resources projects and adopt economic design of water resources projects, the CCEA release said. It will also help in preparing manuals, guidelines and updation of BIS Codes in the light of research findings.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/10/2008

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PAKISTAN: Lowering Inflation, Maintaining Growth Task for New Govt: IMF

ISLAMABAD: The key policy challenge facing the government emerging from the forthcoming electoral process in Pakistan would be lowering inflation, maintaining high economic growth momentum of recent years and placing external current account deficit on a downward trajectory. Abbas Mirakhor, IMF executive director for Pakistan and Dayri Mohammed, alternate executive director, observed this in the IMF Country Report on Pakistan, released on Friday. ¡°Meeting this challenge will require a steady pursuit of prudent macroeconomic policies and structural reforms for raising both savings and investment through increasing government revenue, strengthening public financial management, formulating and implementing sound monetary policy, deepening domestic financial markets, and further improving the investment climate,¡± the report said. It said that the ultimate aim of these reforms remained acceleration of growth, strengthening further the gains from poverty alleviation efforts and significant improvement in living conditions of the Pakistani population at large. Against the backdrop of intense domestic political activities in the run-up to the elections, the IMF report noted that the downside risks stemmed from the impact of the global rise in both oil and food prices (including wheat, palm oil, and soybean), which, together, constitute an important component of the country¡¯s imports and CPI basket. The IMF observed that these risks were expected to be mitigated, not only because the economy had shown a remarkable resilience, but because all political players competing in the upcoming elections had made commitment to staying the course of prudent policies and structural reforms that contributed to past good performance. The report says that growth in the current year is expected to continue at the same brisk pace, including from buoyant activity in the large-scale manufacturing, construction and service sectors despite intense regional tensions, domestic political challenges, external shocks and setbacks to two major crops, cotton and rice.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 01/19/2008

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Telecom Sector Receives $363.9 Million FDI in First Quarter

ISLAMABAD (January 20 2008): The telecom sector has received $363.9 million foreign direct investment in the first quarter of current fiscal year, which is 37.71 percent of the total foreign resources pumped into Pakistan's economy, revealed telecom economic indicators released by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. The indicators updated by PTA on January 17 showed that Pakistan received a total FDI of $962.5 million during July-September 2007 including $363.9 million solely for telecom sector. It said that during 2005-06, telecom sector received over $1.824 billion FDI and emerged as main sector of the economy with 35.60 percent share in the total FDI. Telecom sector is keeping up the trend of largest FDI recipient in Pakistan during the last few years following its liberalisation of the sector, which made it attractive for many global telecom giants to invest in Pakistan. The data showed that both the cellular and WLL operators have been investing to expand their networks visualising the market potential. According to PTA, total numbers of cellular users have crossed 76 million in December 2007, from half a million in 2004, which is 48 per cent of the total population. The wireless phones have also shown a phenomenal growth in recent years with all the telecom companies investing to expand their networks and attracting more and more subscribers.

The total users of wireless phones have increased to 2,123,179 in December 2007 from 265,028 in 2005. Analysts say it is expected that this upward trend of investment may continue in the next five years because of large market potential, particularly the rural areas where operators have to roll out their network. Telecom indicators released by the PTA in December 2007 showed over 76,604,582 mobile users are receiving services from five operators, Mobilink, Ufone, Paktel, Telenor and Warid while the license of sixth operator, Instaphone, was cancelled due to non payment of fee. Mobile companies have been registering phenomenal growth with more and more people subscribing their services. This is also evident from the data which shows seven per cent growth in teledensity in first half of ongoing fiscal. The mobile teledensity have increased to 58.42 per cent in December 2007 from 41.51 per cent in July 2007. Statistics showed that Mobilink subscribers have increased to 30,660,000 in December 2007, Ufone 16,161,936, Paktel, 980,587, Telenor's 14,596,382 and Warid with 13,205,677 users.

From http://www.brecorder.com/ 01/20/2008

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Current Account Deficit Swells to 31 Percent to Over $6 Billion

KARACHI (January 26 2008): Pakistan's current account deficit has jumped up by 31 percent to over $6 billion during the first half of current fiscal year, mainly due to rising trade services and income deficit, besides huge payments of interest on account of Euro Bond and loans. Economists said that trade, services and income deficits were increasing at a fast pace, contributing to the widening of current account deficit. "Despite the several step taken by the government for the promotion of exports, the country has failed to boost exports, while increase in imports is also having negative impact on the current account deficit", they said. Officials statistics showed on Wednesday that the current account deficit has crossed $6 billion mark during the July-December period of current fiscal year 2008. The country has faced $6.138 billion current account deficit as against $4.679 billion during the same period of last fiscal year, depicting an increased of $1.459 billion. Statistics show that for the last two months it once again shot up and increased by some $2.16 billion in November-December 2007. Payments of interest and dividends contributed major role, which rose by 69 percent, to $1.09 billion as compared to $645 million during corresponding period of last fiscal year. "This is the third consecutive year that the country has been missing its exports target, while imports are continuously in upward move. Therefore, the current account deficit is on the rise and is expected to reach $11 billion by the end of the fiscal year", economists said. Trade deficit has increased by $1 billion to $6.396 billion, services deficit was up by $723 million to 2.531 billion dollars, and income deficit widened by $830 million to 3.281 billion dollars. The overall deficit of income, trade and services has been calculated to $11.581 billion as against the current transfers of 5.531billion dollars. Economists said that Pakistan has issued Eurobond in the international market and during December the interest payments of these bonds has been also made. The country's altogether income from abroad stood at $881 million as compared to payments of $2.812 billion during July-December. In addition, services sector imports reached at 4.67 billion dollar against the exports of 1.39 billion dollars.

From http://www.brecorder.com/ 01/26/2008

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AZERBAIJAN: Government Approves Revised Text of VAT-Free Imports

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a new text of VAT-free imports. According to the State Customs Committee, the list includes baby food, aluminum ores and concentrates, electricity and pharmaceuticals excluding items 3005, 3006, 400000, 3006 500000, and fertilizers, fireworks used for military purposes, other pyrotechnics, mixed convoys used in hemodialysis, newsprint paper, books, newspapers and magazines, stamps, stamp duty, or the current brand new release, stamp paper, cheque-books, banknotes, stock, wind power gears, wheelchairs for the disabled, prostheses, hearing aids, pacemakers, parts and accessories, as well as goods of 9301, 9302 00, 9305, 9306. The decision will come in force from January 15.

From http://www.today.az/ 01/08/2008

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IRAN: Unhcr Appeals for Funds for Iraqi Refugee Programs

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on January 8 announced the launch of an appeal for $261 million to fund its 2008 operations aiding Iraq's refugees and displaced. Chief UNHCR spokesman Ron Redman said the appeal will cover programs serving the 2.2 million internally displaced Iraqis as well as 2 million refugees in neighboring countries. The UNHCR also provides assistance to some 41,000 non-Iraqi refugees in Iraq, including Palestinians, Iranians, Turks, and others, Redmond said. He noted that the UNHCR has nearly 350 staff directly engaged in operations in Iraq and the region. The refugee agency has registered more than 220,000 Iraqis in neighboring states, and provides health assistance to some 210,000. Educational support for Iraqi refugees in Syria, Jordan, and other countries has allowed 100,000 Iraqi children to attend school. The 2008 appeal will help fund the schooling of an additional 100,000 Iraqi children this year. KR

From http://www.rferl.org/ 01/09/2008

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Tax Revenues Improve

Tax revenues accounted for about 45 percent of the government¡¯s current expenditures during March 21-October 22 2007, showing an increase of seven percent compared the figure for the corresponding period in 2006 which was 37.9 percent. According to CBI, reducing dependence on oil revenues led to an increase in the share of taxes in the budget for the year to March 21, 2007, IRNA reported. It said that the use of tax revenues for budgeting purposes is among the significant characteristic of an efficient government. It noted that Fourth Five-Year Economic Development Plan (March 2005-2010) has stipulated that the ratio of tax revenues to gross domestic products should hit eight percent by the year to March 2010, adding that given the measures taken by the government, the target seems likely to be materialized.

Head of the State Taxation Organization Ali-Akbar Arab-Mazar said earlier that the government earned 110,000 billion rials in tax revenues during March 21-December 21, 2007 which was 106 percent of the target set for the period. Speaking on the sideline of the first conference on sound administrative performance of taxation system, he hoped that the total tax revenues would be fully materialized in the current year. The official added that the organization will continue implementing the comprehensive tax plan. ¡°Value-added taxation system (VAT) would come into effect from September 23, 2008,¡° he said. According to the Note A of the Article 2 of the Fourth Economic Development Plan, the entire funds for the government¡¯s current expenditure should be met from tax earnings and other non-oil sources by the end of Fourth Plan.

From http://www.iran-daily.com/ 01/22/2008

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KYRGYZSTAN: National Bank Establishes New Deposit Protection

In a report to the Kyrgyz parliament's Economy, Budget and Finance Committee, National Bank Deputy Chairman Abdygan Suerkul confirmed on January 16 that a new system of deposit insurance has been created to help protect banking consumers, AKIpress reported. The National Bank set up a special "fund for the protection of bank deposits" in coordination with parliament that is comprised of an initial $97 million in financing and is to be supplemented by subsequent contributions by commercial banking institutions. Opposition deputy and committee member Osmon Artykbaev explained that the new fund will "enhance the credibility" of the banking sector and will offer consumers new security by guaranteeing their deposits in the event of a banking crisis or an institution's bankruptcy. RG

From http://www.rferl.org/ 01/18/2008

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UZBEKISTAN: New Capital Requirements for Insurance Companies Enter into Force

New requirements on minimum size of the equity capital of insurance companies entered into force in Uzbekistan as of 1 January 2008. The new requirements were spelled out in the Regulation "On professional participants of the insurance market" approved by the Presidential resolution No. 618 "On measures on further reformation and development of the insurance services market" of 10 April 2007. Thus, the minimum size of the equity capital for insurance companies operating in the segment of general insurance has been set at US$500,000 or its equivalent, for companies operating in the segment of life insurance ¨C at US$750,000, for those operating in the segment of mandatory insurance ¨C at US$1 million, and for those operating in the segment of reinsurance only ¨C at US$3 million. It is worth reminding that according to the existing insurance legislation, at least 90% of the capital of insurance companies has to be contributed in the form of monetary assets. The use of funds borrowed for collateral or other borrowed funds for the formation of equity capital is prohibited.

The initial equity capital of an insurance company should be formed by the founders by the time the entity receives a license and should not be less than the minimum size specified by the legislation. Prior to the entering into force of the abovementioned new requirements, the insurance market of Uzbekistan had been represented by 27 insurance companies, including one reinsurance company. Of them 17 insurance companies had the right to provide mandatory insurance services. The research carried out by the Financial Analysis and Rating Department of the SAIPRO Company indicates that 8 insurance companies in the segment of general insurance - Inter-Tesko, Kafil Sugurta, Parvina Sugurta, UVT Inshurans, Asko-Vostok, Unipolis, Temir Yollari Sugurta, AJSK ¨C and Uzbekinvest Hayot (operating in the segment of life insurance) have taken measures to meet the new requirements. Apart from this, five insurance companies - Transinsurance Plus, Alfa Invest, Standard Insurance Group, Toshkent Sugurta, and Universal Sugurta providing mandatory insurance services also had to take measures to increase their capitals in order to continue to provide them

In accordance with the abovementioned requirements, six insurance companies - Inter-Tesko, Kafil Sugurta, UVT Inshurans, Asko-Vostok, Temir Yollari Sugurta, AJSK ¨C have increase the sizes of their equity capitals to correspond to the requirements set in the segment of general insurance, and one and only life insurance company ¨C UzbekInvest Hayot has also increase the size of its equity capital to correspond to the requirements established in the segment of life insurance. Also, four insurance companies, Transinsurance plus, Alfa Invest, Standard Insurance Group, Toshkent Sugurta implemented measures aimed at meeting the new requirements on mandatory insurance. On 3 January, the Ministry of Finance of Uzbekistan suspended for 10 days the licenses of the Unipolis and Parvina Sugurta companies, because they did not meet the new minimum capital requirements for the companies operating in the segment of general insurance.

Moreover, starting 3 January 2008 the Ministry of Finance also suspended for 10 days the license of Universal Sugurta Company, as this company having the license to provide mandatory insurance services, did not meet the capital requirements set for companies providing this sort of services. Nevertheless, the abovementioned companies have made statements claiming that within 10 days all the necessary measures would be taken to eliminate the conditions that caused the suspension of the licenses. According to the existing legislation, if these shortcomings that led to the suspension of the licenses are not eliminated by the insurance companies within the time period allowed, the licensing agency will have to turn to the courts for subsequent revocation of the licenses of these companies. Thus according to the Law "On licensing of certain types of activity" and the Law "On insurance activity" the licensing agency can suspend the validity of the license for the period of no more than 10 working days, and the court ¨C for the period of not longer than 10 working days; and the revocation of the license is conducted according to appropriate judicial procedure.

From http://insurance.uzreport.com/ 01/04/2008

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UZBEKISTAN: Income Tax Rate Reduced for Commercial Banks

Starting 2008 the new tax rate for commercial banks has been set at 15% against 17% in 2007. For the enterprises of the services sphere, the benefit the reduction of the rate by 10% compared to the established rate depending on the volume of services provided and paid for by plastic cards has been kept. For the exporter enterprises the regressive scale of taxation depending on the share of the exported goods produced by the enterprise itself and sold for hard currency in the total amount of sales is also kept. If the share of exported goods is within the range of 15-30% of the total sales the established tax rate is reduced by 30%. If the exports make up 30% or above the tax rate is reduced by 50%. The tax on profits paid in the form of dividends and interests to the residents of Uzbekistan is kept at 10%.

From http://finance.uzreport.com/ 01/21/2008s

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AUSTRALIA: PM to Continue Public Service Cuts Despite $3b Windfall

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says a $3 billion windfall inherited from the Howard government will not stop his government making massive savings within the federal bureaucracy. It has been reported significant underspending by the former government has left the new government with an unexpected $3 billion in the kitty. But Mr Rudd says his razor gang to slash $10 billion from the public service will still go ahead. "That task is underway," he said. "We intend to deliver on that so that we can produce a robust budget surplus in the upcoming federal Budget. "That is absolutely critical to fighting an effective war against inflation. "And why we must fight a war against [inflation] is it's the enemy of every working family in this country."

From http://www.abc.net.au 01/17/2008

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Australia's `Substantial' Surplus to Ease Inflation, Rudd Says

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the government would produce a ``substantial'' budget surplus to ease inflation and make the Reserve Bank of Australia's job ``easier.'' He made the comments to the Nine Network's Today Show. The Reserve Bank of Australia's measure of underlying inflation, which excludes the largest price fluctuations, surged 3.8 percent in the fourth quarter from a year earlier. The headline consumer price index rose 0.9 percent from the third quarter and 3 percent on the year, a report in Sydney showed Jan. 23. The central bank, which meets Feb. 5, aims to keep annual inflation between 2 percent and 3 percent.

From http://www.bloomberg.com 01/25/2008

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Australian PM Rudd Promises to Deliver Tax Cuts of A$31 Bln s

The Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd promised on Friday, that his government would deliver his election promise of tax cuts of about A$31 billion, stating that it would be wrong to walk away from those commitments. He also justified that the non-tax commitments were very modest compared to those of the previous government. Rudd said that his government's plans to achieve a budget surplus of A$18 billion and other measures to establish bodies such as Skills Australia and Infrastructure Australia will supplement the policy moves of the central bank in fighting inflation. He said the Finance Ministry is currently "engaged in a razor gang exercise against all unnecessary expenditure in the Government." On Monday, Rudd unveiled a five - point plan to fight inflation. He said fiscal restrain will be the core of the plan, with his government setting a new budget surplus target of about A$18 billion, which will be 1.5% of GDP in 2008. Other elements of the five-point plan include incentives to encourage private savings, ways to tackle shortage of skilled labor and infrastructure bottlenecks and programs to help people re-enter the workforce. The prime minister said Tuesday, that he would also consider making changes to Australia's migration policy to help solve the skills shortage affecting the economy.

From http://www.nasdaq.com 01/27/2008

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NEW ZEALAND: More Money for Disability Sector

Funding for residential care in the disability sector will increase by $26 million this year, making claims of a funding freeze totally inaccurate. This increase is part of an additional $76 million that has been put into providing residential care services since 2004, Minister of Health David Cunliffe said. In this financial year $338 million is targeted for residential care. ¡°Recent increases in costs have been driven by a needs re-assessment process that proactively seeks to ensure that every client has what they need. As an interim measure, per unit care costs have been stabilised to manage within budget. ¡°This Government is committed to ensuring meeting client needs rather than a one size fits all approach. We are working with providers to get the very best value for this Government¡¯s increased investment in residential care.¡± He said while cost of living adjustments have been postponed until early 2008 providers had received more money through the revaluation of individual client needs. ¡°Providers are still receiving increases however these increases have come from looking at meeting the needs of clients rather than through a general increment increase.¡± Mr Cunliffe said it was also important to note that funding continues to be available for services for any new clients. ¡°This Government understands the need for people living with disabilities and their families to have access to a well resourced service that takes into account the needs of individuals.¡± Mr Cunliffe also dismissed the National Party¡¯s claims about bureaucracy. ¡°Under this Labour-led Government nursing numbers have risen by 4000, doctors by 1200 and physiotherapists, pharmacists and other allied health professionals by 600.¡± ¡°Mr Ryall¡¯s latest outburst about an army of bureaucrats running health is a repeat of his most tired clich¨¦. It is a dishonest attempt to create a perception that National will ¡®fix¡¯ something, when the opposite is true ¨C they are hell-bent on breaking good public health services. ¡°Last September they revealed their true colours when they ¡®forgot¡¯ to tell people they will let the market decide what health advice is worth.¡± ¡°The reality is under this Government more money is going into health and that money has increased wages, reduced the cost of seeing a GP, reduced the cost of prescriptions and increased elective surgery.¡±

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ 01/09/2008

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Managing Globalization: World Bank Can Assist the Private Sector

¡°Readers of Daniel Altman¡¯s Managing Globalization IHT blog were recently asked to submit questions for Robert Zoellick, the President of the World Bank. Here are excerpts from their questions and his answers.
Question: I live in a country with dire discrepancies across its territory in terms of infrastructure, access to water, energy and health care. Can you elaborate on the World Bank experience in assisting governments and leaders that you think display a blatant lack of strategy, let alone vision? And if it is the policy of the World Bank to deal only with government and not criticize them, can you say it is a viable credible institution in a networked economy? Answer: Under our international legal charter, the World Bank Group works with governments and is owned by governments. Unless governments have ownership of reforms and projects supported by the Bank, they will not implement them effectively. Yet we can also work with the private sector. The World Bank Group¡¯s private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), provides equity and loan financing, as well as technical assistance to private investors in our client countries. ¡­Perhaps the best way to consider how the World Bank Group can help is to see it as offering three complementary services: (i) providing learning and knowledge based on experience from around the globe (a ¡°brain trust¡± of development experience); (ii) based on this learning, we help develop markets and support institutions so the benefits of the work will extend beyond individual projects; and (iii) providing finance to spur these activities. We customize the mix of these services according to countries¡¯ individual situations and preferences. We need a constructive two-way dialogue with our partners. We provide advice based on our global experience, testing and technical reviews. But we also need to listen to views from governments and citizens in client countries, so we learn their priorities, constraints and experiences. We do speak up when we have concerns or perceive mistakes or things going wrong. Yet, to be effective, we need to try to work with countries as partners while being candid and sharing concerns, especially where we see problems of poor governance or corruption. At some point, we may need to revisit our engagement with a particular government or in some sectors of a particular country. We try, however, to consider ways to keep helping the poor and disadvantaged, or position ourselves to do so in the future, so as not to add to their sufferings.

Question: Citizens in developing countries are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate changes now in progress on a global scale. The changes in the weather patterns, from droughts to flooding, will affect the poorest in those countries. How is the World Bank dealing with the phenomenon of unprecedented climate change in its poverty reduction strategy, if at all? Rita Chang - Hong Kong Answer: you are correct¡­poor countries are much more likely to be affected by droughts, poor crop yields, floods, hurricanes and wind storms ¨C likely consequences of climate change¡­.Climate change is not only an immense environmental threat; it is a core development and economic challenge. This is why at the recent Bali conference on climate change, I outlined how the World Bank Group can support developing countries as they combine growth and development with protection of the environment. ¡­First, by integrating climate change adaptation and mitigation into core development work¡­. Second, we can help by providing innovative and below-market rate financing to promote investments both in low-carbon and adaptation projects. We already do this through the Global Environment Facility and Carbon Finance¡­Third, we will pioneer and advance new market and trading mechanisms, such as for carbon trading. Fourth, recognizing the vital importance of new technologies that can generate energy while limiting the impact on climate, we are working with partners on new financing and incentives schemes to facilitate technology deployment and transfer to developing countries¡­. Fifth, the sums involved are too large to handle with public funds, so we need to encourage policy changes to help create an enabling environment to tap resources from the private sector. IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, can help spur these investments¡­.Sixth, we will work with developing countries to support policy research on climate change and development to help share information and tools for analyzing the impacts and developing cost-effective strategies¡­Finally, if we are able to advance these six activities, we should have the experience and knowledge to play a supportive role to the UN and the negotiating partners as they develop a new climate change agreement.

From The International Herald Tribune 01/18/2008

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CHINA: Development of Private Foundations for Social Welfare Encouraged

China will continue to encourage sound development of private foundations to channel more spending into public welfare, said Li Xueju, minister of civil affairs here on Thursday. "We should implement tax preferences for these charity organizations," he said. "We will also draw up policies to guarantee the social welfare of the staff of these charity groups." In China, foundations are divided into two types: public foundations, which can raise funds from the public, and private foundations, which may not take public donations but rely entirely on funding from individuals or organizations. In recent years, private foundations have expanded quickly. By the end of 2006, China had 795 public foundations, up 3.1 percent year-on-year and 349 private foundations, up 71.1 percent year-on year. Further, the number of private foundations has exceeded that of public ones in Beijing, Tianjin, Jiangsu, Gansu, Fujian and Hainan.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 12/27/2007

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NGOs to Provide Social Services

Six of Shenzhen's district governments signed letters of intent on Wednesday to outsource social services to nine non-governmental organizations (NGOs), making it the second pilot city, after Shanghai, to set up such a system. According to the agreements between the parties, local governments will pay 60,000 yuan ($8,200) a year to each of the 427 social service workers from the NGOs. The money will cover their wages and welfare as well as their organizations' operational costs. Qiu Zhankai, vice-director of Shenzhen's civil affairs bureau, said: "These workers will operate in several areas, including judicial departments, associations for the disabled, schools, civil affairs departments, women's federations, family planning agents and trade unions." Most of the NGO workers are expected to take part in the program are recent graduates with degrees in social services. They will formally become social workers after passing the first national qualification examination for the profession in June. The idea of social services is still new to China. Li Ming, vice-mayor of Shenzhen, said: "We have achieved great success in economic development, but efforts to improve social conditions are lagging. "Social services are increasingly seen as an efficient way to solve people's problems." The NGO workers will undergo six months' probation to see how they perform, while the government collects feedback from the people and agencies they serve, Li said.

From China Daily 01/11/2008

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'Private Banking' a Buzzword

China's sizzling economy has created millionaires out of many entrepreneurs, and the growing number of nouveau riche has made "private banking" a buzzword in the financial industry. Overseas and domestic banks are accelerating their plans to penetrate the infant but potential market. Bank Sarasin & Co Ltd, a Swiss private bank set up in 1841, is one of the players which are closely watching the development of the Chinese mainland's embryonic private banking market. "Needless to say, China is a very interesting market. The opportunity is there," said Fidelis M. Goetz, head of division international of Bank Sarasin. "I am very positive that sooner or later we will be an active player in the market." Asia is an important element in Bank Sarasin's growth strategy. The Swiss bank has operations in Hong Kong and Singapore. Goetz was in Shanghai over the weekend to witness the Swiss bank signing an agreement with Shanghai Art Museum to be a sponsor for the Shanghai Biennale for a decade. "The sun rises in the east" is frequently quoted in the wealth management industry as the growing opportunities are in Asia, the Middle East and the Eastern Europe. The Chinese mainland was home to 345,000 people with a net worth of at least US$1 million in 2006, up from 320,000 in 2005, according to a report by Capgemini SA and Merrill Lynch & Co. To tap the high net worth individuals, Chinese banks such as Bank of China, China CITIC Bank and China Merchants Bank have set up their private banking business. Although Chinese banks have their advantage like a sprawling network and brand recognition, Goetz noted that China still suffers from a lack of qualified private bankers. "They (Chinese banks) are not there yet but they are learning fast, and they are trying to get their know-how in one way or another," he said. His advice to his "friendly competitors" is not to focus on what competitors do but to listen to what clients want, he said.

From Shanghai Daily 01/14/2008

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JAPAN: Private Universities' Asset Management Seen as Poor

Private universities in the nation earned a total of 147 billion yen, or just 2.7 percent of total revenue, through asset management last fiscal year, according to a new survey. The level of such funds significantly lags behind private universities in the United States, and there are concerns that the gap in financial resources for attracting talented students and researchers between Japanese and U.S. universities could lead to a further discrepancy in the competitiveness of Japanese universities. The survey, conducted by the Promotion and Mutual Aid Corporation for Private Schools of Japan, looked at the closing accounts of 516 corporations that run four-year universities. The assets totaled 8.95 trillion yen, with an average return of 1.6 percent. A survey of private U.S. universities found six institutions that each had more than 1 trillion yen in asset-managed funds. These included Harvard University with 3.8 trillion yen, Yale University with 2.5 trillion yen and Stanford University with 1.9 trillion yen. These universities also managed to earn profits of between 18 percent and 28 percent annually through asset management by using financial engineering and investment funds, including derivatives and hedge funds. Waseda University, in contrast, has 70 billion yen managed through investments, such as bonds, and are made from revenues earned by lectures from alumni who used to work for financial institutions. Waseda plans to spend 3 billion yen from profits on scholarships this fiscal year. "We don't have much appraisal loss on securities holdings, and we can't help but be conservative in our asset management. We lag behind the United States by 20 or 30 years," Tatsuo Ode, who is in charge of Waseda's funds management, said. For national universities, the types of assets are more restricted and fund management is limited to deposits, national bonds and others.

From The Yomiuri Shimbun 01/10/2008

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Takenaka Calls for Structural Reforms to Boost Nikkei

Japan will keep failing to attract investors to its stock market unless Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda carries out extensive structural reforms, said Heizo Takenaka, a former Cabinet minister and the key financial reform architect under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. Professor Heizo Takenaka is interviewed Tuesday at Keio University in Minato Ward, Tokyo. "If Japan carries out reforms, it will be reflected in the stock market. If not, the status quo will continue," Takenaka said in a recent interview, alarmed at the recent plunge in the Nikkei average. According to a report by Standard & Poor's, Japanese stock indexes fell 6.55 percent in 2007, making Japan the second-worst performer among the 52 countries the firm surveyed. Meanwhile, Indian stock indexes soared 78.98 percent and Chinese stocks surged 66.91 percent. The U.S. stock index edged up to record a 4.02 percent gain despite the subprime mortgage crisis. Takenaka, an economics professor at Keio University in Tokyo, did not outline any specific reform plans but said Fukuda must disclose his reform plans when he attends the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, later this month. "Fukuda should clearly show his stance that Japan must play a leading role in environmental issues and then send a message to the world about Japan's reform plans," he said. In 2003, Takenaka forced banks to write off their mounting bad loans. In 2005, he served in the Koizumi Cabinet as the minister charged with pushing for privatization of the postal system, whose deposits and insurance arms are among the biggest financial entities in the world. He noted how the Nikkei average rose 42 percent in 2005, spurred by strong expectations for reforms based on a pledge to carry out the postal privatization. Takenaka meanwhile laid the recent loss of investor interest in Japanese stocks on the nation's slow economic growth.

The government recently cut its forecast for economic growth to 1.3 percent from 2.0 percent. "Investors are wondering whether the Japanese government is handling the economy responsibly. Their concerns are increasing. It cannot be explained only by the introduction of stricter housing regulations," he said, referring to the fall in housing starts that has been blamed in part on the more stringent rules introduced last June for obtaining building permits. The new regulations were introduced in response to revelations in 2005 that a prominent architect had been fabricating quake resistance data. Also, given the current state of the economy, he said, the government should not raise the consumption tax. Instead, the government should cut spending, he said, pointing out there are targets to trim, including subsidies for government-affiliated agencies. "If the government increases taxes, and then if the economy worsens, a distrust toward the government will surface," Takenaka said. Discussions on raising the levy have been heating up since late last year, countering growing calls among Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers for raising the tax. The LDP's financial reform study group, for example, headed by Lower House member Kaoru Yosano, said in November that the 5 percent consumption tax needs to be raised to around 10 percent in the middle of the next decade to finance swelling social security costs. Takenaka said that under the current pace of economic growth, tax revenues will not increase. "Even if Japan increases the consumption tax, its fiscal condition will not improve," he said. Takenaka also criticized the Bank of Japan for looking for opportunities to raise interest rates even though the nation has yet to overcome deflation. "It is stupid to talk about raising or cutting interest rates at the moment. First, Japan should overcome deflation, and we should wait until consumer prices rise 1 or 2 percent. Then Japan should start discussing a rate hike. "The biggest problem is that, unlike other countries, Japan does not have a policy goal or an inflation target," he said.

From http://search.japantimes.co.jp/ 01/17/2008

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DBJ Set to Double Profit Before Privatization

TOKYO ¡ª The Development Bank of Japan said Friday it will seek to double its net profit from core operations within several years as part of preparations for privatization. While the DBJ is scheduled to be privatized in fiscal 2013 to 2015, it hopes to chalk up 140 billion yen in the annual profit during the period, double a figure projected for fiscal 2007 ending March 31, according to a business plan announced by the bank the same day.

From http://www.japantoday.com/ 01/19/2008

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PHILIPPINES: Privatization Revenue Goal Jacked Up

The government has raised its target revenue from privatization this year by about P19 billion from what was originally programmed. The additional revenue target was meant to offset the cut in the collection goal of the Bureau of Customs for the year. From P29.56 billion, the government now intends to generate P48.5 billion from the sale of state-owned assets. The assets lined up for privatization this year include the property of the Food Terminals Inc. in Taguig, the government's 12-percent stake in Manila Electric Co., its real property in Fujimi, Japan, and other smaller pieces of land. Earlier, the Department of Finance said it wanted to go slow on privatization to re-focus revenue generation efforts on the collection of taxes and duties, thus the low privatization revenue target of only P29.56 billion. The original target for 2008 was much lower than the P90 billion raised from asset sale in 2007. In 2007, the state-owned assets sold were stakes in PNOC-Energy Development Corp., Philippine Telecommunications Investments Corp., Philippine National Bank, and the old Iloilo airport property.

Finance officials said the cut in the Bureau of Customs' target for 2008, from P254 billion to P235.6 billion, had to be covered to enable the government to meet its expenditure requirement during the year. The government also did not want to slash its total revenue target of P1.236 trillion as it wanted to post a balanced budget this year. The cut in the BOC's target followed the government's move to revise its peso-dollar forecast for 2008 from the original range of 47-49 to $1 to 42-45 to a dollar. The government said the original foreign exchange forecast was outdated given the strong performance of the peso this year. The currency recently broke into the 41-to-a-US dollar territory to hit its highest level in seven-and-a-half years. The strong peso was attributed to higher dollar inflows in the form of remittances from overseas Filipino workers and foreign investments. The BOC had complained that its original 2008 target was too high considering that it was losing P2.7 billion in potential revenue for every one unit of appreciation of the peso against the US dollar. The duties and taxes charged by the BOC on imports are based on the peso value of the imported goods. The appreciation of the peso means less peso tax collection for every dollar worth of imports. The Bureau of Internal Revenue is the other major contributor to the state coffers. The government also earns from the fees and charges imposed by other government offices and the dividends contributed by state-owned firms.

From http://archive.inquirer.net/ 01/01/2008

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VIET NAM: Government Okays Yet Another Private Airline

The Government has agreed in principle to set up one more private airline Phu Quoc Air, the Civil Aviation Administration of Viet Nam said. Lai Xuan Thanh, deputy head of the administration, said the Government¡¯s acceptance had been announced in accordance with plans to further develop the nation¡¯s aviation sector. However, the administration had not yet received formal permission to set up the private airlines, Thanh said. If Phu Quoc Air gets its licence, it would be the second private airline in Viet Nam. Vietjet Air, the first private carrier in Viet Nam, received its operating licence in December 2007. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung had already approved the establishment of Vietjet Air. It has a legal capital of VND600 billion (US$37.5 million) and aims to operate within the country and abroad. It is expected that Vietjet Air will officially launch its first flight this November with two Airbus 320 planes and three additional planes slotted for the upcoming five years. The Government requires that an airline have a total capital of at least VND200 billion ($12.5 million) for operating domestic flights and VND500 billion ($$31.25) for international flights. The Government also has many other requirements concerning airline safety and security. Viet Nam currently has four airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, VASCO and Vietjet Air.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn 01/11/2008

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Private Pre-Schools Are the Rage

Demand for private pre-schools in Viet Nam is higher than ever and the Government has to do more to control and support it, according to deputy director of HCM City¡¯s Education and Training Department Le Thi Hong Lien. "The recent scandal involving an unlicensed nanny in southern Bien Hoa City who beat seven children under her care highlights the dangers private pre-schools can pose," Lien said. Private centres account for 10-15 per cent of all pre-schools in the country and the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) can¡¯t possibly supervise them all, deputy head of the Pre-school Education Department Nguyen Thi Hop said. Instead, responsibility is handed down to Communal People¡¯s Committees, who are assigned the task of granting licences to private nurseries as long as facilities meet requirements. Poor management can lead to a massive gulf between the quality of public and private pre-schools, deputy director Lien said.

"Public pre-schools are usually well-equipped while a lot of private ones can be cramped, dirty, dark and even pose a risk to health." So why do parents send their kids to these centres? According to Lien, public centres receive money from the State budget, which accounts for around 8 per cent of the total amount spent. on education, but numbers are limited and fees are generally quite high because only qualified nannies are hired. "In private pre-schools monthly fees are between VND200,000 and 300,000 (US$12.5-18.8) while meals cost between VND5,000-10,000 ($0.3-0.6)." Added to this is the fact that many public pre-schools do not have very flexible opening times so employees with antisocial working hours miss out. "Equal education for private and public pre-school children can only be brought about with Government support for both sides," Lien said.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/ 01/18/2008

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BANGLADESH: ADB to Extend Support to Power, Energy Sectors

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 25 (UNB): Asian Development Bank (ADB) President H Kuroda Thursday assured of the Bank's continued support to Bangladesh for its infrastructure and power and energy sector development. He appreciated the performance of the caretaker government for its various reforms in political, administrative and economic sectors. The ADB President's appreciation came during a courtesy call on Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed at Congress Center on the sidelines of the world economic forum meeting. "I'm greatly impressed with your government's performance, particularly the reforms brought about in governance and economic sectors," he said. Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, CA's Press secretary Syed Fahim Munaim and Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Debapriya Bhattachrya were present at the meeting. The Chief Adviser sought ADB's support for the construction of the proposed Padma Bridge as well as cooperation in the power and energy sectors. The ADB chief said they would look into it and expressed the hope that big countries will also come forward to finance these sectors. Fakhruddin apprised the ADB chief of the political and economic situation that led the incumbent government to assume office one year ago. He also mentioned reforms of the Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, Public Service Commission, University Grant Commission and separation of the judiciary as well as strengthening the local government institutions. He said the government is also going to set up Human Rights Commission in the country. The Chief Adviser said the revamped institutions after reforms and reformed political parties would help govern Bangladesh more effectively for the betterment of the people. He reiterated that the elections would be held by December this year and the Election Commission is reforming its rules and regulations through dialogue with political parties, and preparing the voter list with photographs to hold a credible election in the country.

From http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/ 01/25/2008

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INDIA: Govt Approves Raising Money Through IPO for RITES

New Delhi, Jan 10 : The Union Government today gave its approval for raising fresh equity through IPO (initial public offer) of ten million shares (face value of Rs.10 each) for RITES, a company under the Indian Railways. After the IPO, paid up equity of RITES Ltd will rise from Rs. 40 million to Rs. 50 million and the Government's holding in the company will be reduced to 72 percent. RITES Ltd. has entered in newly emerging business of concession of existing railway lines, build-operate-transfer (BOT) of rail and infrastructure project, leasing of rail equipment. The IPO will facilitate raising funds for investment for these projects.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/10/2008

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Private Partnership in Defence to Bear Better Products: Rao Inderjit Singh

By PANKAJ YADAV, New Delhi, Jan 18: Private partnership in defence production is being encouraged for bringing about healthy competition, which would subsequently result in better products for the defence forces, said Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh, in an exclusive interview with ANI today. He said that now India was a big importer of defence technology, but in another ten years it would become an exporter of defence technology, especially in the neighbourhood. There was considerable interest in the missiles being manufactured in India. He said there was a need of change in the existing model of defence production. Instead of taking a decision and making a product at the top level and then passing it on to the developing agencies, India should adopt foreign countries' model wherein private players offer different products to the defence forces, who, in turn, choose the best one. "This is what I am trying to do in India. We must have a large base for the pyramid where we have a wide range of defence products and only the best ones get to reach to the defence ministry. As a defence production minister I have tried to broaden the base of the pyramid," said Rao Inderjit. In a wide ranging interview, the minister said that political parties must not involve defence matters for settling scores, because past experience shows that whenever a controversy surrounded a defence deal, Armed Forces felt that they have perhaps not got the best product.

"These things damage the morale of the defence forces," he added. He said that some political parties felt exploiting defence controversies was an easier way to get to power. This was very "damaging". Unfortunately, he pointed out that matters relating to the defence of the nation was used to attack the Central Government and derive political leverage. For example, the Bofors issue was deliberately used to change the government at the Cenrtre. "When controversies arise, issues get confused and are subjected to inquiries," he said. Claiming that the recently promulgated Defence Procurement Manual had enabled people at the helm to fearlessly go ahead on defence deals, he said, "it was being noticed that because of fear of being subjected to unnecessary inquires, people were apprehensive about signing big defence deals. Hence, things were kept pending. By putting the Defence Procurement Manual in place, we have given them a buffer, a protection, that if they take a decision according to the manual, then nobody can raise a finger at them." He further said that the manual has resulted in making defence procurement faster. "The base of pyramid is in the process of being enlarged. We are going to make our products which are competitive worldwide." Rao Inderjeet said that the association of the private sector in Defence production was not going to affect the Ordnance Factories or the Public Sector Undertakings. Mostly the provision of 'offset' while acquiring armament from foreign countries was used to encourage private industries. In the longer run this would help in enlarging the base of the pyramid. So f ar, the experience has been very encouraging.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/18/2008

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India Seeking Investment from UK in Infrastructure Sector: Kamal Nath

New Delhi, Jan 21 : Union Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath on Monday said that the Centre is seeking investments from the United Kingdom (UK) in the areas like highway projects, bridges, expressways, ports, power generation, water plants and water management techniques. "We consider the UK as one of the most important source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India not only amongst the European Union (EU) countries but also vis-¨¤-vis other countries in the world," Kamal Nath said while addressing the India-UK chief executive officers' (CEO) round table. "With a share of 37 percent in EU's total outflow of FDI in non-EU countries, I think UK is a very natural and important partner for a country like India that requires massive investment for its infrastructure needs," he added. UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment Lord Digby Jones, Indian Minister of State for Industry Ashwani Kumar and senior officials from both the countries attended the round table. Kamal Nath went on to say that so far investments from the UK was mainly in "the sectors such as telecom, chemicals, fuels, service sector etc." India is now the third largest foreign investor in the UK in terms of projects, second only to the US and Japan. According to Ernst and Young's European Investment Monitor 2006 report, in the first half of 2006, Indian investment in the UK overtook Japan, making India the second largest investor in that country. Since 1991, the UK is the third largest investor in India with a cumulative inflow of over four billion dollars. FDI inflows from UK in 2005, 2006 and 2007 (up to October) have been over 219 million dollars, over 1749 million dollars and over 398 million dollars respectively, a government release said. On the trade front, the UK is the fourth largest trading partner of India with bilateral trade of nearly 10 billion dollars in 2006-07, which is about three per cent of India's total trade.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 01/21/2008

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AZERBAIJAN: State-Owned Telcos to Be Sold This Year

Reuters reports that Azerbaijan plans to start selling the government¡¯s stakes in telecoms joint ventures this year. According to Kerem Gasanov, the head of the Azeri State Property Management Committee, the government was preparing to sell its 50% stake in the Azeri-US CDMA operator Catel worth an estimated AZN5 million (USD5.9 million). The sale of a 34.6% government stake in Azerbaijan's largest mobile phone operator by subscribers, Azercell will follow, Gasanov said. This holding is expected to fetch between USD170 million and USD190 million. The government also intends to sell its 50% share in Azeri-British telco AzEurotel, and has set a starting price of AZN6 million.

From http://www.telegeography.com/ 01/17/2008

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IRAN: Private Port Makes Debut

The first privately-funded port was inaugurated near the southern Persian Gulf island of Kish, Hormuzgan province, managing director of Ports and Shipping Organization, Ali Taheri-Motlaq announced. Talking to MNA, he said that Aftab Port, located 100 km from Bandar Lengeh, was fully funded by the private sector. The official noted that the port is operating on a trial basis and work is in progress on other phases of the port. Being the closest point of the southern coast of Iran to the island, Aftab Port will mostly cater for passengers and goods transported to Kish island. It will have modern port facilities and a well-equipped passenger terminal. Taheri-Motlaq said earlier said that the port, the construction of which began in 2001 at a cost of 150 billion rials, will be officially inaugurated in May. Private entrepreneurs financed the construction of the piers and embankments and have taken loans from Oil Stabilization Fund to purchase the required equipment. With the Sea Bus lines going into operation by the end of the current year, passengers can cross from the port to the tourist island of Kish in less than half an hour. Moreover, once Aftab Port is completed, travel overland to Shiraz can be reduced to six hours. The port is also predicted to lead to the economic prosperity of Kish island. Iran¡¯s merchant fleet, with 182 ships ranks 19th in the world and ninth in Asia, has the capacity to portage 9.8 million tons of goods.

From http://www.iran-daily.com/ 01/07/2008

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TURKEY: Turkey Expects USD2bn from Telekom IPO

Local reports quoting sources close to the Turkish government indicate that the state is hoping to earn USD2 billion through the sale of a 15% stake in national PTO Turk Telekom. Metin Kilci, head of the privatisation administration, said that Turk Telekom shares will be sold in an initial public offering (IPO) by 10 May. Telekom¡¯s value has risen since the government sold 55% of the company to Saudi Oger for USD6.6 billion in November 2005, he added.

From http://www.telegeography.com/ 01/03/2008

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AUSTRALIA: Electricity Privatisation 'Behind Vic Power Price Hike'

Unions have renewed their warnings about the New South Wales Government's plan to privatise the electricity industry, as Victorians face a steep rise in their power bills. Power prices in Victoria will go up by as much as 17 per cent today and Unions New South Wales says it is because the industry there was privatised in the 1990s. Unions NSW spokesman Matt Thistlethwaite says that should be enough to persuade the NSW Government to abandon plans for the sale of the state's electricity assets. "The most effective means of maintaining a relatively low electricity price is for the New South Wales Government to pull the plug on electricity privatisation and continue to own and operate the assets in New South Wales," he said.

From http://www.abc.net.au 01/01/2008

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NSW Still Paying Out Axed Private School Funding

The New South Wales Government says it has no choice but to continue funding more than $4 million worth of projects for private schools, despite the scheme finishing four years ago. The interest rate subsidy scheme allowed schools to fund improvements, including new buildings and infrastructure. Wealthier schools are now excluded from the scheme but are reportedly still receiving more than $4.5 million a year. Acting Education Minister Tony Kelly says some longstanding commitments are still being honoured. "These were green-fathered loans that were taken out before the scheme was cancelled," he said. "They were never subsidising things like indoor pools. They were only ever subsidising basic infrastructure, like classrooms."

From http://www.abc.net.au 01/11/2008

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