APEC Members Move to Harmonize Food Safety

As the global population grows and pressure on food and water supplies increases, cases of food-borne illness will multiply, the inaugural APEC Food Safety Cooperation Forum was told this week. Dr. Gardner Murray, a former Australian Chief Veterinary Officer and now special adviser to the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, told the Forum meeting in the Hunter Valley north of Sydney that climate change and increasing variations in the ecology of environments will force food scientists and regulators to revise their understanding of food pathogens and how to deal with them.¡± With environmental damage and climatic variations we are already seeing new diseases emerging and 75% of them are zoonotic diseases (animal diseases that humans can catch)," Dr. Murray told delegates. "New bugs are appearing and are adapting to the new conditions.¡± In Australia, for example, bat Lyssavirus has been around for thousands of years but only recently, as bat and human populations are pushed closer together in land and property developments, has the disease begun appearing in humans. Similarly, research in Vietnam on the spread of the H5N1 flu virus showed that outbreaks spiked during the Tet holiday when people moved about the country with their poultry.

Communicating information about new disease threats to their populations will become more important for food regulators, whose risk analyses and communication messages must be simple, transparent and easy to understand, Dr Murray said. "For example, in Korea, health authorities put food safety messages on the back of commonly sold packs of toothpicks in restaurants.¡± Meeting greater demands for food from growing populations has also led to more intensive livestock and agricultural production, genetic manipulation and new processing and preservation technologies producing an "explosion" of new foods. These are foods in which new chemicals are appearing as a part of the manufacturing process. "As a result of increasing global trade, people movements and the industrialization of production and processing, consumers are potentially exposed to a greater number of food safety hazards than in the past," Dr Murray said.¡± Dealing with this threat requires a thorough risk analysis process, the key elements of which are to identify and characterize hazards, assess the risk, manage it and communicate it publicly.¡±

Forum participants agreed to meet again in two years to assess progress made and to respond to member economies' needs in: Information sharing; Food safety regulatory systems; Food inspection and certification; Technical skills and human resource capacity building. The forum was opened by Senator Brett Mason, the new Parliamentary Secretary to Australia's Minister for Health and Ageing.

From http://www.apecsec.org.sg/ 04/05/2007

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¡°Southeast Asian nations and the EU agreed Friday to start free trade talks, a breakthrough after more than two years of wrangling over military-ruled Myanmar's poor human rights record, a senior official said. The decision was made in Brunei where Economic Ministers of the 10 member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met with their counterparts from Europe and Japan, said ASEAN Secretary-General Ong Keng Yong. ¡­¡± [Dow Jones/Factiva] Kyodo News reports that ¡°¡­ No timelines were given but the statement said the ministers agreed to form a joint committee of senior officials from both sides to flesh out details on the modalities, work program and timelines for negotiating the FTA, the statement said. EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson¡­ said at a press conference after their meeting that the decision was the result of preparations in the last two years when both sides decided to form a ¡®vision group¡¯ to identify ways to strengthen economic ties. ¡­¡± [Kyodo News (Japan)/Factiva] Reuters adds that ¡°¡­As it scrambles to fend off competition from giant neighbors India and China, ASEAN is aiming for internal economic integration by 2015 and is spinning a web of trade ties to foster growth. EU-ASEAN free trade would boost trade and investment by up to 10-18 percent each way, Ong said, quoting an ASEAN study. ¡­ASEAN has declared itself a free-trade area but has yet to forge a free-trade agreement as a bloc with any external trade partner. [Reuters/Factiva]

AFP writes that ¡°¡­An independent analysis carried out by CEPII, France's leading institute for research on the international economy, and Copenhagen Economics showed a free trade agreement would boost EU exports to ASEAN by 24.2 percent. ¡­.¡± [Agence France Presse/Factiva] The Saigon Times reports that ¡°¡­ In their quest to become a single economic community by 2015, Southeast Asian countries want to revise a key investment pact to draw in more investors from outside the region, said Ong¡­The overhaul would widen investment guarantees and increase incentives for investors, particularly in the services sector, added Ong¡­¡± [The Saigon Times (Vietnam)/Factiva] Reuters further adds that ¡°Southeast Asian nations expect to sign a free trade pact with giant neighbor Japan by November 2007, and a pact with India soon after, the chief of the ASEAN grouping said on Friday. ¡­¡± [Reuters/Factiva]

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 05/04/2007

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THE CLEAN energy agenda must move beyond the close of the Kyoto Protocol in 2012 to manage the threat of climate change, a seminar audience heard today in Kyoto. ¡°Given Asia's phenomenal growth, its energy and development agenda has become a matter of global attention,¡± ADB Vice-President Ursula Schaefer-Preuss said at a seminar on ¡°Clean Energy and Environment: Building on Kyoto¡± at ADB's 40th Annual Meeting. ¡°It is particularly appropriate that we discuss this subject in the home of the Kyoto Protocol,¡± she told the audience. ¡°We must move the clean energy agenda forward, beyond 2012, to manage climate change, so that future generations can continue to enjoy the life we take for granted.¡± The Vice-President said that the key question was how to support Asia's economic growth while addressing the global concern of climate change. She pointed out that to meet the continued rise in energy consumption in the region, Asia must invest more than $6 trillion in new energy infrastructure, mostly in the power sector, by 2030. ¡°This is a formidable challenge which requires multiple solutions,¡± she said. Ms. Schaefer-Preuss said there were various options, including pursuing energy efficiency, promoting the use of well-designed mass transit systems, accelerating development and commercialization of renewable energy technology, and cleaning up older polluting processes through new technologies. In addition, there are mechanisms to put a price on carbon, such as through a cap-and-trade system like that of the Kyoto Protocol or a carbon emission tax.

Seminar panelist Gerd Leipold, International Executive Director of Greenpeace International, said that nothing short of a revolution is needed to address climate change. ¡°Let¡¯s get down to an energy revolution of which ADB can and must be a leader in Asia,¡± he said. ¡°The technologies are mature and competitive, and the developing countries in the region need support to create a renewables market,¡± he said. ¡°The time for funding fossil projects is over.¡± The seminar featured an array of eminent experts working on energy and environmental issues. Giving the keynote speech was Fumio Sameshima, Chairman, of the Committee on Environment and Safety of Nippon Keidanren, who presented on the energy issues facing Japan. A paper presented on behalf of Mohamed El-Ashry, former head of the Global Environment Facility, asserted that the new energy era requires global action and cooperation to address growing concerns over energy security, climate change, and access by the poor to modern energy services. Mr. El-Ashry stressed that in the absence of new policies by governments and international financial institutions, the world energy needs will be almost 60% higher in 2030 than they are now and, with most of this supplied by fossil fuels, CO2 emissions will also increase at about the same rate. ¡°Business, investors, activists, and scientists alone cannot change the way we produce and use energy,¡± he said. ¡°These groups can anticipate change; they can facilitate it; they will profit from it, but they cannot drive it. Public policies that create markets, remove barriers, level the playing field, and establish clear objectives and targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency help shape the future.¡±

From http://www.timesca-europe.com/ 05/07/2007

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SINGAPORE - Something has changed in Southeast Asia, and no one seems to want to talk about it. Over the past 40 years, countries of the region have fostered a tradition of loose but often effective multilateral cooperation in the shape of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Of late, however, the ASEAN spirit of consultation and consensus appears to be fading. In part that's because ASEAN has grown, now comprising 10 members instead of six. And the expansion, pulling in economic laggards Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos andMyanmar, has understandably diluted the old bonhomie among the original six members - Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. But the grouping is also being fragmented by intensifying US-China competition for regional influence, which is putting a premium on bilateralism with the big powers at the expense of ASEAN's ambition toward more regional multilateralism. The framework for regional cooperation among the original six members expanded as economies boomed in the 1990s. Dialogue partners were taken on, and larger East Asian and South Asian neighbors were brought into the circle. Now, however, the global focus of attention has swung away from economic growth in ASEAN toward growth in China, which has weakened considerably ASEAN's incentive to bond as a region. The result has been a return to reflexive bilateral engagement. Witness the recent signing in Bali of a bilateral extradition treaty and defense-cooperation agreement between Singapore and Indonesia. Both these landmark deals were tough to negotiate and brought the two sides into a degree of friction with one another. The question arises: Where was ASEAN in all this?

Why hasn't the organization crafted a regional mechanism to ensure that ill-gotten gains squirreled away from one country can be traced and recovered in a neighboring one? The question can equally be asked: What do Singapore and Indonesia need a bilateral defense agreement for in an era when regional security cooperation should be the goal? Indonesia has proposed an ASEAN security community, but the idea has languished near the bottom of official agendas at recent ASEAN meetings. In the 1990s, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore frequently met at a high level in a more explicitly multilateral context. There were optimistic joint declarations to create zones of joint economic development, such as Sijori (Singapore, Johore and Riau) and the Northern Growth Triangle encompassing North Sumatra, the Malaysian island of Penang, and southern Thailand. Nothing came of these projects because, while the leadership may have been willing to invest in joint development, little effort was made to break down political and bureaucratic barriers among the countries involved. More is the pity, since a regional framework like the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle, if seriously implemented, might well have dampened conflicts in Aceh and southern Thailand by providing local people with higher levels of economic growth and fostering a benign sense of regional identity that didn't threaten individual countries' sovereignty. In both cases, economic marginalization has fueled historical nationalist sentiment.

But nationalism at the state level remains as strong a political impulse today as it was half a century ago, and there is little sign of regional borders dissolving. Today, wealthy Singapore says it is different from other countries; Indonesia now thinks it is more democratic than others; and Thailand is looking inward as it confronts prolonged political crisis. Vietnam goes its own way, and Myanmar is drifting further apart from the rest of Southeast Asia.

Fading multilateralism

In other words, ASEAN nowadays is suffering from a lack of firm commitment to multilateral cooperation. To be sure, a multitude of meetings are still held: ASEAN exists as a complex matrix of official meetings on one subject or another. However, this is also part of the problem: ASEAN has been delegated by the leadership, which turns up once a year to preside over summits that are increasingly venues for bilateral engagement on the sidelines rather than multilateral agreement at the main event. The recent announcement of an ASEAN bilateral summit with the United States to be held in Singapore in September will no doubt serve as a case in point. Lately, ASEAN has been hijacked by bigger geopolitical forces. As China, the US and to a lesser degree India vie for regional influence, the arena of cooperation and integration has been greatly expanded. And ASEAN is arguably now part of a greater East Asian whole. Some of the more interesting regional discussions are now held under an ASEAN Plus Three umbrella that includes China, Japan and South Korea, including this weekend's multilateral meeting in Japan to discuss the creation of a regional bond market and pooling part of the region's collective US$2.7 trillion in foreign reserves to shield regional currencies against financial speculation. Such initiatives signal the changing power dynamic in the region being driven in large part by China's recent economic emergence. So long as China lacked the confidence to flex its diplomatic muscle, Beijing hid behind ASEAN's preceding familiarity and credibility with big Western trading partners. This started to change after 2003, when China harnessed ASEAN to its own notion of a regional framework, one that is less dependent on the West.

Much hope is now pinned on a new ASEAN charter due to be unveiled in Singapore at the end of this year. The document, once approved, is expected to reinvigorate ASEAN, endow its moribund secretariat with new powers and breathe new life into the notion of a single community. A more empowered secretary general will aim to restore some luster to this once-respected vehicle for regional diplomacy. But perhaps the problem is not one of internal dynamics. Perhaps instead ASEAN is less a victim of its own weakness than a hostage to the new global order - one in which multilateral bodies have been damaged or weakened by the clumsy unilateralism of big powers, principally the US and China. The United States, for example, insists on negotiating free-trade agreements bilaterally rather than with ASEAN as a whole, a deal that might have accelerated ASEAN's own incarnation as a free-trade area. Whenever ASEAN has floated notions of stronger regional management of the financial or security environment, such institutions as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have expressed fears about losing supervisory control. On the security front, the US has always been concerned about the ASEAN Regional Forum established in 1994 with ASEAN as convener and chairman. The idea of a security forum in which the United States is not in a dominant position simply wasn't acceptable to Washington, which has mostly characterized the forum as toothless.

The so-called "global war on terror" since 2001 has further weakened ASEAN's autonomy over security concerns, with the US linking its own concerns to bilateral trade and aid. No doubt this security priority will be front and center at the commemorative bilateral ASEAN summit in September. ASEAN enjoyed the peak of its success at the end of the Cold War, when superpower rivalry was at its nadir. This allowed ASEAN to steer its own economic and security policies and get a feel for real regional cooperation. Now the cycle is reversing itself as US-China rivalry for regional influence intensifies and individual ASEAN member states need to demonstrate strong bilateral ties with both Washington and Beijing to benefit from access to preferential trade and security agreements. Today, the leaders of Southeast Asia are forced to keep busy burnishing ties with the major powers as well as each of their neighbors - which are often likewise striking bilateral deals - rather than relying on their foreign ministers to sort things out collectively over a few cold drinks after a round of golf at one of those old-fashioned ASEAN meetings. For all these reasons, just as individual countries pay less heed to the United Nations these days, so ASEAN as a grouping no longer invites the scrutiny, analysis and respect that it once did. (Michael Vatikiotis is the regional representative of the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue based in Singapore.£¨by Michael Vatikiotis£©

From http://www.atimes.com/ 05/08/2007

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CRITICAL REFORM measures need to be taken soon before the impact of ageing populations takes its toll in developing countries in Asia, the Asian Development Bank Institute¡¯s Dean, Masahiro Kawai, said during a recent seminar on ageing in Asia. ¡°For far too long we have tended to focus on high-income economies in the region like Japan, and the newly-industrialized economies --- Republic of Korea; Hong Kong, China; Taipei, China; and Singapore --- that are far advanced in the ageing curve,¡± said Mr. Kawai. ¡°But many of the middle-income developing countries and a few low-income developing countries in the region are on the same demographic path.¡± Many countries in Asia, particularly in East Asia, are now on the edge of drastic demographic changes. Some countries will face demographic challenges related to a declining share of their working populations and an increase in the share of aged dependents as early as 2015-2020. These dramatic societal changes are expected to have adverse effects on countries¡¯ economic performance and prospects through a decrease in the labor force, and lower saving and investment rates. However, there are a number of Southeast Asian countries that will face the opposite problem. Although populations are still very young in these countries, over the next two decades a bulge in the size of the working age population will occur. This raises the potential for significant levels of unemployment and related social problems.

Asia¡¯s developing countries should be brought into the discussion on ageing as soon as possible, as many of these countries are ageing faster than they are developing, Mr. Kawai said. ¡°Given the speed at which ageing is occurring in the region, difficult policy choices will have to be made soon, both at the national and regional levels,¡± he said. While recognizing that many of the policy reforms needed to tackle ageing --- such as raising the mandatory retirement age, restructuring pension benefits, increasing taxes, or allowing free movement of goods, services, capital and labor --- are fraught with controversy, reforms should not be put off until it is too late, he said. ¡°We start to think about ageing as a ¡®looming crisis,¡¯ but I truly believe that ageing only becomes a crisis if we allow ourselves to be caught unprepared, if we lack the foresight and the courage to refashion our policies and institutions to deal with its consequences,¡± Mr. Kawai said. Speaking on the impact of ageing on regional development, Professor David Canning, of Harvard University, emphasized that the underlying message for policymakers is one of change. ¡°Ageing is a good, we¡¯re living longer, healthier lives,¡± he said. ¡°But we need to change what we do as individuals and as societies, so that we can take advantage of ageing.¡±

Unless critical reform measures are taken soon, many developing countries in the region will face the prospect of population ageing at low levels of income, Mr. Canning said. In addition to discussing policy responses at the national level, panelists at the seminar also explored measures that could be taken at the regional level, as economic interactions are also expected to take place among countries that are economically integrated but ageing at different speeds. Dr. Ralph C. Bryant, of the Brookings Institution, described how the domestic effects of ageing could be influenced by cross-border transactions. Failure to take into account the macroeconomic effects working through exchange rates and cross-border transactions could lead to an inaccurate assessment of the net impacts of demographic change. ¡°Macroeconomic interactions in response to heterogeneous demography can alter the relative sizes of economic activity in nations and regions,¡± he said, and explaining how outputs, capital stocks and consumptions could be redistributed across borders. ¡°Such redistributions can have major consequences for the relative welfare of nations.¡± Osaka University Professor Charles Horioka noted that while ageing is expected to lead to a decline in national saving rates, the prospects are less worrisome at the regional or global level. Since the population ageing process is proceeding at different speeds in different countries, declines in household and private saving rates can be expected to begin at different times and proceed at different speeds in different countries. ¡°So there is no danger of a region-wide or worldwide collapse in saving rates in the near future,¡± Mr. Horioka said.

From http://www.adb.org/ 05/14/2007

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¡°Developing countries called for more money and expertise to help them fight the potentially catastrophic effects of global warming, as more than 1,000 diplomats began work Monday on a new accord to control greenhouse gases.¡± ¡° The 166 countries and organizations at a two-week meeting of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn are to negotiate key elements of a treaty to succeed the 10-year-old Kyoto Protocol, which set binding targets on industrial countries to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases believed to cause global warming.¡± Dow Jones .The Associated Press adds that ¡°the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012, and delegates said a new accord should be in place within two years to move smoothly into a new regime of controls. Ideas raised at the preliminary meeting in Bonn will be put before a larger meeting in December in Bali, Indonesia, when U.N. officials hope to launch formal negotiations on a post-Kyoto treaty. That treaty also should draw in the United States, the world's largest polluter, which refused to accept the mandatory limits of the Kyoto system, and emerging giants like India and China, which were exempted from Kyoto obligations, U.N. officials say.¡± ¡°It is the first time government climate delegations are meeting since the U.N.-sponsored Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a spate of reports this year, drawing on the studies of some 2,500 scientists, which predict grim consequences of global warming if swift action isn't taken.

The reports warned that climate changes will hit poor countries hardest - less rain in arid areas like northern Africa and more severe floods in river deltas like Bangladesh. Millions of poor people will suffer from greater hunger, thirst and disease, and as much as 30% of species will be threatened with extinction.¡± The Guardian writes that ¡°Pakistan, speaking on behalf of 77 developing countries plus China, put the onus on industrial countries to increase funding and technology help. Though the world faces a common goal, countries must meet them according to their ``respective capabilities,'' Pakistani delegate Jamil Ahmad said. That meant deep emissions cuts by the developed world and helping less capable countries build their capacity to adapt to new weather conditions.¡± The industrial world must ``move significantly beyond the current institutional and financial arrangements,'' Ahmad said. It is the first time government climate delegations are meeting since the U.N.-sponsored Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a series of reports this year drawing on the studies of some 2,500 scientists.¡±

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 05/08/2007

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CHINA: Mainland Announces New Policy Package to Promote Cross-Strait Ties

The Chinese mainland has announced a package of new policies to promote economic, trade and cultural relations with Taiwan. A total of 13 new policies were announced at Sunday's closing ceremony of a two-day cross-strait forum, co-sponsored by the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Kuomintang Party, Taiwan's major opposition party. Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and KMT Honorary Chairman Lien Chan were present at the closing ceremony. Under the new policies, Taiwan shipping and road transport companies are allowed to set up wholly-owned companies or joint ventures on the mainland. Taiwan enterprises are also encouraged to directly invest in the construction and operation of ports and road projects on the mainland. Taiwan shipping companies, engaged in direct passenger transport between coastal cities in Fujian and Jinmen, Mazu and Penghu in Taiwan have been authorized to set up agencies and sell tickets on the mainland.

Taiwan's airline companies are encouraged to expand cooperation with mainland counterparts in aircraft maintenance, cargo storage, market development and code sharing. The mainland also promised to improve laws and regulations to allow Taiwan aviation companies to launch joint-ventures to run airline companies, build airports and produce on-vehicle materials on the mainland with mainland partners. The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China said Taiwan students are welcome to study in the mainland's civil aviation schools and aircraft maintenance technicians are welcome to work on the mainland. The administration said Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Dalian and Guilin will gradually become new destinations for non-stop chartered flights. The cities that cross-Strait airlines currently fly to are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiamen on the mainland, and Taipei and Kaohsiung in Taiwan. All Taiwan residents, businessmen and their relatives with valid certificates can take the flights. Meanwhile, three more cities -- Guangzhou, Qingdao and Wuhan --have been authorized to issue valid passes for Taiwan visitors entering the mainland, in addition to the existing eight cities of Shenyang, Dalian, Chengdu, Haikou, Sanya, Xiamen, Fuzhou and Shanghai.

To further personnel exchanges, the mainland said it will open 15 qualification tests for Taiwan professionals such as accountant, auctioneer, pharmacist and real estate agent. Taiwan's universities are welcome to recruit students in the mainland and the Ministry of Education said it would provide assistance to students willing to study in Taiwan. Participants at the forum also issued a joint proposal, urging the mainland and Taiwan to improve direct air and shipping transport services and cooperate more closely on education and tourism. The proposal also says that the peaceful development of cross-strait relations serves the common interests of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. It calls for an early resumption of consultations on an equal footing between the mainland and Taiwan based on the principle of the '1992 Consensus'. The "1992 Consensus" struck by the CPC and the then-incumbent KMT endorses the one-China principle.

Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee, said the mainland remains firmly committed to maintaining and improving the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. He warned that attempts by Taiwan secessionist forces to undermine the status quo are a very serious threat to peace and stability. "If compatriots across the Strait work together and seize the historic opportunity before us, a win-win result can be achieved and the Chinese nation will be reinvigorated," Chen said at the closing ceremony. About 500 participants from the mainland and Taiwan attended the forum. This is the third forum of its kind held in Beijing after the landmark meeting between CPC Central Committee General Secretary Hu Jintao and then KMT chairman Lien Chan in April 2005. Hu invited Lien to dine on Sunday at Zhongnanhai in downtown Beijing, the Chinese leaders' compound, according to a forum press release.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 04/29/2007

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New Rules Ensure Government Transparency in China

Long-awaited regulations to improve government transparency could shed light on China's funding of science and aid scientific fraud investigations. Yesterday (24 April) the Chinese government released the 'Regulations on Government Information Openness', signed by Premier Wen Jiabao and praised by government officials as a landmark step to increase transparency in key issues in the public interest.Chinese media reported that the regulations will come into effect on 1 May 2008. The regulations have taken more than five years to draft. They were delayed in 2003 after criticisms of the government's handling of information about the SARS outbreak prompted revisions. The regulations stipulate that all levels of government must actively publicise information on all issues in the public interest ¨D particularly in areas such as land acquisition and urban planning, where allegations of corruption are common. The functions and procedures of government agencies will also be made public. Under the new rules, the public can ask government departments to provide information free of charge if they find it has not been released into the public domain. People will also be able to report any failure to comply with these requirements. Xue Lan, executive dean of the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University, says the new regulations will enable information on science funding and the assessment of completed science projects to flow more freely. "This will help more efficient and fairer use of science funding," Xue told SciDev.Net. Zhu Xiaomin, a research fellow at the Institute of Policy and Management at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the increased transparency could help reduce scientific fraud and misconduct in publicly-funded science, since it authorises anyone to access fraud investigation results. "In a larger sense, this will help narrow the gap between the public and the science community, as information of public scientific institutions can be accessed as part of the government information that is subject to the public enquiries," Zhu told SciDev.Net. But he added that further details about the implementation of the regulations should be made available to make them more usable in the science field and allow scientific research institutions to create guidelines based on the new rules.

From http://www.scidev.net 04/25/2007

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Regulation Issued to Punish Wayward Civil Servants

The State Council on Sunday released a new regulation to tighten administrative discipline on civil servants. Civil servants in China may lose their jobs for unlawful or immoral behaviors such as taking mistresses, according to the regulation. Premier Wen Jiabao has signed a decree with the State Council to promulgate the regulation, and the 55-article regulation is scheduled to take effect as of June 1. The regulation targets various wrongdoings and misconducts relating to China's civil servants, aimed at "regulating their behaviors and making sure they perform their duty according to the law." The regulation stipulates six administrative penalties for misbehavior by civil servants, namely, warning, demerit, serious demerit, demotion, discharge from leading duties, and dismissal. There will be no promotion or salary increases for an official who received a administrative penalty. Those who have been stripped of their posts will take up lower ranking, said the regulation. According to the regulation, government officials who engage in organizing superstitious gatherings, use drugs, or organizing, supporting, or engaging in the sex trade will be stripped of their posts or fired from office. The regulation also makes it legitimate to fire government officials who abuse or abandon family members or refuse to support elderly ones.

From http://www.china.org.cn 04/29/2007

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New Regulations Banning Trade of Human Organs Go into Effect

China's first set of regulations on human organ transplant, which prohibits organizations and individuals from trading human organs in any form, went into effect on Tuesday. Any doctor found to be involved in human organ trade will have their practitioner license revoked, according to the regulations issued by the State Council, China's cabinet. Clinics will be suspended from doing organ transplant operations for at least three years. Fines are set at between eight to ten times the value of the outlawed trade, the regulations say. Officials convicted of trading in human organs will be sacked and kicked out of the government. China has carried out organ transplants for more than 20 years and is the world's second largest performer of transplants after the United States, with about 5,000 transplants operated each year. Most organs are donated by ordinary Chinese at death after the voluntary signing of a donation agreement. But the country faces a huge gap between the demand for functional organs and the supply of donations. About 1.5 million patients need organ transplants each year, but only 10,000 can find organs, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health.

The regulations stipulate that human organ transplants should respect the principle of free will. And it is made a crime to harvest organs without the owner's permission or will. Human organ transplants are defined as the process of taking a human organ or part of a human organ -- such as the heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas -- from a donor and transplanting it into a patient's body to replace their sick or damaged organ. The regulations do not apply to transplants of human tissue, such as cells, cornea and marrow. The set of regulations comprises 32 articles in five chapters, including human organ donations, human organ transplants, legal responsibilities and supplementary points. The regulations clarify strict supervision and control for the few medical institutions that are allowed to perform organ transplants, and set rules to standardize procedures so as to prevent potential human rights abuses. According to the regulations, every transplant must be approved by an ethics committee set up in the medical institution. A designated mechanism will ensure that medical institutions are competent. Unqualified institutions will be ordered to exit the market.

Along with the regulations on organ transplant, a new set of regulations to promote employment opportunities for China's 83 million handicapped people also took effect on Tuesday. The regulations issued in February by the State Council require that handicapped people make up no less than 1.5 percent of the work force of government departments, enterprises and institutions. Handicapped employees must be given equal promotion opportunities and equal salaries and social insurance. Statistics show that China has 82.96 million handicapped people but only 22.66 million are employed. The number of handicapped people increases by 300,000 a year. Government departments, institutions and enterprises that employ more handicapped people will enjoy preferential taxation and other policies, said the regulations. Self-employed handicapped will enjoy preferential treatment in taxation and other management and registration charges. They can also get small loans when starting their own businesses, according to the regulations. Also on Tuesday, a series of ministry regulations went into effect, covering food safety, supply of drinkable water and advertisement of new drugs.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/01/2007

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China to Regulate Insurance Agents Based on Capital

The country's 141,300 insurance agents are to be classified into three categories each with different minimum capital requirements and range business options to achieve better market order, according to the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC). The commission said the insurance agents with registered capital of no less than 10 million yuan (about 1.3 million U.S. dollars) will be allowed to serve as agents for an unlimited number of insurance companies. Agents with no less than 500,000 yuan (64,935 U.S dollars) in registered capital can serve no more than five insurance companies, while those with no registered capital requirement can only sell insurance products for a single company. The commission said a pilot project has been carried out in Beijing and Liaoning Province, and the finalized regulation is expected to be implemented nationwide by the end of this year. The country's 141,300 insurance agents posted premium revenue totaling 159.3 billion yuan (20.7 billion U.S. dollars) last year, or 28.24 percent of China's total premium revenue.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/06/2007

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China Approves Measures for Development, Fairness of Education

China's State Council approved in principle measures for granting free education to students training to become teachers at an executive meeting on Wednesday. The measures, which are on a trial basis, cover students majoring in education in six normal universities directly under the Ministry of Education. At the meeting, chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao, the council also approved in principle guidelines on establishing a system to provide financial aid to regular college students and vocational school students from poor households. The measures and guidelines will be promulgated for implementation after receiving further revisions, according to the meeting. Reporting work of the government to the National People's Congress in March, Wen said the government is adopting two major measures to promote development of education and fairness in education. He said a system of national scholarships and tuition assistance will go into operation this school year for regular undergraduate institutions, vocational colleges and secondary vocational schools.

In addition, the government will also further implement the state student loan policy to enable children from families with financial difficulties to attend college or receive vocational education. He called this as another major move to promote fairness in education following the exemption of all tuition and miscellaneous fees for rural compulsory education students. Wen also said the government will institute free education for students majoring in education in teacher colleges directly under the Ministry of Education and set up a corresponding system. "This measure is designed to demonstrate to the general public the importance of the teaching field, to create an atmosphere of respect for teachers and education in society, to increase awareness of the value of the education profession throughout society, to produce large numbers of outstanding teachers, and to encourage prominent educators to run schools and more outstanding young people to become lifelong educators," said Wen. Chinese educators said after experiment in the six universities, the government is expected to apply the measure in other normal universities.

From http://en.ce.cn 05/10/2007

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New Rules on Dealing with Complaints

China's prosecutors have been set a 60-day deadline to deal with and respond to complaints from the public. A new regulation issued by the Supreme People's Procuratorate also requires procuratorate offices to acknowledge and assign complaints within seven days. Procurator-generals can approve extensions up to a maximum of 30 days if the cases are too complicated to be handled in 60 days, under the regulation. Petitioners should be informed of the results in writing and can request a reconsideration if they are not satisfied. Procurator-generals should hold hearings for petitioners at least 12 times a year for at least half day each time, under the regulation. The information of petitioners should be kept confidential. Those in charge of complaints will face penalties if they fail to handle the cases in time, abuse their power, impair the legal rights of petitioners or leak information. Procuratorates are in charge of dealing with complaints about courts and procuratorates, work-related accusations against civil servants, public security departments and prisons, and suggestions for prosecutors.

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/14/2007

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Law to Crack Down on Crimes Against Juvenile Disabled

China will step-up crackdown on crimes against juvenile disabled so as to protect their legitimate rights, Zhang Jun, vice president of the Supreme People's Court, has said. "Criminals who aid and abet underaged disabled people in criminal activities will also be strictly punished," said Zhang. Zhang said China has done a lot and made a great achievement in crackdown on such crimes and protection of legitimate rights of the disabled. In the meantime, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has asked local police authorities to work with disabled people's associations and civil affairs bodies to prevent deaf-mute youngster from being cheated into crimes In recent years, there have been quite some cases involving deaf-mute teenagers who are cheated or coerced to commit crimes, said Cai Anji, an official with MPS. Their education level is not high, employment is difficult, social contact is limited, and consequently they are cheated or forced into criminal activities, said Yang Yang, deputy chief of China's national association of deaf people. "This brings negative effects to the welfare course of disabled people and tarnishes their own image," said Yang. "We should do more to boost employment of disabled people, so that they can live off by themselves," Yang said. Latest survey shows that China has about 1.8 million deaf-mute people aged 18 or younger.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/19/2007

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China Introduces New Measures to Fight Against Stock Market Violations

China securities regulator Tuesday unveiled new rules to fight against the equity market manipulation and insider trading. The new rules is effective as of Tuesday, said the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). The CSRC will impose transaction restrictions on the accounts of and actually controlled by the person under investigation for stock market manipulation and insider trading, according to the rules. The restricted accounts, including fund and securities accounts, will be barred from buying, or selling shares and other products, or both, for 15 days, said the CSRC. It said the ban can be extended by another 15 days if the violations are very complicated.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/23/2007

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Hukou System Set for Change

China's hukou, or household registration system is to be gradually reformed. New policies are under study allowing freer migration between cities and rural areas, the Ministry of Public Security said. Sources with the ministry confirmed that "legal and fixed residences" will become a fundamental condition to empower citizens to change their household registration. The sources said in the household registration reform proposal to the State Council, it will make it easier for married couples from different places to change their registered residence, Beijing Evening News reported yesterday. Elderly people who have moved in with their children will also be allowed to change their registered residency, according to the proposal. Gradually the country will abolish the two-tier system, which divides the population into urban and rural residents, the proposal said. China's hukou system was set up in 1958, mainly to control population migration, largely from rural to urban areas. Under the current system rural dwellers have little opportunity to change their registered residence regardless of how long they may have lived or worked in a city.

The estimated 120 million plus rural residents working in the cities suffer many restrictions regarding access to public services such as education, medical care, housing and employment. Yu Lingyun, a professor with the Law School of Tsinghua University, said the concept of "legal and fixed residence" had focused on the key issues. "But it should be further clarified," Yu told China Daily yesterday. "For example, should a long-time rented house be termed a 'fixed residence'?" "And methods to prevent property speculation should also be considered." China has been trying to reform the household registration system since 1991. Despite little headway by the central government, local governments have taken steps to improve the situation. Twelve provincial-level areas, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shandong and Guangdong, have launched trial reforms that will put an end to the differentiation between rural and urban residents. In Shandong, since late 2004, couples no longer face such barriers as age or marriage length to be together in one place, and aged parents can move in freely with their children, and unmarried children can also join their parents without age limitations.

Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province is also initiating trial reforms in its household registration system, and aims to have them fully implemented by the end of the year. However, Wang Taiyuan, a professor with the Chinese People's University of Public Security, said it is impossible for the hukou reform to have a unified timetable nationwide. "Due to the unbalanced economic development, even if the State Council implements the ministry's proposal nationwide, measures will have to be taken by local departments according to their own circumstances," Wang was quoted as saying. "The main thing first of all is to endow citizens equal rights to freely choose to settle or not to settle in a place," he said. "Then they can be given their due rights to labor or other activities in the places they stay, and finally enjoy related political, economic and cultural rights like other urbanites."

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/24/2007

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JAPAN: Upper House Panel Passes Constitution Referendum Bill

The House of Councillors special committee on constitutional research, on which the governing coalition has a majority, approved a bill on Friday evening to set referendum procedures for constitutional amendment. The controversial legislation is expected to be voted on at a plenary session of the upper house and be enacted into law on Monday, with the backing of the Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, New Komeito, committee members said. At the committee session, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated his strong willingness to amend the postwar Constitution, saying it is necessary to discuss "the shape of a country suitable for the 21st century" through the constitutional debates. "It is expected now that Japan will play more important roles in the international society, and it will lead to stabilize the world and realize the peace of the world," Abe said.

From http://www.japantoday.com 05/12/2007

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Japan to Nurture New Foreign Policy with India, Turkey

Japan will seek to develop its new foreign policy during the vice foreign minister's six-day visit to India and Turkey, officials said Sunday. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Shotaro Yachi set off on Sunday for India and Turkey -- two nations that hold important positions in Japan's new international outlook, the foreign ministry said in a statement."In his visit in India, a wide range of topics is expected to be discussed, including the issue of how to operate the East Asia Summit, as well as issues of energy and climate change, and economic partnership," said an official privy to the India-Japan relationship."The vice-ministerial talks with Turkey were requested by the Japanese side as we recognise Turkey is a very important democracy which can be a core of our 'arc of freedom and prosperity' concept," another official said.Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso uses the term "arc of freedom and prosperity" to describe a global zone stretching from Japan through India and moderate Middle Eastern states into Europe."The talks with Ankara will focus more on cooperation in the region surrounding Turkey rather than cooperation with a NATO member country," the official said.Officials denied that Japan's new foreign policy is aimed at containment of non-democratic countries such as China but is a broad policy concept to promote democracy and economic success.Aso, who attended as an observer of a summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SSARC) last month, has said Japan will continue support democratisation in Nepal and Bhutan.On the security front, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe promised to visit India this year and proposed the creation of a strategic forum involving Japan, the United States, Australia and India when Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh came to Tokyo last December.Abe also pledged to play a wider role in NATO's peacekeeping and stability missions during his visit to Europe in January.

From http://news.yahoo.com 05/13/2007

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LDP to Push Amendments in Election

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated Monday that his Liberal Democratic Party will make constitutional amendments a key campaign issue in the House of Councilors election in July "The Upper House election will be a good opportunity to deepen discussions" on the Constitution, Abe told reporters at his official residence following the enactment earlier in the day of a law establishing procedures for a national referendum to change the charter. Abe is expected to tout the LDP's 2005 draft proposal for a new Constitution, which features removing the second clause of Article 9 to allow Japan to officially possess a military for self-defense. At the same time, he said it is important for the issue to be "discussed broadly and deeply in a quiet environment" during the period until the referendum law takes effect in three years."We would like to discuss with the public the draft put together by the LDP," Abe said, expressing hope for increased public support for the LDP proposal.Following the enactment of the referendum law, constitutional screening committees will be set up in both the chambers of the Diet when the next legislative session convenes after the Upper House election in July, and the LDP hopes to effectively start the debate at these panels as early as this fall.The screening committees will not start officially debating proposals for constitutional amendments until the referendum law officially takes effect three years after it is promulgated later this week. But the LDP says it will be possible for the panels to start discussions, for example, on problems under the current Constitution.

From http://www.japantimes.co.jp 05/15/2007

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Bill to Create New Policy Finance Institution

A bill to establish a new policy-based financial institution through a merger of five conventional state-run financial bodies was passed Friday during a plenary session of the House of Councillors. Under the new law, four of the five bodies ¡ª the Japan Bank for International Cooperation's international finance division, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Finance Corp, the Japan Finance Corp for Small and Medium Enterprise, and National Life Finance Corp ¡ª will merge in October 2008 to create the new body, and then absorb Okinawa Development Finance Corp in 2012 or later.

From http://www.japantoday.com 05/18/2007

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Upper House Starts Deliberations on Education Reform Bills

The House of Councillors on Monday started deliberating a set of three education reform bills that were passed last week by the lower house. The upper house will scrutinize the government-proposed bills -- whose enactment Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has set as a top priority -- along with bills proposed by the opposition Democratic Party of Japan which were voted down by the House of Representatives last week. With the governing coalition holding a majority in the upper house, the government bills are likely to be approved before the current session of the Diet ends June 23. After the government and the DPJ introduced their bills to the plenary session of the upper house on Monday, debate is expected to start on Tuesday at the Committee on Education, Culture and Science, with Abe in attendance. The committee meets twice each week in principle. The ruling coalition is hoping to expedite deliberations by holding public hearings on other days. Through the enactment of the three bills, the government is planning, among other things, to set "nurturing a love for the country" as a target of compulsory education, empower the education minister to order local education boards to correct "problems," and require teachers to renew their licenses every 10 years and to undergo 30 hours of retraining. The DPJ-proposed bills seeks to limit teaching licenses to those who finish master programs in graduate schools, extend the teacher- training period to one year, and require teachers to undergo 100 hours of training every 10 years.

From http://www.breitbart.com 05/21/2007

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LDP's Platform to Call for a New Constitution

The Liberal Democratic Party will call for a new Constitution in its platform for the upcoming House of Councilors election, according to a draft version. The platform currently contains around 220 measures grouped under eight themes. They include a review of national security policies, educational reform and consolidation of the 47 prefectures into larger units, according to the draft. The draft is being readied by LDP Secretary General Hidenao Nakagawa and other senior lawmakers for official endorsement by the end of this month, party sources said. While Prime Minister Shinzo Abe aims to rewrite the postwar Constitution, the LDP has already drafted a proposed new Constitution that allows the legal possession of what it calls "military forces for self-defense." A law to set referendum procedures for amending the Constitution was passed last week, establishing a legal framework for changing the national charter for the first time since it went into force 60 years ago. On educational reform, another of Abe's major goals, the draft says the party will work to "open the way for a new era of education by deepening discussions at the (governmental) Education Rebuilding Council." The draft contains measures on dwindling medical services in provincial areas as a way to win votes in regional single-seat districts, while vowing enhanced efforts to fight global warming and other environmental issues to draw the attention of unaffiliated urban voters.

Following the recent spate of violent crimes committed by minors and last week's shooting spree by a former gangster in Aichi Prefecture, the draft calls for a basic law aimed at the sound upbringing of juveniles as well as new firearms control measures. On the diplomatic and national security fronts, it pledges efforts to "rebuild the legal foundation in terms of national security" by advancing discussions on the exercise of the right to "collective self-defense." The draft says the party will aim at "legislating a general law" that readies the Self-Defense Forces for deployment overseas at any time for international activities. The SDF's ongoing Iraq and Indian Ocean missions required special, temporary legislation. On North Korea, the platform promises efforts to "resolve the abduction issue as a matter of national pride," and "reinforce measures to deal with suspected abduction cases and other harmful activities against Japan."

From http://www.japantimes.co.jp 05/24/2007

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62% OK with Japan's Interpretation Banning Collective Self-Defense

Sixty-two percent of Japanese surveyed said they think the current government interpretation of the Constitution barring Japan from exercising the right to collective self-defense should remain intact, up 7.4 percentage points from the previous survey in April, a Kyodo News survey showed Sunday. In the telephone survey conducted over the weekend, the support rate for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet rose by 3.4 points to 47.6 percent, marking an upswing since hitting bottom in March when the rate fell below 40 percent for the first time. But 62.1 percent of the respondents said they do not think it was appropriate for Abe to remain ambiguous over whether he gave an offering -- a potted plant -- to the war-related Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo in late April, nearly double the 32.2 percent who said they thought it was appropriate. The latest nationwide phone survey, conducted Saturday and Sunday, received responses from 1,054 eligible voters. While the proportion of respondents satisfied with the current constitutional interpretation on collective self-defense -- or the use of force to counter an attack on an ally -- increased, those who favored changing the interpretation to make it possible for Japan to exercise the right dropped by 5 points to 13.3 percent. A total of 19.1 percent said the Constitution itself should be revised to enable Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense, showing a slight increase from 18.3 percent last month. The survey was taken ahead of the scheduled launch this Friday of a government panel of outside experts for examining Japan's right to collective self-defense. The panel is dominated by members known to hold views critical of the current official interpretation, in line with Abe's stance which favors allowing Japan to come to the aid of an ally -- namely the United States -- when it is under attack.

However, 58.9 percent of the respondents said they think it is desirable for the matter to be deliberated by a panel of experts, as opposed to 31.4 percent who said they do not think so. While the public has shown increased caution over the possible move to revise the Constitution or to change its interpretation over collective self-defense, many have a positive attitude toward debating the matter, apparently due to the changing security environment around Japan including the threat from North Korea. Asked why they support Abe's Cabinet, 40.6 percent cited a lack of alternatives, followed by 23.1 percent who expressed confidence in the prime minister. Of the 38.2 percent of respondents not supporting the Cabinet, 19.2 percent said they see no leadership qualities in Abe and 18.3 percent said they do not expect much from the administration's economic policies. The percentage of those choosing the response that they see no leadership qualities in Abe has been decreasing since peaking in March at 34.8 percent. The figure in the April survey was 28.1 percent. An overwhelming 80.8 percent of respondents were in favor of tightening restrictions on the practice of "amakudari," in which retired elite bureaucrats parachute to firms and entities closely linked to their official roles, while 15.2 percent were against it. By political party, the LDP's support rate slipped to 36.3 percent from 37.1 percent last month, and the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan's rose to 18.8 percent from 18.3 percent. Those who said they support no particular party remained about the same at 35.1 percent. For smaller parties, support for the LDP's coalition partner, the New Komeito party, was up 0.3 point to 3.4 percent, that for the Japanese Communist Party incr.

From http://asia.news.yahoo.com 05/13/2007

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SOUTH KOREA: Roh Vows to Expand Welfare Spending

President Roh Moo-hyun on Monday (April 30) pledged to expand welfare spending to encourage Korea's growth as a truly advanced nation. Addressing a national Buddhist prayer meeting held at a Seoul hotel, Roh said Korea has already reached the level of advanced countries in terms of export, economic size and manufacturing competitiveness, and is to attain a per capita income level of $20,000 this year. Roh also said the nation will become a Northeast Asian economic hub after completing free trade deals with the United States and the EU. But Korea still has a long way to go, particularly in the fields of welfare spending and balanced national development, to become a truly advanced country, said the president. "My administration has increased its welfare spending from the 20 percent level of government budget to 28 percent. But Korea's welfare investment still stands at the near bottom in the OECD bloc, and accounts for a third of that of Northern Europe and less than half of those of the U.S. and Japan," said Roh. "Our concept of welfare should also be changed. Welfare spending is not a consumptive expenditure, but a long-term investment in the competitiveness of the Korean economy." The president said social consensus about welfare spending is growing, stressing that the Korean economy will continue to be managed by principles, and his government will not delay the nation's key reform tasks in the fields of defense, labor and the judiciary, in particular, despite the termination of his tenure early next year.

From http://www.korea.net 05/01/2007

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Bank of Korea to Issue Higher-Denominated Bills in 2009

Korea's central bank said Wednesday (May 2) it plans to issue two higher-denominatied banknotes in 2009 as the values of current bills fail to match the scale of the economy. The Bank of Korea plans to issue 100,000-won ($107.40) and 50,000-won bills in the first half of 2009. Currently, 10,000 won is the highest denomination of the country's currency in circulation, followed by 5,000 won and 1,000 won. "As the highest denomination is too low compared with the economy such as income and prices of goods, it is generating huge economic costs and inconveniences," BOK Gov. Lee Seong-tae said in a statement. Since 1973, when the circulation of 10,000-won bills began, commodity prices have grown twelve-fold and the gross national income has become 150 times larger. Amid a lack of larger denominations, reliance on bank checks resulted in tremendous costs for issuing and handling them. It also triggered a problem of dishonored or fake checks, of which 76,537 were found last year. The use of the new bank notes will also cut the costs for circulation of bank checks and 10,000-won bills. With the higher bills replacing bank checks, the central bank will likely earn 170 billion won a year from issuing them. Upon approval by the government and a subsequent resolution by the bank's Monetary Policy Committee, the central bank will issue the bank notes on the same day. However, the central bank has no plan to push for redenomination of the currency in the near future, Lee added.

From http://www.korea.net 05/02/2007

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Gov¡¯t to Seize Land Owned by Collaborators During Japanese Colonial Era

The government will decide Wednesday (May 2) to confiscate the assets of some of the descendants of those who amassed riches by cooperating with Japan during its colonization of Korea between 1910 and 1945. The decision, the first of its kind, will be made at a plenary session of the Investigative Commission on Pro-Japanese Collaborators¡¯ Property, a presidential body established last year to identify properties of alleged collaborators, the commission said. The move is intended to follow up on a special law enacted in December to seize the assets of collaborators who helped the Japanese occupation of the Korean Peninsula. The government first plans to confiscate part of the 13.2 million square meters of land, owned by scores of descendants of collaborators, which it has investigated since last year, according to members of the panel. Last year, the government decided to look into some 9 million square meters of land valued officially at 70 billion won ($74 million). The government plans to use the confiscated assets to compensate independence fighters and their offspring for the sacrifices they made under Japanese colonial rule.

From http://www.korea.net 05/02/2007

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Roh's Office Says Venue of Inter-Korean Summit Flexible

Cheong Wa Dae, the office of President Roh Moo-hyun, said Monday (May 7) it will push for an inter-Korean summit on the basis of mutual trust and that the summit venue won't matter much. "Roh remains unchanged in his determination to improve inter-Korean relations through summit diplomacy. But the president has a flexible position on the summit venue," said presidential spokesman Cheon Ho-seon. "Roh made the remarks during his recent luncheon meeting with former Uri Party chairman Chung Dong-young at Cheong Wa Dae," the spokesman said. "At the meeting, Chung asked that the next inter-Korean summit be held in the North Korean border city of Gaeseong." With regard to speculation over an inter-Korean summit, probably this summer, Cheong Wa Dae has said that Roh's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il won't take place unless there is more progress in the settlement of the North Korean nuclear problem. Regarding the venue of a possible Roh-Kim meeting, some observers speculate that it may take place in a third country, like China. "The president is still determined to support former President Kim Dae-jung's visit to North Korea and link the six-party nuclear talks to inter-Korean relations," the spokesman said. In an essay posted on the Web site of Cheong Wa Dae, Roh called on the Uri Party to preserve its founding philosophy and history through the upcoming political turbulence. "I'm not blindly opposed to the dismantling of the Uri Party. I just want the party to preserve its founding philosophy and history even in the event of a merger with other political forces," said Roh. "Regionalism is certain to destroy the nation. It's wrong to conclude that the political forces controlling both the Jeolla and Chungcheong provinces will win the upcoming presidential election," he said.

From http://www.korea.net 05/07/2007

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Defense Ministry Seeks Law on War Remains Recovery

The Defense Ministry said Thursday (May 17) that it will soon legislate to help retrieve and identify remains from the three-year Korean War, which ended in 1953. The move comes months after the ministry launched a military task force earlier this year, modelled after the U.S. Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, to retrieve war remains and identify them through the analysis of DNA samples. The government has been under fire for its lukewarm efforts to excavate the remains of Korean soldiers missing in action during the war as the U.S. government spends a huge amount of money to locate the remains of its missing soldiers, especially in North Korea. "We will submit a related bill to the National Assembly in September after reviewing public opinion on the plan," a ministry spokesman said. "The bill is to stipulate that the recovery of war remains is not only a military duty but also a national responsibility." Under the bill, people will be obliged to notify the government if they discover any remains believed to be those of soldiers killed during the war. "They will also be obliged to preserve the remains and cooperate in recovery work," the spokesman said. Such a legal device is expected to provide a boost to the government¡¯s campaign to excavate war remains, he added. The Korean War claimed the lives of nearly 180,000 South Korean and United Nations soldiers, according to ministry data. The government believes the remains of as many as 130,000 soldiers have yet to be recovered, 20 percent of which is estimated to be buried in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas.

From http://www.korea.net 05/17/2007

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Roh Vows to Terminate Regionalism, Corruption in Politics

President Roh Moo-hyun said Friday (May 18) that he will spend his last year in office fighting regionalism and corruption in Korean politics. In an address to a ceremony marking the 27th anniversary of the Gwangju Democratization Movement, the president said abuses, physical wrangling, absence of policy competition and dialogue, exchanges of tainted money would never disappear from domestic political circles unless political regionalism is overcome. "Regionalism is never beneficial to the nation. It is beneficial to politicians alone. Without overcoming regionalism, Korean politics will never make any leap forward," said Roh. "As many as 118 cases of election corruption were uncovered last year. Corrupt politics may revive unless strong crackdowns are enforced. I have yet to fulfill my responsibility in terminating political corruption and regionalism. I'll devote my last year in office to disposing of such ills," he said. The Gwangju Democratization Movement refers to a bloody government crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising in the southern city of Gwangju in May 1980. The regime of then President Chun Doo-hwan, who took power through a military coup in 1979, dispatched tank-led paratroopers to brutally contain the revolt. Government data show that about 200 people were killed and 1,800 others wounded in the uprising, but unofficial figures put the death toll at more than 2,000. The pro-government Uri Party has gained its support from Gwangju and the nearby southwestern provinces of Jeolla while the main opposition Grand National Party depends on the conservative southeastern provinces of Gyeongsang, with the central provinces of Chungcheong and the city of Seoul holding the deciding vote in the nation's key elections. In the address, Roh went on to defend his government's achievements in the fields of politics, economy, society, culture and diplomacy. "Some contend the past military dictators were more competent and successful than civilian-led governments. But our democracy forces are writing a new history in almost all fields of society and politics," said Roh. "We're now racing towards per capita income of $30,000. Peace and stability are gaining momentum on the Korean Peninsula, while Korea-U.S. relations are tuning into those of mutual respect and cooperation," he noted.

From http://www.korea.net 05/18/2007

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Korea to Publicize Full Text of FTA with U.S

The Korean government is scheduled to release on Friday (May 25) the full text of a free trade agreement tentatively reached with the United States. Korea and the U.S. reached a landmark free trade pact in early April after 10 months of negotiations. The deal, expected to be signed by the two governments by the end of June, awaits ratification by their legislative bodies. Korea's Foreign Ministry officials said they plan to open more than 1,000 pages of the agreement on government Internet sites on Friday in both English and Korean. "On the bottom line, there will be nothing new from what we've already said since we reached the deal," Korea's deputy chief negotiator Lee Hye-min said. Ambassador Kim Jong-hoon, Korea's chief negotiator in free trade talks with the U.S., has been stressing that the agreement will be fully open to dispel possible public misunderstanding about the deal.

From http://english.president.go.kr 05/25/2007

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MONGOLIA: Draft Law Submitted

The Government submitted Thursday a package of draft laws to the Parliament. They are drafts renewed wording of laws on customs and on customs duty and tariffs, a draft law on regulation of observance of law on cooperative, a draft parliamentary resolution on approval of program for provision of population with apartments and enhance of jobs in the construction sector as well as a draft law on labor safety operation and hygiene.

From http://www.montsame.mn 05/17/2007

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INDONESIA: Clean Hands Drive Launched to Promote Better Life

The government launched Sunday in four cities a national hand-washing campaign to promote a clean and healthy lifestyle and to upgrade public health in general. Coordinating Minister for the People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie marked the launch by releasing balloons at the National Monument. He was accompanied by Health Minister Siti Fadillah Supari, National Education Minister Bambang Sudibyo and State Minister for Women's Empowerment Meutia Hatta. Similar launches also took place during the morning in Bandung in West Java, Surabaya in East Java and Medan in North Sumatra. Speaking to an audience of around 2,700 mothers and children from 25 elementary schools in Jakarta and Bekasi, Aburizal said the campaign was aimed at promoting the washing of hands, which he said was a simple act that had not yet become habit in Indonesia. "This campaign needs to be done because even though washing hands is really basic and simple, not many people are doing it correctly," he was quoted as saying by Antara. Aburizal noted the prevalence of diarrhea in Indonesia, the cause of 20 percent of toddler deaths, as one of the more prominent repercussions of people not washing their hands in an appropriate fashion.

Diarrhea, he said, could be largely avoided by making hand washings a habit, adding that it could also help prevent other diseases such as skin infections, pneumonia and bird flu. The minister, a businessman who was initially appointed coordinating minister for the economy before finding his current post after a Cabinet reshuffle in December 2005, then demonstrated an effective method of washing one's hands. Placing soap into his hands, he washed and rinsed them with clean water and dried them off using a clean, dry towel. This process was later replicated by other figures attending the event, such as Aburizal's three fellow ministers and those representing the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef). They were also accompanied by 20 elementary school students appointed to the "20 Second Soldiers" group, which is promoting the habit of washing hands. Aburizal said the government hoped the campaign would raise the public's awareness of the importance of having a clean and healthy lifestyle, which would then act to suppress the spread of communicable diseases. It is not clear what other activities the government intends to carry out to ensure that the campaign is effective and produces long-term results.

From http://www.thejakartapost.com 05/07/2007

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Government 'Not Interested' in Passing Public Information Bill

The prolonged deliberation of the freedom to access public information bill indicates the government is half-hearted about passing the bill into law, a lawmaker says. The bill, which aims to disclose as much government-related information as possible to the public, has been in discussion for more than five years after the House of Representatives first agreed to deliberate it. A member of the House's Commission I overseeing defense and information affairs, Hajriyanto Y. Tohari, said during a hearing on the bill the House could not get the bill passed on its own. "We cannot get the bill passed into law if the government lacks interest in considering it," he said. If the bill is passed, Indonesia would join about 40 countries with laws regulating freedom to access public information. Press Council deputy chairman Leo Batubara said that even though transparency would strengthen the country's democracy and administration, the government was still reluctant to pass the bill. "The government is reluctant because it tends to reject maximum disclosure. Transparency can reduce corruption," he said.

Batubara said corruption cases, such as in the National Logistics Agency and illegal logging, could be prevented if the public information bill was passed. Also speaking was Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono and outgoing Communication and Information Minister Sofyan Djalil. Juwono said he wanted to see a state secrecy bill passed along with the public information bill, and there should be clear boundaries between the two bills. "There is no such thing as absolute freedom. Limitations are imperative," he said, adding that most countries have regulations that limit access to information on state defense policy, for example. Juwono said the boundaries should include definitions of terms, effective time periods and special conditions in which information can be disclosed, or not, to the public. "Even the press is bound by company finances. It cannot publish if the company has no funding," he said. Sofyan, who was named state minister for state enterprises in Monday's cabinet reshuffle, said the bill should not regulate listed state-owned enterprises, as these were regulated by the capital market.

"In order to prevent chaos, business should not be mixed with politics. This is absolute," Sofyan said. "The inclusion of state-owned companies in the public information bill could create misinformation and we don't want that." Sofyan said publicly listed state companies are in reality owned by the public and listed on the financial market. Moreover, capital market law has tougher sanctions for violators than the public information bill. "The capital market law already refers to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the U.S.," he added. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act aims to enforce accountability inside public companies and corporations by imposing strict financial monitoring. Sofyan said despite separation, state-owned companies should aim to become as transparent as possible to the public, especially in regard to financial transactions.

From http://www.thejakartapost.com/ 05/08/2007

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MALAYSIA: Govt¡¯s Efforts to Promote Racial Integration

The Government is committed in its efforts to promote racial integration and unity as certain quarters keep playing up racial issues from time to time to distract the people. Jelutong Member of Parliament Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the country¡¯s ruling coalition had always stressed the importance of unity among the people because Malaysia was a unique country with a multi-racial population. ¡°The Government is very serious in its efforts but the people cannot continue taking this peace and stability for granted,¡± he said at the Eastern Garden Rukun Tetangga (RT) get-together dinner at Cititel Hotel in Penang recently. Also present were Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ng Fook On, State National Unity and National Integration department director L. Gandeson and Eastern Garden RT chairman Lim Eng Ghee. In his speech, Gandeson applauded Eastern Garden RT's commendable work despite not having a building of its own. ¡°Even without a place of their own, its members continue to carry out various unity programmes which earned the RT an excellence certificate last year,¡± he said.

From http://thestar.com.my/ 05/02/2007

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Council Plan for Retirees

Senior citizens may soon be hired as Penang Municipal Council enforcement officers on contract basis. If the proposal goes through, the streets of George Town would see senior citizens in uniforms taking over the 250 enforcement unit positions. The council¡¯s Licences & Specific Plans Approval Standing Committee alternate chairman Loh Chye Teik said the council thinks that retirees would do a better job in educating offenders because they could command better respect. He said the senior citizens would also be more rational and effective in tackling disputes. ¡°The proposal was tabled at the last council meeting. It was also brought up that enforcement officers, mainly youngsters, were impulsive and rude when performing their duties,¡± Loh told The Star. Loh said the council was now studying the possibility of hiring retirees, preferably retired government servants, on a two-year contract. He said many retirees were still very active mentally and physically and their experience would be an asset. Senior Citizens Association Penang president Lawrence Cheah in welcoming the council¡¯s idea, said that the job scope should, however, not be hazardous. ¡±The senior citizens could perhaps be hired as team leaders or put in charge to manage younger officers,¡± he said. He said that with such arrangement, the council would have an effective enforcement unit, utilising both the veterans¡¯ experience and the youngsters¡¯ enthusiasm.

From http://thestar.com.my 05/04/2007

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SINGAPORE: New Legal Framework to Protect Personal Data of Biomedical Research Participants

A new legal framework is being drafted to protect the personal information of those who take part in biomedical research. With the legislation, scientists will have to protect the participants' personal data. If they breach this, they face fines and even a jail term. This is part of the recommendations revealed by the Bioethics Advisory Committee on Monday. The public will increasingly be involved in research projects by scientists, as Singapore goes deeper into bio-medicine. So to build public trust, the Bioethics Advisory Committee has recommended guidelines to legally protect confidential information of those who participate in research. Such legislation is already implemented in countries like Germany, UK, Sweden and the US. Professor Lee Hin Peng, Deputy Chairman, Bioethics Advisory Committee, said, "It's just to make sure that all personal identification will be protected so that we cannot link information on health and health status to individuals, except during the course of research, but it is always de-linked in the course of analysis.

"Basically, they are afraid if they have any illness or any genetic information that is considered to be sensitive, they certainly don't want people to know there is this information, unless it is with their consent. I think this is the important protection, except in the case of gazetted infectious diseases...diseases which are infectious, the information of which is required for control of these infectious diseases, like SARS or dengue fever." The Committee recommends that the onus falls on researchers to request consent from participants by explaining the research project, and any possible risks. Researchers must also prevent breaches of privacy by employing safeguards against loss, unauthorised access, or copying of data. This may be a challenge since much of the data is currently online. The Committee also wants research participants to be able to withdraw consent at any time without explanation or prejudice.

Professor Lim Pin, Chairman, Bioethics Advisory Committee, said, "Having a firm legal footing is important because although we are now practising what is really international standards in ethical practises, we want it to be as it were, properly documented. "That is also important from the view of collaborating with other countries, researchers in other countries, and they also want something in black and white, not just by word of mouth. So far, we have not had difficulties with our partners in US, UK, Australia and so forth, but perhaps other emerging countries in research like China, Korea, Japan." As biomedical sciences advances, more people will also be going for genetic testing. And one concern is that insurers and employers may use predictive genetic testing results to discriminate between applicants. The Bioethics Advisory Committee said that currently the accuracy of genetic testing was still questionable, hence applicants would not need to disclose such information for now. Responding to this suggestion, the Ministry of Health said it was a complicated subject which would require further study by the various regulatory agencies.

From http://www.channelnewsasia.com 05/07/2007

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S'pore Exploring Legislation Changes to Help Older Workers Stay Employed

Hiring older workers beyond the age of 62 will become part of Singapore's employment laws within the next five years. That is a recommendation of a tripartite committee studying the issue of employing older workers in an ageing workforce. The provision could be incorporated into existing laws or as a new piece of legislation. Besides that, the authorities say the public and businesses must accept the idea of workers working longer years. There have been significant improvements in the employment rates for older workers, says the tripartite committee. In 2006, 40,000 more older people were employed. And by end-March this year, 411 companies had adopted age-friendly employment practices. But there is a need for a holistic approach to intensify efforts to enhance the employability of older workers. So in its final report, the committee recommended that low wage income workers above 55 years old, receive a higher Workfare Income Supplement payout when the scheme is reviewed in three years.

It has also proposed that the ADVANTAGE! scheme be enhanced to lend greater support to companies to recruit and retain older workers. It is proposed an increased funding of up to S$400,000 per company, up from S$300,000 previously. The committee's most significant proposal is that Singapore legislate the employability of older workers within the next five years. This after the committee had studied the Japanese model of re-employment legislation. The Japanese model offers employers three options: Raise the company's mandatory retirement age 60 to age 65, adopt a re-employment system under which workers, upon reaching retirement age 60 can be re-employed to work until the age of 65 or remove the mandatory retirement age system all together. Minister of State, Manpower, Gan Kim Yong, "The Japanese system is very flexible. There are some managers who reach their retirement age and under the system they were re-employed but they were assigned to different jobs, a job that he finds suitable and the employers also find suitable.

"And some managers may prefer to have more flexible hours and some of them their salaries and terms would be adjusted to reflect the contribution to the employer. This flexibility is the key attraction to us. "The key is to ensure enough flexibility in the system and to persuade the employers on the mindset change, so that they would see this as a value proposition." However, employers have two key concerns. Says Stephen Lee, President, National Employers' Federation, "One is that such a move must make economic sense to the company. The second point is such a move should not hamper the renewal of the company itself¡­by keeping older workers longer, you are not slowing down the renewal process. "We are very glad to see that the committee has taken a flexible approach, without being overly prescriptive. Perhaps if we can make very good progress, in the end the piece of legislation could be a softer piece of legislation." And it is not just local companies that have to address the issue of employing older workers.

Says Alexander Melchers, VP, Singapore German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, "European foreign companies in Singapore account for more than 40 per cent of employment and we are as concerned as Singaporean companies. For larger companies they need to change the HR systems, for smaller companies they need to change more the mindset than anything else because they don't have the relevant HR systems. It's a positive thing, we give it some time, we work towards the target." The government is giving itself a five-year period before deciding on the final form of legislation, so as to assess the progress made by companies in employing older workers. The five-year period will also give the government enough time to take stock of prevailing economic conditions and ensure that whatever law is decided, it is able to withstand any downturn, when it does come. In the meantime, the report says before introducing legislation, a revised set of tripartite guidelines could be introduced to guide and help facilitate companies in re-employing workers beyond age 62.

And when the new provisions come into force, the labour movement will be kept busy, updating collective agreements. NTUC says in 2006, 40 per cent of current collective agreements contained clauses expressly providing opportunities for employees to work beyond the age of 62. These collective agreements covered almost 40,000 workers. Also 36 banks have collectively introduced a clause on re-employment of their retired staff in the collective agreement with two banking industry unions. Says John De Payva, President, NTUC, "We would need to come up with some provisions that we can then include in our collective agreement and subject that to negotiations with employers of unionised companies and move on from there, "We are starting at base level, so we need to feel our way our through. We need to appreciate the kind of issues that employers are confronting themselves with, arising out of these guidelines." The government has accepted the Tripartite Committee's recommendations. To co-ordinate and oversee implementation of the recommendations, the Committee will continue its work for another five years. It will work towards raising the employment rate for residents aged 55 to 64 to the medium-term target of 65 per cent. The Committee will also work closely with the Ministerial Committee on Ageing to tackle the issues of an ageing population in a holistic manner.

From http://www.channelnewsasia.com/ 05/17/2007

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THAILAND: Plan Amnesty Law for Muslim South

People suspected of involvement in a separatist insurgency in the rebellious Muslim south, where more than 2,100 have been killed in three years of violence, Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram said on Tuesday. Nitya said it was a "concrete gesture" by the interim government which has shunned the hardline policies of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a bloodless coup last year. "This is to show the government's determination to resolve the problem by creating an environment conducive for national reconciliation," Nitya told a news conference at the end of a two-day visit by a delegation from the world Islamic body, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC). He said people fighting criminal charges in court would not be eligible. He gave no further details of the law, which he said Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont had asked the military-appointed parliament to pass as soon as possible. The OIC has urged Surayud to stick to his conciliatory strategy, which included an apology for abuses by security forces in the mainly Malay-speaking region. He also has pushed for dialogue and greater recognition of Malay culture and language. But the gun and bomb attacks on both Muslims and Buddhists have intensified despite 30,000 soldiers and paramilitary rangers in the region bordering Malaysia. A joint statement issued after the visit by OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said the situation in the region was not a religious conflict, but related to political, civil and socio-economic rights.

From http://in.news.yahoo.com 05/02/2007

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Government Outlines Law to Curb Retail Giants

Thailand's government has agreed fresh legislation to curb the expansion of the world's retail giants in the country. Under the new law, any expansion plans would have to go before regional Thai authorities. The Thai government has also proposed that a central body - the Retail and Wholesale Supervision Committee - is set up to oversee the retail sector. "The new law approved today will decentralise authority to provincial regulators and allow greater hearing of public opinion," deputy commerce minister Oranuj Osathananda told the AFX news agency today (8 May). Thailand's local shop owners have grown concerned about the impact of growing expansion from the likes of Tesco and Carrefour. According to the AFX report, figures from the Thai commerce ministry show that over 100,000 small stores have closed in the last decade. The Thai government's proposals will now go before legal exports and then head to the country's legislature for final approval.

From http://www.just-food.com 05/08/2007

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Cabinet Approves Public Service Broadcast Bill

The Thai cabinet Tuesday approved a Public Service Broadcasting Bill designed to clear the way for Thailand Independent Television (TITV), formerly ITV (Independent Television), to become a commercial-free public station once the measure becomes law, a ranking official said. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, a committee member responsible for drafting the bill, said the draft would now be forwarded to the National Legislative Assembly for consideration and approval. The government will finance the station, formerly owned by Shin Corp --founded by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, from excise taxes on liquor and cigarettes, granting the station 1.5 per cent of total excise taxes, estimated at Bt1.1-1.7 billion annually, and not exceeding Bt2 billion a year, he said. A committee will be selected from media associations to sit on the independent organisation which will operate the TV station. ITV was placed under the control of the Prime Minister's Office after failing to pay concession fees and fines. It is now operating under the control of the state-run Public Relations Department.

From http://etna.mcot.net 05/15/2007

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Govt Lauded for Dropping Own Bill on Publishing

The cabinet's decision yesterday to drop its own draft publishing bill will bring about media reform and boost the government's credibility, an adviser to the National Press Council, Banyat Tasaneeyavej, said. "It's a first step towards media reform," said the veteran journalist, who resigned as president of the press council to serve on the National Legislative Assembly (NLA). "It shows that the government truly means to bring in media reform and that its earlier statements to this effect were not just words," Mrs Banyat said. "Such a follow-through helps boost the government's credibility at such a difficult time." Government spokesman Yongyuth Maiyalap said the cabinet agreed to drop its own draft bill and consider the version drafted by members of the media sitting on the NLA. Mr Yongyuth said this draft bill would be sent back to the NLA next Wednesday after due consideration of its principles. This would include vetting by the Council of State, the government's legal advisory body, and a new look at it by the cabinet at its weekly meeting next Tuesday, PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan said.

It is believed to be the first time in many decades that a government has dropped a draft bill of its own making. "No elected government has done this," one media watcher said. Last week, representatives of media organisations went to meet Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont at Government House, calling on him to use the NLA's draft bill. Led by press council advisers Manit Suksomchit and Mrs Banyat, they urged the prime minister to revoke the 1941 Printing Act, on which the government's draft bill was based. The Printing Act authorises state officials to control the print media and prohibit its distribution. It also allows officials to confiscate printed publications and other materials deemed to be against public morality. The NLA version removed those contentious provisions.

From http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/ 05/16/2007

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Public TV Station Bill Approved

The cabinet yesterday approved a bill for the settingup of a public service television station, which is to be funded by sin tax. Once it is passed by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), the Thai Public Broadcasting Organisation Bill will formally convert Thailand Independent Television (TITV) into a public service broadcaster. Government spokesman Yongyuth Maiyalap yesterday said the bill, sponsored by the Prime Minister's Office, is to be scrutinised by the Council of State, the government's legal arm, before it is forwarded to the NLA. Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn said the Finance Ministry will allocate 1.5% of alcohol and tobacco tax revenue, but not exceeding two billion baht per year, to run public service television. Financing the new station would not pose a fiscal burden for the ministry, Mr Chalongphob added. The bill also allows the station to accept donations from the public and private sector, according to the spokesman. Public service television would be governed by a nine-member board, which would have a four-year term.

The nine board members would be screened by representatives from media organisations, including the Journalists Association of Thailand and the National Press Council, and non-government organisations working for women, children and consumers' rights. "This organisation is neither a state-run organisation nor a state enterprise," Mr Yongyuth said. It also would be independent of state officials, politicians and business interests. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, who helped draft the bill, said public service TV would initially need 200-300 million baht for management and administration during its first stage of operation. "I'm certain that public television will become an important tool in ensuring that the people receive balanced information," said Mr Somkiat, a researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute. He confirmed the public television station would produce both news programmes and documentaries, with more children's programmes to be aired during prime time. The bill is the result of the cabinet's decision to turn TITV, formerly known as iTV (Independent Television), into a public broadcaster after iTV failed to pay fees and fines amounting to 103 billion baht to the government for breaches of its concession contract.

From http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu 05/16/2007

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BANGLADESH: Broadband Policy Next Month

The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications will send the broadband policy, plan for improved Internet connectivity, to the council of advisers by June for approval. The policy aims to facilitate the growth of high-speed Internet services at affordable prices. "It hopes to finalise the policy by middle of June and forward it to the council of advisers for the approval," said official of the Ministry. The final policy draft, which defines broadband as an `always on' data or Internet connection with a minimum bandwidth of 128kbps, has targeted to connect every village with broadband Internet by 2015. About 10 lakh people have access to the Internet at present, are provided internet service by more than 50 service providers, with more than 90 per cent through dial-up connections with low bandwidth. The policy has set 'Immediate' (by 2007), 'Mid-term' (by 2010) and 'Long-term' (by 2015) broadband diffusion targets. It specifies that by 2007, 50 per cent of the present dial-up Internet connections should be shifted to the broadband link, said the official. The policy instructs that all the government offices, local government institutions, colleges, schools, public libraries, cultural centres, museums, post offices and archives will be connected to the broadband network by the 2015 as part of the long-term target set by the policy, he added.

All colleges located in district headquarters should be connected to broadband while 25 per cent of high schools in the district towns and 10 per cent of high schools in upazila towns should be connected to the network by 2007 as part of the immediate target. By 2010, all colleges situated in upazila headquarters, 50 per cent of high schools in district towns and 35 per cent of high schools in upazila towns should be connected to broadband internet, and 10 per cent of villages and all local government institutions up to upazila level should be brought under the network. The policy said that private sector involvement in broadband services and public-private partnership would be encouraged using the policy. Broadband operation policies would be technology-neutral with respect to user or service providers' choice multiple broadband technology options. The fiscal incentives for broadband deployment, which includes provision of tax holidays, explicit and targeted subsidies, grants pilot-project funding, low interest loans or development funds for the manufacturers of equipment related to broadband services. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will issue licences for providing broadband services to any entity meeting the regulatory terms and conditions set by the BTRC. The existing licensed Internet service providers, however, need not to be given new licences for the broadband connections until the existing licence is expired. Regarding the tariff for the broadband services, the policy said that liberalised tariff prices in the field of telecommunications would be extended to encourage broadband services at a minimum cost.

From http://nation.ittefaq.com/ 05/15/2007

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New Import Policy

THE import policy for three fiscal years 2006-09 has been announced by the government. The Adviser in charge of the Ministries of Finance and Commere announced this at a press conference the other day. He has asserted that the ultimate objectives of the three-year import policy are to protect domestic products and face the globalisation challenges. The end is to bring about the changes needed for reducing trade deficit and dependence on aid. The three-year import policy has been reviewed at a meeting of the Council of Advisers presided over by the Chief Adviser. The demand for import of luxurious items including cars, electronic equipment like air conditioners, television, cosmetics and other consumer items has increased. The demand for industrial inputs including those needed for production of finished garments has also shown an uptrend. That being so, the policy decision on the listing of goods to be imported in coming years is an important step. The imposition of import duty on selected products is to be assured for preventing misuse of foreign exchange. The earnings from export of finished garment, pharmaceutical products and the traditional export items like jute and jute products plus other export items remain inadequate for the payment of import bills.

The need for import of industrial machinery and equipment is quite pronounced. The imposition of high import tariff for consumable items that are also produced in sufficient quantities at home is necessary for protecting local industries. The luxurious items that have so far been imported without payment of duty in the past decade or so, have virtually flooded the transport sector. In the process, the demand for fuel has increased. The import policy covering upcoming three fiscal years should better be placed within the fathom of long-term economic programme. The authorities concerned have to work dispassionately for the ultimate growth of the economy. The need for generation of employment for millions of youths who await their turn for getting jobs has to be kept under regular vigilance. The ultimate use of export earnings plus remittances from migrant workers has to be made rational and that with appropriate use of export earnings on a long term basis. The import policy, it is hoped, would facilitate the purchase of consumer items from foreign markets and their sale at local markets at affordable prices. The stagnancy in import activities would hopefully go.

From http://nation.ittefaq.com/ 05/15/2007

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Constitution Amendment Needed to Make EC Free from PMO: ID Card with Photo Requires 18 Months

Modification of the organisational structure for full independence of the Election Commission is not possible without amendment to the Constitution, EC Secretary Humayun Kabir said yesterday. He, however, said the Chief Adviser had firmly assured a few days ago that his government would take all necessary steps to ensure independence of the EC Secretariat. He referred to a recent meeting between Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed and CEC Dr ATM Shamsul Huda to substantiate his statement. Briefing journalists, the EC Secretary said the Commission is fully aware of the opinion of media and the public that EC Secretariat should be totally free from the Prime Minister or Chief Adviser Office. He said the EC differed with the Army experts? Tentative 6-month timeframe for completing field-level works of preparing voters? List with photograph and stuck to its 18-month timeframe. It cannot be said whether the 6 months are a valid time to compete the field-level works of voters? List with photograph before any field test? Humayun Kabir, a day after the Army experts gave the estimated new timeline. The validity of 6 months cannot be understood unless there be a few days? Test work before starting the field-level task of voter listing.

There would be many things to do when the project would start to be implemented? He told the weekly press briefing at the EC Secretariat. The Army could complete the field-level works of voters? List with photograph and provide its master-print within five to six months from the start of the work, the expert team said Wednesday while giving a demonstration before the media on the methodology being used in making voter list. Actually they (expert team) said it (six months) on an assumption? I think they did not give the time of five to six months exactly for everything? They spoke only about the data collection? There are many things behind data collection that will also require time? It will not be possible to complete the whole task in less than 18 month? Humayun Kabir said. He pointed out that the Chief Election Commissioner, in his statement, has always spoken about the 18-month timeframe. The 18 months include every single task like preparing project proposal, procurement, field work and others the field-level task is not the only task? He said. The EC Secretary said every step of implementing the project would require time, like giving training to the computer and other equipment operators.

Different operators would need to get different levels of training, as their quality of skill would not be same. Besides, the filed-level task of data entry would also require a huge amount of time as the question still remained if people would come together or not as well, whether people would come to the voter-registration centers if they anyhow failed to be enrolled on the first day. He have got the option (of the method being used in making voter list)?Now we have to work out the detail of the method. The EC Secretary parried when asked what is the work of the consultant team of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) if the EC is taking army methodology. About presenting a demonstration on the methodology that the UNDP consultant team is suggesting like the army expert team, Humayun Kabir said they would not come without being fully prepared and also before the media.

From http://nation.ittefaq.com/ 05/17/2007

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INDIA: Government to Ensure Gender Equality in DD, AIR

New Delhi, May 3: Fifty-Fifty ratio will be ensured between male and female anchors of Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) by August 15, Information and Broadcasting Minister PR Dasmunsi today said. Inaugurating a 'Workshop on Gender Equality in Indian Media' here, Dasmunsi called for taking steps towards ensuring parity for women in the field of media. He said that freedom of the press was guaranteed in the country, but the same was not the case as regards the "freedom of journalists", most of whom were in the private sector. The Minister felt that the condition of women journalists in India, especially those in their early career, was far from satisfactory. He advocated proper facilities at all work place considering specific needs of women who have to take care of their familial obligations along with their career. The workshop has been organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/03/2007

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Govt Approves Amendment to Members of Parliament Rules 1988

New Delhi, May 3: The Union Cabinet today gave its approval by accepting the recommendation of the Joint Committee that a Member of Parliament will be allowed to engage any number of persons either in Delhi or in his constituency for obtaining secretarial assistance. They can obtain secretarial assistance within the total monetary ceiling of 14 thousand rupees per month and out of them at least one person should be computer literate and the certification by the Member about the computer literacy of such person would suffice. The Cabinet also gave its approval for making consequential amendments in the Members of Parliament (Office Expense Allowance) Rules 1988. The amendment would give required flexibility to the MPs in obtaining secretarial assistance. At its weekly meeting here tonight, the Cabinet also approved for moving the official amendments to the Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Bill, 2004 and the National Commission for Minorities (Repeal) Bill, 2004, in Parliament for consideration and passage. These amendments would infuse a greater sense of confidence amongst the minorities.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/03/2007

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Govt Proposes New Scheme to Set Up Mega Food Parks

New Delhi, May 7: The Government today informed the Rajya Sabha that it has proposed a new scheme for setting up mega food parks in the country. In a written reply, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Subodh Kant Sahai said the parks have been envisaged as a well defined agri/horticulture processing zone containing state-of-the-art processing facilities with support infrastructure and well established supply chain. The proposed scheme aims to provide a mechanism to bring together farmers, processors and retailers and link agricultural production to the market so as to ensure maximisation of value addition, minimise wastage and improve farmers income. The Ministry has initiated the process of getting conducted feasibility studies for setting up of mega food parks in the country. The scheme which includes setting up of 30 Mega Food Parks with a higher level assistance of a ceiling of Rs 50 crore each, is under consideration/consultation with Planning Commission for inclusion in the XI Five Year Plan and upon approval of the scheme, formal proposals would be invited, Mr Sahai added.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/07/2007

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New Sugarcane Policy in MP: Chouhan

Indore, May 7: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said the government would come out with a new sugarcane policy soon in view of its increased production. Mr Chouhan told reporters here today that the government was paying full attention to the welfare of sugarcane producers. Besides asking sugar mills to continue sugar processing, the government was making efforts to increase their number. Regarding the dearth of seeds and fertilisers, he said arrangement of seeds in adequate quantity would be made for the 'kharif' season adding that. The government was looking into the matter of dearth of BT cotton seeds. Union Fertilisers Minister Ramvilas Paswan had been informed about the scarcity of fertilisers and efforts would be made to provide adequate fertilisers to farmers, he said. On Gujarat's Sohrabuddin fake encounter case, he said the name of one person had surfaced from Madhya Pradesh and the matter was being investigated. The Act to deal with terrorism in the state would be presented during the next assembly session, he said. On Cabinet expansion, Mr Chouhan said he would take necessary step when he feels the need. Regarding appointment of IAS officers as Commissioner in the Municipal Corporation and as Chief Executive Officer in development authorities, he said the government was considering the matter.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/07/2007

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Government to Create 70 Million Jobs in 11th Plan

New Delhi, May 9 (IANS) The government Wednesday said it will create 70 million new job opportunities during the 11th five-year plan of 2007-12. This plan by the government includes both skilled and unskilled people, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. In order to tackle the problem of unemployment among both educated and uneducated persons, the Government is attempting special employment generation programmes, he said. The special programmes include Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana, Sampoorna Grameen Rojgar Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Prime Minister's Rojgar Yojana, Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana. Government is also implementing National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in the 313 identified districts of the country, which provides for at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every household in the rural areas whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work, the minister said.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/09/2007

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Govt Bans Emigration Clearance to Women Below 30 to Work as Maids

New Delhi, May 14: The government has imposed a ban on grant of emigration clearance to women below the age of 30 years if they are seeking employment as housemaids/domestic workers in any Emigration Check Required country. Minister for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury told the Rajya Sabha today, in a written reply that this has been done to prevent exploitation of Indian women working as domestic workers in many countries. In another reply, she said that her ministry is implementing a scheme ¡®An Integrated programme for Street Children¡¯ for prevention of destitution and withdrawal of children from a life on the street. The scheme provides shelter, nutrition, health care, sanitation and hygiene, safe drinking water, education and recreational facilities and protection against abuse and exploitation to these children. She further stated that the funds are mostly utilized through non-Governmental Organizations and educational institutions.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/14/2007

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India to Release Its Aviation Plan Soon: Praful Patel

Mumbai, May 14: Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has said that India is preparing a plan to make its aviation industry better able to deal with global competition by 2020. "The Vision 2020 statement will be sent to senior government ministers and should be ready in a couple of months," Patel said at Jet Airways Ltd.'s presentation of its new Boeing 777-300 ER and Airbus 330-200 planes. He also said that the policy would help Indian carriers to meet competition from foreign airlines. "We will decide according to the needs of the country. After all, we have so many foreign airlines now coming to India, not only to Mumbai and Delhi but to many other cities. As a result, we will have to review our policies, to be able to take on the competition of foreign carriers," he added. He further said that it is important that Indian companies must now think big, think of not only buying Indian carriers, but to buy carriers internationally also. "Even public carriers will also be expanding their footprints beyond India in the years to come," he said. The Minister said that he would talk to Petroleum Minister Murli Deora and state-run oil companies about high jet fuel prices, adding that options include allowing carriers to import fuel or create a hedge. Indian carriers are allowed to hedge fuel for international flights, but not for domestic operations.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/14/2007

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Kalam for National Policy to Create Global Talent Pool

New Delhi, May 14: Highlighting the demand-supply gap of skilled manpower in the country, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Monday underlined the need for a national policy to create a global human development cadre. "...A National Policy for creating a Global Human Development Cadre for India can be evolved through a national team drawing experts from multiple ministries, including education system, and various professional associations and societies," Kalam said at a summit on education organised by the industry lobby Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). "Evolution of such a policy in a time bound manner will generate quality, knowledge and skills needed by all sectors of Indian economy and globally employable human resources. The aim of the education system should be to create employment generators rather than employment seekers apart from building research capability," he said. The president said there was a large gap in the availability of employable skills. For example, as per the NASSCOM and McKinsey Report 2005, it is estimated that the "IT, ITES and BPO sector alone will need 9 million direct jobs and 6 million indirect jobs in construction, retail and transportation by 2010, whereas we do not have such a capacity in the country to generate this number which will be acceptable to the three sectors of economy".Spelling out the methods to bridge the gap, he said the educational system should highlight the importance of entrepreneurship and prepare the students to get oriented towards setting up of enterprises which will "provide them creativity, freedom and ability to generate wealth"."The banking system should provide venture capital right from every village level to the prospective entrepreneurs for undertaking new enterprises. We need a large number of venture capital institutions that can take risk and promote entrepreneurs," he added. The president also asked industry leaders and academicians to "study the role of education in improving the competitiveness index rating of India within ten ranks from 43".

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/14/2007

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Draft Bill to Amend Companies Act under Preparation

New Delhi, May 15: A draft bill to amend the Companies Act, 1956, is under preparation based on the recommendations of an expert committee and would be introduced in parliament soon, the Rajya Sabha was informed Tuesday. The process to amend the legislation was initiated in August 2004 with a concept note prepared for comments from stakeholders. Thereafter, a committee was set up under former Tata Steel chief J.J. Irani to make some recommendations. "Taking into account the recommendations of the Irani committee, as also other inputs received by the government, a draft companies bill is under preparation, in consultation with the ministry of law," Company Affairs Minister Prem Chand Gupta said. The bill will be introduced in parliament after requisite approvals, he told the upper house in a written reply, adding that the Irani panel had suggested more flexibility and freedom for smaller companies, among its other recommendations. The panel had also recommended allowing a one-person company to unleash talent in this information and technology-driven environment with a simple legal regime through exemptions.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/15/2007

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Law to Regulate Detective Agencies on Anvil

New Delhi, May 15: The government proposes to bring in a law to regulate the functioning of a growing number of private detectives and ensure that they work within the ambit of law and are accountable to a regulatory mechanism. Over the last five years, the number of detective agencies has quadrupled with no figure on how many operate and whether they have valid licenses. Many of these agencies are involved in undercover operations and offer their services in business and company surveys, assets verifications, overseas investigations, bank account information, business asset investigation, partner background reports and business asset investigation. Some of them are into pre- and post-matrimonial services, love affairs, surveillance, divorce cases, confidential photography and video surveillances. It is learnt that several television news channels also outsource their work through these agencies especially in sting operations. Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply that the government does not have a regulator in place to monitor the activities of private detective agencies and therefore information about them was minimal. A bill to set up an effective regulator is likely to be introduced in parliament shortly, he added.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/15/2007

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Plan to Open Drug Banks in All Districts

New Delhi, May 15: The government plans to set up drug banks in all 604 districts of the country to provide essential medicines to the poor free of charge and a committee has been set up to study the feasibility of the proposal. Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers Ram Vilas Paswan Tuesday said that the committee has been formed under the guidance of G.S. Sandhu, joint secretary (chemicals and fertiliser). "The committee will submit a report on setting up of drug banks and provision for providing free health insurance to all the poor people," Paswan told reporters after a meeting of the Pharmaceuticals Advisory Forum. He said his ministry has already moved a policy note in the cabinet on the issue. The health secretaries of Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Mizoram and officials from the Drug Controller's office have been nominated as members of the committee. The committee would also assess feasibility of a district illness fund and an anti-cancer fund, the minister added. Paswan said his ministry was planning to increase the number of scheduled drugs under the government price control from 74 to 354. "This will reduce the price of drugs in the market." "The government is trying to reduce prices of 886 varieties of drugs but prices of only 295 drugs have been reduced so far," he said adding that so far nine companies including Ranbaxy, Alchem and Alembic had reduced the rate where as many more drug manufacturers like Cipla and Lupin were yet to follow the government order.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/15/2007

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NEPAL: Govt. to Implement Rural ICT Scheme

The Nepal Government is planning to launch a rural information and communications scheme in the country, so that people in the rural and remote areas would be benefited from the latest developments in the field of ICT. The Ministry of Information and Communications is holding a national workshop to collect suggestions from the stakeholders and experts. The government has realised that ICT is playing an important role in socio-economic development. The government has already adopted a national strategy and policy for the development of ICT. Since Nepal is largely a rural country, there is a need for rural ICT schemes. The government is planning to build the necessary infrastructure, so that the rural ICT scheme would be soon launched in all villages of the country.

From http://www.egovonline.net/ 05/11/2007

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AFGHANISTAN: MCIT Issues Sixth Postal License

On Sunday May 13, 2007 Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan issued a postal license to a postal corporation names Express Courier Services. In a ceremony organized for this purpose in Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, H. E. Eng. Amirzai Sangin Minister of Communications and Information Technology, H. E. Deputy Minister Technical, and other top officials of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology were present. At the beginning, H. E. Eng. Amirzai Sangin Minister of Communications and Information Technology, while addressing a press conference made for this purpose in the Conference room of the Ministry said that the investment for this corporation has been provided by an Afghan Businessman and through this license they would be able to implement exchanging of in/out bound of all Postal Items including Postal Parcels and to offer their best services to our countryman from this point of view.

Later on, Mr. Omarzai the president of the Express Courier Services answered the questions asked by the journalists, and meanwhile praised and thanked the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology for providing better facilities concerning issuing the postal license to them. It is notable to mention that so far the Private Sectors e.g. Fed-Ex, Bakhtar Speedy Post, TNT, DHL and Global Express Services have already been provided with the Temporary Postal Licenses and have extended their services accordingly. Also, any other private companies interested to provide Postal Services can apply for the license that its provision could be facilitated through the Office of the Commissioners of Afghan Postal Commission of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. It is worth mentioning that the stated Licenses would be valid just until the new Afghan Postal Law for private sectors that it's processing is continued by the Commissioners of Afghan Postal Commission and other concerned authorities of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

From http://www.moc.gov.af/ 05/14/2007

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IRAN£ºArticle 44 Will Revolutionize Public Welfare

Full implementation of general policies envisioned in Article 44 of the constitution will revolutionize the national economy and will certainly have direct impact on public welfare. Making the remarks, managing director of Tehran Bourse Joint Stock Company called on officials to stay away from myopic approaches towards the policies. In implementing the policies, Ali Rahmani said, officials should look into them as a whole and avoid narrow-minded approaches, IRIB News reported on Tuesday. He recalled that paragraph I of the article calls for economic liberalization and opening of key economic areas which were off limit to private enterprises (for almost three decades). Rahmani, however, acknowledged that liberalization will have negative impacts such as widening social divide as well as rise in monopoly. According to him, policy planners envisaged solutions for the problem.

The paragraph stipulates establishment of cooperatives to employ those who lost their jobs as a result of enforcing Article 44. The official added that drafters have also taken wealth distribution into account. Rahmani, a doctorate in accounting from Allameh Tabatabaei University, referred to another paragraph which deals with monopoly as a result of implementing Article 44. He recalled that the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei criticized the slow pace of the privatization drive and said, "As first step, we decided to set up joint committees with ministries and specialized mother companies." The official noted that there are such committees in ministries of communications and information technology, energy, industries and mines as well as economy. The committees serve as venues for different officials to reach joint frameworks for implementation of the Article 44, he concluded.

From http://www.iran-daily.com/ 05/18/2007

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Gov¡¯t Performance Outlined

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Thursday elaborated on the economic performance of the Ninth Government in the Iranian year to March 2007. Noting that the government has taken big strides in improving public welfare, the chief executive noted that some are trying to create public discontent by publishing incorrect reports on Iran¡¯s economic conditions despite advances made by the government in different economic sectors, ISNA reported. Noting that some people believe that fighting economic corruption makes investment insecure, Ahmadinejad noted that Iranians are a capable, virtuous and idealistic nation and the government is seriously in confronting economic corruption and corrupt managers. ¡°The government will never sacrifice people¡¯s interests for the sake of some opportunists. The government¡¯s drive to fight corruption has increased public confidence and interest in investment to a considerable degree,¡± the president added.

Referring to Iran as one of safest countries for investment in different sectors, he pointed out that despite the existing pressures, investment by Iranians and foreigners has considerably increased compared to the amount in previous years. Noting that the government has adopted suitable strategies within the framework of Note 13 for reducing fuel consumption, the president referred to such strategies as getting rid of dilapidated cars, changing the fuel-type from gasoline to condensed natural gas (CNG), production of engine for CNG and boosting the quantitative and qualitative conditions of public transportation system are among the measures taken by the government. Emphasizing on the impact of urban development on reducing current expenses, the chief executive pointed out that the government makes optimum use of public participation and private sector involvement in line with consolidating economic infrastructure, particularly in the deprived and rural areas.

From http://www.iran-daily.com/ 05/19/2007

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KAZAKHSTAN£ºPresident Proposed to Shorten Presidential Term from 7 to 5 Years

Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev presenting today on joint parliamentary session constitutional amendments' project proposed to shorten presidential term from 7 to 5 years, reports KZ-today correspondent. "This regulation will act after 2012", - said the president. "We want to stressed our strong democratic intentions", - said Nursultan Nazarbayev. President also proposed to hold Parliament Mazhilis elections exceptionally on party's lists and increase a number of Mazhilis deputies by 30 people, Senate deputies - by 8. At this a part of deputies will be proposed in agreement with Kazakhstani People's Assembly, stated the president. According to president's proposal, joint parliamentary sessions will be called only "on important questions". Besides, the standard that parliament's deputies will not be bind by imperative mandate will be excluded from the Constitutional Treaty. This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today

From http://eng.gazeta.kz/ 05/16/2007

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Kazakh Parliament Passes Constitutional Amendments

A joint session of Kazakhstan's bicameral parliament on May 18 voted to approve in the second and final reading a package of constitutional amendments proposed by President Nursultan Nazarbaev, Interfax-Kazakhstan reported (see "RFE/RL Newsline," May 15 and 17, 2007). The measures, which now to go the president for his signature, will go into effect in 2012, RIA Novosti reported. The changes include increasing the number of lawmakers in both houses of parliament, and increasing the number of deputies elected from party lists. Nazarbaev has said the amendments ensure "a new system of checks and balances" in government. DK

From http://www.rferl.org/ 05/21/2007

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TAJIKISTAN£ºParliament Adopts Property Legalization Law

Tajikistan¡¯s lower chamber of parliament (Majlisi Namoyandagon) considered and approved a bill requiring an amnesty for physical and juridical entities following their legalization of property at a May 11 sitting presided over by its speaker Saydullo Khairulloyev. The bill caused quite long lively discussion. Tojidding Turayev, the member of the Majlisi Namoyandagon Committee on Constitution, Legislation and Human Rights, presenting the draft law noted that it is aimed at attracting property earned in violation of regulations governing business operations in legal economy, determining actual owners, as well as improving investment climate and promoting development of entrepreneurship in the country. According to him, the legalization will be conducted only once and it will give physical and juridical entities an opportunity to legalize properties privatized in past years in accordance with normative documents but made over to other persons. ¡°The legalization will be voluntary and conducted by special commissions that will work at local authorities during six months,¡± said Turayev, ¡°A procedure of the legalization will be determined by the government.¡± Mainly Communists came out against adoption of this law. The Communist Party (CPT) leader Shodi Shabdolov addressing the session said that those properties had been amassed by robbery. ¡°Why should we amnesty thefts?¡± Shabdolov said. However, after a long discussion a conciliation commission was set up for defining more precisely some issues and the law was adopted by the majority of votes.£¨by Bahrom Mannonov£©

From http://www.asiaplus.tj/ 05/11/2007

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AUSTRALIA: $17.6 Million Funding to Reduce Barriers to Renewable Energy

Five projects have received Australian Government funding to trial and demonstrate more efficient ways of storing electricity from renewable energy sources. The $17.6 million in funding, provided under the Advanced Electricity Storage Technologies programme, was announced today by the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, and the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane. Mr Turnbull said that more renewable energy could be used if the electricity generated from renewable sources was available continuously, day and night, and that better ways of storing the electricity when it is generated would help expand opportunities for its effective use. ¡°Demonstrating new renewable energy storage technologies in grid-connected and remote area power supply applications will give Australia a strong base on which to grow its own industry and expand opportunities overseas,¡± Mr Turnbull said. Electricity storage is an issue faced by all renewable energy generators worldwide. Australian experience in, and demonstration of, these technologies will have widespread benefits in both developing and developed countries. Mr Macfarlane said the projects would help develop new ways of meeting Australia's growing demand for electricity, while also helping to reduce the effects of the environmental challenges we face today such as climate change and air quality. ¡°The renewable energy industry understands the strategic importance of improving electricity storage technologies. They are prepared to take action and the programme will see a total of more than $36 million invested,¡± Mr Macfarlane said. The AEST is part of the Australian Government¡¯s more than $2 billion strategy to address climate change. The five projects awarded funding under the AEST are: JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Malcolm Turnbull MP Australian Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Ian Macfarlane MP Australian Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources.

? Wizard Power (SA) $7.4 million to demonstrate a solar energy storage system based on ammonia dissociation into hydrogen and nitrogen. Four 400m2 solar dishes will be installed near Whyalla to concentrate sunlight and provide the heat required to split ammonia into nitrogen and hydrogen for storage. When power is required, the gases are recombined which gives off heat to boil water and generate electricity through a steam turbine. ? Lloyd Energy Systems (NSW) $5.0 million to demonstrate a solar energy storage system using graphite blocks. A high concentration tower solar array will be installed at their factory site in Cooma and, once proven, a 16-tower solar array system will be built at Lake Cargelligo in western NSW providing valuable network support for this regional area. ? ZBB Technologies (NSW) $3.1 million to demonstrate an integrated 500 kilowatt.hours zinc-bromine battery at CSIRO¡¯s National Solar Energy Centre at Newcastle. ? Pinnacle VRB (WA) $1.8 million for demonstration of vanadium-redox batteries with photovoltaic solar panels and wind turbines at the remote fishing community of Windy Harbour in WA. ? V-Fuel (NSW) $0.26 million for demonstrating innovative vanadium-flow batteries with photovoltaic solar panels and a wind turbine on Cockatoo Island and the Environmental Research Institute for Art at Homebush in Sydney.

The Australian Government¡¯s Advanced Electricity Storage Technologies programme identifies and promotes strategically important, innovative, advanced energy storage technologies that will increase the ability of renewable generation to contribute to Australia¡¯s electricity supply system.

From http://www.environment.gov.au/ 05/02/2007

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$4.3 Billion to Protect Australia¡¯s Environment

The Australian Government continues record levels of environment spending in the 2007¨C08 Budget, announcing $4.3 billion in funding to tackle the pressing issues of climate change, water security and natural resource management. The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, said the Howard Government¡¯s responsible economic management over the past decade positioned Australia well to meet the environmental challenges that lay ahead. ¡°Over the past 11 years, the Australian Government has provided almost $20 billion in funding to restore and protect our natural environment,¡± Mr Turnbull said. ¡°As the nation faces severe water shortages and the impacts of climate change, the Government¡¯s sound and responsible economic management ensures that we can direct support to where it is most needed. ¡°The 2007-08 Budget will again see new levels of investment in Australia¡¯s environment and water resources, with an increase in overall spending across government to $4.3 billion. ¡°This funding will build on successful initiatives of past years and introduce new, practical and targeted investments to tackle important environmental issues. ¡°This Budget also includes a range of measures, taking Australia¡¯s response to climate change to new levels, at a cost of $741 million over five years to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, and help Australia prepare for the unavoidable impacts of climate change.¡± This includes funding for the Australian Government to lead the way in adapting to the impacts of climate change; to improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses by extending the solar rebate programme; supporting greenhouse action by households and small business; and providing new incentives for coal mine methane reduction.

¡°This Budget also delivers on the Government¡¯s $197.2 million commitment to reducing global deforestation. ¡°This brings the Government¡¯s commitment to climate change to $2.8 billion, putting Australia at the cutting edge of both mitigation and adaptation measures,¡± Mr Turnbull said. ¡°The Australian Government is committed to making our environment as healthy and resilient as possible to the challenges that lie ahead. This year¡¯s Budget also delivers on the historic reforms in water policy announced by the Prime Minister earlier this year, with $10 billion over 10 years for the National Plan for Water Security. The plan builds on the National Water Initiative and $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund to improve water efficiency and address over-allocation of water in rural Australia through targeted works in five key areas by: ? revolutionising irrigation methods and improving water efficiency; ? addressing over-allocation of water in the Murray Darling Basin; ? reforming the Murray Darling Basin Commission as an Australian Government agency responsible for river management; ? developing the capacity of the Bureau of Meteorology to manage, interpret and provide free public access to standardised water information; and ? exploring potential for land and water development in Northern Australia. Another focus of this year¡¯s Budget is a new phase of the greatest environmental rescue effort since Federation. The Australian Government will provide $2 billion over five years from 2008-09 to build on the achievements of the $3.1 billion Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) and $1.4 billion National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP), introduced in 1997. ¡°It is quite clear from our talks with local communities around the country that Australians want us to continue this action to protect and manage the environment,¡± Mr Turnbull said. ¡°Land and water damage costs us up to $3.5 billion every year. On the salinity issue alone, an estimated 5.7 million hectares are at risk from shallow water tables and this could grow to 17 million hectares. ¡°This $2 billion package will ensure that action continues on a local, regional and national scale. The Australian Government has been working with states and territories to develop the future programme and is expecting them to continue their significant investment in this important and successful partnership.¡±

From http://www.environment.gov.au/ 05/08/2007

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$5,000 to Help Find a Job

The Australian Government will extend the current relocation pilot project to help Australians find a job. The Minister for Workforce Participation, Dr Sharman Stone MP, announced tonight that the extension of the pilot will provide for another 80 places. ¡®There are significant variations in the unemployment and workforce participation rates in different parts of Australia. While the Job Network can already assist job seekers to relocate for work, the pilot provides an additional level of financial assistance. ¡®People often want to move where the jobs are, and the Government will assist those that are ready,¡¯ Dr Stone said. While the results of the existing pilot are encouraging, this further funding will help identify the factors that encourage sustainable labour mobility between areas of high unemployment and high labour demand. The existing pilot saw job seekers in the Coffs Harbour, Shoalhaven and Nowra regions of NSW relocated to work in Perth. ¡®The pilot provides up to an extra $5,000 towards relocation costs per job seeker. Providers of Australian Government Employment Services will manage the relocation and provide support once people have been relocated,¡¯ Dr Stone said. ¡®This is just another way that the Howard Government is working to keep our economy strong and keep it growing so that even more Australians can have a job and share in Australia¡¯s prosperity.¡¯

From http://mediacentre.dewr.gov.au/ 05/08/2007

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Government Commits to $2 Billion for Sustainable Future

The Australian Government today announced it will spend almost $2 billion over five years from 2008-09 to continue the success of the largest environmental programme ever. The Government will commit $395 million annually to extend the Government¡¯s flagship, Natural Heritage Trust to 2013, providing for the continuation of thousands of natural resource protection, restoration and sustainable use activities across the nation. The funding will build on the success of the $3.1 billion Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) and $1.4 billion National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP), introduced in 1997 Ministers for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Peter McGauran, and the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, said the funding would continue Australia¡¯s nationwide approach to creating a more sustainable future. Governments are working with catchment management groups, industry, communities and individuals to find local solutions to national challenges such as salinity, wildlife and habitat loss and the growing problems of coastal and outer-urban pressures. The Australian Government has already mobilized more than 800,000 volunteers - one of the largest natural resource volunteer sectors in the world ¨C and invested in more than 27,000 projects.

¡°The results to date for the agricultural industry have been outstanding ¨C weed and pest control across 15 million hectares of land, more than 400,000 hectares of soil treated for salinity, erosion and acidity, and improved irrigation methods across 19,300 hectares of land,¡± Mr McGauran said. ¡°At least 50 per cent of farmers undertake some natural resource management work on their farms and in any given week across the country, farmers are meeting to discuss their ongoing work in natural resource management.¡± Programmes based on good science had led to a raft of environmental improvements including the restoration of eight million hectares of wetlands, 24 million hectares of land monitored for habitat health and the protection of 180,000 hectares of land across the Great Barrier Reef catchment. ¡°It is quite clear from our talks with local communities around the country that Australians want us to continue the action we have undertaken to protect and manage the environment,¡± Mr Turnbull said. ¡°Land and water damage costs us up to $3.5 billion every year.

On the salinity issue alone, an estimated 5.7 million hectares are at risk from shallow water tables and this could grow to 17 million hectares. ¡°The State of the Environment 2006 report shows that we have made good progress on many fronts, but it reminds us that action to protect and restore the environment is, by its very nature, long-term. ¡°This $2 billion package will ensure that long-term action continues to protect and restore the environment. ¡°The Australian Government has been working with states and territories to develop the future programme and expects them to continue their investment in this important and successful partnership.¡±

From http://www.maff.gov.au/ 05/08/2007

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Government Moves to Prevent Welfare Debts

The Minister for Workforce Participation, the Hon Dr Sharman Stone MP, announced today a measure to reduce the number of people incurring welfare debts. ¡®This measure will help people avoid wrongly declaring their earnings. Centrelink customers will now be encouraged to provide proof of their earnings once they receive it. This will help them declare accurately and avoid debts,¡¯ Dr Stone said. The measure, called Fraud and Compliance¡ªverification of earnings to improve accuracy of payments, will reduce debts incurred by people who declare earned income, but do so incorrectly. At present, people who inadvertently under-declare the amount they have earned, incur a debt following a later review of their actual earnings each fortnight. Dr Stone said a welcome side benefit will be a reduction in letters sent to employers seeking proof of earnings. ¡®This will reduce red tape for employers and help ensure the integrity of the welfare system,¡¯ Dr Stone said. Dr Stone said this should result in net savings of $3.4 million over three years. ¡®By improving the way the Government records income, we expect 74,000 fewer earnings-related debts will be incurred over the three years,¡¯ Dr Stone said.

From http://mediacentre.dewr.gov.au/ 05/08/2007

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Labor's IR Policy Well Received: Poll

A confidential Labor Party poll shows voters think families are worse off under the federal government's Work Choices reforms, paving the way for wide acceptance of Labor's industrial relations policy. Labor's pollster, UMR, surveyed 500 voters just prior to the government's budget announcement early last week, Fairfax newspapers report. It found 57 per cent of people thought the impact of Work Choices was bad for Australian families. But less than half that figure, or 27 per cent, said the government's industrial relations policy had made their personal situation worse. Sixty per cent thought Work Choices had no impact on their own situation. The leaked survey follows Tuesday Newspoll results showing Labor's two-party preferred support climbed two per cent to 59 per cent, boosting its lead over the government to 18 per cent.

From http://www.theage.com.au/ 05/16/2007

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Massive Boost for Indigenous NT Housing by Federal Government

The Australian and Northern Territory Governments have agreed on a package of housing and infrastructure initiatives that will help significantly improve living conditions for Indigenous people in remote communities in the Northern Territory. The package represents a significant investment by the Australian Government of $163.5 million, and includes the $70 million announced previously by Minister Brough for Alice Springs town camp redevelopment. The $70 million for Alice Springs is part of an overall strategy to alleviate social problems in Alice Springs and will only be made available if Tangentyere Council and the Town Camps follow through on their agreement to long-term lease arrangements for the Town Camps. Minister Brough urged the Tangentyere Council and the Town Camps to formally agree to this approach by Friday. "It is a fair and reasonable agreement and is the only sensible way forward for residents of the Town Camps and Alice Springs." Minister Brough said "People have had plenty of time to consider this and $60 million of the funding not already provided will be reallocated by the Australian Government if agreement is not reached by Friday." The additional investment from the Australian Government of $93.5 million, which includes 25 houses for Nguiu, will support new ways of delivering Indigenous housing using a mainstream public housing model and home ownership in communities to be identified by both governments.

It builds on the $95 million the Australian Government invests each year for Indigenous housing in the NT and the $100 million commitment over five years announced by Chief Minister Clare Martin late last year. The new funding will be used for a new approach to the delivery of housing in remote areas and will be a forerunner to the new Australian Remote Indigenous Accommodation program due to commence in July 2008. New and upgraded housing stock will either be transferred to Territory Housing or made available for home ownership. The Northern Territory Government has undertaken to introduce effective asset management and tenancy systems as for the rest of public housing to help ensure longer life for houses and a healthier environment for tenants. If land tenure arrangements allow for private home ownership local people, if they choose, will be able to apply for low interest loans and other assistance through Indigenous Business Australia. First sites for the new approach include Nguiu in the Tiwi Islands and the Wadeye region. Galiwin'ku on Elcho Island has also been identified for ten new houses. The new funding will create local employment and skills will be developed in communities for ongoing housing maintenance. The Government aims to reduce the cost of construction in remote communities. Indigenous Business Australia will be involved and is working with private companies to develop suitable low cost housing options.

From http://www.facsia.gov.au/ 05/16/2007

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Investment in Instalment Warrants by Superannuation Funds

The Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Peter Dutton, announced today the outcome of consultation on the scope of amendments required to allow superannuation funds to continue investing in instalment warrants. The Government announced on 3 November 2006 that it would consult with industry to determine the precise scope of the amendments to the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993. The Government sought comment on the underlying assets over which instalment warrants might be written, the risk to which a superannuation fund was exposed, the suitability of instalment warrants as a retirement savings investment product, and the gearing levels, contractual terms and liquidity of instalment warrants. Following consultation, the Government has decided to legislate to allow superannuation funds to invest in instalment warrants of a limited recourse nature over any asset a fund would be permitted to invest in directly. ¡°This will restore the status quo that existed before the Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority determined that the instalment warrant structure entailed a borrowing,¡± Mr Dutton said. The Government intends to introduce legislation shortly.

From http://assistant.treasurer.gov.au/ 05/22/2007

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FSANZ Mulls Changes to Food Laws

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today invited comment on proposed changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code ¨C regulations that apply to all food sold in Australia and New Zealand. Among the changes being contemplated are the deletion of two antibiotics from the Code, the use of steviol glycosides and cyclamates as sugar substitutes, a genetically modified corn variety and a food additive for wine. FSANZ is inviting comment from the general public, the food industry, health professionals and government agencies on the proposed changes to the Code. FSANZ summarises all submissions in a final report and explains what action, if any, it has taken in response to issues raised in submissions.

From http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/ 05/23/2007

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FIJI: Cabinet Approves Review of Policy Guidelines for Assistance Under the Ecotourism Grant

Cabinet has agreed to the revision of the Ecotourism Development Program policy implementation framework on the utilisation of the Ecotourism Grant administered by the Department of Tourism for the development of ecotourism. This is to ensure that the Ecotourism Development Program can operate efficiently and effectively. Cabinet based its decision on a submission by the Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations, Tourism and Environment, Bernadette Rounds-Ganilau. Mrs Ganilau explained that the establishment of the Ecotourism program five years ago had opened new opportunities for local people to meaningfully participate in the tourism industry. She said that in its effort to increase the participation of local people, the program has not confined its development to only Ecotourism products. ¡°Over the last five years, the program has funded about 252 tourism related projects totaling an estimate of $3.5 million. ¡°This development creating 596 direct employment with an estimated tourist expenditure $10 million into the rural economy. ¡°The projects vary from accommodation facilities, tourist transport (vehicles and boats), Dive Centers, Day tour Centers, Art and Craft Centers, training of workers in all area of hotel services as well as small business trainings.¡± Mrs Ganilau explained that there are three schemes of assistance are available for ecotourism development and these include $500,000 Ecotourism Development Sub-Program of IHRDPEP administered by National Planning Office; $300,000 Ecotourism Grant administered by the Department of Tourism; and Seed Capital Revolving Fund (SCARF) administered by the Fiji Development Bank (FDB).

¡°Any project can benefit from either, but not both, of the ecotourism schemes administered by National Planning and Department of Tourism. ¡°However, Projects may benefit from either of these schemes as well as SCARF. Where this is the case, the assistance from the Ecotourism Schemes is not be used to meet the equity contribution demanded by SCARF.¡± Mrs Ganilau explained that the new policy guidelines for the Ecotourism Grant administered by the Department of Tourism are expected to ensure the success of small businesses established through assistance under this grant. The recommended apportioning of the total budget is as follows: Product Development - 80%, Marketing - 8%, Human Resource Development -7% and Miscellaneous - 5%. ¡°Project submissions need to detail along these broad budgetary categories and assistance will be evaluated on each.¡± Mrs Ganilau said that small business in Fiji often do not succeed because they are badly funded. One area where this shortcoming rears its ugly head is the under provision, and some non-provision, for working capital. ¡°While good governance, transparency and accountability require the formulation of guidelines for the administration of the scheme, it is crucial that in doing so, development is not stifled. ¡°It appears that acquiring existing and necessary regulatory approvals will take the better part of 12 months if these approvals are to be sought sequentially. ¡°This is compounded by the costs incurred in acquiring the prior approvals for development before the actual approval for ecotourism funding.¡± Mrs Ganilau said that it is clear that the processes involved for small scale tourism developments is to be truncated where necessary for such development to observe the rules and procedures that have a less demanding criteria but still emphasises comfort, cleanliness and security.

She said that there is also a need for the development of a clear specific approval process for small scale tourism developments by the relevant mandated agencies including the Native Lands Trust Board, the Department of Tourism and Country Planning, Central Board of Health, Rural Local Authority, and the Department of Environment. She added that clear specific approval process for native land lease for indigenous land owners by the NLTB should also be developed.

From http://www.fiji.gov.fj/ 05/08/2007

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Cabinet Approves Formulation of a Sustainable Rural Water Supply Strategy

Cabinet has approved the formulation of a sustainable rural water supply strategy to meet the future needs of our rural population. Cabinet based its decision on a submission by the Minister for Local Government, Urban Development and Public Utilities, Mr Jone Navakamocea. Mr Navakamocea explained that rural water supply systems generally serve Government Stations and settlements in remote rural areas, and areas which are outside the reach of Urban and Regional Water Supply Schemes. He said that there are about 20 such minor systems in the country, which have been metered, operated and maintained by the Department of Water and Sewerage (DWS) for some 40 - 50 years now. Mr Navakamocea said the initial coverage of these systems in terms of consumption and population has far exceeded its initial intent. ¡°Therefore, in line with the Government¡¯s rural development policies and focus, a sustainable rural water strategy based on better service delivery and costs in the long term would be formulated. ¡°The strategy would also facilitate Government¡¯s rural development focus and ensure health and environmental security for our rural dwellers.¡± Mr Navakamocea said that in formulating the strategy, there will be a re-examination of how effective these minor water supplies systems are, as opposed to the area and population they are serving.

¡°Upgrading the existing systems to improve the level of service in terms of water quantity, quality and pressure so that consumers in these areas could enjoy the full benefits as consumers residing in the main urban centers do, will be very much necessary and part of the new strategy.¡± Mr Navakamocea said that in considering the upgrading and repairing of infrastructure and facilities to improve water quantity, pressure and full water treatment for these systems, one of the options available is to introduce package water treatment plants for these systems. ¡°However, for the medium and long term, a proper feasibility study and economic analysis would need to be carried out to ascertain and ensure that a sustainable rural water supply strategy and effective rural water policies are put in place for future needs.¡± Mr Navakamocea envisaged that with the improved level of service, consumer perception would change resulting in improvements in consumer attitude and behaviour towards payment of water bills and consequently a reduction in water arrears.

From http://www.fiji.gov.fj/ 05/22/2007

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NEW ZEALAND: Aquaculture Legislation to Be Amended

Environment Minister David Benson-Pope today announced the government¡¯s intention to introduce a Bill to make technical amendments to aquaculture legislation. The intent of the 2005 aquaculture reforms was that aquaculture applications would be lodged only within aquaculture management areas (¡°AMAs¡±). AMAs are established through either council initiated or privately initiated changes to regional coastal plans. After the passage of that legislation, a decision by the Environment Court (SMW Consortium Limited v Tasman District Council) has indicated that aquaculture activities could be allowed outside these areas. The Bill will restate the intent of the original legislation. Parties who are currently involved in aquaculture-related High Court proceedings will have the opportunity to consider their position in light of the proposed amendments. "The current situation impacts seriously on major elements of legislation such as the creation of AMAs, allocation of space to iwi, testing for effects on fisheries, tendering and private plan changes," Mr Benson-Pope said. "Aquaculture applications inconsistent with the intent of the reforms made after May 2006, and before this amending legislation comes into force, will be cancelled. In the interests of fairness, though, the legislation will not cancel those applications lodged before the Environment Court decision in May 2006. However the other amendments will apply to them like everyone else."

The government will also be introducing amendments to clarify that: The space covered by all applications made since the reforms came into force on 1 January 2005 is ¡®new space¡¯ for the purposes of the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act. An area can become an aquaculture management area only after it has been assessed for any undue adverse effects on fishing and there has been a determination, or an aquaculture agreement, or where it has been deemed to be an AMA under the Aquaculture Reform (Repeals and Transitional Provisions) Act 2004. Amendments will also address a number of other technical issues that have been identified since implementation of the reforms. The proposed amendments to settlement legislation will directly impact on issues due to be considered by the High Court in the Golden Bay Marine Farmers Consortium Ltd v Tasman District Council proceedings.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ 05/15/2007

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Tax Bills Introduced

Two tax bills tabled in Parliament today introduce the business tax reforms, KiwiSaver changes and associated savings reforms announced in Budget 2007. For more information on the two bills see the media statement. The Taxation (KiwiSaver and Company Tax Rate Amendments) Bill lowers the company tax rate and the tax rate for certain savings vehicles to 30%, introduces the new member tax credit for people who contribute to KiwiSaver schemes, and makes technical changes to the portfolio investment entity tax rules. The bill was introduced and will be passed under urgency. For more information see our special reports, The member tax credit and other KiwiSaver-related amendments and Technical amendments to tax rules for portfolio investment entities. The Taxation (Annual Rates, Business Taxation, KiwiSaver and Remedial Matters) Bill introduces the new R&D tax credit, company tax rate transitional and consequential changes, the KiwiSaver employer tax credit and compulsory employer contributions, tax incentives to promote charitable giving, liberalisation of a range of tax penalties, and child support data matching between Inland Revenue and the NZ Customs Service. For information on these and the many other changes in the bill see the Commentary on the bill. The Taxation (KiwiSaver and Company Tax Rate Amendments) Bill (PDF 144KB) and the Taxation (Annual Rates, Business Taxation, KiwiSaver and Remedial Matters) Bill (PDF 641KB) are published here courtesy of Legislation Direct.

From http://www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/ 05/17/2007

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Urgent Legislation Enacted

Legislation introduced under urgency on 17 May has been enacted, receiving Royal assent on 21 May. The Taxation (KiwiSaver and Company Tax Rate Amendments) Bill was tabled during the Budget debate and passed through its final stages in Parliament on 18 May. It gave effect to Budget announcements of a company tax rate reduction, an associated reduction for certain savings vehicles, and the new tax credit for members of KiwiSaver schemes. The bill also made technical changes to the portfolio entity tax rules, to ensure the smooth introduction of KiwiSaver in July. Other Budget announcements are part of the Taxation (Annual Rates, Business Taxation, KiwiSaver and Remedial Matters) Bill, also introduced on 17 May. It received its first reading on 17 May and was referred to the Finance and Expenditure Committee for consideration.

From http://www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/ 05/22/2007

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John So, Lord Mayor of Melbourne Wins the 2006 World Mayor Award

John So, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, has been elected World Mayor 2006. Runner up in the 2006 World Mayor contest is Job Cohen, Mayor of Amsterdam. In third place is Harrisburg¡¯s long-serving mayor Stephen Reed, while Jejomar Binay, Mayor of Makati City, ranks fourth. Michel Thiolli¨¨re, Mayor of St Etienne, completes the top five. John so will be presented with the World Mayor Award early in 2007. Previous winners are, in 2004, Edi Rama, Mayor of Tirana and now also leader of Albania's socialist party, and in 2005, Dora Bakoyannis, Mayor of Athens and now Greek foreign minister.£¨by Tann vom Hove£©

From http://www.worldmayor.com/ 04/01/2007

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Transparency International Opens Nominations to Recognise Outstanding Individuals and Organisations Fighting Corruption

Transparency International (TI), the global anti-corruption organisation with national chapters in over 90 countries, is calling for nominations for the 2007 Integrity Awards. The Awards honour individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional courage and outstanding leadership in fighting corruption. This means challenging institutions and individuals that often wield enormous power. ¡°We want to recognise and encourage those who have chosen the difficult path of fighting corruption,¡± said Sion Assidon, Chair of the Integrity Awards Committee. ¡°Whether it¡¯s blowing the whistle or swimming against the current in a culture of graft, speaking out and acting against corruption is an uphill battle that requires integrity and conviction.¡± Each year TI receives a substantial number of nominations for candidates who have risked their lives and their livelihoods in the name of justice, transparency and integrity. Winners have come from Asia and Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. They have included journalists and public prosecutors, accountants, government officials and leaders of civil society. This year¡¯s Awards will be presented in conjunction with International Anti-Corruption Day in December.

Launched in 2000, the goal of the Integrity Awards is to offer greater recognition and support to those who investigate and unmask corruption, often at great personal risk. The winners are a source of inspiration because their actions echo a common message: that corruption is surmountable. The TI Integrity Awards Committee consists of 13 individuals from around the world who have been active in the anti-corruption movement for many years. They serve as the jury for the Awards and confer with TI¡¯s Board of Directors. Nominations are accepted for individuals and organisations, and are subject to independent vetting. Nominations for the 2007 Integrity Awards will be accepted until 30 September 2007. Please see the full guidelines for nominations at: http://www.transparency.org/news_room/award/integrity_awards/call_for_entries

From http://www.transparency.org/ 04/16/2007

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ADB Wraps Up 40th Annual Meeting in Kyoto

KYOTO, JAPAN - The ADB 40th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors wrapped up today with ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda hailing the event as providing valuable insights into how ADB can evolve with a changing Asia. ¡°This has been a memorable and successful meeting,¡± Mr. Kuroda told Governors at the close of the last business session. ¡°The various events and discussions that have taken place show how far we have progressed in fulfilling the vision of ADB¡¯ s founding fathers. At the same time, we recognize the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.¡± In wrapping up the closing session, Chair of the Board of Governors, Japan¡¯s Minister of Finance Koji Omi, echoed this view, saying that poverty reduction and climate change and other environmental problems were pressing issues to be tackled in the region.¡± The Governors shared the view that ADB must continue to undertake its important mission as a regional development bank so that this region will overcome the challenges and become a model for the other regions of the world,¡± Mr. Omi said. Mr. Kuroda pointed out that Governors had appreciated the report of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), convened by him last year to advise on future trends and challenges facing the region, and ADB's long-term role in addressing them.¡± The debate that has surrounded the report of the Eminent Persons Group underscores the imperative for ADB to evolve to meet new challenges while staying focused on poverty reduction,¡± he said.

He said that the EPG report will provide an important input into the review of ADB¡¯s long-term strategic framework to 2015, which will be defined through internal and external consultations. Mr. Kuroda also expressed his satisfaction at the commitment from ADB¡¯s Governors to support a cleaner, more sustainable development path in the region. ¡°Governors agreed that region¡¯s growth must be sustainable,¡± he said. ¡°With the region¡¯s growth contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions, Governors similarly agree on the need for cooperation and greater investment in cleaner and more efficient energy use and alternative energy sources.¡± The ADB President also appreciated support for ADB¡¯s Regional Cooperation and Integration Strategy. ¡°We are committed to a more proactive role in regional cooperation and integration to help less developed countries benefit from the global economy,¡± he said. Gathering in Kyoto for the four-day Annual Meeting program were more than 2,500 participants, including government ministers, financiers, academics, media, and representatives of international organizations and civil society. The annual meetings are statutory occasions for the Governors of ADB members to provide guidance on ADB administrative, financial, and operational directions. Besides the three business sessions, the Annual Meeting included a Seminar Series that addressed such topics as clean energy, Asia 10 years after the crisis, aging Asia, a global economy in transition, regional cooperation and integration, and urbanization. The program for civil society representatives featured an open forum on ADB¡¯s Energy Strategy, meeting with ADB¡¯s President and senior management, and discussions on ADB¡¯s safeguards update.

From http://www.adb.org/ 05/06/2007

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Challenges Ahead as ADB Seeks to Redefine Itself

¡°With 1.9 billion people in Asia living on $2 a day, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) faces tough challenges to balance its mission to help the poor and the need to better serve a growing number of middle-income countries. ¡­¡± [Reuters (05/07)/Factiva]Dow Jones adds that ¡°¡­Debate on a possible facelift topped the agenda this weekend at the ADB annual meeting in Kyoto, where 3,000 delegates from 67 member nations gathered. On Sunday, ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda said economic success, not pervasive poverty, is the newest regional threat. ¡­¡± [Dow Jones (05/07)/Factiva]AP writes that ¡°¡­Environmental degradation, rising inequality and an over-stretched infrastructure are quickly supplanting older concerns such as hunger and disease as the region rapidly expands, Kuroda said. All of the trends can be linked to the breakneck pace at which Asia has become a global economic powerhouse. ¡­ Recommendations for reforming the ADB include focusing more on sustainable growth, emphasizing environmentally friendly development and drawing on Asian capital instead of foreign funds. ¡­¡± [Associated Press (05/07)/Factiva]

Financial Times writes that ¡°¡­At the bank's 40th annual meeting, governors severely criticized a report, published last month, setting out plans for radical reform of the ADB in response to Asia's economic progress and abundant capital. ¡­In an interview yesterday, Kuroda... said disagreements were inevitable in a 67-member organization, but a consensus would emerge. The bank would present its own strategic review - this time not ¡®outsourced¡¯ - by the next annual meeting in Madrid.¡± [The Financial Times (UK, 05/07]Meanwhile in a separate piece AP reports that ¡°Japan pledged $100 million in grants to the ADB on Sunday to combat global climate change and promote greener investment in the region, and called for a beefed-up international agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions. ¡­As part of Japan's push, [Tokyo] will also provide up to $2 billion in loans to the ADB over the next five years to promote investment in the region. ¡­¡± [Associated Press (05/06)/Factiva]

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 05/07/2007

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TI Calls for Action Against Bribery at OECD Ministerial Meeting

Transparency International (TI) calls on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to make enforcement of its Anti-Bribery Convention a central focus of its Ministerial Council Meeting beginning today in Paris. TI urges the OECD to call on all signatory governments to promptly correct deficiencies in their laws and to undertake enforcement at a level sufficient to bring about the required change in corporate conduct in international transactions. This is especially the case in regards to the United Kingdom and Japan, who have done surprisingly little to enforce the Anti-Bribery Convention. ¡°It is of particular concern that the group of non-enforcing countries includes the UK and Japan, two of the world¡¯s largest exporters. Continuing this lack of enforcement undermines the collective commitment by the major industrialised states to stop competing and undermining local governance efforts on the basis of bribery¡±, said Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International. The OECD¡¯s Anti-Bribery Convention, the main international legal framework committing the world¡¯s leading industrialised nations to criminalise and convict bribery of foreign public officials, is in danger. Almost ten years after it was adopted, there is little or no enforcement in two-thirds of signatory countries.

Ironically, countries that are perceived to have little corruption at the national level, are not keeping their commitments when it comes to addressing bribery overseas. In 2005, there was substantial enforcement in 8 of the 24 countries covered, rising to 12 of 31 countries covered in 2006, according to TI¡¯s progress reports. Signatory countries account for about two-thirds of world exports of goods and services. ¡°Globalisation will be rejected by citizens if it is synonymous with criminal elements, money laundering and corruption in business and public affairs,¡± said, Jacques Terray, of Transparency International France, speaking today at the OECD Forum, a side meeting addressing ¡°Innovation, Growth and Equity¡±. Cases against major multinational firms have been brought in France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States. While this trend is positive, the UK government¡¯s termination last December of an investigation into allegations of bribery by BAE Systems on a Saudi project is a huge setback for the Convention. Further, the UK¡¯s failure to reform its antiquated laws on corruption should be addressed soon instead of extending passage of new laws until 2009 as is currently planned. Japan, in turn, has corrected some deficiencies in its laws addressing bribery and brought one case. Yet the fact that enforcement of the Anti-Bribery Convention is virtually non-existent, feeds the widespread belief in the international business community, that the Japanese government gives high priority to winning export orders and is not committed to prosecuting foreign bribery.

From http://www.transparency.org/ 05/15/2007

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World Bank: Post-Wolfowitz Planning Begins

¡°The World Bank's board reconvened [Fri]day to ensure that responsibility for operations was effectively transferred following Paul Wolfowitz¡¯s departure [on June 30]. ¡­ Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, the German development minister, who speaks for Germany on Bank affairs, said his decision to quit deserved ¡®thanks and recognition.¡¯ ¡­ She would not be drawn on whether Washington should retain the right to name a successor, but a spokesman for the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said this should be the case. ¡­¡± [The Financial Times (UK, 05/19)/Factiva]The White House said Friday that it would move quickly to name a new World Bank president, affirming its traditional prerogative. European governments are intent on continuing the arrangement, thus safeguarding their claim on choosing the IMF leader. ¡­¡± [The Wall Street Journal (05/21)/Factiva]The Times notes that ¡°¡­ The World Bank Group Staff Association, which represents the Bank's 10,000 employees on matters such as compensation and benefits, [Fri]day said that the Bank should seriously consider non-American candidates for the presidency. ¡­¡± [The Times (UK, 05/19)/Factiva]AP adds that ¡°¡­ The new chief will need to regain trust, rebuild credibility and mend frayed relations inside the poverty-fighting institution as well as with its 185 member countries. All of those things are critical for Wolfowitz's successor, who will have to persuade countries to contribute close to $30 billion over the next few years to fund a centerpiece Bank program that provides interest-free loans to the poorest countries. ¡­¡± [The Associated Press (05/18)/Factiva]

The Guardian writes that ¡°¡­In his first comments on the departure [of Wolfowitz¡­], Gordon Brown said it was almost certain the next head of the Washington-based bank would be American. ¡­ Brown went out of his way to praise Wolfowitz, adding: ¡®I think whatever has happened in the last few weeks should not detract from the huge effort he made to put the needs of the poorest countries at the centre of the whole world's agenda.¡¯ ¡­¡± [The Guardian (UK, 05/21)/Factiva] Deutsche Welle and AFP note that ¡°¡­ Holding 16.38 percent of the Bank's shares, the US is its principal stakeholder, followed by Japan (7.86 percent), Germany (4.49 percent), France and Britain (4.3 percent each). Japan kept away from the fray sparked by the Wolfowitz controversy, but the Germans, French and British have made it clear that they favored his departure. His decision to resign has helped avoid a vote by the Bank's 24-member board of directors that could have resulted in his dismissal. ¡­¡± [Deutsche Welle (Germany, 05/20) and Agence France Presse (05/20)/Factiva] NYT reports that ¡°¡­ Wolfowitz told weary colleagues on the World Bank's board of directors, in a letter released Friday, that ¡®we must move forward in a spirit of forgiveness, both for the sake of each of us as individuals and for the sake of the Bank Group's mission to serve the world's poor.¡¯ Although he plans to remain in office until June 30, he said he would not make major personnel or policy decisions and would delegate day-to-day functions to subordinates. ¡®I may make a farewell trip to Africa at the request of a number of leaders, but would consult with you prior to making any plans,¡¯ he told the board of directors. ¡­¡± [The New York Times (05/19)/Factiva]

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 05/21/2007

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ASEAN Seeks Aung San Suu Kyi's Release

MANILA: Southeast Asian countries appealed to Myanmar on Tuesday not to renew the detention of the pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Aung San Suu Kyi has been held continuously by the ruling Myanmar junta since 2003. A detention order expires Sunday, but the junta is expected to renew it. Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate, has given a face to the junta's political repression that has been condemned by Western countries, along with some of Myanmar's fellow members in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.¡± It¡¯s a consensus that we want to see her early release," the Philippine foreign under secretary, Erlinda Basilio, said. "We'd like to see the lifting of the order." Basilio led a meeting of senior Asean diplomats to prepare the agenda for an annual meeting of foreign ministers from the 10-country association in Manila in July. The Philippines also will be the host of a meeting of the Asean Regional Forum, the largest Asian security forum, in August. The Myanmar delegate, Aung Bwa, said he did not know if his government would extend the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi. "Let's wait and see," he said.

Imron Cotan, who led the Indonesian delegation, expressed impatience at Myanmar's slow pace of democratization. "We have made these calls repeatedly, and Myanmar has found it difficult to respond," he said. Calls for Myanmar to fulfill rapidly a pledge to democratize has become a familiar refrain at the annual Asean meetings, and the country's spotty human rights record is expected to be a critical issue again at the Manila gatherings. Although bound by an Asean rule not to interfere in one another's affairs, some members, like Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia, have become more blunt in their criticism, urging Myanmar to show tangible progress in its promise to democratize. But some authoritarian members, like Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, have adopted a friendlier attitude and refused to engage in stinging criticism of Myanmar. Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962, and the current leadership took power in 1988. It called elections in 1990 but refused to recognize the results when Aung San Suu Kyi's party won a resounding victory.

From http://www.iht.com/ 05/22/2007

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CHINA: Name Its U.S. Ambassador as Foreign Minister

China's government abruptly replaced its foreign minister Friday, appointing former ambassador to the United States Yang Jiechi to the post in an early reshuffling of senior positions ahead of key political meetings. The resignation of Li Zhaoxing as foreign minister had been widely expected, but not until much later this year when the ruling Communist Party convenes a once-every-five-year congress to reapportion top jobs. At 66, Li already was a year past the customary retirement age for Cabinet ministers. Along with Li, the ministers of land resources and science and technology also stepped down Friday, and the executive committee of the national legislature announced their replacements, the government's Xinhua News Agency reported. The transition at the Foreign Ministry was unlikely to alter substantively China's foreign policy. Major policy directions are set by the communist leadership, especially President Hu Jintao, who heads an interagency committee on foreign affairs.

Both the departing and new foreign ministers rose through the Foreign Ministry ranks as American experts and served as ambassadors to Washington, but the two have markedly different styles. Li often struck an undiplomatic posture internationally. As ambassador to the U.S., Li refused to accept Washington's apology for what it said was the accidental bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia in 1999 during the Kosovo war. Shortly after becoming ambassador to Washington, Yang worked to defuse tensions after a U.S. EP-3 spy plane collided with a Chinese fighter jet and the plane and its crew were held at a Hainan island air-force base in 2001. A native of Shanghai, Yang studied at the London School of Economics in the early 1970s, as part of an effort to revive China's diplomatic corps devastated by persecution during the radical Cultural Revolution.

Yang, 57, once served as an interpreter for former President Bush in the mid-1970s when he ran the U.S. liaison office in Beijing, and Bush reportedly gave Yang the nickname "Tiger." That relationship with the senior Bush, as well as Yang's command of English and experience, were among the reasons he won appointment as ambassador to the U.S. when George W. Bush became president. In the wake of the EP-3 incident, Yang earned kudos for helping Beijing and Washington find common cause in combating terrorism. Yang suffered a heart attack during his tenure. His health continues to be weak, Chinese Foreign Ministry and international affairs experts have said, raising questions about whether he will be able to maintain a robust travel schedule as foreign minister.

From http://www.cnn.com 04/27/2007

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Vice Premier Calls for Improvements to Community Medical Services

Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi said on Monday that the community-based health care system should be further improved to benefit more people. The major criterion for assessing community medical services is whether people living in the communities are satisfied with the services or not, Wu said while inspecting community clinics in Beijing. "It's the government's duty to keep improving community-based medical services, which offer those who cannot afford expensive hospital bills convenient access to healthcare," Wu said. She spoke highly of the performance of Beijing's community clinics, saying residents have benefited from improved service, better networks and lower charges. She urged local governments to work out measures to attract more firms, social organizations and individuals to contribute to community medical services. China's health care at community level and in rural areas has long suffered from a lack of doctors. Earlier reports said that about 80 percent of China's two million registered doctors work in cities, and 80 percent of them work in major hospitals.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 04/30/2007

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Supervision Tightened to Curb Corruption

China's Ministry of Supervision announced Monday that it will target "unhealthy practices" which infringe upon the interests of people in various social sectors this year as part of efforts to curb corruption. The "unhealthy practices" include charging unreasonably high tuition fees, taking bribes from patients or drug companies and collecting unauthorized fees from farmers, Qu Wanxiang, vice minister of supervision, said in an interview with Xinhua. Qu said such practices, which have triggered a public outcry, were a result of insufficient government services and a lack of effective supervision. The vice minister promised that the Ministry of Supervision will improve the monitoring of government departments and state-run agencies and "resolutely correct practices which harm the interests of the public". During last year's nationwide crackdown on corruption in the health sector, 693 health workers were sentenced on charges of commercial bribery or punished according to Party disciplines. Last year, the government urged health workers to voluntarily turn in bribes and about 270 million yuan were turned in by health workers by the end of 2006. The Ministry of Supervision, a national administrative supervision organ under the State Council, is responsible for supervising the implementation of state policies, laws and regulations, dealing with complaints and charges, and examining disciplinary measures taken against government employees.

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/15/2007

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Gov't to Push Forward Medical Insurance Program

China will push ahead with the experiment of basic medical insurance in cities to solve the health care problems of unemployed urban residents, Chinese vice premier Wu Yi said on Tuesday. Wu Yi, also member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the pilot program should give residents freedom of choice, take account of different situations in different cities and mainly target serious diseases. Wu said local governments should allocate the money needed for the program. The reform of the medical insurance system should be spurred as part of the reform of the overall healthcare system and drug manufacturing. Community medical services should be further improved and traditional Chinese medicine developed, she said. China launched the pilot program in April to ensure that more urban residents are covered by basic medical insurance. People --including children-- who are not covered by basic medical insurance for urban employees can be insured against illness through the basic urban resident medical insurance system.

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/16/2007

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Over 85% of China's Gov't Organs Online

More than 85 percent of central and local government organs in China have set up websites to provide online information and services, according to a report from the State Information Center. The report said by the end of 2006, more than 90 percent of China's ministries and governments at provincial and prefecture levels had their own websites, while the figure for county level governments reached 80 percent. Government websites release timely and accurate information on public affairs, and have expanded online services rapidly, said the report. The websites of 10 government departments -- relating to customs, foreign exchange, commerce, and taxation -- have been linked to make it easier for companies to make customs declarations. China's central government launched its website in 2006 aiming to promote transparent governance, improve public service, and safeguard citizens' rights to know, take part in, and supervise governmental affairs.

In 2006, it released more than 500 State Council documents and 250 gazettes, broadcast live more than 60 important meetings and activities of departments under the State Council, and invited 22 senior officials in the central or provincial governments to talk with netizens. People can access some 1,100 services provided by 71 departments through the websites, including tourism information during the "golden week", civil service examinations and consumer protection services. According to the US-based Alexa web information company, China's government website is currently the world's second most visited government website, outranked only by the Canadian government's website.

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/16/2007

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Wasteful Spending by Gov'ts Criticized

Governments will step up the use of electronic governance and improve transparency to achieve efficiency and rein in soaring expenditure. A report from the Legislative Affairs Office (LAO) of the State Council released yesterday shows that since the reform and opening up, administrative expenditure has risen at an annual average of 17.7 percent, 5.4 percentage points more than the 12.3 percent increase in total fiscal expenditure. In 1978, administrative expenditure accounted for only 4.7 percent of fiscal expenditure, but in 2005 the figure reached about 24 percent, the report said. In other countries, the rate is usually 3 to 6 percent, according to media reports. "Excessive expenditure has marred governments' image and lowered efficiency," said Li Yuede, director of the LAO's research center. "The problem demands quick resolution, otherwise the improvement in government functions and administrative reform would be in vain." Li made the remarks yesterday at the International Symposium on China's Rule of Law in Beijing. Redundant officials, lavish banquets and tours, unnecessary meetings and private use of public cars are all reasons behind the rising cost, according to the report.

Although government restructuring had led to a drop in the number of government departments, the number of people dependent on government expenditure remained about the same, the report said. "Those 'laid off' were simply transferred to institutions where they continue to live on taxpayers' money." Official figures show that in 2000, 43 million people were paid by the government, 10 million employed directly and the remaining in affiliated institutions. At an average annual pay of 10,043 yuan (US$1,304), more than 430 billion yuan (US$$55.8 billion) was spent, accounting for 32 percent of the fiscal expenditure that year. To reduce costs, Li said the central government will further promote electronic administration and strengthen supervision over public budgets. "With modern information technology and the Internet, governments can boost efficiency, and streamline their structure and staff," he said, adding that stricter controls over budgets would help reduce waste of public money. Also at the symposium, LAO Deputy Director Wang Yongqing said the country will set up a more transparent administration to allow greater public participation in shaping legislation. He said there would be more public hearings and expert consultations. Arthur Mitchell, general counsel of the Asian Development Bank, which organized the symposium, agreed that greater transparency was necessary to realize rule of law in China.

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/16/2007

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Workers Get New Protection Pledge

China's top trade union body yesterday renewed its pledge to protect workers' rights and interests with the release of a blue paper. The "2006 Blue Paper on Chinese Trade Unions Safeguarding the Rights and Interests of All Workers," issued by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, said substantial progress had been made in developing trade unions in China last year. According to the paper, by September last year, China had 1.32 million grassroot trade unions, an increase of 12.7 percent over 2005. It now has 170 million trade union members. Migrant workers comprise 40.97 million. Gu Changsheng, a spokesman with the federation, said at a press conference in Beijing yesterday that some foreign companies, still refusing or obstructing the establishment of trade unions, were an obstacle to further development. He said the case of some foreign fast-food restaurants underpaying part-time workers in the southern city of Guangzhou last month showed that trade unions must be strengthened in the non-public economic sectors.

However, Gu said some major foreign companies had responded by taking the initiative to set up trade unions. For example, McDonald's had promised to set up trade unions at all its outlets in South China's Guangdong Province by next month and in East China's Zhejiang Province by the end of this year. "This is another breakthrough. Fast-food companies have numerous outlets and employ a large number of people," Gu said. "Sound labor-management relations in foreign companies will attract more foreign investment." Gu said the federation and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security would jointly carry out a nationwide check next month on foreign enterprises' use of workers, involving wages, work quotas and security. The federation has set an ambitious target of having trade unions set up in more than 70 percent of foreign-funded enterprises this year. More than 60 percent of foreign firms had already set up trade unions by the end of last year. Gu also announced at the meeting the start of the sixth national survey on the situation of Chinese workers. The fifth survey was done in 2002. The survey will investigate 42,000 samples across the country, including 12,000 migrant workers.

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/16/2007

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Four Officials from Shanghai Expelled from CPC

Four officials from Shanghai, including a former chairman of a football club, have been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and will now face criminal charges in the latest corruption scandal to be exposed in the city. A document released by the Shanghai Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC announced that Yin Guoyuan, former deputy director of the Shanghai housing, land and resources administration, had abused his position to pursue interests on the behalf of others and had accepted bribes during his tenure. The document said Yin had accepted bribes in the form of cash, shares, property and cars and said the value of the bribes was "very large", without giving the specific details. Chen Jinxian, head of Shanghai's Changning District, Ling Baoheng, head of the Shanghai Municipal State Assets Commission and Yu Zhifei, deputy general manager of Shanghai International Circuit Co. Ltd and chairman of Shanghai Shenhua Soccer Club, were the other officials expelled.

Chen was found to have abused his position to seek gains for others and accepted bribes while serving as the deputy Party secretary and the administrative chief of Changning District. Ling Baoheng accepted bribes during his tenure as the chief of the Shanghai Municipal State Assets Commission and his three previous official posts. Yu Zhifei, who also served as general manager of Shang International Circuit Development Co. Ltd, is said to have taken advantage of being chairman of the board of Shanghai Shenhua Soccer Club. He is said to have embezzled funds from the soccer club, and another international trade company affiliated to the club, to pay off personal debts and buy a house.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/21/2007

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Gov't to Set Up Center for Weather Control

A national command center for weather modification will be built before 2010 to coordinate the practices of rainmaking and hail suppression around the country. China regularly suffers from natural disasters, and its weather-modification operations are the largest in the world. Thirty of the country's 34 provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions and special administrative regions and 1,952 of about 2,900 counties have been involved in such operations and they are equipped with 7,113 anti-aircraft guns, 4,991 special rocket launchers and more than 32,300 people, figures from the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said. Since 1999, some 250 billion tons of rain have been created and 470,000 sq km of land have been protected from hail. By 2010, the volume of artificial rain is expected to reach 50 billion tons a year. Weather modification is even being used to help Beijing prevent a downpour forecast for the opening day of the 2008 Olympics.

All weather-modification efforts would be coordinated by central government with support from provincial, municipal and county administrations by 2010. A national weather-modification experimental base will also be launched, it said. Having a national command center and experimental base will better protect the country against extreme weather conditions, the report quoted an unnamed official from the meteorological office as saying. China is at more risk of being hit this year by extreme weather, such as drought, floods and typhoons, than at any time over the past decade because of climate change. Droughts could seriously affect northern areas, while heavy rainfalls could hit the south, Zheng Guoguang, director of the CMA, told China Daily last month. Consideration is also being given to the health and safety of those involved in modification efforts.

In May last year, the operator of an anti-aircraft gun in Pengshui County of Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality had his right arm blown to pieces and a passer-by was shot dead. The county has four such guns for use in weather modification. On Friday in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong Province, a meeting to discuss safety issues was held between officers from two of China's seven military areas headquartered in Jinan and Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu Province, and representatives of the North Sea Fleet of the navy, all of whom are involved in local weather-modification efforts.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/21/2007

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China Raises Subsidy to Farmers

China's direct subsidy to its hundreds of millions of farmers will rise 63 percent from a year earlier to 42.7 billion yuan (US$5.6 billion) this year, the Ministry of Finance announced Monday. The subsidy includes 15.1 billion yuan earmarked for grain planting and 27.6 billion yuan for farming materials like fertilizers and pesticides. Zhu Zhigang, deputy finance minister, said the huge increase in direct subsidy to farmers will help raise their incomes and grain output. Zhu added the money should fall into the pockets of the farmers before the end of June. Following the cancellation of the 2,000-year-old rural tax system in 2006, China started to offer farmers direct subsidies amid efforts to boost their incomes as the price hikes in fertilizers and other farming materials ate part of their benefits.

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/22/2007

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Liu Qi Re-elected Beijing's Party Chief

Liu Qi, a member of the Politburo of the 16th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, was re-elected secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee on Tuesday. Liu was elected to the post at the first plenary session of the10th CPC Beijing Municipal Committee which opened Thursday and closed Tuesday. Liu, a native of Wujin, eastern Jiangsu Province, was born in November 1942. He graduated from the Metallurgical Department of the Beijing Institute of Iron and Steel Engineering (today's Beijing Science and Technology University) in 1968. Liu was deputy secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee between March 1998 and October 2002. He became secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee in October 2002.

Liu, who is also president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympics, has pledged Beijing will go all out to make the 2008 Summer Olympic Games a big success. "The Olympics are a long-cherished dream of the Chinese nation, and we are determined to make the national capital a prosperous place and a harmonious society with civilized residents, and a healthy, user-friendly environment," Liu said during the session. In the next five years, the municipal government will strive to score an average GDP growth rate of nine percent, raising the per capita GDP of Beijing from the current 6,000 U.S. dollars to 10,000 dollars, said Liu.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/22/2007

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NORTH KOREA: Name New Foreign Minister

North Korea on Friday named Pak Ui-chun, a former ambassador to Russia, as its new foreign minister, the post of which has been vacant since his predecessor died in January, the North's state media reported.Pak's appointment was made under a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, the North's Korean Central News Agency said in a short dispatch.

From http://english.yna.co.kr 05/18/2007

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SOUTH KOREA: New Culture and Tourism Minister Puts Priority on Pyeongchang

Korea now has a new culture and tourism minister, and he has made PyeongChang's Olympic bid his top priority. In his first press conference after taking the helm, new minister Kim Jong-min vowed to break through any obstacles PyeongChang may face in its bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympics. Kim, who has worked as a member of the 2014 PyeongChang Winter Olympics bid committee since last year, said, ¡°Hosting (the Games) is the most immediate priority. We are in tough competition, although I believe we are doing well.¡± The 58 year old noted that the recent winning bids by Daegu for the World Athletics Championships and Incheon for the Asian Games have raised concerns abroad that the country has won its share of international sports events. The minister said to prove PyeongChang deserves to win, Korea must ratchet up global promotion of the mountain resort. Besides the PyeongChang issue, Kim also said the ministry will devise concrete measures to meet the local cultural industry's changing business environment in light of the free trade agreement with the U.S. ¡°We will not be able to keep every sector of the cultural business sunny but we will provide an umbrella for sectors where it rains. Our economy and culture have been developed through an open door policy. I will work on improving the health of our fundamentals.¡± As for the government's goal to attract 10 million tourists from abroad per year by 2010, Kim said epochal measures have to be mapped and executed in the near future. Kim Jong-min is a former CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Korea Tourism Organization and once worked as vice Minister of Culture and Sports in 1996.

From http://www.korea.net 05/09/2007

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President Roh Reiterates Commitment to Ending Regionalism, Corruption

President Roh Moo-hyun on Saturday (May 19) reiterated his determination to end regionalism and corruption in politics while climbing Mount Mudeung, a symbol of the southwestern Korean city of Gwangju, along with his political supporters and regional leaders. Roh traveled to Gwangju, about 400 kilomesters south of Seoul, on Friday for a two-day visit. He attended a ceremony on Friday marking the 27th anniversary of the Gwangju Democratization Movement, which ended in a bloody government crackdown in May 1980. On Saturday morning, the president climbed Mount Mudeung along with the city¡¯s leading figures and delivered an impromptu speech in front of about 400 supporters and citizens near the top of the mountain, expressing his will to fight regionalism and corruption in politics. Mount Mudeung, situated next to downtown Gwangju, is one of the highest mountains in Gwangju and the surrounding South Jeolla Province. The president said in his Friday speech that abuses, exchanges of tainted money, the absence of policy competition and dialogue, and other ugly scenarios will never disappear from domestic political circles unless political regionalism is overcome. "Regionalism is never beneficial to the nation. It is beneficial to politicians alone. Without overcoming regionalism, Korean politics will never make a leap forward," said Roh. "As many as 118 cases of election corruption were uncovered last year. Corrupt politics may revive unless strong crackdowns are enforced. I have yet to fulfill my responsibility in terminating political corruption and regionalism. I¡¯ll devote my last year in office to disposing of such ills," he said. The pro-government Uri Party has gained support from Gwangju and the nearby southwestern provinces of Jeolla, while the main opposition Grand National Party depends on the conservative southeastern provinces of Gyeongsang, with the central provinces of Chungcheong and the city of Seoul holding the deciding vote in the nation¡¯s key elections.

From http://www.korea.net 05/19/2007

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Vice Health Minister Named New Health Minister

President Roh Moo-hyun on Wednesday (May 23) nominated Byun Jae-jin, vice minister of health and welfare, as the new health minister, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said. The 54-year-old Byun, if approved by the National Assembly at a confirmation hearing, will succeed the outgoing minister, Rhyu Si-min.

From http://www.korea.net 05/23/2007

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MONGOLIA: Democratic Party to Set Up Working Group

A meeting of the Democratic Party held last weekend was attended by 140 members of the Party s National Consultative Committee, who have paid their taxes to be nominated to the upcoming Parliamentary election,, and heads of the Party s branches in rural areas. The meeting discussed issues on how to select 76 out of the 140 members, how to take part in the election, and how to spend an amount of money donated by the Party members. They also heeded reports of experts, who have discussed the law on election, and most of the members considered that some provisions of the law breach the Constitution of Mongolia. Then they reached an agreement to set up a working group with the intention of amending the provisions. Early this week, the DemParty will arrange a training among its members, who expressed to compete in the upcoming election. American specialists, who have qualified in election campaign, will provide information on how to carry out a fair election.

From http://www.montsame.mn 05/21/2007

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INDONESIA: Government to Radically Reduce National Park Funding

The government will make eight of the 50 national parks in the country autonomous by 2009 in a bid to save Rp 32 billion (US$3.5 million) in state spending, said a forestry official in Malang, East Java. The move means the parks will no longer receive operational funds of up to Rp 4 billion each year, said director of the forest conservation at the Directorate General of Nature Conservation and Forest Protection (PHKA), Banjar Yulianto Laban. On the surface, the changes do not seem to favor the parks or their overall management and upkeep, however, Banjar said it was a positive move. "Other than saving state funds, (this move means) the operators of (newly-autonomous) national parks will eventually be able (to manage their funds independently)," he said. "They (will be able to grow) their (own) earnings and gain profits of up to three-fold." The eight national parks to undergo said management change include Komodo (East Nusa Tenggara), Bunaken (North Sulawesi), Bromo Tengger Semeru (East Java), Gede Pangrango (West Java), Mount Leuser (North Sumatra), West Bali (Bali), Meru Betiri (East Java) and Wasur (Papua).

Today, 60 percent of Rp 4 billion is used for security purposes for these national parks, while 40 percent is used to maintain infrastructure and facilities. "If they manage their own finances, I estimate they will be able to increase profits three (fold) -- and this will amount to around Rp 12 billion annually," said Banjar. In a bid to realize the plan and as part of the restructure process, 21 of the 50 national parks in the country will become model national parks. Autonomous national park operators will maintain existing procedures, including public accountability, self-financing and sustainable forest management. They will independently handle government non-tax revenue and every legitimate income stream so the parks can be managed in a sustainable, effective and efficient manner. "I'm assured activities that could harm the ecosystem inside the national parks will not become practice. "Because, under autonomous management, the only losing party will the be management teams when they eventually suffer declining profits," said Banjar. It's essential park staff work together to ensure the parks are managed professionally, Banjar said. Funds the government will accumulate as a result of these changes may later be used to upgrade park accessibility, he said.

A study conducted by Hendra Gunawan from the Nature Conservation and Forest Protection Research Center indicates only 32 percent of the 50 national parks in the country have vehicle access up to their offices or gateways. Hendra said visitors were less eager to visit national parks due to limited access and the long journey required to each park. "It's a 10-hour round-trip from the provincial capital or nearest airport to get to most of the national parks in Indonesia," he said. "Those located outside Java can only be reached by air or water, proceeded by hours and hours overland." Banjar said it was a considerable disadvantage for foreign tourists eager to spend their time in tropical forests -- of which Indonesia boasts the most worldwide. "It would not cost a great deal should the government want to build facilities, including airports, near the Komodo National Park, which could accommodate flights directly from Australia or Jakarta," he said. "And tourists can fly directly to Sulawesi from there. "At the moment visitors who wish to visit the Komodo National Park have to go through Bali and resume their journey by sea to the location. Those who want to go to Sulawesi have to return to Surabaya or Jakarta first, which I think will be too taxing."

From http://www.thejakartapost.com 05/11/2007

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Ombudsman to Revamp Public Services

The Ombudsman Commission is looking at mild approaches to become an institution that the public can turn to and existing government agencies can work with to improve public services in Indonesia. With the government and the House of Representatives deliberating a bill on the commission and another on public services, the commission said Thursday it was seeking to hold the only external supervisory function over public services, in the same way the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) supervises the state budget. The commission, created in 2000 by a presidential regulation, receives and processes reports on disappointing public services. It then reviews the reports, seeks clarification from the institution in question and issues recommendations. Like the BPK, it is accountable to the House. Deputy chairperson Sunaryati Hartono said a law on the commission, rather than just a presidential regulation, would provide a stronger legal basis for its work, particularly since it supervises other departments providing public services. Ranging from sluggish processes and absent responses to rampant bribery, public services have been a source of repeated national disappointment and are a key indicator in examining the perceived level of corruption in Indonesia.

"We're not trying to overstep or meddle with the authority of these ministries by using coercive power, but rather we want to cooperate persuasively to make sure reports of poor services are responded to (sufficiently) by the institutions in question," she said. By using "persuasiveness" in its work, Sunaryati said, the public would be able see the difference the commission can make to the condition of public services, and would thus muster a sense of reliability. The services of ombudsman commissions abroad, such as in Australia, the Netherlands and Sweden, have been effectively used for over 50 years, and, according to Sunaryati, have been highly acknowledged by other state institutions. "Recommendations by the ombudsman, oftentimes, become a source of consideration for the Supreme Court," she said. Zafrullah Salim, director of legal synchronization at the Justice and Human Rights Ministry, said the bill on the commission sought to give it the power to recommend the dismissal of state officials over unimproved and poor services. "The law will make the commission the only external supervisor of how public services are provided," he said. Each ministry and government institution has its own complaint-handling unit, which is accountable to the public, in the inspectorate general division. However, Sunaryati said, these units are incapable of fulfilling their roles and are dysfunctional at best.

The Ombudsman Commission currently has representatives in only three provinces, while its 2007 budget stood at Rp 15 billion (US$1.68 million). Its 25 members have been on duty since 2000, though the bill seeks to set the tenure at six years.

From http://www.thejakartapost.com 05/11/2007

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MALAYSIA: Government Servants Deserve Pay Rise, Says Pak Lah

All government servants will get a pay rise ¡°because they deserve it,¡± said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. ¡°That¡¯s how we all feel about it,¡± said the Prime Minister. He added that it had been a long time since government servants had received a pay increase. ¡°Everyone will get the pay rise ¨C only the quantum will differ. We want to narrow the gap between those who earn more and those who earn less. ¡°Right now, the gap is too wide and this might not be a good thing because the higher income group can afford more than the lower income group and this could be a problem,¡± he told reporters after opening the World Halal Forum 2007 here yesterday. On how much the pay rise for the 1.2 million civil servants would cost the Government, Abdullah said the numbers would be known only after a decision had been made on the size of the pay package. Earlier in Putrajaya, when speaking to staff in the Prime Minister¡¯s Department during the monthly gathering, Abdullah said that the Public Service Department (PSD) was carrying out a study on the pay rise.

He said the Government was taking into consideration the increase in the cost of living which had burdened the workforce, especially those earning less. However, he said that the Government had also been considerate enough to provide civil servants various allowances in the past, such as the Cost of Living Allowance. ¡°There should be a pay rise but the question now is the quantum, only (PSD director-general) Tan Sri Ismail (Adam) knows; what he is going to recommend, even I do not know,¡± Abdullah said, adding that an official announcement would be made after the study was completed. The Prime Minister also urged civil servants to improve in their work and to provide ¡°fast, accurate and fair¡± service to keep the public satisfied. ¡°I know our work is a lot but we have to do it as it is our work and responsibility. ¡°We cannot limit the number of files or appeal letters to process each day, for example, process only 10 when there are heaps more received,¡± he said. Meanwhile, Cuepacs president Omar Osman said the Prime Minister¡¯s statement gave hope that its proposal for the pay increase would be a reality. He said that Abdullah also made it clear that the organisation¡¯s memorandum was studied closely and taken into consideration.

¡°His statement shows that our hope of getting a pay rise was not wishful thinking after all,¡± he said, adding that he was not sure if 100% of its request would be fulfilled. At the May 1 Workers Day celebrations, Cuepacs had reiterated its call to the Government for a pay rise, asking for a quantum of between 10% and 40%. Omar was especially happy with Abdullah¡¯s statement to offer a pay rise with a differing quantum, to narrow the gap between those who earned more and those who earned less. He also advised civil servants to improve and provide first-class skilled service. ¡°This will in turn enhance our integrity, personality and the image of the civil service in the public eye. ¡°We would not want the Government to regret giving the pay rise,¡± he said.

From http://thestar.com.my 05/08/2007

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Penang Council to Get New Head

A new person will soon helm the Penang Municipal Council as the president Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan has been transferred to the Public Services Department. Abu Bakar who was appointed to the post on March 20 last year, is one of the council's presidents to have served the shortest stint. Previously, he was Negri Sembilan Land and Mines director. State Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said the state government would announce the new council president this week. ¡°I don¡¯t know about Abu Bakar¡¯s new posting,¡± he said when contacted. Abu Bakar, 52, attended his last day of office yesterday. He was at a farewell luncheon at a hotel here, which was attended by several council heads of department. He declined to talk to The Star when asked about his new posting. It is speculated that he would be replaced by State Development Office director Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman, 49, who had served as Northeast district officer from June 2004 to August 2005 and Southwest district officer from January 2001 to June 2004. When contacted, Zainal Rahim said he was in the dark about his possible appointment. Another person speculated is Northeast district officer Azizi Zakaria. Azizi, 50, had served as the Kuala Kangsar district land office principal assistant director.

From http://thestar.com.my/ 05/08/2007

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PHILIPPINES: DepEd Sets Up Election Call Center for Teachers

The Department of Education (DepEd) has set up a round-the-clock operations center at its head office in Mandaluyong City which includes a call center with 150 agents working in three shifts. The call center is ready to accept calls from over 450,000 teachers who are serving in Boards of Election Inspectors. In an interview, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Franklin Sunga said the DepEd operations center would run until May 16, but might extend its operations as needed. Sunga also listed almost a dozen landline and mobile phone numbers that teachers could call for any election-related concerns. The landline numbers are: (02) 633-7205; (02) 638-8636 ; (02) 633-7223; (02) 635-0552; (02) 632-1372; (02) 633-6680; (02) 633-7253; (02) 636-4880. The fax numbers are: (02) 733-7236; (02) 633-7258; (02) 636-6550; (02) 631-8494. The mobile phone numbers are: 09209501764; 0917969610; 09276471476; 09053204198; 09276471486; 09167134317; 09102887299; 09103014818. So far, Sunga said, they have received a few dozen calls, mostly related to the teachers' late honoraria and benefits. "We've not received too many major incidents yet, except the one in Abra where teachers were ambushed," Sunga said

From http://archive.inquirer.net/ 05/14/2007

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BANGLADESH: Govt Is Eager to Establish Non-partisan Administration

Adviser for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and Information Barrister Mainul Hosein yesterday said the present caretaker government is eager to establish an honest and non-partisan administration to ensure good governance in the country by using expertise of the civil servants. The politically ambitious government officials are not only hazardous for the government and the country but sometimes they also bring danger for themselves? he said while addressing as the chief guest the inaugural session of the 39th foundation-training course for the entry level government officials at the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Center (BPATC) at Savar. Blaming the political leadership responsible for the recent year collapse of the civil government and the constitutional process in the country, Barrister Mainul Hosein said, the political leadership may change or even fail but the government machinery must remain resilient to the follies and failures of political leadership? He termed the civil servants as the indispensable partners and backbone of the government and said they (civil servants) must obey their code of conduct strictly and not allow them to be politicised along party lines while serving a party government.

Our (civil servants) very special usefulness and professionalism end where your partisan politics show up in your conduct? He cautioned. Barrister Mainul Hosein called upon the civil servants to prove themselves as the best servants in serving the people and the country. He said the present government has a clear and well-defined commitment to the nation. They are not working hard to hold the elections for the victory of corruption and the corrupt ones as the people do not want to see their victory. The election must be transparent that will ensure establishment of a good government and real democracy? He said. The Law Adviser said the civil servants must acquire special knowledge, skills, leadership quality and team spirit in the strongest sense of dedication to offer their best services for making the government machinery an engine of achieving public welfare. He hoped that the civil servants with their fresh vigor and creative imagination would put in their best efforts to serve the nation as well as the country in the days ahead. Barrister Mainul Hosein referred to the challenges emerging day by day in the modern world and said the idea of administering the government has also changed radically. They are living in a highly complex and competitive world with unprecedented socio- economic transformations taking place in and around? he said. Presided over by BPATC Rector Abu M Maniruzzaman Khan, the function was also addressed by Course Adviser Dr. Zafar Ahmed Khan and Course Director Tapan Kumar Karmakar. 206 BCS probationary officers from 17 different cadres are taking part in the four-month long foundation training course.

From http://nation.ittefaq.com/ 05/13/2007

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INDIA: Khandu Appoints Gyurme as Principal Advisor

Itanagar, May 4: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has appointed former agriculture minister Tsering Gyurme as his Parliamentary Secretary cum Principal Advisor. Mr Gyurme, who refused a ministerial berth in the State cabinet would aid and advise the Chief Minister on matters related to Horticulture, Animal husbandry & Veterinary etc, according to official sources here today. Mr Gyurme along with few other parliamentary secretaries would take at a function to be held this evening. Begining his political career from grassroots level, Gyurme was elected as Zilla Parishad member, Dirang Anchal Samiti in 1981. A dedicated political worker, he held several posts in the Congress party. He was elected to Second Legislative Assembly of the State in March 1995 and held the post of Deputy Minister, Education, Science and Technology and again elected to third Legislative Assembly in October 1999. He was made the minister of Industries, Textiles and Handicrafts. In 2004, he took additional charges of Commerce, Labour and Employment. One among the three unopposed candidates, elected to the fourth Legislative Assembly of the State in 2004, Mr Gyurme was the minister for agriculture, horticulture, Animal husbandry and dairy development in the previous government. During his tenure as minister, Gyurme made his name for growth of dairy development and horticulture.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/04/2007

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Mayawati Elected BSP Legislative Party Leader

Lucknow, May 12: Mayawati has been elected BSP Legislative Party leader in Lucknow, today, a day after her astounding victory in the Uttar Pradesh elections. She was elected by show of hands. Her name was proposed by senior leader Indrajit Saroj and seconded state unit president Lalji Verma. The announcement came after her meeting with newly elected MLAs. Mayawati's party bagged 206 of the 402 assembly seats. Thereafter, she met Governor TV Rajeshwar and staked a claim to form the next government in Uttar Pradesh. Mayawati is likely to take oath on Sunday evening. Uttar Pradesh will have a majority government after nearly 14 years.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/12/2007

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PM Accepts Maran's Resignation

New Delhi, May 14: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday night accepted the resignation of Communication and IT Minister Dayanidhi Maran. The prime minister forwarded the resignation to the president, officials in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. Maran, 39, had tendered his resignation late Sunday after a 149-member committee of his DMK party passed a resolution recommending party chief M. Karunanidhi, Tamil Nadu chief minister and Maran's uncle, to seek his removal from the central cabinet. The move followed a feud in DMK patriarch Karunanidhi's family. Meanwhile, Rashtrapati Bhawan officials said a communiqu¨¦ on the acceptance of the resignation was expected Tuesday.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/14/2007

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Child Labour Commission Soon in Jharkhand: Minister

Ranchi, May 15: Jharkhand Labour Minister Bhanu Pratap Shahi today declared that the state would soon have its own Child Labour Commission. Talking to reporters here, Mr Shahi said the Union government had advised on constituting a child labour commission in Jharkhand, which would be formed soon after state cabinet's approval. Speaking on the efforts of strengthening employement exchanges in the state, Mr Shahi said registration in these exchanges would be mandatory for fresh appointments. Mr Shahi alleged that employement exchanges were non-functional during the erstwhile NDA regime, adding that he had also advised the state Human Resources Minister to make registration mandatory in the employement exchanges for appoinment of para-teachers. He said that pension under the social security scheme would be incresed to Rs 400 and about 6,00,000 people would be benefitted from it. Mr Shahi, who also holds the health portfolio, said about 3,000 ANMs and would be appointed in the department.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/15/2007

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Govt to Set Up Commission for Heritage Conservation

New Delhi, May 15: The government proposes to constitute a Heritage Sites Commission which will lay down policy guidelines to address the documentation, inventorisation and conservation of built heritage. Minister for Culture and Tourism, Ambika Soni, told the Rajya Sabha today, in a written reply, that the functions of the proposed Commission would include advising the Government on heritage matters, framing guidelines for conservation of heritage monuments and sites, studying important matters regarding conservation of heritage and suggesting appropriate amendments to the existing heritage legislations. However, no timeframe could be indicated at this stage, the Minister said. To another question, the Minister said the number of foreign tourist arrivals in India in 2006 was 4.43 million, registering a 13 per cent increase over that in 2005. She also said the government had no details on the renovation of the Katasraj Temple near Lahore in Pakistan by the Pakistan government. India had not given financial assistance for the purpose, she added.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/15/2007

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A Raja Officially Takes Over Communications and IT Ministry

New Delhi, May 16 : Andimuthu Raja today officially took over the charge of Communications and Information Technology Ministry here. While interacting with media after taking over the office that was left vacant by Dayanidhi Maran's resignation, Raja said his top priority area would be rural telephony. "During my tenure, my efforts and endeavour will be to provide the communication facilities to the people at the lowest ebb of the social order. Since the telecom sector is growing sector and all efforts required for maintaining its growth will continue," Raja said. Earlier, Raja was the Union Minister of Environment and Forests. He was received by the Secretaries of Department of Telecom, Posts, Information Technology, and several senior officials of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) at his new office. Elected as a member to the eleventh Lok Sabha for the first time in the year 1996, Raja earlier held positions in the Central Government as the Minister of State for Rural Development and the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare. The reshuffle was necessitated following Maran's resignation, which came after the administrative committee of the DMK on Sunday passed a resolution to secure his resignation from the Union Cabinet. The demand came in the wake of what is termed as 'mischievous' poll surveys published by his newspaper Dinakaran and Sun TV that brought the succession battle within the party out in the open.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/16/2007

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PAKISTAN: Jamali Resigns from NA Body

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on Monday resigned from the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, sources told Daily Times. According to the sources Jamali has termed the committee as an ineffective body and said that he can¡¯t remain it member just to get TA/DA. When contacted Jamali was not available for comments.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 05/08/2007

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Sindh Govt to Expel Opp Leaders

KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to expel active opposition leaders from Sindh. The decision was made after a meeting held at Governor House Sunday. Sources said the leaders facing expulsion could be PPP¡¯s Sindh president Qaim Ali Shah, Opposition leader in Sindh Assembly Nisar Khuhro (PPP), Pakhtoon Loya Jirga leader Shahi Syed, ANP Sindh president Amin Khattak, Jamaat-e-Islami Naib Amir Prof Ghafoor and ARD Sindh¡¯s president Zain Ansari. Sources added the expulsion orders would be according to the Maintenance of Public Order. Opposition leaders, however, said they will take up the matter in the SHC, if the need arises. Meanwhile, the Sindh government has declared May 14 as a provincial holiday and has ordered the closure of all government offices and educational institutions.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 05/14/2007

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IRAN£ºCommerce Committee Planned with Saudis

Saudi Arabia and Iran are to set up a joint commerce committee to study grounds for economic cooperation. An agreement to the effect was reached between Tehran and Riyadh following Iran¡¯s Commerce Minister Massoud Mir-Kazemi¡¯s visit to Saudi Arabia last week. Head of Iran¡¯s Trade Development Organization and Deputy Commerce Minister Mehdi Ghazanfari, who accompanied Mir-Kazemi on his Saudi visit, expressed hope that the visit would bring a new era in bilateral relations. Speaking to IRNA on Saturday, he added that officials of Tehran and Riyadh have voiced disappointment over meager volume of trade ties which stood at less than one billion dollars. ¡°Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to usher in a new era in bilateral trade and have made serious determination in this respect,¡± he said. He called for exchange of high-ranking economic delegations to discuss management of the oil revenues of the two countries. Ghazanfari hoped that issues relating to customs agreements and avoidance of double taxation would be settled and trade ties between both sides would be increased more than ever before. (by Massoud Mir-Kazemi)

From http://www.iran-daily.com/ 05/20/2007

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KAZAKHSTAN£ºSecretary of State Has Changed

New Secretary of State was appointed in Kazakhstan. This position was taken by Kanat Saudabayev, reports the agency with reference to RK President press-service. As the press-service reported, the president has signed a decree to appoint Kanat Saudabayev as a Secretary of State and dismiss him from RK Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in the US and Canada. Besides, according to the press-service, previous Secretary of State Oralbay Abdykarimov by the decree signed by the president was appointed as RK President advisor. This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today.

From http://eng.gazeta.kz/ 05/15/2007

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Kazakh Leader Gets Right to Rule Indefinitely

The move put a question mark over Kazakhstan's ambition to take over the rotating chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2009. Kazakhstan, which sees itself as the most stable country in the volatile Central Asian region, has never held a vote judged by foreign observers to be free and fair. The opposition is weak and fragmented. Two opposition leaders were killed in mysterious circumstances in late 2005 and early 2006. Nazarbayev's critics called the murders politically motivated. Nazarbayev, elected last time in December 2005 in a vote declared flawed by international monitors, has frequently said Kazakhstan has its own traditions and must not "blindly follow" Western-style democracy.

From http://uk.reuters.com/ 05/18/2007

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TAJIKISTAN£ºRuling Party Wins in Two Parliamentary By-Elections

According to preliminary results, representatives from Tajikistan¡¯s ruling People¡¯s Democratic Party (PDPT) have won in two May 20 parliamentary by-elections as well, Asia-Plus has learned from a reliable source at the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda (CCER). We will recall that representatives from three political parties contested two vacant seats in the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan¡¯s lower chamber of parliament). Safar Safarov, Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), nominated by ruling People¡¯s Democratic Party (PDPT), contested the seat representing the Jomi constituency in the Majlisi Namoyandagon with Nemat Kholmurodov, deputy chairman of the Jomi district, nominated by the Agrarian Party (APT). In the Yovon constituency, deputy Khatlon prosecutor Mahmadamin Hisoriyev, nominated by the PDPT, competed for vacant seat in parliament with Rustam Nazarov, teacher at Tajik Transport Institute, nominated by the Party of Economic Reforms.

Alisher Safarov, a lawyer with the central electoral commission, said that in the Jomi constituency, Safar Safarov had won the by-election with 92.5 percent of the vote. The Jomi constituency numbers 77,630 voters; of them, 73,283 came to ballot boxes at polling stations. Member of the Agrarian Party received only 4,853 votes, according to Alisher Safarov. The Yovon constituency numbers 78,000 voters and 71,316 people came to ballot boxes yesterday. Mahmadamin Hisoriyev won with 91.2 percent, while his opponent Rustam Nazarov received only 3,629 votes. We will recall that PDPT also won the previous three parliamentary by-elections that were held in Hamadoni, Kulob and Dushanbe on April 1. In Hamadoni district, Safarali Gulov won with 96 percent of the vote, with his opponent, Abdulqodir Hasanpour of the Islamic Revival Party, garnering just 2 percent of the vote. In the remaining two by-elections, in Dushanbe and Kulob, the PDPT members ran unopposed.£¨by Nargis Hamroboyeva£©

From http://www.asiaplus.tj/ 05/21/2007

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TURKMENISTAN£ºLeader Sacks Railway Minister, Mayor of Capital

President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov dismissed Orazberdi Khudaiberdiev from his position as minister of railway transport at a cabinet meeting in Ashgabat on May 21, the turkmenistan.ru website reported the next day. Deryaguly Muhammetguliev, the first deputy railway minister, was appointed to replace Khudaiberdiev. Berdymukhammedov also dismissed Ashgabat Mayor Orazmurat Esenov and replaced him with Deryageldi Orazov, who most recently served as chairman of the State Committee on Tourism and Sports. The report did not give a reason for the dismissals. DK

From http://www.rferl.org/ 05/23/2007

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UZBEKISTAN£ºSpecialized Colleges for Handicapped Children to Be Established

First specialized colleges for children with disabilities will be established in Tashkent and Ferghana, Uzbekistan Today news agency reports. "National Program for Cadres Training envisions education for all", said the head of professional college department Jamolkhon Shosalimov. "Today all children with disabilities in Uzbekistan receive the school education, in specialized schools they are taught some major". In Uzbekistan the handicapped people also attend the higher educational institutions. At the moment, the country creates conditions for those who wish to acquire middle special professional education, according to the report. At the new colleges the children with disabilities and particular qualities of physical development will be able to receive special education in the sphere of domestic service and accounting, the report also said. Also, at the colleges the state authorities plan to supply students with free food. 412.9 million soums has been allocated from the state budget for the purposes of implementing the said project, Mr. Shosalimov has been quoted as further saying.

From http://news.uzreport.com/ 05/22/2007

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AUSTRALIA: Role of Business Offices Under Scrutiny

THEY cost taxpayers millions of dollars a year, have almost doubled in number in the past seven years and the Government isn't quite sure what they do ¡ª welcome to the State Government's overseas business offices. There are 11 of them around the world and they facilitate visits by ministers to the United States, Middle East, Europe and China to spruik the state's business opportunities. But trying to find out what else these offices do is not easy. The State Government is not even sure what they do. The offices were established by the Kennett government to assist Victoria's companies wanting to export and to encourage overseas investment in the state. The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports the offices, but chief executive Neil Coulson believes they need reform. The offices, he said, "have a positive role to play but need to be used in tandem with nimble and innovative approaches that build on some of our key strengths without adding to fixed costs". Mr Coulson said the offices should tap into expatriate networks and consult Australian business people who travel overseas frequently. In February, Premier Steve Bracks revealed that while the Government had almost doubled its network of business offices since 1999, it needed to "thoroughly analyse how these offices are working".

"We need to be sure they are being used effectively by Australian and foreign businesses to drive export growth," he said. The offices, in London, Frankfurt, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Nanjing, Dubai, Tokyo and Bangalore, operate in a hub-and-spoke system, with larger offices of two or three staff and administrative assistance supporting one-person regional offices. The Victorian director of the Australian Industry Group, Timothy Piper, said while the offices were important for attracting investment and helping with exports, there was a case for rationalising them. Mr Bracks announced in February that the offices would soon report to a "Premier's Business Board" made up of prominent industry figures. The board would oversee a review of the "effective operation of the business offices". Mr Bracks said: "The review will recommend how to better co-ordinate our export offices to focus on Victoria's business strengths and to measure their performance against the best export offices set up by other countries."

From http://www.theage.com.au/ 05/20/2007

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FIJI: Statement from the Office of the Prime Minister - Significant Milestones to Help Achieve Parliamentary Democracy

The Interim Government has made demonstrable progress in its commitment to moving Fiji towards parliamentary democracy. Firstly, we fully agreed to engage with the Pacific Island Countries and Australia and New Zealand through the Pacific Islands Forum and Eminent Persons Group process. The Pacific Islands Forum-Fiji Working group on Fiji¡¯s situation formed with the mandate of the Foreign Forum Ministers has reportedly been making good progress in engaging with the Interim Government on discussing mechanisms for returning Fiji to parliamentary democracy. Fiji agreed to participate in this Working Group, agreed on terms of reference for an independent technical assessment and we have now also agreed to the 4-member team to undertake the Independent Assessment of the Election Timetable for Fiji. The Working Group has also received a briefing from Fiji on the outcomes of its consultations with the EU in relation to the Cotonou Agreement and have further discussed the standing issues such as upholding of 1997 Constitution, human rights issues and support for a credible and independent anti-corruption commission. The second demonstrable progress is that we have been in constant touch with the Bureau of Statistics Office and there has been $2.5 million already transferred to the Bureau of Stats office by the Ministry of Finance to allow them to proceed with the census.

The Enumeration Area Boundary Maps and Descriptions are being prepared and digitized. This is the main preparatory work for the 2007 Population and Household Census. With major changes taking place in urban and rural areas, Enumeration Boundaries need to be changed so that the criteria for their delineation remains intact. The Census Questionnaire has been finalized following wide consultation with users and the Data Edit and Tabulation Programs are being developed to be in place before the Census Enumeration. Training is also being conducted for Area Coordinators in the Regional Offices. They will be responsible for the census operation in their assigned areas. They will prepare detailed operational plans and budgets, conduct training and monitor the field operations. The third area of demonstrable commitment and work is the re-equipping and strengthening of the Supervisor of Elections Office. Foremost in this process in the appointment of the Supervisor of Elections. In this regards the Constitutional Offices Commission has already begun advertising the position of Supervisor of Elections¡¯ Office. The recruitment is expected to happen within the next 8-12 weeks. Currently consideration is also being given to appointment of members on the Constituency Boundary Commission and the Electoral Commission respectively. The Interim Government is proceeding with all these preparatory work as part of its commitment to sustainably move Fiji towards Parliamentary democracy. The Roadmap and the Timeline for taking the country to Parliamentary democracy is currently being scrutinized and assessed by the Independent Technical Assessment Team, whose work is being overseen by the Forum/Fiji Working Group appointed by the Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Port Vila last April.

From http://www.fiji.gov.fj/ 05/18/2007

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SOLOMON ISLANDS: PM to Appoint New Public Service Minister Soon

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will announce a new Minister for the Ministry of Public Service some time later next week. The ministerial post was left vacant following the sudden death of former Minister, the late Joses Wawari Sanga Tuesday last week. The Prime Minister said his government this week continues to mourn late Sanga¡¯s death and it is culturally appropriate not to rush into appointing any replacement at this stage. ¡°The late Minister is a respectable man and we will not rush into appointing his replacement at this stage,¡± Mr Sogavare said. ¡°Culturally, we continue to mourn his death this week and it¡¯s only appropriate to announce any replacement sometime later next week¡±. Mr Sogavare said his government already has some names for the post. The Late Sanga died of heart attack at his Honiara residence Tuesday last week. His body was finally laid to rest at his island village of Ngongosila in East Malaita on Sunday. He was survived by his wife Teasi Sanga and three children.

From http://www.pmc.gov.sb/ 05/08/2007

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New Agriculture Minister Sworn In

The New Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Severino Nuaiasi (MP) has sworn in today before the Governor General His Excellency Sir Nathaniel Waena. Mr Nuaiasi took up the ministerial appointment taking over from Deputy Prime Minister Toswell Kaua. Mr Kaua will take up the post of Public Service Minister left vacant by the death of East former Minister and East Malaita Member of Parliament the late Joses Sanga. Mr Nuaiasi, MP for West Are¡¯are was long time public officer, serving in various national government departments and also at provincial levels. He said he is happy to take up the appointment and committed to ensure government policies on Agriculture and Livestock are fulfilled to people, particularly in rural areas. He said Agriculture is one of the important sectors of the government¡¯s ¡°bottom-up-approach¡± policy.

From http://www.pmc.gov.sb/ 05/16/2007

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Top Global Scientists Gather on Climate Change

¡°The world's leading climate change experts gathered Monday in Bangkok to consider how to lower greenhouse gas emissions to save the planet from the worst effects of global warming. At least 400 experts from about 120 countries will attend the third session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)¡­¡± [Agence France Presse (04/30)/Factiva] BBC reports that this summit ¡°...aims to be the key guide to climate change technology and economics. A final draft seen by the BBC will say nations can protect the climate, but only if they make policies to halt the global growth in emissions by 2030. ¡­¡± [BBC News (04/30)/Factiva] Reuters writes that ¡°¡­The report estimates that stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions will cost between 0.2 percent and 3.0 percent of world GDP by 2030, depending on the stiffness of curbs on rising emissions of greenhouse gases. ¡­ More than 1,000 amendments have been proposed to the draft 24-page summary for policymakers. Some countries complain that is hard to understand and too laden with scientific jargon. ¡­¡± [Reuters (04/30)/Factiva] The IHT adds that ¡°¡­The third report stresses that the world must quickly embrace a basket of technological options - already available and being developed - just to keep the temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

Making buildings more energy-efficient, especially in the developing world, through better insulation, lighting and other steps, could also lead to significant cuts as would converting from coal to natural gas, nuclear power and renewable energy such as wind. Less significant but also important would be steps to make motor vehicles more fuel-efficient, reduce deforestation, and plant more trees as a carbon ¡®sink,¡¯ absorbing carbon dioxide.. ¡­¡± [International Herald Tribune (04/29)/Associated Press] In a separate piece, AFP adds that ¡°¡­Sticking points at the Bangkok meeting could include taxes and caps on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and any references to the Kyoto Protocol¡­Any mention of nuclear energy in the final report would incur the wrath of many environmental groups. One of the key issues set to be hotly debated is a so-called carbon price - finding a way to make consumers and businesses pay for the pollution they create. ¡­ The findings of the report, which stops short of making recommendations, will be used by governments and international organizations to map out their own plans for preventing worst-case climate scenarios. ¡­¡± [Agence France Presse (04/30)/Factiva] AFP further reports that ¡°China warned Monday that the developed world should not dominate a key UN meeting aimed at tackling global warming, while insisting it was fully committed to fighting climate change.

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 04/30/2007

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ADB Issues Its First Sustainability Report

KYOTO, JAPAN - As an international institution whose focus is on poverty reduction and sustainable development, ADB has been taking steps to ensure that, as an organization, it practices what it preaches, according to a new report released today. In the last 12 years, ADB has provided more than US$8 billion for projects and programs with environmental objectives, according to its first Sustainability Report released today. As an institution, it has also taken measures to minimize its own environmental footprint at its Manila headquarters and is beginning to address the issue in its field offices. "We are proud to have been the first multilateral development bank to achieve ISO 14001 certification in 2003 for our internal environmental management systems, and we want to continue to reduce our corporate environmental footprint," says Nessim Ahmad, ADB¡¯s Director for Environment and Social Safeguards. Presenting data through 2006, the report documents how ADB staff are working on developing clean energy sources for the region, enhancing sustainable agriculture, expanding educational opportunities, establishing effective financial institutions, building water supply and sanitation systems, and more. The report also shows how ADB manages its facilities to minimize the impact on the environment.

ADB¡¯s headquarters in Manila have received several energy efficiency awards, and electricity use at the headquarters ¨C and associated emissions of greenhouse gases that cause global warming ¨C is still declining. Annual energy consumption at ADB's Manila offices is only 130 kWh per square meter ¨C well below the accepted regional benchmark of 200 kWh per square meter for an energy-efficient building. Other measures to conserve resources and lessen greenhouse gas emissions include the expanded use of videoconferencing to reduce air travel and an increased emphasis on electronic communications instead of paper forms and memoranda for approvals and information transmittal. Looking ahead, ADB is exploring the use of renewable energy sources ¨C such as solar power ¨C for its headquarters, according to the report. Like electricity consumption, water use also has been declining, and ADB will begin recycling some of its waste water this year to irrigate its grounds. ADB's first sustainability report is meant to assist readers who are not familiar with ADB's structure and activities to better understand the organization, what motivates it, and how it operates. In keeping with emerging international norms for sustainability reporting, the document will primarily be made available online.

From http://www.adb.org/ 05/04/2007

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G8 Ministers to Underline Social Dimension of Globalization

Xinhua reports that labor and employment ministers from the Group of Eight (G8) nations agreed on Monday to pay more attention to the social dimension of globalization. The ministers pledged at a meeting in Dresden to introduce a stronger social component in their bilateral relations with developing and threshold countries. The meeting focused on strategies for more and better jobs, corporate responsibility and improving social protection systems in developing and emerging economies. German Labor Minister Franz Muentefering, who hosted the gathering as his country is holding the presidency of the G8, said globalization should bring work and security and not just benefits to the international financial world. EU Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs Vladimir Spidla, who attended the meeting, said in an interview that globalization needed to have a just and social dimension. ¡­He urged industry to do more than legally required to improve education, social dialogue and environmental standards, echoing Muentefering's early call for industry to play a role in improving social standards. Labor ministers from the G8 nations -- Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Japan, Canada, the United States and Russia attended the meeting. Representatives from the EU Commission, the ILO, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the World Bank were also taking part in the gathering. [Xinhua/Factiva]

Agence France Presse further reports that the German presidency of the EU and of the G8¡­wants to secure a guarantee of social minimums and agree on strategies for more and better jobs and improving social protection in developed and developing countries. [Agence France Presse]Deutsche Welle reports that G8 Labor Ministers are debating whether to require big businesses to promote social and environmental programs, with the aim of a fairer globalization. But employers are nervous¡­."Economy, ecology and social action have to be carried out in a way that is fair and balanced," ¡­M¨¹ntefering wrote. ¡­Minimum social standards are particularly problematic for enterprises with production sites in developing countries. There, Western companies face enormous problems, including extreme poverty, inadequate medical care, corruption, child labor, sub-standard education and the absence of worker's rights or meaningful environmental safeguards, to name a few. [Deutsche Welle/Factiva]

Dow Jones reports that European Union finance ministers agreed Tuesday to continue studying the impact of hedge funds on the region's financial systems, but steered clear of drawing up new regulations for the investment vehicles¡­.The ministers said they looked forward to getting more information from a report being prepared by the European Commission on a range of loosely-regulated investment vehicles, including hedge funds. The report is due by mid-2008. In the meantime, the ministers said "creditors and investors should also examine whether the current level of hedge funds' transparency is appropriate...relevant supervisory authorities should monitor developments and cooperate among themselves." In a note to journalists, the EU's German presidency said the next steps on the discussion about hedge funds would be taken at the upcoming meetings of the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations in Potsdam, Germany, and Group of Eight countries in Heiligendamm, Germany. [Dow Jones/Factiva]

The Guardian reports that trade union leaders will¡­press to get private equity on to the agenda of the June G8 summit amid anger over the impact of the industry on wages and workers' rights. A delegation of labor leaders will meet the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, in Berlin ahead of the annual meeting of the world's richest nations next month. They argue that private equity, with its short-term focus, can erode job security, cut wages, close pension schemes and worsen conditions. They also accuse private equity firms of routinely loading companies with debt only to enrich themselves with special dividends. "World leaders must make sure that workers, not just the rich, benefit from globalisation," the TUC deputy general secretary, Frances O'Grady, will tell Ms Merkel. "The world mustn't become a playground for private equity, so greater regulation of the industry is needed." [The Guardian/Factiva]

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 05/08/2007

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Finalists in ¡®Marketplace¡¯ of Innovative Poverty Reduction Projects Coming to WB Headquarters

WASHINGTON, DC¨C One hundred and four project teams from around the world are coming to World Bank headquarters May 22-23 to display their projects and vie for $4 million in grant funding in the final round of the 2007 Global Development Marketplacecompetition. The contest fosters innovation in development projects by having stakeholders compete for funding and selecting the best from among them. This year¡¯s DM paired up with the World Bank Health, Nutrition and Population (HNP) unit to focus on improving health, nutrition and population services for the poor. It attracted a record high of nearly 2,900 applicants.¡± The World Bank's work in health, nutrition and population aims at bolstering partner country efforts to improve health conditions for the poor and the vulnerable and to prevent them from becoming impoverished or made destitute as a result of illness,¡± said Cristian Baeza, acting director for HNP. ¡°The Development Marketplace provides us with a wonderful opportunity totap into an enormous pool of innovative local solutions to help achieve these results on the ground and improve people's lives.¡± The 104 finalists were narrowed down through two rounds of assessment that brought together roughly 250 health and development experts from inside and outside the Bank. The issues addressed by the proposals were as varied thematically as they were geographically.

¡°One minute we were talking about transporting refrigerated medicines on the backs of camels in Africa, and the next minute we were skipping around to Bolivia and China to look at very different health problems that all use creativity in their proposed solutions,¡± said Emanuele Capobianco, a World Bank health specialist who volunteered as an assessor in both rounds.¡± That exposure to innovative instruments can be very valuable,¡± he added. ¡°And also the discussion -- the exchange of opinions I found very enriching although not always easy.¡± The largest number of finalists ¨C 34 percent ¨C target development challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Latin America and the Caribbean and Southeast Asia will each be the focus of about 20 percent of the projects. Some 15 percent hail from East Asia and the Pacific, 6 percent from Europe and Central Asia and 4 percent from the Middle East and North Africa region. The countries with the highest number of proposals will be India, Kenya, Philippines, Nepal and South Africa. The majority of proposals were submitted by NGOs, but many have partnerships with foundations, academia, private enterprises, government and development agencies.

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 05/14/2007

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Tourism Risk Management Guide to Help Local Businesses Prepare for Disasters and Crises

APEC has launched an authoritative Tourism Risk Management Guide and training package to help businesses dependent on the tourism trade to survive natural disasters and crises. This is the first time that formal risk management processes have been applied to the tourism sector. The materials are now freely available for governments and tourism industry organizations around the region to use, reproduce and distribute as required. Launched today on the Gold Coast in Australia the program was developed in direct response to the damage inflicted upon the tourism industry by disasters that include the Indian Ocean Boxing Day Tsunami, Bali Bombings, Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 attacks. The Information Guide and training programs have been researched and published by the APEC International Centre for Sustainable Tourism (AICST) in association with the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Pacific Asia Travel Association and the Australian Government. Available in five languages the APEC Tourism Risk Management Guide is designed to enable national and regional governments and tourism organisations to help tourism destinations and tourism related businesses to plan for and more effectively deal with crises when they strike. AICST Chair, Sir Frank Moore, said the experiences of recent years, when thousands of lives, business and jobs were lost as a result of both natural and man-made disasters, have provided numerous lessons that the region must learn from.¡± Nothing good comes from disasters such as tsunamis and bombings but we owe it to those who have suffered to learn from their experience to reduce ha"When implemented within destinations and by both small and large tourism operators the Tourism Risk Management approach will help prevent business and job losses as well as reduce loss of life and injuries in the event of a disaster. The businesses that will benefit from the program include not only those directly servicing visitors, but also operations that provide supplies, support services and other inputs such as bakers, taxi drivers, printing companies and laundries. The training programs include Instructor's Guides and Workshop Participant's Workbooks that are available for download or in printed form that cover issues such as developing risk assessment and management strategies before a disaster strikes, dealing with a disaster when it occurs and recovery after the threat has passed. Sir Frank said it is important that tourism operators have an understanding of how risk management can improve their businesses.¡± Planning for all eventualities is essential no matter if it is a disaster such as an act of nature or terrorist attack or a longer term crisis such as an avian influenza pandemic.¡± This includes identifying opportunities to improve business planning and policies through to how to maintain contact with the media to provide essential information on tourism facilities and services.¡± Importantly, in times of crisis both residents and visitors need firm leadership and direction and this requires adequate pre-planning.¡± The programs have been developed to be delivered as either a self-learning tool by business operators or as a clearly developed program for delivery to groups of tourism operators and government officials. The guide provides a practical framework from which tourism operators can apply crisis management strategies for prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

From http://www.apecsec.org.sg/ 05/14/2007

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World Mayors Agree to Beat Global Warming in Innovative Ways

NEW YORK, May 17 (Xinhua) -- The second C40 Large Cities Climate Summit ended here Thursday with broad calls for systemic change, and innovative and bold initiatives to promote environmental sustainability. Some 250 delegates from 46 cities, including 32 mayors, as well as international business leaders, took part in the four-day summit, during which a 5-billion-dollar initiative was launched by the Clinton Foundation to retrofit old buildings in 16 cities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Clinton Foundation's statistics, urban areas are responsible for approximately 75 percent of all energy use andgreenhouse gas emissions in the world. Five major global financial institutions -- ABN AMRO, Citi Group, Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan Chase, and UBS -- have agreed to finance the first phase of retrofit projects. Each committed to arrange 1 billion dollars for this effort. Sixteen world cities will be the first C40 partner cities to participate in the program: Bangkok, Berlin, Bombay, Chicago, Houston, Johannesburg, Karachi, London, Melbourne, Mexico City, New York, Rome, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Tokyo, and Toronto. The participating cities have committed to working with the foundation and its expert partners to develop programs to audit their buildings and to implement retrofits that improve their energy efficiency. The summit's host, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, made a keynote speech on the city's plan to reduce New York's green gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030 when another million people may have joined the 8 million living in the city today.

"This is our blueprint -- or should I say green print? -- for making the Big Apple truly the Green Apple," the mayor told the guests. The Bloomberg administration recently proposed 127 environment-friendly initiatives in 10 fields to prepare the city for 2030, the most controversial of which are congestion fees. The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, the chair of C40, stressed that "the fight to tackle climate change will be won or lost in cities." The C40 is a group of the world's largest cities committed to addressing climate change. The attendees also shared the idea that no one can combat global warming alone. London's Livingstone said "We agreed that if our cities worked together we would make much faster progress in cutting carbon emissions." A lot of panel discussions were held during the summit. They focused on transport, energy, water, as well as how to encourage high-performance energy efficient buildings and create financing mechanisms for sustainable infrastructure. Discussion on landfills focused on the need for integrated strategies that address the "big picture" end-product of current waste policies. Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, the Mayor of Mexico City joined Klaus Wowereit, the Mayor of Berlin, and a representative from JP Morgan& Chase & Co. to discuss how "Cities can thrive in a Low Carbon Economy.¡± The first C40 climate summit was held in London in October 2005. According to Livingstone, the next C40 climate summit will be held within two years in Seoul, South Korea.£¨by Li Bo£©

From www.chinaview.cn /05/18/2007

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CHINA: Shanghai Sets Up Rapid Food Safety Testing System

Shanghai's food and drug authorities said on Wednesday that the city had established a fast testing system for food safety. "The system can tell the safety of most food products within 30minutes," said Li Jie, deputy director of the Shanghai Food and Drug Supervision Institute. All the districts and counties in the city have been equipped with food safety testing vehicles and personnel, said Li. Food safety has become one of the major concerns of Chinese citizens as a number of food contamination accidents have been exposed across the country in recent months. Last November, the country's food safety watchdog found that seven companies that were producing salted red-yolk eggs contaminated with dangerous red Sudan dyes, which are used legally in the leather and fabric industries, but are banned for food use. Also last year, carcinogenic residue was detected in turbot sold on markets in Beijing and Shanghai. China's quality control watchdog announced on Tuesday two Chinese companies exported melamine-contaminated wheat gluten and rice protein. An official from the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council said his department would finish drafting the amendments to the Food Safety Law soon.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/09/2007

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First Expat Work Permit Office Opens

Shenzhen opened the country's first expatriates' job management office Friday, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported Saturday. The management office, previously known as the expatriates' job service center, is now a government administration to manage and issue work permits for expatriates legally allowed to work in the city. For work visas, foreigners still need to go to the municipal public security bureau with a letter of invitation. Around 15,000 foreigners as well as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao residents working in the city are registered with the city government while a further 33,000 Chinese citizens work for representative offices of foreign firms in Shenzhen. Li Yu, office director, said the number of expatriates working in Shenzhen and taking on a larger variety of jobs could rise sharply in the near future. "With foreigners in Shenzhen from more than 100 countries and regions, we will beef up management in cooperation with the police against illegal employment," the official said.

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/14/2007

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CPC to Launch New Training Program

A major new training program for cadres will be launched after the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to improve the quality of party cadres, said a senior CPC official. Zeng Qinghong, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a visit to the Jinggangshan Cadres' Institute located at a former revolutionary base in east China's Jiangxi Province. The Party's 17th National Congress will be held in Beijing in the second half this year. It is the third time, Zeng, also vice president of China, has visited the Jinggangshan Cadres' Institute. He also visited two other cadre training institutes in Shanghai's Pudong and Yan'an in northwest Shaanxi Province. China built the three high-profile cadre training institutes after the Party's 16th National Congress to improve the quality and skills of leading cadres and conduct international training exchanges.

Pudong is the most developed area in China. The Pudong-based institute runs courses on international affairs, and helps trainees keep pace with the times and become more open. The other two institutes gives officials the opportunity to learn more about revolutionary traditions and about conditions in the country. So far, nearly 8,000 top and middle level CPC cadres have been trained at the Jinggangshan Cadres' Institute. Zeng urged the institute to ensure that training courses draw from real life but also from revolutionary traditions. He also called on the teachers and trainees in the institute to learn from Fang Yonggang, a professor of politics from Dalian Naval Academy. He said that Fang, who is fighting a terminal illness, has had an illustrious career in education and has contributed greatly to spreading the Party's new theories.

Zeng took a particular interest in infrastructure in the places he visited. In Shanghai, he praised workers for their efficiency and skill in building Donghai Bridge and Yangshan Deep-water Harbour. In Jiangxi, he applauded the public benefit of a newly-built railway station. Zeng also urged local governments to pursue the scientific concept of development to boost society and the economy.

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/15/2007

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Shanghai Plans to Boost Property Management Services

Shanghai announced a plan yesterday to lift the city's overall property management quality by 2009 including more immediate repair services and better security and daily services. The plan also calls to improve the professional ability of property management staff so that they can better serve residents. "We have to improve the city's property management service because it is related to everyone's daily life," city vice mayor Yang Xiong said yesterday at a government meeting. The plan consists of a slew of general commitments such as the set-up of 24-hour building maintenance and the update of security systems in residential complexes. It also vowed that the governments at both municipal and district levels will raise funds to support property management firms to improve their services in general.

The plan also includes a statement to prohibit "group renting" - the owner divides a normal-sized apartment into dozens of units and rents them to multiple tenants. Because of the city's soaring real estate prices, group renting is becoming more popular in the city, particularly among migrant workers. The government considers it a potential security problem. The practice raises safety, fire control and public health concerns. The government has promised that more residents will have access to low rent houses.

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/16/2007

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State Councilor Urges Diplomatic Innovation

Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan on Thursday called on the staff of China's largest non-governmental organization to be innovative in their approach to diplomatic work. He made the appeal at the ninth council meeting of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) which opened here Thursday morning. Tang spoke highly of the CPAFFC's achievements in promoting friendly exchanges with other countries. The transformation of the international situation spells new opportunities and new challenges for the country's people-to-people diplomacy, he said. He called on CPAFFC staff to carry out diplomatic work in a spirit of innovation, enhance research, and work harder to consolidate friendship between the Chinese people and other peoples in the world. During the two-day meeting, participants are expected to draw up a blueprint for the next five years, and elect CPAFFC's new leadership Formed in 1954, the CPAFFC has established close ties with more than 370 organizations from 120 countries. In the past five years, the association received nearly 20,000 foreign visitors and sent more than eight thousand abroad. It has made a major contribution to understanding and friendship between the people of China and the rest of the world.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/17/2007

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State Councilor Calls for Creating Favorable Environment for Innovation

Chinese State Councilor Chen Zhili called on the whole society to step up its efforts to create a favorable environment for innovation. Chen made the appeal at the opening ceremony of China's sixth National Science Week on Sunday. "We should advocate the spirit of science, which is a powerful driving force for building an innovation-oriented country," Chen said. Chen also called for more activities on popular science so that common Chinese citizens will support innovation. This year's theme for science week is to "join hands in building an innovation-oriented country". More than 1,000 scientific activities will be carried out around the country.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/19/2007

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JAPAN: To Draw Up Farmland Reforms to Keep Up with Global FTA Trend

Japan will draw up a package of farmland reform measures by this fall in a bid to enhance the competitiveness of its ailing agricultural sector and keep up with the global trend of sealing free trade agreements, a key government economic panel said Wednesday. The Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy headed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe endorsed the farm ministry's policy of drafting such a package. Four private-sector members of the panel urged the government to strive to eliminate abandoned farmland in Japan within five years. Japan's heavily protected agricultural sector is considered to be a major stumbling block for the country to negotiate FTAs with major food exporters. The four said Japan's agricultural industry is in "a critical situation" with rapid aging of farmers and an increase in deserted crop fields. The private-sector members with industry and academic backgrounds sought ways to facilitate farmland transfers such as allowing land owners to acquire shares from companies that purchase crop fields. However, farm minister Toshikatsu Matsuoka argued that trading of shares and agricultural land may not proceed smoothly. He was also not confident enough about setting a five-year deadline for reducing abandoned farmland, according to economic and fiscal policy minister Hiroko Ota. Ota is in charge of running the policy-setting panel, which comprises six Cabinet ministers, the Bank of Japan governor and the four private-sector representatives.

From http://asia.news.yahoo.com 05/09/2007

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U.N. Body Advises Japan to Reform Prison System

The U.N. Committee against Torture has unveiled a report that advises Japan to reform its "substitute prison" system, part of its concluding observations on human rights reports from Japan and six other countries.The committee report also accuses Japan of trying to whitewash its past practice of forcing women to become sex slaves for Japanese Imperial army soldiers, and urged Tokyo to help surviving victims. The committee, which examined Japan's first report on the issue, made the observations earlier this month in line with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment."The Committee was deeply concerned with the prevalent and systematic use of the 'daiyo kangoku' substitute prison system for the prolonged detention of arrested persons even after they had appeared before a court," it said in a press release Monday.Coupled with insufficient procedural guarantees, use of such prisons "increased the possibilities of abuse of detainees' rights," it said.The committee advised Japan to amend its laws "to ensure complete separation between the functions of investigation and detention," and to "limit the maximum time detainees could be held in police custody in line with international minimum standards."It noted that the system of notifying death-row inmates of their execution hours before it takes place "could amount to torture or ill-treatment." It also criticized the practice of "keeping death-row prisoners in solitary confinement after the final sentence was handed down, in some cases exceeding 30 years." On other matters, the committee highlighted the inadequacy of Japan's compensation for women forced into sexual servitude for its soldiers during World War II ¡ª euphemistically called "comfort women" ¡ª and called on Japan to take measures to eliminate sexual violence.

From http://search.japantimes.co.jp 05/23/2007

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Tokyo Ambulances to Start Triage System in June

The Tokyo Fire Department on June 1 will introduce a trial triage system in which ambulance workers at the scene of an incident will select which patients need to go to hospital urgently and which do not. This first national trial of the system will be conducted in response to the rapid rise in 119 emergency calls due to factors such as the aging of society. There has been an increase in critical cases caused by ambulances arriving late at the scene, and the department hopes private sector transportation will be used for victims with minor injuries or for those who use ambulances as a form of taxi. An estimated 5,000 ambulance dispatches annually are thought to be unnecessary, and the department hopes the system will help reduce the average time it takes an ambulance to reach the scene from the current 7-1/2 minutes. According to the department, the number of dispatches rose from 448,450 in 1995 to 699,971 in 2005. These figures exclude dispatches in Higashikurume, Inagi, and islands under the metropolitan government's jurisdiction. The average time it took an ambulance to reach the scene increased by 1 minute 12 seconds in the same 10-year period--up from 6 minutes 18 seconds to 7-1/2 minutes. The Fire Service Law lacks a clear definition regarding the seriousness of the condition of the patients to be carried by ambulance. For the sake of convenience the department had judged all those calling the 119 emergency service number to be in critical condition. This meant ambulances were sent out even to people calling with minor complaints, such as heart palpitations or for a child whose hand has been scalded. Ambulances also are sent on request to patients transferring between hospitals.

The ambulance service is stretched to the limit and the use of ambulances for noncritical patients has led to concerns the number of life-threatening cases due to ambulances arriving late could rise. The department is looking to bring in the new system as it concluded it has to clearly define the criticality of patients. The department found that 0.7 percent of dispatches were obviously not critical, by examining the 120,115 times it carried victims over 71 days--one period from Sept. 19 to Oct. 31 and another during February. Based on these figures, it calculated that about 5,000 cases annually were not urgent enough to require emergency transportation in an ambulance. In the trial, ambulance workers will be given a mark sheet with seven categories including "arm or leg injuries with bleeding," "arm or leg burns" and "nosebleeds." If a victim is determined to not be critical under criteria such as "not being paralyzed," "less than 1 percent of the body is burned," or having "no external wounds to the head or other body parts," the ambulance crew will take factors such as the the victim's breathing, pulse and age into consideration and decide whether to advise him or her to use private transportation.

From http://www.yomiuri.co.jp 05/24/2007

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SOUTH KOREA: Officialdom Must Lead on Reform

Dismissing incompetent public servants is a very positive move for regional development. Since the reform started, popular complaints that had taken about a month to settle were solved in only two or three days. Settlements rose about 30 percent last year at the Ulsan south ward office. Public society has to promote business creatively and progressively, with an entrepreneurial mind and competition. Lee Kun-hee declared the new administration would ¡°change everything except the wives and children¡± in 1993. He conquered the IMF and now his corporations have entered the first tier of the electronics industry. But we must use verifiable indicators to judge. Especially, a newly elected head of a local government should take advantage of the privileges he has gained from his ideology and party. The teaching profession must change along with society. Even though many teachers oppose evaluations, that is the only way to develop. The nation can only develop if public officials change. Park Bo-sik, a lecturer on public administration at Kookmin University.

From http://joongangdaily.joins.com 05/18/2007

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MONGOLIA: Land Reform - Pressing Issue

A number of issues are required to be surveyed to let every Mongolian citizen own land, grant lands to citizens on the basis of certificates, and expand activities to privatize lands for household and economic consumptions under three variants including free of charge, privilege, and auction underlined Mongolian President N.Enkhbayar at a theoretical conference entitled Land reform -pressing issue held on Monday in Ulaanbaatar. Approximately 155 thousand citizens have privatized lands for the consumption of their households since 2003 when a free of charge land ownership activity started in Mongolia. This is 25 percent out of the total 630 thousand households of Mongolia. Citizens must register their lands with the registration of real estate ownership right in order to prove them as the legal owner of the relevant land. By fulfilling the above requirement, they will have a legal base to put their lands into economic circulation. At present, only 20 percent of the citizens, who have privatized lands, registered their lands - immovable properties - with the registration of the real estate ownership right. Besides, in 2005, a total of 69 thousand citizens privatized their lands. It was the highest figure of the land ownership operation in Mongolia. Since it, land ownership activity of citizens has been prolonged in connection with the land ownership term was extended until May 2008 and administrative units are planned to be renovated.

The theoretical conference held in the Government House was jointly organized by the Presidential Office, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment, Food and Agriculture, and Ministry of Construction and Urban Development. The keynote reports made at the conference raised questions pertaining to the land reform policy and its implementation process, land ownership process and ways of intensifying it, and regulation of the lands designated for livestock pasture and farming sector. A member of the Parliament, A.Bakei stressed in his report that a new organization is demanded to coordinate livestock pasture issues. He said, In 1990s, Mongolia had 24-26 million heads of five kinds of livestock; sheep, goat, cattle, horses and camels. This year, the number of livestock reached up to about 35 million heads. Furthermore, 97 percent of fodder of livestock is provided by pastures. In with tins connection, herders have been in lack of livestock pasture and not less part of the pastures has been destroyed due to gold extraction and desertification.

From http://www.montsame.mn 05/21/2007

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MALAYSIA: Government Promises to Give Prompt Info During Any Health Crisis

The Government has pledged to give "prompt, frank and full information" to the people in dealing with any health crisis in the country. "We will not block information from public knowledge or suppress it. We will disclose all information to prevent rumours and confusion. We do not want to destroy the people's confidence in us," said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. The Deputy Prime Minister said a quick response was crucial to contain outbreaks and save lives. "During a crisis, it is imperative to tell the truth and tell it fast. When you do that, rumours can be managed and nerves can be calmed," he said in his speech at the opening the International Conference on the Management of Information Pertaining to Heath Crisis. Najib pointed out that intense emotions flowed from a lack of knowledge and understanding of the real situation. This, he said, could lead to all sorts of claims being made, resulting in chaos and panic among the people as they might find it difficult to distinguish between the real and rumoured situation. He said in a health crisis it would not serve the interest of the nation to hide information. The Government, he added, feels it is its responsibility to eliminate the disease and the way to do it was to disseminate full, timely and accurate information to the public. Najib said henceforth the Cabinet had decided that whenever there was a health crisis here, an articulate and knowledgeable spokesman would be designated to give out quick and accurate information to the media. The spokesman, he said, would probably be someone "very high up" in the Health Ministry.

From http://thestar.com.my/ 05/03/2007

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Call for CSR to Be Main Part of Corporate Strategy

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) should become a core component in corporate strategy, said Bursa Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Yusli Mohamed Yusoff. Yusli said CSR, which covers a wide spectrum of issues such as business ethics and corporate governance, was beginning to have a profound effect on the conduct of businesses globally. ¡°We are seeing many companies actively pursuing CSR initiatives as they believe in the good value that CSR brings such as the ability to attract quality investors,¡± he said. Yusli said this at the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACCA) Malaysia Environmental and Social Reporting Awards (MESRA) 2006 presentation yesterday. He said effective adoption of CSR had twin effects of improving short- and long-term corporate performance. ¡°Companies that have embraced CSR have found advantages in, among other things, improved financial performance, enhanced reputations, increased ability to attract and retain quality workforce, and more effective risk management,¡± he said. Yusli said the National Integrity Plan, Ninth Malaysia Plan, Capital Market Master Plan and the publications for government-linked companies' transformation programme were aspects of CSR that the ¡°Government wants to see put into action¡±.

He also said Bursa had introduced a CSR framework last year to guide public-listed companies in adopting CSR. ¡°Soon, we will institute initiatives designed to encourage better CSR practices among PLCs and more importantly, guide them to achieve better CSR performance,¡° he said. Sony EMCS (M) Sdn Bhd won the Best Environmental Report award while British American Tobacco (M) Bhd won the Best Social Report award. Kualiti Alam Sdn Bhd and Tex Cycle Sdn Bhd were recognised for being first-timers in the reporting of environmental and social performances while Mercy Malaysia received the Special Mention ¨C Social Reporting by an NGO award. ACCA MESRA 2006 received 61 entries ¨C 16 for environmental reporting and 45 for social reporting. The awards were introduced in 2002 to encourage and reward voluntary CSR reporting among local companies.

From http://biz.thestar.com.my 05/04/2007

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Equipment Upgrade for Emergencies

If there is any lesson to be learnt from the Johor flood disaster last year, it is that the country¡¯s emergency services must be on standby at all times. Taking heed from that, the Fire and Rescue Department has embarked on a plan to upgrade its equipment. For a start, it has bought and received 100 5.4m aluminium boats and 16 high-performance Kevlar rigid hull boats, capable of withstanding the swift currents of a major flood. Its director-general Datuk Hamzah Abu Bakar said that with the latest purchase the department now had 333 boats in its fleet, all of which would be located at fire stations near flood-prone areas. ¡°In addition, the department has bought 200 units of lightweight fire rescue vehicles, 100 fire trucks, 145 fire rescue vehicles for the volunteer corps, 60 rapid intervention motorcycles and 2,000 units of breathing apparatus. ¡°We also have in the process of delivery 10 high performance pumps capable of channelling water two kilometres away, which will be helpful to combat peat or bush fires,¡± Hamzah said, adding that the department had also received clearance for two more helicopters to beef up its air services unit.

He said the department had already put in a request for an extra RM300mil to buy more equipment such as boats and a hovercraft. Hamzah said it was important for the department to have the right and most updated equipment in order for it to respond efficiently and quickly to an incident as well as to stay current. The changing environment due to global warming is one of the biggest challenges for the department in the future, he added. ¡°Undesirable climate conditions in the coming years can also result in more forest fires, floods, droughts, landslides and other unforeseen natural catastrophes,¡± he said. Hamzah said the department also planned to mobilise its operations rooms across the state and improve its radio communication network. ¡°The Government has already embarked on a plan for an integrated radio network, which will combine all the emergency services on the same channel.¡¯¡¯

From http://thestar.com.my/ 05/04/2007

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VIET NAM: Gov¡¯t Makes Skilled Labour a National Priority

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked agencies to be active in training highly-skilled human resources in response to market demand. Addressing a two-day meeting in the capital on Thursday, Prime Minister Dung expressed his concerns about the present figure of 73 per cent of Vietnamese workers who had not attended any training courses whatsoever. He urged Party committees, administrations and localities to allocate sufficient funds to vocational education and consider developing this sector fully. The Prime Minister endorsed the target set by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) to raise the number of people attending vocational training courses to 40 per cent by 2010. However, he said the classes should be a joint-effort between public and private sectors. The courses must be tailor-made, with trainees getting access to loans for education at a low interest rate, he said. Getting the goods Speaking at the meeting, Le Bach Hong, MoLISA¡¯s vice minister, said up to 50 per cent of the Vietnamese labour force were in the agriculture industry.

Some 20 per cent of farmers do not make enough money to meet their needs because they do not have an education. On top of that, Hong said investment capital for vocational training was far bellow the demand and that rapid development of industrial parks and urbanisation put a heavy burden on already taxed vocational training activities. In the next four years, Viet Nam has set a target to raise the number of people with jobs to 49.5 million, reduce the unemployment rate in the urban areas to bellow 5 per cent, develop a balanced labour market and improve workers¡¯ living conditions via fair salary rates. To do this, Viet Nam would try to generate jobs for more than 6 million people in total or about 1.6 million new jobs per year and would send around 320,000 people to work abroad, Hong said. The vice minister said the government would continue to issue policies on investment promotion with the participation of different stakeholders in major programs, including projects to develop 500,000 new enterprises, the agriculture and rural sectors and key economic regions across the country.

Hong said his ministry would continue to implement policies aimed at stabilising and expanding the foreign labour market qualitatively and quantitatively. The ministry had made vocational training and teaching foreign languages and disciplinary awareness to workers a priority, said Hong. Referring to the policies governing employers and employees, Hong said MoLISA would soon issue a guiding document on the implementation of the Laws on Vocational Training, Social Insurance, Sending Vietnamese Workers Abroad on Labour Contracts and the revised Labour Code concerning settlement of disputes and strikes. In addition, there are several laws in the pipeline dealing with employment and minimum wages. Statistics from MoLISA indicate between 2001 and 2006, more than 6.6 million people were trained at over 500 vocational schools, training centres, colleges, institutes or secondary schools throughout the country. Of these, 1.14 million people graduated from long-term programmes. The Government created jobs for 5.51 million people during that period, an increase of 17 per cent compared to the previous five years.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn 05/12/2007

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BANGLADESH: Form Citizen's Forum to Fight Corruption: Mashhud

Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Lieutenant Gen. (Retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury Sunday called for forming "acceptable" citizens' forum in every district and upazila for a mass hate campaign against corruption as an effective way of fighting the vice. "Form acceptable citizens' forum in every district and upazila to create social hatred about corruption. Because social awareness against corruption will be more effective than combating the corrupt to eliminate corruption," he said. He was addressing an anti-corruption opinion-exchange meeting with civil personalities, including teachers, cultural activists, journalists and government officials, at the Muslim Institute Hall. The former army chief, now the chief crusader against corruption under the caretaker regime, said people of all walks of life, from their own position, would have to play their part in curbing corruption. The ACC chairman observed that firearms or laws are not essential for eliminating corruption-moral strength and social awareness are more effective weapons to fight out the evil, which earned the country an inglorious repute. "Bangladesh has been branded most corrupt country of the world. It's a national stigma for us. So time has come to free the nation of such stigma," he said. About activities of the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), general Mashhud said ACC and TIB had conflict in the past, but the two institutions are associated with each other, as gone are those days now. Presided over by Deputy Commissioner Ali Nur Faizur Reza, the meeting was also addressed, among others, by former Vice-chancellor of Chittagong University Professor Alamgir Mohammdad Sirajuddin, Ctg Divisional Commissioner Mukhlesur Rahman and DIG police Mohammed Amir Uddin. As part of his cross-country campaigns the ACC chairman also addressed another anti-corruption meeting in the hill district of Khagrachhari. Regional army commander Col. M Quamruzzaman, acting sector commander Lt. Col. Forkan and district council chairman Manindralal Tripura, among others, were present at the meeting.

From http://nation.ittefaq.com/ 05/13/2007

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NEPAL: Workshop on Internet Broadcasting in Nepal, 19-23 June 2007

Panos South Asia (PSA) is a part of a family of Panos Institute worldwide that encourages and facilitates public discourse on a wild range of issues, particularly those that have a direct impact on the least privileged and most marginalized sections of society. Panos works through media to bring neglected subjects to the fore in developmental debate, so as to give a platform for voices and perspectives, which are often rendered voiceless in the public sphere. In this endeavour, besides other activities, Panos facilitates the capacity building of media and other communication practitioners to use new media technologies to raise marginalized voices and perspectives in development. The Internet as a 'new media' has become a major arena for traditional broadcast media. Internet based radio is proving an attractive field for traditional electronic broadcasters. Despite bandwidth limitations in South Asia, the Internet already enables radio stations and other communication practitioners to distribute their radio programmes in broadcast quality beyond their immediate geographic confines. Panos South Asia (PSA) is organising a 5-day South Asian regional ¡®Online Radio Broadcasting Training Workshop¡¯ for media and other communication practitioners in South Asia, from 19-23 June 2007 at its Media Centre in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The workshop aims to provide know-how on the potential the Internet offers to radio and point them to ways of incorporating it in their respective media outlets' strategy. Based on hands-on training in digital technologies, the workshop curriculum will cover the issues of distributing material online and the techniques of streaming content to global audiences. Trainees will become acquainted with the latest real-time on-line broadcasting technologies, as well as with the fundamentals of digitisation of multimedia input, encoding, compression standards and online audio streaming. Broadcasters, radio producers/reporters, editors, web masters, web editors, bloggers, pod-casters and other communication practitioners, especially, but not necessarily associated with radio media from South Asian countries wishing to attend this training workshop may apply by 28 May 2007 by e-mail to kishor@panossouthasia.org prsa@panosradiosouthasia.org psa@panossouthasia.org PSA will cover all related costs of participation, including travel, for selected participants from the region. Your application should contain a brief resume and less than 300 word essay stating your experience on 'new media'. And how by participating in this workshop it will enable you or your organization to enhance your work to give a platform for voices and perspectives, which are often rendered voiceless in the public sphere. PSA will respond ONLY to selected applicants by 5 June 2007. Telephone and other solicitations shall not be entertained.

From http://www.digitalopportunity.org/ 05/10/2007

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KAZAKHSTAN£ºKazakhstan Prepares to Constitution Reform

As became public from the sources in Almaty city akimat, by next week RK Parliament should introduce amendments to RK Constitution. Constitutional reform aims to enlarge parliament deputies' number but also to form parliament only according to parties' lists. According to the information, the amendment will also be introduced to limit a number of presidential terms. RK President will not be able to hold the office more then 2 terms, however this limitation will not be applied to the first president. This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today

From http://eng.gazeta.kz/ 05/11/2007

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TAJIKISTAN£ºSeminar on the Law Regulating Human Rights Issues Held in Kulob

State Adviser to the Tajik President for Legal Matters, Zarif Aliyev, and the President¡¯s Executive Office¡¯s constitutional rights protection department head, Khalifabobo Homidov, conducted the seminal formally titled ¡°National Mechanisms of Protection of Human Rights in Tajikistan¡± in Kulob at the end of last week. The seminar focused on the country¡¯s legislation regulating the human rights issues in the country as well as international human rights conventions and protocols signed by Tajikistan. The seminar participants underlined its importance especially against the background of discussions on the possibility of establishing the ombudsman institutions in the country.£¨by Turko Dikayev£©

From http://www.asiaplus.tj/ 05/21/2007

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UZBEKISTAN£ºConference "Legislative Foundations of Social Protection of the Child Rights"

Conference "Legislative foundations of social protection of the child rights" took place on 3 May in Tashkent, Jahon reports. It was organized by the Committee o-n democratic institutions, non-state organizations and citizen self-government bodies of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan alongside with the Institute for study of civil society. The chairman of the Committee Akmal Saidov presided over the conference. The lawmakers at the Legislative Chamber, members of Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, representatives of ministries, agencies, non-state non-profit organizations, mass media, and other participated at the conference. The protection of the child interests ¨C their health, upbringing, education and spiritual growth have been taken up to the level of the most important priority of Uzbekistan's state policy.

The participants of the conference have noted that at the moment the solid system of legislation o-n the child rights has been established in the country. The large-scale measures are envisioned in the State program "Year of social protection", which was approved by the country's President o-n January 23, 2007. The said document provides for a special attention to the social protection of the children from the less fortunate families, the parentless and handicapped children, as well as those deprived of the parental guidance. Besides, the Program envisages the implementation of complex of measures o-n promoting the vital interests of the forthcoming generation, material and moral support of the professional and spiritual growth of young men and women.

Also, this year within the framework of the State program the Uzbek lawmakers plan to adopt the Law "On guarantees of the child rights". The speakers in the conference noted that the measures o-n ensuring comprehensive development of the young generation are aimed at protecting its health, creating conditions for physical and spiritual growth of the child, and establishing the national consciousness based o-n the universal values of the world civilization. Yet for over the past two years alone the state budget and charity organizations had allocated over UZS 6,5 billion for the purposes of major repairs and latest-type refurbishing of the children's houses and boarding schools. Also, the speakers noted that alongside with the state bodies such non-state organizations as "Soghlom avlod uchun" ('For a Healthy Generation'), foundations "Sen yolghiz emassan" ('You Are Not Alone'), "Children's Fund", "Mekhr nuri" ('Ray of Kindness'), and others are actively engaged in promoting the child rights in the country.

From http://news.uzreport.com/ 05/15/2007

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Importance of Insurance for Stability of ICT Companies Discussed

Alskom Insurance Company in cooperation with the Association of Radio-Technology, Electronics and Scientific-Technical Communication of Uzbekistan organised a seminar entitled "Insurance as an alternative method for maintaining stability in the ICT sphere". The event was initiated and supported by the Uzbek Agency of Communication and Informatization (UzACI). The aim of the event was to determine the tasks and specific measures to be taken to develop and improve the use of insurance in the activity of ICT companies of Uzbekistna in accordance with the priority directions formulated in the Presidential Resolution "On measures to further reform and develop the insurance services market" dated 10 April 2007. The representatives of the territorial branches of the UzACI, shareholding companies, enterprises and organizations of the ICT sphere, as well as mobile network operators participated in the event. Deputy Director General of the UzACI Asadjon Hojaev opened the seminar. In his speech, he noted that the abovementioned resolution gave birth to a new stage in the development of the insurance services market of Uzbekistan.

"This fact also confirms that the state acts as the main initiator and organizer of the socio-economic reforms taking place in the country and thereby clearly performs its regulatory functions," Hojaev said. "Supported by the government, within a short period the Uzbek insurance market has turned from a secondary sector into an important area setting the direction for the strategic development of national economy. In view of this, the management of the UzACI is implementing measures to further develop and expand the use of insurance in the sphere, which ensure the uninterrupted operation of the enterprises, and support their financial stability." Hojaev said the seminars and trainings as the one being conducted created the real preconditios for the implementation of the tasks outlined in the resolution. Director-General of Alskom Insurance Company, Doctor of Economic Science, Professor Tohirjon Iminov delivered a report "On the status and development prospects of insurance relations in the sphere of communication and informatisation."

The report provided a detailed appraisal of the status and measures being taken to develop the use of insurance in the sphere. In his report, Professor Iminov specifically outlined the key problems hampering the development of insurance, and the ways to solve them. Seminar participants said the measures outlined in the Programme of Reforms and Development of the Insurance Market, approved by the Presidential Resolution, serve as a fundamental base for the development of specific plans of actions for further expansion of the use of insurance in the sphere. The reports of the specialists of the insurance company and the scientific-technical institution of the ICT sphere also touched upon the issues of integration of risk-management systems in the enterprises of the sphere, organizational and legal aspects of development and integration of information risk insurance, characteristics of the main types of insurance products, whose integration should ensure the stability of the ICT companies. Before closing the event, participants worked out several recommendations and suggestions regarding the issues discussed in the course of the seminar.

From http://insurance.uzreport.com/ 05/15/2007

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AUSTRALIA: $200 Million to Make Aussie Innovations Commercial Ready

Australian innovators will continue to receive targeted assistance with a $200 million a year boost to the Howard Government's flagship innovation programme, Commercial Ready. Australian Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, tonight announced the successful scheme will be ongoing. "Commercial Ready has been overwhelmingly popular with small and medium sized businesses, with the Australian Government's investment more than paying off," Mr Macfarlane said. "Having seen the effectiveness of the scheme, the Howard Government will provide over $200 million per year on an ongoing basis for matching grants to Australian companies. "Companies across the full range of industries have already received grants on a competitive basis to support their R&D, proof-of-concept and early stage commercialisation activities. "Small and medium sized businesses face high risks in commercialising their research. Ongoing support via Commercial Ready will give businesses the certainty they need to successfully bring their innovations to market. "Innovation is a key driver of economic growth and has contributed to the growth of our industries and the prosperity we now enjoy. Each project supported through Commercial Ready is assessed to ensure its benefit to the Australian economy," Mr Macfarlane said. The Howard Government had already committed more than $1 billion to Commercial Ready to 2010-11 as part of its package Backing Australia's Ability ¨C Building our Future through Science and Innovation.

From http://minister.industry.gov.au/ 05/08/2007

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Better Compliance to Prevent Welfare Fraud

The Minister for Human Services, Senator Chris Ellison, today announced a package of measures to address social welfare fraud. The Australian Government has committed $113.8 million as part of the 2007¨C08 Budget to this package which will result in net savings of $269.4 million over three years. ¡°This package of measures builds upon the government¡¯s existing prevention and detection activities, and is aimed at ensuring people receive the correct payment to which they are entitled,¡± Senator Ellison said. Human Services agencies and the Department of Veterans¡¯ Affairs already save taxpayers in excess of $2 billion in payments each year through their compliance programs. ¡°We need to continue to take action to ensure the system is fair, and that it supports only those who need assistance and are eligible for benefits,¡± Senator Ellison said. ¡°The Australian Government continues to take a proactive stance on fraud and non-compliance. We want to ensure that the right person receives the right benefit at the right time.¡± The package includes initiatives to prevent incorrect payments and debts for customers by more timely capture of changes in circumstances. ¡°

One of the ways the Australian Government is doing this is by providing a real-time link between Centrelink and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to automatically update information on residence changes and overseas travel. This will enable Centrelink to confirm eligibility for social welfare payments and concessions,¡± Senator Ellison said. The Australian Government will be implementing a range of measures that build on the existing activities undertaken by Centrelink. One such measure will expand a successful pilot project and involves transferring death notices information automatically to Centrelink. This will help to ensure that payments to an expected 12,000 families of deceased customers each year will stop as soon as possible after death thereby preventing or minimizing debts to grieving relatives. Senator Ellison said that ¡°over the past five years, Centrelink has saved the Australian taxpayer in excess of $11 billion in incorrect payments across the social, health and welfare system¡±.

From http://www.humanservices.gov.au/ 05/08/2007

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Increased Choice for Public Service Superannuation Contributors

Most Commonwealth public servants will be able to choose their own superannuation scheme and decide themselves whether or not to top-up their superannuation funds with personal contributions under reforms announced tonight by the Australian Government. The Minister for Finance and Administration, Senator Nick Minchin, said the reforms to public sector superannuation ¨C costing approximately $160 million over four years ¨C will extend to the public sector many of the superannuation benefits enjoyed by private sector employees. ¡°These measures, to be offered to eligible members of Australian Government superannuation schemes, will provide flexibility and encourage Commonwealth public servants to remain in the workforce longer,¡± Senator Minchin said. ¡°From 1 July 2008, member contributions to the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS) and the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS) will be voluntary,¡± he said. ¡°Removing the current mandatory requirement for PSS and CSS members to contribute to these schemes from after-tax salary will provide the same flexibility and incentives to contribute to superannuation that are available in the private sector,¡± he said. From 1 July 2008, eligible PSS members will be able to leave the PSS, preserving their existing benefit in the PSS, and join an accumulation scheme for the prospective payment of employer contributions. This will provide members with the flexibility for future contributions that is already available to most of the Australian workforce.

The maximum benefit limits (MBLs) will also be changed from 1 January 2008, giving members an incentive to keep working because they will be able to work longer before they reach their benefit limit. This is consistent with the removal of reasonable benefit limits, which was previously announced in the 2006-07 Federal Budget. ¡°I am also pleased to announce that PSS and CSS members will be allowed early access to their funded benefits on financial hardship or compassionate grounds from 1 January 2008, in line with the same eligibility rules that apply to the broader community,¡± Senator Minchin said. ¡°In addition, spouse pensions cancelled upon remarriage (before 1976 in certain civilian schemes, and before 1977 in certain military schemes) will be prospectively reinstated upon successful application. ¡°While these measures will allow eligible members to access schemes which suit their individual needs, Commonwealth public servants can still choose to remain with their current superannuation schemes,¡± Senator Minchin said. The Government will consult widely with relevant stakeholders in the near future on the implementation of these reforms.

From http://www.financeminister.gov.au/ 05/08/2007

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Creating Workplace Flexibility - Roundtable in Blackburn

Businesses in the electorate of Deakin will today hear how innovative organisations are creating flexibility in their workplace to attract and retain workers - with a focus on people with a disability. Minister for Workforce Participation Dr Sharman Stone and Federal Member for Deakin Phil Barresi will address the Employer Roundtable today. "This roundtable will showcase the simple ways organisations are creating flexibility," Minister Stone said. "For example, the National Australia Bank has introduced a sick leave pool. People can nominate for their unused sick leave to be kept in a pool which others can draw on. This is a simple measure, which adds flexibility to the workplace. "Malleson¡¯s Lawyers has a juggler network to help employers manage their varied roles of carers and parents. "The Australian Government has introduced a number of measures to help businesses employ people with a disability. "In the present market of labour shortages, employers are increasingly looking at how they can bring people with disability into their businesses. The Australian Government¡¯s new Welfare to Work reforms have combined a new job capacity assessment process with an emphasis on part-time as much as full-time work, funding for employers to modify their workplaces, wage subsidies, employee mentoring and government supported work experience," Dr Stone said. "Some employers have told me they¡¯ve previously felt hesitant about taking on people with disability. But once they hear about the benefits other employers have gained, they have reconsidered their views with very positive outcomes. "Employing people with disability is not a community service, but rather a sound business decision. People with disability take fewer days off, take less sick leave and have a higher retention rate than other workers. People with disability also have fewer compensation incidents and accidents at work compared to other employees."

From http://mediacentre.dewr.gov.au/ 05/16/2007

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Organics Plan the Path to Success, Naturally

The Organics Federation of Australia (OFA) is setting a new direction by improving market opportunities through better management and communication planning. TheOFA provides information and advocacy on behalf of producers and consumers of organic food. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Sussan Ley, launched the business plan at the presentation dinner for participants of the inaugural Enhancing Entrepreneurial Skills Course in Melbourne last night. Ms Ley congratulated the industry for undertaking the project. ¡°The quality of the business plan reflects the significant engagement of all parts of the organics industry in this process,¡± she said. The business plan was developed under the Industry Partnerships Programme ¨C Action Partnerships initiative. It is an Australian Government initiative that assists industry sectors to undertake practical projects that make a significant contribution to industry success. With industry support, the OFA began a process of renewal over the last 12 months. The OFA approached the Australian Government for assistance with the aim of being self-sufficient within a year and the business plan will help achieve this. Ms Ley said the business plan examines a number of approaches to support the growth of the organics industry including increasing consumer awareness of organic produce, the development of a uniform national organic standard and a national branding strategy. ¡°The organics sector is one of the fastest growing agricultural industries in the world and it has shown great entrepreneurial skill in taking advantage of market demands. ¡°It¡¯s great to see such a practical outcome from one of the Australian Government¡¯s partnerships with industry and I¡¯m sure it will boost the success of the organics industry as it continues to grow,¡± Ms Ley said.

From http://www.psmaff.gov.au/ 05/18/2007

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$112 Million Reforms Package Announced for Indigenous Communities in WA

The State and Federal Governments have announced funding of more than $112 million for a range of initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of Indigenous people in Western Australia. Indigenous Affairs Minister, Michelle Roberts and Federal Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough, announced the joint funding package in Halls Creek today. Both Ministers said this was another example of the state and federal governments working closely together in a constructive and co-operative way to improve the circumstances of Indigenous people, particularly those in remote areas. Mrs Roberts said the initiatives, worth more than $100 million, would be aimed at improving housing, health, training and employment outcomes for Indigenous West Australians. "This includes $51.41 million for new housing, employment and training facilities and associated accommodation to be funded by the Federal Government to support the substantial investments already made by the Western Australian Government," she said. "The State is providing $60.85 million of capital and recurrent funding over four years, which includes $36.6 million already announced for intervention strategies in Halls Creek and $6 million for the new school at Wiluna.

"The package builds on the $75 million allocated by the State Government in response to the Gordon Inquiry, which included the establishment of multifunction police facilities in communities such as Balgo, Kalumburu and Bidyadanga." Mrs Roberts said the State and Federal funding would address: new land tenure options to facilitate individual home ownership; upgrades to community infrastructure and housing to address overcrowding in priority communities; and help provide essential services to remote communities. Federal Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Minister, Mal Brough, said the package aimed to improve the management of community infrastructure as well as provide social and economic benefits for individual residents by offering a choice to own an interest in land and their own home in selected Indigenous communities. "The land reforms that underpin the Federal Government's strategy will include a number of options tailored to the particular circumstances and opportunities at each community," Mr Brough said. "The additional investment from the Australian Government will support new ways of delivering Indigenous housing using a mainstream public housing model and home ownership in communities to be identified by both governments.

"This is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but one that will require the agreement of both Governments, the Indigenous communities involved, native title interests and local governments." The State Government, through the Department of Housing and Works, will manage housing in the communities targeted by the package by applying mainstream public housing standards. In the East Kimberley, the initiative package will focus on Kalumburu and add to the State Government's already announced reforms at Halls Creek including additional services for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, Mrs Roberts said. More detail on other communities to be involved will be released in the coming months. "This important funding will support a range of other initiatives that will help Indigenous people including providing access to accommodation and training for employment in the Pilbara; supporting new employment-focused Regional Partnership Agreements across the State; and innovative housing projects in Kimberley communities. As part of the State Government's commitment to providing essential support to the Halls Creek Community, Mrs Roberts opened the Department of Housing and Works' new office. "For the past 10 years, services to the town were delivered via a visiting officer from Kununurra." "The State Government's decision to re-establish an office in Halls Creek means there will be an important local presence, ensuring a continued strong customer service focus for the town. " The new office will have a staff of seven, including a locally appointed Accommodation Manager, two Supported Housing Assistance Program (SHAP) workers, and a Housing Services Co-ordinator.

From http://www.facsia.gov.au/05/15/2007

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NEW ZEALAND: Biggest Energy Efficiency Steps in 30 Years

New insulation requirements and moves to make it easier and cheaper to install solar water heating systems are part of major changes to the Building Code and Building Compliance Documents announced today by Prime Minister Helen Clark and Building and Construction Minister Clayton Cosgrove. The changes are the most significant improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings in 30 years and the latest steps in the Labour-led government's sustainability agenda. "The Labour-led government believes that New Zealand should strive to be the world's first truly sustainable nation," Helen Clark said. ¡°Creating more efficient houses and commercial buildings is a triple win for New Zealanders¡¯ health, our environment and our power bills.¡± The changes will see: Tougher insulation requirements (including double glazing in most climates) will result in new homes using about 30 per cent less energy to achieve healthy average indoor air temperatures A new Compliance Document making it easier to install solar water heating systems across New Zealand, cutting the price of installation by as much as $500 New requirements for energy efficient lighting in new and refitted commercial buildings, a move expected to save building owners around $8 million a year in energy costs nationally "A home built under the new standards will save anywhere from $760 to $1800 a year on power bills, quickly making up for any additional up front costs associated with the regulations.

We also know that warmer and dryer homes are much healthier homes," Helen Clark said. From this November new houses in the South Island and the North Island¡¯s Central Plateau will need more insulation and double-glazing. Improvements to house insulation in the North Island will take effect in most of the North Island in July 2008 and for Auckland and further north from October next year. Clayton Cosgrove also announced two further proposals for public consultation. The first would require domestic hot water systems in new homes to be more energy efficient, while the second would apply energy efficiency standards to heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in new commercial buildings. ¡°Consultation on these ideas has now begun, and anyone interested can find the relevant documents on the Department of Building and Housing¡¯s website. I urge New Zealanders to take this opportunity to have their say on the future of our homes, workplaces, and environment.¡± Consultation will close on 29 June 2007, with decisions being announced from October 2007. Helen Clark acknowledged Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons for her contribution to energy efficiency policy. "The Greens have a long record of advocacy on energy efficiency issues and I am glad that we've been able to work together to deliver such a significant improvement in the design of new houses and buildings."

From http://newzealand.govt.nz/ 05/03/2007

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All-of-Government Brand

In April 2007 the New Zealand Government introduced an all-of-government brand identity for the State Services. The purpose of the new brand is to improve the visibility and accessibility of government services through increased public recognition, to provide more unity across diverse agencies, and improve the transparency of government funding of services. The use of the All-of-Government Brand applies to all Public Service departments, non-Public Service departments in the Executive branch of government; and to Crown Agents as and where practical and appropriate. Other categories of Crown entity can use the brand if they wish, or as invited by Responsible Ministers. (See the All-of-Government Brand Policy and Guidelines, attached above, for the government agencies included in the scope of the brand application.) The All-of Government Brand comes into effect for Public Service departments and non-Public Service departments in the Executive branch of government on 1 July 2007, and for Crown Agents on 1 October 2007.

From http://www.ssc.govt.nz/ 05/10/2007

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The People Must Play Role in Development

KYOTO, JAPAN - Development cannot benefit the people unless they play a role in that development, ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda told a meeting today with representatives of civil society organizations. "As Asia has grown, civil society has taken on an increasingly important dimension as the voice and conscience of the people, including the marginalized and those living in poverty," Mr. Kuroda said. "Responding to this lesson, ADB has made important changes to engage civil society and communities themselves in the process of development." Mr. Kuroda pointed out that ADB's Country Partnership Strategies emphasize the importance of stakeholder consultation. ADB is also funding civil society organizations in fighting problems that affect the poor, such as HIV/AIDS and corruption. The ADB President pointed out that the organization would be seeking civil society participation in the development of ADB's Energy Strategy over the coming months, as well as the update of its Safeguards policies. "I assure you that we have no intention to dilute our safeguard policies," he said. "On the contrary, we consider them essential for improving the implementation of infrastructure and other development projects."

He added that an important lesson learned from Asia's rapid development is that we must all be more diligent about the impact of development on the environment. "In this context, meeting Asia's energy needs is going to be a tough challenge," he said. During an open forum, some of the more than 100 civil society representatives present at the meeting raised various issues with the ADB President, including clean energy, the Mae Moh coal plant in Thailand, and resettlement. The meeting today was part of a special program for civil society groups at ADB's 40th Annual Meeting this week in Kyoto. This year¡¯s Annual Meeting has attracted record participation from civil society organizations, with more than 240 participants registered. Included in the week's program are discussion panels addressing ADB's Energy Strategy, core labor standards, and environmental safeguards. See the full schedule of activities and nongovernment organizations, labor unions, and other civil society organizations in Kyoto.

From http://www.adb.org/ 05/04/2007

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Booming Asia, at Crossroads of Poverty and Prosperity, Spurs Debate over Development

KYOTO, Japan: The dual realities speak for themselves. Asia's poverty rate has plummeted from about 50 percent to less than 19 percent, while average income has skyrocketed nearly sixfold in the past four decades. But in the shadows of the advances, nearly 2 billion people still live on less than US$2 (€1.47) a day. Today, like never before, Asia stands at the crossroads of poverty and prosperity ¡ª and its arrival is widening divisions over how to manage the region's miraculous economic boom and ensure that no one is excluded from its successes. The debate climaxed Monday as the Asian Development Bank wrapped up its annual meeting with no clear consensus on its future direction. The bank, founded in 1966 to end poverty, now says prosperity, not penury, poses the newest threat to the rapidly growing continent. On one side are those saying development must now meet the needs of an increasingly wealthy region; on the other are voices warning that the fight against poverty is far from won. Activists, meanwhile, accuse institutions like the ADB of pushing "slash-and-burn" policies that prioritize growth over the environment or traditional culture.

ABN AMRO rejects bid by group to purchase LaSalle Bank Alcoa bids for Alcan.EADS co-chief says political shifts could help its U.S. presenceAccording to the ADB's own figures, extreme poverty is projected to be all but wiped out in Asia within 15 years. Whereas famine and disease used to be top worries in developing Asia, industrial pollution, overstrapped infrastructures, weak financial systems, and a growing urban-rural divide are now key concerns. "The challenges are considerable but they are challenges partly born in the ADB's own accomplishments," said Kenneth Peel, head of the U.S. delegation at the ADB conference in Kyoto.Which way development heads next is important because it will shape the future of a region that accounts for about a quarter of international trade, a third of the global economy and more than half the world's people.To solve the new onslaught of problems ¡ª as well as stay relevant as a premier development agency ¡ª the ADB is hoping to give itself a facelift for the 21st century. Recommendations include focusing more on sustainable growth, emphasizing environmentally friendly development and drawing on Asian capital instead of foreign funds.More controversial are suggestions the ADB move beyond simply helping the poor. Many of the 3,000 delegates agreed on a need for the Manila, Philippines-based bank to change with the times. But the four-day annual meeting ended Monday with the region's poor countries and their richer neighbors disagreeing over how the bank should be reformed. The United States even suggested the ADB might wind down its work as Asian nations get richer. The U.S., one of the ADB's top shareholders, said the bank should stick to its original task of helping the poor and not seek new mandates that stray from that mission.

"We should celebrate when countries no longer need ADB to finance their development needs, not seek ways to artificially create incentives to lend to them," Peel said. "The ADB should step aside and declare victory." Poor countries, meanwhile, are afraid of being left behind. Some questioned the ADB's forecast that 90 percent of the region's population will be "middle income" by 2020. "There will still be a significant number of poor," said Keat Chhon, Cambodia's governor to the ADB. "The ADB should continue to focus on poverty alleviation in these low-income economies until this mission is accomplished." Afghanistan's governor, Anwar-ul-Haq Ahady, said the ADB needs to boost its engagement with its poorest members, which he called "fragile states" so far bypassed by Asia's rapid growth. Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati warned the ADB against expanding too rapidly into areas in which it has no expertise and risks duplicating tasks of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. South Korea, Thailand and other so-called Asian Tiger economies that were battered hardest by the 1997 Asian financial crisis supported a stronger ADB. They envision a bank that might help manage part of the region's vast foreign currency reserves and protect against wildly fluctuating exchange rates.

Some even want the ADB to help set up a regional bond market to finance development spending.ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda called the discussions "lively." Many nations reacted to the recommendations by pointing out issues that were "missing or merit more careful consideration," he said. The ADB hopes to hammer out a consensus before its next annual meeting in Madrid, Spain. "We must respond to the changing needs of the region," Kuroda said. "But that does not mean the bank can dilute its devotion to poverty reduction."One area of agreement was concern about the environmental impact of Asian development.The ADB is now making energy efficiency and green energy a top priority of its development programs. And in Kyoto, the Japanese government donated US$100 million (€74 million) to help the ADB fight global climate change and fund environmentally friendly investment.But even that drew fire from activists who condemn the ADB's continued funding of affordable coal energy, a top producer of the greenhouse gases that fan global warming."Supporting renewable energies without phasing out coal is only half of the solution," said Athena Ballesteros, a climate change specialist with the environmental group Greenpeace. "The climate cannot be half-saved."

From http://www.iht.com/ 05/07/2007

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ADB Launches Online Version of Statistical Database System

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - ADB today rolled out the online version of its Statistical Database System (SBDS), a key database of social, economic and financial indicators of its developing member countries. The database, developed and maintained by ADB¡¯s Economics and Research Department, contains data from 1988 onwards and will be a major resource and analytical tool for policymakers, academics, researchers and journalists interested in issues and challenges facing Asia and the Pacific. The launch of the online version of SDBS underscores ADB¡¯s role as a key knowledge bank for developing member countries in the region. To help users in navigating the website, an easy access online facility has been developed. Further information is available on the Statistical Database System (SDBS) website: http://www.adb.org/Statistics/sdbs.asp

From http://www.adb.org/ 05/16/2007

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Asian Broadcasters Discuss New Challenges in News Gathering Process

SINGAPORE: Technology is a key driver of change in the media landscape and it has also redefined the news gathering process. Executives from 18 Asian broadcasters have gathered in Singapore to address the new challenges ahead. On Tuesday, they took part in a seminar held in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union News Group Meeting. More information will progressively get on to the internet as people get more savvy with technology. With a simple device like the mobile phone, anyone can be a journalist, capturing images and disseminating their views to the public. Many news networks have turned to the people for stories and regulators hope users can exercise discretion in putting out they termed as "responsible and objective content". The rise of new media and citizen journalism has also placed new demands on broadcasters. Mock Pak Lum, Managing Director, MediaCorp Technologies, said, "How do you trust whether the content that is being sent is accurate or whether it's biased or whether it's sent by someone who just want to have a spoof? "I think this is where news agencies will have to have a filtering process whereby they will have to evaluate multiple sources of information to verify the authenticity of the images and the content."

Singapore's Media Development Authority (MDA) notes that technology breakthroughs have also created a borderless world, posing a challenge in the management of intellectual property. But it will not be rolling out more regulations just yet. MDA says it is supportive of the growth in the sector and hopes it can generate S$30 billion in revenue and add 10,000 new jobs by 2015. Ling Pek Ling, Director, Media Policy, Media Development Authority, said, "We want to encourage our citizens to use the new media and we are adopting a light touch approach towards regulation. While the government would set minimum ground rules of engagement, we want to encourage industry players to actively develop their own acceptable codes of conduct.¡± News producers also shared their experience in covering conflicts and in preparing for such assignments. War correspondents, for example, undergo a week-long course, which, among others, teaches them to stay out of harm's way. Jahabar Sadiq, Senior TV Producer, Reuters, said, "You learn a lot on first aid, you learn how to do a bit of dentistry, because you might get shot at and your tooth gets chipped. We actually work on the skull of a pig on how to extract and put in a replacement tooth.¡± The seminar concluded a two-day conference, which saw a record turnout from Asiavision members.

From http://asia.news.yahoo.com/ 05/23/2007

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CHINA: Improve Women Employment

China is improving women's employment and strengthening the training of women laid-off workers to help them get reemployed, an official on women and children affairs has said. "Labor departments of the country have helped more than 376,000laid-off women reemployed and put 103,000 women on public service posts during recent years," said Huang Qingyi, vice director of the women and children affairs committee of the State Council, China's cabinet. More than 270,000 Chinese women have received employment training from labor departments, with 154,000 finding jobs or setting up their own businesses, Huang said. Under a national project to help transfer rural labors, the ministries of agriculture, finance, education and labour and social security have jointly organized training of more than three million rural labors and helped more than 2.6 million find jobs in cities, with women making up 40 percent, she said. However, Huang said, increasing working pressure and underdeveloped unemployment and maternity insurance is still bothering Chinese working women. About 21 percent of rural women in cities were fired after they became pregnant or had a child. A growing number of working women are delaying their motherhood for fearing of losing jobs or promotion opportunities, according to a survey on the rights of rural female workers conducted by the All-China Women's Federation.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/07/2007

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China Strengthens Protection of Underprivileged Kids

China has strengthened the protection of the rights and interests of homeless, poverty-stricken and disabled children, according to sources with the women and children affairs committee of the State Council, China's cabinet. "Under a national project to treat disabled children, civil affairs authorities at all levels have helped more than 20,000 disabled children to receive free medical operations, with a success rate of 99.7 percent," said an official with the State Council committee. The official said the central government has offered orphans of the country preferential policies in education, housing and employment and made sure they receive the nine-year compulsory education. Statistics show that China has invested 53 million yuan (6.8 million U.S. dollars) of welfare fund to help children orphaned by HIV/AIDS improve life and educational conditions. The country has 224 orphanages, which, along with around 1,200 social welfare institutions, have adopted 66,000 orphans, abandoned babies and disabled children, official statistics show. China has 573,000 orphans, most of whom have been adopted by local families.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/07/2007

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Changes Ahead in Nation's IT Service Sector

China's IT services market will move ahead with structural changes this year as growth momentum slows, according to a recent report by CCID Consulting Co Ltd. "Slower growth indicates the industry's upgrade," said Jian Cang, an analyst with CCID, a leading Chinese IT research institute. China's IT services market reached 59.5 billion yuan in 2006, a 17.8 percent increase from the year before, but the rate of growth was slower than in 2005, according to the report. The Hong Kong-listed IT consulting firm expects the growth rate to be even slower in 2007. The industry's key drag is the lower growth in the system integration services sector, which accounts for 30 percent of China's IT services. The report said the business process outsourcing market became the fastest growing IT sector, fueled by rapid development of human resource outsourcing. The institute forecasted 25 percent growth of IT outsourcing development, and 20 percent growth of the IT education and training market, fueled by increased demand of game and software outsourcing training.

In the vertical market, large businesses remain the biggest market for IT services, while the government market is growing at a fastest rate, the report said. The IT service market for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) is growing relatively slower, but the report said SMBs will place an increased demand on IT services in the years ahead. "IT service providers will transfer their focus from the saturated large enterprises market to explore the SMB market," said Jian. In horizontal markets, telecommunication and financial services are listed as the top two sectors in terms of market size. IBM is still the largest market player in IT services, the report said, while AsiaInfo Holdings Inc, a telecom software solutions provider, gained market share after two acquisitions last year.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/09/2007

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Chinese Official Calls for More Digital Cities

A key science and technology official vowed yesterday to accelerate the construction of so-called digital cities across the country. Lai Ming, director of the science and technology department of the Ministry of Construction, said at a press conference in Beijing that informatization is a strategically important part of the effort to build the country into a modern, well-off, harmonious and innovative nation. "Building digital cities means introducing information technologies to city planning, administration, infrastructure construction and other public service facilities," Lai said. "The rapid development of telecommunications, the Internet and other digital technologies has provided very effective solutions to problems in these fields." Digital cities are those that use information technology to deliver municipal services to citizens. During the 10th Five-Year Plan (2001-05), more than 120 cities set up information systems for city planning and management, and over 400 created information systems for real estate management, according to the ministry. Lai said the government is strongly committed to building digital cities and had given such projects a primary place in the development of the information technology industry and the construction of city infrastructure during the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10).

With support from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Construction will launch a series of projects expected to lead to technological breakthroughs in the building of digital cities, Lai said. Lai added that the lack of an overall plan and any sort of national standards had hampered the construction of digital cities. For example, it is common for the various government sectors within a single city to develop their own information technology systems, which often end up being incompatible with each other, causing many inconveniences for citizens and wasting public resources. Cui Junzhi, an academic at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the ideal digital city would successfully blend physical space with cyberspace. "It would result in an expansion of a city's space and improve services," Cui said. Yan Xiaopei, vice-mayor of Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong Province, said at the meeting that the third China international Conference on Digital City, which is to be held between Sept. 21 and 23 in the city, would promote the construction of digital cities. The conference, which is to be jointly organized by the ministry and the municipal government, will include a forum and an exhibition of construction technology and equipment.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/10/2007

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Online Platform to Be Built for Poverty Reduction

An online platform should be built for making good statistics of and monitoring poverty situation in east Asian nations so as to provide effective support in working out poverty eradication measures. The proposal was put forward by participants attending the East Asian Poverty Analysis and Data Initiative (PADI) Consultative Meeting and Regional Workshop on Poverty Monitoring and Evaluation which opened on Thursday in Nanchang, capital of east China's Jiangxi Province. Shahid Khandker, chief economist with World Bank, believed an online mechanism might effectively facilitate poverty data and information gathering and statistics making within members of PADI. With reliable statistics obtained from the online platform, experts and government officials of East Asian nations will be able to work with and put forward more efficient measures for poverty eradication after having had the conditions to make a thorough study of poverty features and the reasons causing the poverty in their respective nations.

At present, the poverty monitoring data collected in many regions of the world are full of problems such as incomplete, unreliable and out-of-date, and there is a dire shortage of latest, reliable statistics, plus a lack of capability for analysis, according to the World Bank economist. PADI came into being in May 2000 at the call of the World Bank Institute. The secretarial office of the organization is based inside International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC), China's professional organization for carrying out exchange and cooperation with the international community in the field of poverty relief work. In addition to China, Thailand, Vietnam, the Laos, the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Mongolia have signed to be included in PADI. IPRCC chief Zhang Lei also suggested that more training courses on poverty analysis and data gathering, alongside activities of exchange, should be organized.

The World Bank standard for poverty has it that anyone who lives on less than one US dollars daily should be classified as poor. According to the World Bank statistics, about 552 million out of the world's 1.1 billion poor people were in East Asia by last year. The East Asian Poverty Analysis and Data Initiative (PADI) Consultative Meeting and Regional Workshop on Poverty Monitoring and Evaluation were attended by more than 70 government officials, specialists from the above mentioned nine east Asian countries, as well as experts from international organizations.

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/11/2007

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China Looks to Tackle Software Piracy

China's booming demand for personal computers caused losses from pirated software to surge 40 percent to $5.4 billion last year -- but things are getting better, a trade group said on Tuesday. Counterfeit PC software in use in China fell four percentage points -- more than any other country in Asia -- to 82 percent from 86 percent, underscoring progress in the world's second largest computer market, said Jeffrey Hardee, vice president and Asia director of the Business Software Alliance. "It's difficult to bring down piracy levels when the market is growing so rapidly," Hardee told Reuters in an interview. Widespread intellectual property rights violations across a range of industries, including software, music, movies and fashion, have been a major source of friction between China and major trade partners the United States and Europe. China's rate of software piracy dropped in part because of a new regulation mandating that government offices use legitimate software, and last year's regulation requiring all computers made or sold in China be shipped with genuine operating systems, Hardee said. In 2006, 23 million PCs were sold in China, second only to the United States, an annual increase of 17.5 percent, according to statistics quoted by China's Xinhua news agency.

The market for legitimate software was $1.2 billion last year, up 88 percent on the previous year, BSA said. Last month, the Bush administration, under pressure from Congress, announced it would take legal action against China in the World Trade Organisation for failing to stop widespread piracy and counterfeiting of American goods. Hardee said China has made progress on the policy front and in educating people about pirated software, but a critical link -- enforcement -- remained limited. "The National Copyright Administration is not a particularly well resourced organisation, and so we would hope that China will devote more resources to the enforcement authorities that have administrative responsibility, or extend the authority to other enforcement agencies that have bigger resources," he said. Until last month, users of pirated software could not be tried as criminals, but after the U.S. launched the case in the WTO China's top court issued an interpretation that Hardee said appeared encouraging. "It looks like they have made a change that will enable us to take criminal action" against users, he said. The Washington-based group was still trying to understand the interpretation and was not yet working on a case. From 2004 to 2006, the software piracy rate fell a total of 10 percentage points in China, and 2007 could see another fall. "We haven't seen any let up in China's actions this year compared to last year so there's not reason to believe that we can't have another drop," Hardee said.

The latest Hollywood blockbusters, TV hits, albums and software programmes are widely available for about $1 to $1.50 per disc on the streets of most Chinese cities. The ubiquity of pirated goods in China will continue to fuel the use of the counterfeit software products, which cost a fraction of legitimate versions, Hardee said. "If it's easily available, it's going to probably encourage piracy," he said. Online file sharing will pose a growing challenge in China where Internet use is blossoming. "With file sharing, the availability of software files and the increased bandwidth, you would expect that's going to be a way that people will access illegal software," he said.

From http://www.informationweek.com 05/15/2007

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HK Launches Legal Information Website for General Public

Community Legal Information Center (CLIC), a community legal information website, was launched on Monday by the University of Hong Kong (HKU). Host of CLIC, the China Information Technology and Law Center of HKU Monday organized a completion ceremony for the website, which is also one of the activities celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The CLIC project is commissioned by the Hong Kong government and funded by the Department of Justice of the government under which the law center is to develop, host and maintain the website. The bilingual website is a quick internet guide for the general public to find relevant legal information in Hong Kong. It helps citizens to acquire a basic understanding of the relevant law before seeking advice from lawyers, and it serves the purpose of informing the general public about where to seek free or subsidized legal assistance. Since its first launch in 2005, the content of the website has substantially expanded to 21 categories including Bankruptcy and Winding Up, Consumer Complaints, Hong Kong Legal System, Employment Disputes, Insurance, Landlord and Tenant, Legal Aid, Matrimonial Matters, Personal Injuries, Police and Crime, Sale and Purchase of Property, Taxation and many others.

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/15/2007

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China Approves Foreign 3G Standards

China's Ministry of Information Industry approved Wednesday the use of European and American standards for third generation (3G) mobile phones that are rivals to China's homegrown TD-SCDMA. "The three world standards will all be used in China," said Yang Peifang, secretary general of the ministry's telecommunication economist panel. China's homegrown TD-SCDMA has been called the "Chinese 3G standard", WCDMA is European and CDMA2000 is American. By adding the two foreign standards to the Chinese market, the government has consolidated its "technology neutral" stance and offered an open market for different technologies, said analysts. "The introduction of the other two standards will help improve TD-SCDMA," said Yang. China's 3G development depends primarily on strong demand for mobile data processing functions involving multimedia solutions and internet connections. China's major four operators -- China Netcom, China Telecom, China Mobile and China Unicom -- have started training 3G talents, constituting a war chest and making technological preparations for a smooth transition from the existing mobile telecom networks or PHS networks to 3G.

China's homegrown technology for third generation mobile communication passed a series of tests organized by the ministry last year. A ministry report said base stations and handsets based on TD-SCDMA are all qualified after three years of tests. Key TD-SCDMA technologies and products meet 3G service requirements. "We will let operators choose which standard they want to use. But the government will decide how many 3G licenses are issued," said Xi Guohua, Vice Minister of Information Industry. The government has promised to provide 3G mobile communications services in time for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Analysts said the homegrown standard is most likely to get the first license.

From http://www.china.org.cn 05/17/2007

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China's News Websites Vow to Clean Up the Internet

More than 100 news websites in China publicized a self-discipline regulation on Friday, pledging to purify the Internet environment. The websites vowed to standardize the news collection, editing and releasing process, and eliminate false news and illegal information. They also promise to exclude pornographic and violent content from their websites. Supervision will be strengthened to guarantee that website content is legal and clean. They pledge not to publish information that would undermine citizens' reputations or infringe their right to privacy. China had 144 million netizens at the end of March this year, and the figure is growing by eight percent per year. China launched a six-month campaign to restrict the spread of online pornography in April. The campaign by the Ministry of Public Security and nine other government departments will crack down on illegal online activities such as distributing pornographic materials and organizing cyber strip shows, and purge the web of sexually-explicit images, stories, and audio and video clips. The campaign also targets illegal online lotteries and contraband trade, fraud, and "content that spreads rumors and is of a slanderous nature".

From http://www.chinaview.cn 05/18/2007

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China to Back Down from "Real Name" Blog Rules

China is to back down from a plan to require bloggers to use their real names when they register Web logs, following an outcry over the proposal from the Internet industry, official media reported on Tuesday. Instead, the government would promote a 'self-discipline code' that would encourage, but not mandate, bloggers to register under their own names, the report said, citing draft guidelines published by the Internet Society of China. "The ISC, with the backing of the Ministry of Information Industry, is trying to rally industry players to sign up to the self-discipline code for the promotion of a less rigorous real-name system," state-run Xinhua news agency reported. China, the world's second-largest Web market with some 140 million Internet users, has already imposed some controls. The 'real-name' blog proposal was seen as another attempt to regulate free-wheeling Web content, but it triggered protests from the Internet industry and users, Xinhua said.

Some government departments had advocated the use of real names as a way to stop slander, pornography and the spread of what the ruling Communist Party sees as "harmful information." China already routinely blocks Web sites for political content that runs counter to the government's views, and restricts participation in some on-line discussion groups. It also imposes controls on Internet chatter about politically sensitive subjects, although postings on the country's more than 20 million blogs often go far beyond what is permissible in traditional state-run media.

From http://news.yahoo.com 05/22/2007

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JAPAN: Pro-Constitution Rally Held on 60th Anniversary of Enforcement

Opposition lawmakers and scholars expressed concerns over growing moves for constitutional revision on Thursday, the 60th anniversary of the enforcement of Japan's postwar Constitution. At a public gathering in Tokyo, Mizuho Fukushima, Social Democratic Party chief, told some 6,000 attendants, "It is a great achievement of postwar Japan that we have killed nobody in a war and none of us have been killed" under the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution. She pointed out, however, that support is growing among conservatives to revise it and enable the country to sell arms overseas. "Do we hope that Japanese-made weapons kill somebody? "Moves to amend the Constitution have been gathering pace, particularly since the Liberal Democratic Party issued its draft of a new Constitution in 2005, featuring removal of the second clause of Article 9 to allow Japan to officially possess military forces for self-defense. The clause stipulates that Japan will never maintain land, sea and air forces as well as other war potential. At the gathering, Kazuo Shii, leader of the Japanese Communist Party, said, "Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants to change this country by revising Article 9, so it will be allowed to join in a war and fire weapons, rather than just sending troops." "And the premier is trying to produce people who will support Japan's involvement in overseas wars by entering into their inner natures," he said, apparently referring to the revision of the basic education law last year which aims at instilling patriotism in classrooms.

From academic circles, Mamiko Ueno, a professor at Chuo University, said, "Some people say it is time for the Constitution to 'retire' as it is 60 years old, but we can be proud of its ideals and concepts before the whole world." "We can say we have kept this great Constitution for 60 years," she added. On the calls to revise Article 9, Motofumi Asai, head of Hiroshima Peace Institute at Hiroshima City University, said, "Those who want to amend this article aim to make Japan a country that can wage war in line with demands by the United States." "But I believe it will promote trust in Japan by international society to maintain Article 9, which shows Japan's standpoint of realizing peace without depending on military power," the former diplomat said. With the aim of promoting the constitutional revision process, a bill setting procedures for it is set to clear the House of Councillors for enactment into law in mid-May, with Abe vowing to set a concrete timetable for the amendment. The government, on the other hand, decided last month to set up an expert panel to discuss exercising the right of collective self-defense, currently banned in line with the official interpretation of the Constitution, with the aim of reaching a conclusion on the issue this fall.

At another rally in Tokyo, sponsored by a group of constitutional scholars, Takao Saito, a freelance journalist, told an audience of 600 that the enactment of the bill for constitutional revision procedures, or a national referendum bill, "will inevitably lead to its amendment." Saito said Article 9 is the prime target of the constitutional revision, raising concerns that Japan could wage war together with the United States under a revised Constitution that would not renounce war. Meanwhile, Seigo Hirayama, chairman of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, expressed concerns over recent incidents that are considered infringements on constitutionally guaranteed rights. In his statement on the 60th anniversary, Hirayama said freedom of thought and conscience, vital for democratic societies, is now facing a crisis, citing such moves as forcing teachers to show respect for the national flag and anthem or arresting those who distribute political fliers at residential complexes. "We need to reaffirm the importance of respecting the basic principles of the Constitution ¡ª popular sovereignty, respect for fundamental human rights and pacifism ¡ª on this anniversary," he noted. "Particularly, we can be proud of eternal pacifism under Article 9 as a guideline for peace."

From http://www.japantoday.com 05/04/2007

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E-learning Making Inroads into Nation's Colleges

About 40 percent of Japan's public and private universities and colleges had introduced e-learning systems by the end of the 2006 academic year, underlining a rapid increase in the number of institutions that are tapping into electronic education, the National Institute of Multimedia Education said in a recent report.Proponents say e-learning enables schools to attract working people, who have less free time than full-time students. However, the schools themselves are responsible for shouldering the costs of developing the necessary infrastructure and teaching materials.By the end of the 2006 academic year in March, 298 universities and colleges, both public and private, had introduced e-learning, providing education via personal computers, hand-held devices and the Internet ¡ª more than double the 129 institutions that provided e-learning in academic 2002, according to the survey.Universities and colleges use a variety of methods to offer e-learning courses.Cyber University, a school based in Fukuoka that opened in April, offers lectures on demand via the Internet. Students can ask teachers questions by posting them on electronic bulletin boards.Hokkaido Information University in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, offers 21 courses, including English, via the Internet through a correspondence program dubbed Infinite Campus. About 2,500 students take the courses every year.In Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa Institute of Technology has made about 15,000 volumes of video material available for students via its local area network. Supplementary materials can also be downloaded from the network.

About 40 percent of Japan's public and private universities and colleges had introduced e-learning systems by the end of the 2006 academic year, underlining a rapid increase in the number of institutions that are tapping into electronic education, the National Institute of Multimedia Education said in a recent report.Proponents say e-learning enables schools to attract working people, who have less free time than full-time students. However, the schools themselves are responsible for shouldering the costs of developing the necessary infrastructure and teaching materials.By the end of the 2006 academic year in March, 298 universities and colleges, both public and private, had introduced e-learning, providing education via personal computers, hand-held devices and the Internet ¡ª more than double the 129 institutions that provided e-learning in academic 2002, according to the survey.Universities and colleges use a variety of methods to offer e-learning courses.Cyber University, a school based in Fukuoka that opened in April, offers lectures on demand via the Internet. Students can ask teachers questions by posting them on electronic bulletin boards.Hokkaido Information University in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, offers 21 courses, including English, via the Internet through a correspondence program dubbed Infinite Campus. About 2,500 students take the courses every year.In Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa Institute of Technology has made about 15,000 volumes of video material available for students via its local area network. Supplementary materials can also be downloaded from the network.

From http://www.japantimes.co.jp 05/05/2007

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Lawmakers Shun 50 Billion Yen E-tax System

Only a small number of lawmakers used the e-Tax online tax return filing system that cost the government some 50 billion yen, a Kyodo News survey found Wednesday.Only 15 of the 144 Diet members who responded to a Kyodo questionnaire as of Wednesday said they used the National Tax Agency's e-Tax, which began running in 2004. The e-Tax was billed as the centerpiece of the government's policy of promoting information technology for administrative services. But the system has not gained wide public support, as users must buy a device, which costs about 3,000 yen, for reading an electronic certificate issued by a local government into a computer.Finance Minister Koji Omi did not reply to the questionnaire but said in a Diet hearing that he has not used the service.

From http://www.japantimes.co.jp 05/10/2007

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Gov't to Promote Asian Youth Exchange Project in Okinawa

The government has decided to promote an Asian youth exchange project in Okinawa Prefecture as part of measures to promote the prefecture's development, Okinawa affairs minister Sanae Takaichi said Tuesday. The "Asian Youth House" project will be designed to gather young people from China, South Korea, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and other Asian countries, Takaichi said. ts first program will be held in the summer of next year, inviting about 50 students ranging from junior high schools to graduates from these Asian countries for exchanges with 50 Okinawa students and 50 students from other parts of Japan on science and information technologies.

From http://www.japantoday.com 05/16/2007

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Japanese PM Promotes Green Theme for 2008 G8 Summit

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the venue for the 2008 Group of Eight summit in northern Hokkaido island on Saturday and showcased the planned meeting's environmental theme.Abe visited Toyako town, a secluded hotspring resort set in a national park featuring Lake Toya and an active volcano surrounded by thick forest."I expect the theme for next year's summit will be the environment and global warming. I am again convinced that this beautiful venue is befitting for discussions of those issues," Abe told reporters.The 2008 talks would take place from July 7 to 9, Abe said.He reiterated the importance of achieving the goals of the Kyoto Protocol, which requires cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.The United States and Australia have not signed up to Kyoto, however."It is important that we make efforts to include the major (greenhouse gas) emitting nations in the post-Kyoto framework. It is also important that Japan makes good use of her environmental technologies," Abe said, making reference to what Japan hopes to achieve in the 2008 summit."This is a theme for which Japan can take the initiative," he said.Japan has already announced a plan to host a separate international conference next year on climate change bringing together the world's biggest greenhouse gas producers and energy consumers.The meeting will gather environment and energy ministers from 20 nations in Chiba prefecture just east of Tokyo for talks on climate change and clean energy.The G8 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States.

From http://sg.news.yahoo.com 05/19/2007

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Emperor Calls for Int'l Cooperation for Development of Science

Japanese Emperor Akihito praised the achievement of Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus and called for international cooperation for the development of science at a dinner Wednesday commemorating the 300th anniversary of his birth. "I believe that international cooperation is indispensable for the sound development of science and its application, with the aim of contributing to the happiness of mankind and world peace," Emperor Akihito said in a speech proposing a toast. The emperor and his wife Empress Michiko were attending a dinner hosted by the chief organizer of events marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of Linnaeus, who is known as the father of modern taxonomy. Emperor Akihito praised Linnaeus for establishing a method of classifying living organisms by combining the genus name and species name, a system known as binomial nomenclature. The system "has made it possible for the people of the world, despite the differences in language and culture, to communicate and cooperate with each other," the emperor said. The imperial couple bade farewell to Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia at a museum in Uppsala Castle after ending their tour of Sweden, the first leg of their 10-day European trip that began Monday. The emperor and empress will travel to the Baltic state of Estonia on Thursday, making their first ever visit to a country that was formerly part of the Soviet Union. They are then scheduled to visit two other Baltic states -- Latvia and Lithuania -- and then Britain.

From http://asia.news.yahoo.com 05/24/2007

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NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA: Koreas to Discuss Exchange of Natural Resources, Raw Materials

South and North Korea will hold talks this week to discuss the proposed swapping of raw materials and natural resources, the Unification Ministry said Tuesday (May 1). Last month, South Korea agreed to provide raw materials to the North to help it produce clothing, footwear and soap in June in return for its natural resources. Under the agreement, a South Korean delegation will visit envisioned development sites in the North the same month. To work out details for the project, the two sides will hold working-level negotiations in the North Korean border city of Gaeseong for two days starting from Wednesday (May 2). Lee Ung-hui, chief of inter-Korean economic cooperation at the ministry, will lead the eight-member South Korean delegation. The eight-member North Korean delegation will be headed by Ri Yong-ho, the ministry said in a statement. Initially, South Korea agreed to offer raw materials to help the North's struggling light industry sector in 2005. In return, the North was to provide the South with minerals, such as zinc and magnesite, after mines were developed with South Korean investments guaranteed by Pyongyang. But the economic accord was not implemented as North Korea cancelled the scheduled test runs of the cross-border railways in May 2006.

From http://www.korea.net/ 05/01/2007

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SOUTH KOREA: Students to Be Required To Take History Exam to Enter Some Universities

Top seven private universities have agreed to require students to take a history exam as part of their admission tests beginning 2010, school officials said Tuesday (May 22). The move comes as Korea is embroiled in history disputes with neighboring countries. Japan claims Korea's easternmost island of Dokdo and tries to whitewash its atrocities during its colonization of Korea from 1910 to 1945, while China seeks to make Korea's ancient Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C.- A.D. 668), which controlled the Korean Peninsula and most of northeast China, part of Chinese history. "Admission directors of the seven private schools met last week and agreed to make history a requisite in admission exams for students wishing to major in liberal arts starting from 2010," Kim Young-soo of Sogang University said. "The proposal will be submitted in an upcoming meeting of admission officials." The schools that have reached the tentative agreement are Korea University, Sogang University, Sungkyunkwan University, Yonsei University, Ewha Woman's University, Joongang University and Hanyang University. History is currently a subject of choice for those taking tests to enter these private schools. The state-run Seoul National University has already made history a test subject for admission to the school. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently sparked uproar by denying his country's involvement in drafting "comfort women" who were sex slaves for Japanese soldiers during World War II. He later apologized but fell short of admitting coercion was used in putting these women into military brothels. "Japan is still teaching its students that the Korea's Dokdo Island belong to Japanese territory," a spokesperson for the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, said in an online essay last week. "Its continued denial of responsibility for the Korean comfort women forcibly sent to Japanese military brothels during World War II has also disappointed us."

From http://www.korea.net 05/22/2007

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Wonkwang University to Confer Honorary Doctorate upon Roh

A private university Wednesday (May 23) announced its plan to confer an honorary doctorate in politics upon President Roh Moo-hyun in recognition of his contribution to the nation¡¯s democracy and human rights development. In a press release, Wonkwang University, located in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla Province), said Roh has established a new presidential image with his "humble attitude" and contributed to upgrading the nation¡¯s political culture by opposing regionalism and authoritarianism. The conferment ceremony is likely to take place next month, though the exact date will be fixed through consultation with the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, the university noted. Roh received an honorary doctorate in politics from Moscow University in November 2004 and another from Alger University in March 2006, but he has never received a degree from a domestic university.

From http://english.president.go.kr 05/24/2007

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INDONESIA: Awards for Software Programmers

The Research and Technology Ministry and PT Telkom will present awards to programmers capable of developing 'open source' software to commemorate the 12th National Technology Day. The awards will only be presented to individuals or organizations whose products could be proven to be useful, original and unique. The last date to submit products to be judged is June 25. Open Source software has enabled people to make their own application software, such as writing programs or operating systems, from copyright-free tools available on the Internet. Those interested can visit the research ministry's website at www.ristek.go.id or Telkom's website at www.telkom.co.id. The awards will be presented on Aug. 10.

From http://www.thejakartapost.com/ 04/24/2007

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Govt Says Spending Trillions for Poverty Fight

The Indonesian government is taking new measures to alleviate poverty and unemployment in the country, says a senior minister. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Boediono said Tuesday that besides improving the investment climate, the government has introduced several crash programs to push annual economic growth to around 7 percent, similar to pre-economic crisis levels. "The government has allocated trillions of rupiah to empower communities in all subdistricts and villages, and small and medium enterprises, to create more jobs in the informal sector. We have also accelerated the labor export industry to send more migrant workers overseas," he said while addressing the Inter-Parliamentary Union conference in Bali. "To make these crash programs a success, the government has also carried out training programs for entrepreneurs and workers to improve their skills and allow them to gain added value." Explaining the recent revision of the tax law and the enactment of a new investment law aimed at repairing the investment climate, Boediono said the government wanted to attract more investors to help generate new jobs.

The government, working in close partnership with private and state companies, allocated Rp 51 trillion (US$5.6 billion) this year to empower communities and help finance SMEs to generate more jobs. Boediono blamed rising poverty and unemployment on the economic crisis that hit Indonesia in 1997. But he said the new efforts by the government to repair the business climate would help the country achieve 7 percent economic growth, improve purchasing power and at the same time reduce the unemployment rate, which has reached an estimated 11.5 percent. The government also hopes to send at least one million semi-skilled workers annually overseas, and is targeting around $5 million in remittances. Job creation is one of several main issues being discussed at the IPU assembly, and Indonesia is fighting for the adoption of a draft resolution recommending protection for migrant workers. The standing committee on sustainable development and job creation is drafting a resolution to ensure decent jobs and employment security for migrant workers, in accordance with core labor standards and human rights.

International Labor Organization general director Juan Somavia expressed his deep concern over the poor global employment situation, saying the number of unemployed, now at 195 million, and the number of the poor living on less than $2 daily, now at 1.37 billion, has continued to increase. Referring to a recent ILO report on global employment, he said one quarter of the world's labor force, or around 700 million workers, are either unemployed or live on less than $1 a day. Half of the unemployed are youths. The report also said many women around the world remained underpaid. "These findings confirmed the trend of the past several years in which robust economic growth has failed to translate into significant reduction in unemployment or poverty among those in work," said Somavia.

From http://www.thejakartapost.com 05/02/2007

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Govt to Team Up with Central Bank to Revive Economy

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani says the government will work hand in hand with the central bank to boost the still-sluggish real sector amid criticism that the current administration is doing too little to speed up the pace of economic growth. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Mulyani said the government and Bank Indonesia would now focus on promoting financing schemes to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In order to do so, the government would both reform existing schemes and create new ones to ensure that SMEs could secure easier access to financing. "The government will push for the expansion of the credit insurance industry so that the banks will be more willing to extend loans to SMEs," she said, adding that one of the programs would involve boosting the financing capabilities of state-owned credit insurance company PT Asuransi Kredit Indonesia (Askrindo) so that it could guarantee more loans to the SME sector. The programs will also include the strengthening of state-owned financing firm PT Perum Sarana Pengembangan Usaha so as to enable it to provide financing alternatives for small businesses, she said. "We're still discussing the matter with Bank Indonesia, including the question of the ownership of these two state enterprises," she said.

Against charges that the government had not done enough to revive the economy, Mulyani argued that the government had actually done a great deal to date so as to promote cooperatives and SMEs, especially in the agricultural and fisheries sector. The Cabinet economics team under Coordinating Minister for the Economy Boediono has been criticized for focusing on maintaining macroeconomic stability, while neglecting efforts to revive the real sector. Mulyani said the government had helped SMEs clinch loan agreements worth Rp 462 billion (US$51.3 million) with various financial institutions, but only Rp 43 billion of the loan commitments had been drawn down. "There is something going wrong here. We have ensured the funds are available, but the demand has been desultory," she said. Since 1999, the government has made available Rp 3.1 trillion for channeling to the SME sector as loans through state financing firms, such as PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM), and local government-owned banks (BPDs). As of the end of March, Mulyani said, the firms had used up Rp 2.75 trillion of these funds. The government, she said, now planned to increase the funding for SME loans channeled through PT PNM by Rp 60 billion to Rp 340 billion, and for those extended through Bank Bukopin by Rp 85 billion to Rp 435 billion.

The government was also readying a package of regulations aimed at strengthening the SME sector, which Coordinating Minister for the Economy Boediono said would tackle problems pertaining to financing and market access for SMEs, human resources development, regulatory reform and tax incentives. It is unclear, however, when the details of the package will be made public. Business associations have complained about a lack of linkages between the financial sector and the SME sector. They say that the lack of credit insurance schemes is one of the major obstacles that prevent SMEs from securing loans. Vice President Jusuf Kalla recently urged bankers to increase lending to the SME sector, which according to the Central Statistics Agency accounts for 50 percent of GDP.

From http://www.thejakartapost.com 05/11/2007

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MALAYSIA: Double Digit IT Growth to Continue

Market research company IDC tells In.Tech what's currently hot and what's not in Malaysia as well as the region with regards to the ICT industry. The overall IT growth in Malaysia this year, which includes hardware, software and other IT services, is expected to be between 12% and 15%, international market research company IDC said. IDC Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines research director Linus Lai believes that this growth is due to events like the strengthening of the ringgit and the funding allocated in the Ninth Malaysia Plan for business and IT expenditure. He also said that the main driver of this growth, which is similar to last year's performance, would be more consumer-driven especially as PC-to-notebook migration increases.

From http://star-techcentral.com/ 05/01/2007

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VoIP Service Provider Targets 100,000 Users

Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) service provider Frizzhub Voice Services Sdn Bhd is expecting close to 100,000 subscribers by year-end. Managing director S. Saravanan said the company was optimistic of increasing subscribers from the current 1,000 as the product allowed users to make unlimited calls to over 40 countries for RM249 a month. "Other than corporate and individual users, we are targeting Government agencies, which have shown interest in this service," he told StarBiz recently. Saravanan said although the service was not officially launched yet, the company had received good response from these target markets as well as small and medium enterprises. The service allows subscribers to make unlimited phone calls to countries such as China, Hungary, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil and Austria through the use of an analogue telephone adaptor (ATA).

Saravanan said that in March, Frizzhub had launched another service which enabled subscribers to use the portable ATA when they travel and work abroad. "The service is ideal for students or people working abroad to make calls to their loved ones or contacts. "This is possible with the two users using the same ATA under the service," he added. He said the service was offered for selective countries, allowing people to make unlimited phone calls for RM88 per month. Saravanan said he was confident of signing up more subscribers as he claimed that this VOIP service was the only one in the local market offering unlimited calls. He also said the company was working on packages for low call rates for markets such as India and Indonesia to tap into the high demand from the populous nations. Frizzhub was set up with an initial investment of RM1mil eight months ago.

The company currently has about 20 distributors with a 350-strong sales team operating from major towns in Malaysia. It is also learnt that Frizzhub was in the midst of venturing into mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) services as soon as early 2008. MVNOs typically lease network capacity from telecommunications companies and offer their own branded mobile service.

From http://star-techcentral.com/ 05/02/2007

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IASA Malaysia Launches First State Chapter

The International Association of Software Architects (IASA) Malaysia has launched its first state chapter, that of Penang. The founding of a Penang chapter reflects the fact that the state has the second largest concentration of software experts in the country after the Klang Valley. The soft launch of the state chapter, held at the Legend Hotel here, coincided with the opening of the IASA IT Symposium 2007, a two-day gathering of IT architects based in and around South-East Asia. Deputy Minister of Science Technology and Innovation Datuk Kong Cho Ha, who officiated at the event, said his minstry needs a lot of support from the ICT (information and communications technology) industry and organisations like IASA. He said the government's agenda is to create an environment in which the software development industry, in particular software architects, can flourish. "We need NGOs (non-government organisations) like IASA to help create that environment," Kong said. The symposium, the first event of its kind in this region, featured 30 seminars and tracks on the fundamentals of software architecture, as well as software architecture, infrastructure architecture and enterprise architecture.

From http://star-techcentral.com/ 05/03/2007

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Pahang Gets RM76m to Promote Hi-tech Activities

The state government has received RM76mil under the 9th Malaysian Plan to promote activities related to information, technology and communication (ICT), biotechnology and biodiversity. This includes the development of Gambang Technology Park that involves the construction of the ICT buildings and biotechnology laboratories, buying equipment and providing basic infrastructure. State Science, Innovation, Information and Information Technology Committee Chairman Datuk Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin said the sum also included RM30mil which was a special allocation set aside by the Finance Ministry to ensure Gambang Technology Park moved in the right direction. "An action plan is required to see to it that the development of ICT, biodiversity and biotechnology is made in line with aspirations of the Government. "As such, the state government has agreed to appoint Universiti Malaysia Pahang as the consultant to draft the master plan," he said here recently. He added that the state government had also identified several areas in biotechnology that had the potential to help fill up the state's coffers and the focus would be on agro-biotechnology, healthcare biotechnology and industrial biotechnology.

The herbal industry was an area with such potential and there were a few major projects which had been approved, Mohd Sharkar said. "Among them are herbal bio-technology centre owned by Technology Park Malaysia and the formation of Felda Herba Cor-poration that specialises in re-search and development work. "The Pahang government also hopes to get the cooperation from Malaysian Industry Government Group (MIGHT) to develop a herbal valley project in the state that aims to produce entrepreneurs who can grow and manufacture herbs commercially," he said. Mohd Sharkar also said in order to further strengthen its hold on biotechnology, a government-linked company - Pahang Tech-nology Resources Sdn Bhd (PTR), had been established with the objective to see the expansion of biotechnology-related ventures. In the offing was a Pahang Technology Park that would act as a catalyst to spur high-tech related industries and if this were to take off, it would be the first of such parks in the east coast region, he added.

On efforts to ensure ICT was moving accordingly, a Cyber Centre was already taking shape in Kuantan, Mohd Sharkar said. "The Cyber Centre will serve as an ICT hub for the eastern region and its launch will be held soon. "Investors will be invited to set up operations in Cyber Centre that covers three areas - Kuantan, Gambang and Tanjung Lumpur," he added. He also said the state government estimated investments worth RM170mil to be based in Cyber Centre between 2007 and 2012.

From http://star-techcentral.com/ 05/07/2007

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ISACA, MNCC Hosting Conference

The 2007 IT Governance Conference, will be held at the Subang Sheraton Hotel here from May 22 to 23. The theme for the conference is Risk, Control and IT Governance ¡ª Case Studies for Implementation. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Sri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis will officiate at the event. ISACA Malaysia (formerly known as Information Systems Audit and Control Association) and the Malaysian National Computer Confederation are hosting the conference. Other topics to be discussed include IT Governance and The Public Sector; Protection of Personal Data ¨C A Corporate Responsibility; and Auditing IT Governance: What You Need To Know.

From http://star-techcentral.com 05/14/2007

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Star Rating for School ICT Usage

The Information Communication Technology (ICT) division of the Education Ministry will grade government schools on their usage of ICT with a star rating system similar to hotels. Division director Yusoff Harun announced that five-star rating would be accorded to schools where students used 80% of the computers and equipment installed during curriculum and extra-curricular activities. "This is one approach to measure the effectiveness of ICT in schools," he said after visiting the state education department here. The development of ICT in Malaysia can be realised only if the young started to comprehend and use the technology, Yusoff said. "We cannot wait for teachers and parents to be ready, as technology nowadays evolves fast. "The time to learn begins now," he said. Yusoff said the teachers must take full advantage of ICT in schools to make their work more accessible and presentable to students. On the smart schools concept, Yusoff said 88 out of the 10,000 earmarked for elevation had started operations.

The remaining schools would be upgraded in stages, as the ministry needed to train and select the teachers and students. Yusoff said ICT usage would also be measured in such schools. In a related development, the state education department's ICT department head Zamri Zakaria has personally sponsored an Internet broadband access link for SK Tanjung Indera Petra, in the hope of encouraging more teachers to equip themselves with knowledge on online usage. Zamri said that teachers could pool their resources to make available the access.

From http://star-techcentral.com/ 05/14/2007

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600,000 Taxpayers Used E-Filing

Response to the e-Filing system this year has been overwhelming as some 600,000 taxpayers submitted their forms online compared to 100,000 last year. ¡°We are confident that more people will use e-filing. ¡°Taxpayers save the hassle of going to the tax office to submit the forms,¡± Finance Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya told Parliament when winding up debate on the Internal Revenue Board of Malaysia (Amendment) 2007 Bill. On MPs¡¯ queries over insufficient staff at the IRB and complaints of phones left unanswered, he said the board would upgrade the service. ¡°The offices were packed at the end of April as many taxpayers waited until the last minute to submit their tax forms,¡± he said. The bill basically outlined more measures to tackle staff disciplinary problems including the setting up of a disciplinary committee. Dr Hilmi said IRB was currently using general disciplinary measures but wanted its own discipline committee since it was a board set up to specifically collect taxes.

However, he said, the number of disciplinary cases was still low with 58 cases in 2005, 52 last year and 37 so far this year. The IRB has some 10,000 employees. As at Tuesday, taxpayers have paid up RM26.05bil to the IRB for this year. The board also refunded RM1.462bil as of last month, said Dr Hilmi. ¡°We collected RM56.854bilin 2005 but the figure jumped to RM65.738bil last year. The increase is encouraging and shows that IRB is doing its job well,¡± he said. The Bill was later passed.

From http://thestar.com.my/ 05/10/2007

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PHILIPPINES: BIR Aims to Improve Tax Collection with New IT System

To help improve tax collection in provinces, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is enhancing the core infrastructure that powers several tax-related applications used by citizens. BIR will begin deploying the Integrated Tax System or eITS this year, according to Lilia Guillermo, deputy commissioner for BIR's information systems group. The eITS forms the backbone that links different systems including registration, tax declaration, audit and payment.BIR's objective is to make it available over the Internet to allow district offices access to the agency's data warehouse housed in its main office in Quezon City. In a recent forum, Guillermo pointed out that the lack of personnel in her agency is hampering tax collection. Nonetheless, the BIR has increased its tax collection by an average of more than P360 million in the last five years, also adding nearly 3 million taxpayers every year. The BIR is shooting for a P765 million overall target for this year. On the other hand, BIR has a nationwide workforce of about 11,000, which has remained constant in the last five years.

Thus, efficiency is credited to improvements in automation. BIR has had one of the largest IT projects in government. The biggest challenge for BIR, according to Guillermo, is "cleaning" the agency's taxpayer database, a process that also involves the cross-checking with records of related agencies such as the Security Exchange Commission. "There are cases when databases (of BIR and SEC) don't match. There are some businesses that deliberately alter their records to confuse the BIR," Guillermo said. Out of 115 BIR district offices, less than half (around 45 by Guillermo's estimate) are computerized. "Revenues are increasing but personnel strength remains stagnant," she said. "Even if the system generates discrepancies, we don't have enough people to audit and go after suspected tax evaders."

From http://archive.inquirer.net 05/01/2007

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RP Sets Up Cybercrime Body

Driven by a sense of urgency and lack of coordination, the Philippine government is setting up an office tasked to work better with the private sector in the area of IT security. The coordinating body plans to create a National Computer Emergency Response Team or N-CERT, envisioned as an umbrella organization for similar CERTs in the government, military and private sector. The goal is to come up with uniform policies and enforce coordination among these various sectors. On the part of the government, the goal is to tap into private sector expertise to help agencies safeguard against hacking and other security threats. The entire initiative is headed by Virtus Gil, a retired police officer recently appointed by the Office of the President as the National Cybersecurity Coordinator. "They recognize the problem but there is no coordination," Gil said in an interview during an industry forum, when asked to describe the current IT security scenario among government agencies. The Office of the President has forged a memorandum of agreement with various private sector groups in the IT sector, including the Information Systems Security Society of the Philippines (ISSSP), comprised of IT security professionals and member companies.

Among others, the agreement stated the need to develop standards for companies that perform third-party vulnerabilty assessment that check on an organization's readiness to protect itself against hackers and other threats. Private sector groups also pledged to help in the implementation of the National Cybersecurity Plan drawn up and signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2005. The said plan calls for a wider adoption of IT security in government, following the private sector's lead. Gil, however, said the plan needs to be updated. Recent workshops conducted with the private sector -- joined by representatives from the banking and telecommunications segment -- raised the need for sectoral CERTs under the planned N-CERT. The entire initiative is reportedly one of the projects that will get funding from an additional P1 billion e-government fund coursed through the Commission on ICT. Gil, however, did not mention how much budget will be allotted to this program.

A government CERT was started years ago and currently operated by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG). Under the planned N-CERT, Gil said will primarily play the role of investigating incidents of cybercrime in government. "This will relieve them of functions such as monitoring the entire government and coordinating with the private sector," he added.

From http://archive.inquirer.net/ 05/10/2007

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National Canvassing Goes Wireless

For the first time, the Commission on Elections has provided the media with access to a wireless fidelity (wifi) network here at the Philippine International Convention Center where the national canvassing of senatorial and partylist elections are being done. Using laptops for their stories, reporters here are relieved that they don't have to rush to a nearby Internet cafe or suffer from slow dial-up connections. Roy Pelovello, Senate reporter for the Manila Standard Today, said the wireless Internet connection was "slow" but it was better than not having one. Wi-fi is also available inside the media center. The advances in wireless technology have made various wireless technologies available to media covering the elections. INQUIRER.net has, for instance, been using the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) WeRoam wireless Internet technology to access the Internet. PLDT WeRoam uses the mobile phone networks available, including the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) or the newly-minted 3G network. Mobile Internet, as wireless Internet is also called, is being used by bloggers to update their entries from anywhere, or at least in places where there are either wi-fi or wireless Internet technology such as PLDT WeRoam. Rival Globe Telecom also provides similar wireless technology using the High-Speed Packet Data Access.

From http://archive.inquirer.net 05/16/2007

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Tourism Department Builds Data Center

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is putting up its own data center to enhance online tourism-related services. The DOT has tapped DBP Data Center Inc. (DCI) as consultant in constructing the data center and likewise upgrading the department's local area network. According to DCI, the data center will enhance DOT's tourism portal. The portal provides information on local tourist spots and also online accreditation, virtual locator maps, hotel inquiries and booking and reservation. The project is part of DOT's three-year Information Systems and Strategic Plan. DCI is a government-owned and -controlled corporation that provides IT services to government agencies.

From http://archive.inquirer.net 05/19/2007

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Implement Wage Increase and MVC, Says National Wages Council

The National Wages Council has recommended an increase to the wages of workers, in the light of the strong economic performance in 2006, positive outlook for 2007 and tightening labour market. Companies that performed exceptionally well should also consider giving one-off special bonuses to workers, it said. Releasing its guidelines for 2007/08, the council said it is important to reward workers for their contributions to the good economic performance with wage increases and bonus payments closely linked to company and individual performance. It, however, reminded companies that the built-in wage increase should continue to be sustainable in the long run and lag behind productivity growth. Where a built-in wage increase may not be sustainable, companies could moderate the increase and grant workers higher variable bonuses. The NWC recommended that companies make more effort in implementing flexible wage systems to ensure sustained competitiveness. Given the positive economic climate right now, the council said it is timely for companies to introduce and build up the Monthly Variable Component (MVC) in their wage structure. The NWC also reminded that productivity remains key to sustainable wage increases and since 2006 saw growth in wages exceeding productivity gains for the second consecutive year, it has asked employers, unions and workers to work together to enhance productivity and innovation through greater training, so as to sustain increases in output and wages, while maintaining cost competitiveness.

The NWC also gave its strong support for recommendations in the Tripartite Committee on Employability of Older Workers report, welcoming the government¡¯s decision to introduce legislative changes so people can work beyond the age of 62. It added that before legislation is introduced, companies and unions should adopt the guidelines, and implement policies and programmes to allow olders workers to be recruited, retained and re-employed. Companies should also start re-designing jobs so more are suitable for older workers, it said. The NWC also urged companies to move to job-based, competency-based and/or performance-based wage systems so that workers are rewarded according to the value of the job and their contribution. To help low wage workers, the Council recommends that in addition to the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) and CPF changes, companies can give higher increases to low wage workers and help low wage/informal workers upgrade their skills and enhance their job value and job security through job re-creation. Those that outsource work should, said the NWC, award the jobs on standards and performance and not just price alone, so as to avoid compromising on quality and workers¡¯ wages. The Council noted as well, that the maximum-minimum salary ratio for rank-and-file workers has come down from more than 2.0 in the 1980s, to 1.54 currently although the ratio of those holding junior management posts remain high.

From http://www.channelnewsasia.com 05/23/2007

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World's Largest E-commerce Platform for Ocean Freight Open

The world's largest e-commerce platform for ocean freight, INTTRA, has opened a global service centre in Singapore. This will help the US-based company keep pace with the rapid growth opportunities in ocean e-commerce in South-east Asia. The technology of INTTRA enables shippers, forwarders and carriers to conduct e-business and track ocean shipments electronically. It serves 24 of the world's largest ocean carriers. They represent almost 70 per cent of the global container capacity.

From http://www.channelnewsasia.com 05/23/2007

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THAILAND: Government Servants E-network Less

STAFF in the Government sector use online communications less than the general workforce in Malaysia, according to a recent workplace survey by recruitment agency Kelly Services Inc. The survey found that although the use of online tools at the workplace is becoming pervasive, with 78 per cent of workers regularly using e-mail, the Internet or both, only 53 per cent of Government (central and local) workers believe such tools will improve the quality of their output, the lowest percentage of any sector. To a question on whether the Internet increases productivity, Government workers are the most doubtful at 59 per cent against the average 78 per cent. On the whole, the survey found that the use of online communications has extended across most of the workforce in the country, with 64 per cent using both e-mail and the Internet, 10 per cent using e-mail only and four per cent using the Internet only. Just nine per cent used neither. According to Kelly Services, Malaysia's use of online communications at the workplace is relatively high by international standards, ranking 13th of the 28 countries in the survey.

The highest users are Hong Kong, Mexico, India, Thailand and Indonesia. France, Puerto Rico and Switzerland have the lowest usage. The usage figures in themselves are interesting in that they appear unrelated to infrastructure capability. For example, infrastructure in France and Switzerland is all pervasive, whereas in Thailand and Indonesia it is problematic. Yet workplace usage is high in both Thailand and Indonesia. Strict procedures on the availability and usage of the Internet might explain the lower level of enthusiasm of the Government employees polled. The Kelly Services Global Workforce Index sought the views of approximately 70,000 people in 28 countries, including almost 1,800 in Malaysia. There was overwhelming acceptance that technology has a positive impact on quality of work. Some 75 per cent said the use of e-mail increases productivity while 74 per cent said Internet access increases productivity. Besides that, men are slightly more enthusiastic users of e-mail and the Internet than women. And those with university qualifications are significantly heavier users.

The survey also aimed at identifying incidences of e-mail identified as spam and those that are simply time-wasting and unnecessary. The experience in Malaysia shows a worrying trend of e- mail that are unsolicited or have no clear purpose. Some 45 per cent of workers reported a high volume of e-mail that are either time- wasting or unnecessary, and 43 per cent complained of high volumes of spam. The Malaysian figure is similar to the global figure, and it is little wonder that both public e-mail providers and corporate intranet managers are investing significantly in anti-spam filters.

From http://www.redorbit.com 05/14/2007

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VIET NAM: PM Urges IT Sector Growth, Automation of State Services

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung approved an ambitious plan last week designed to make the Vietnamese information technology sector into a major employer. The Programme on Digital Industry Development Through 2010 sets an ambitious 35-to-40 per cent annual growth target for the sector. It also aims to foster 10-20 large, domestic IT firms ¨C each with more than 500 workers ¨C by the beginning of the next decade. The plans also aims to have revenues touch US$400 million. Under the programme, the country¡¯s library system and some health records would be digitised during the next four years. The plan contains eight major components: completing the legal and regulatory framework; developing market policies and solutions; developing products and services; mobilising labour forces and attracting investment; improving the internet and telecommunications infrastructure; human resource training; stepping up research; and strengthening intellectual property rights enforcement. The programme would be divided into three stages. In the first stage, starting this year, the Government would focus on building a legal framework. The programme proper would be carried out during 2008-10.

The Prime Minister ordered the Ministry of Post and Telematics to co-operate with other ministries and Government departments to conduct the programme. The costs for the programme were expected to hit VND1.28 trillion (US$80 million). Forty per cent was expected to come from the State budget, 30 per cent from local budgets and the rest from domestic and foreign organisations. Dung has also ordered increased use of information technology in State offices, although he recently halted a project to computerise State administration during 2001-05. The project, known as Project 112, was launched six years to modernise and streamline State administrative systems with common software to be used at all State offices. The software was to unify Government computer processes and help the State reform its administrative procedures. Alongside the implementation of common software, the project aimed to provide IT training courses for all State staff in an effort to catch Viet Nam up to international standards and development in the new global context.

The project¡¯s common software programme would have included software for analysing socio-economic data, database management software, and software needed to create a shared electronic information page providing guidance and operational assistance to 27 provinces and 15 ministries. Dung acknowledged some gains from the project, such as new equipment for ministries, sectors and localities, and training courses held for State employees, but it failed to meet its overall goal to computerise State administration. He asked the project¡¯s project management board, made up mostly of officials from the Government Office, to review their work and solve related problems.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/ 05/07/2007

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Microfinance Lifts Living Standard of Rural Poor

Microfinance programmes have significantly contributed to reducing poverty and eliminating hunger, according to a senior official with the State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV). Speaking yesterday at a conference on microfinance in HCM City, Dang Thanh Binh, deputy governor of SBV, said a large number of Viet Nam¡¯s poor who in the past could not secure loans or financial services through legal channels had benefited the most from microcredit programmes. Nguyen Thanh Tai, deputy chairman of HCM City People¡¯s Committee, said earlier this year the Government issued a decision to create a legal framework to regulate the country¡¯s microfinance industry. More than 220 delegates from 60 international organisations and microfinance programmes located in more than 40 provinces attended the conference, whose theme was Making the Transition to a Financially Sustainable Vietnamese Microfinance Industry. Unmet financial needs Binh said the dominant provider of microfinance in Viet Nam was the State government, via the Social Policy Bank and the Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.

However, these State microcredit programmes were insufficient to meet the demand for financial services of the poor, said Nguyen Thi Hoang Van, managing director of the Capital Aid Fund for Employment of the Poor (CEP) in HCM City, one of the country¡¯s microfinance providers. "Viet Nam is a developing country and the poor need to be able to access the basic benefits of this development," said Van. "This necessitates greater access to basic financial services." The poor need money to start small businesses, repair their houses, and meet one-off expenditures such as school fees and medical costs, and pay for health insurance. "The microfinance organisations were each founded to provide not only services needed by the poor but also micro-credit that offered the promise of something that other development programmes have had difficulty attaining and that is the promise of sustainability," Van said. Microfinance, or microcredit as it is often known, enables the poor to borrow a small amount of money to generate income. It has been provided to more than 500,000 families in Viet Nam. Legal framework At the meeting, SBV representatives discussed plans to implement regulations that would govern the operations of microfinance institutions in the near future. "The important thing is that compliance would enable us to formalise our operations so that we have a clear legal status and can increase our ability to expand outreach," said Van. The legal framework, she said, would be very important because it "would better position CEP to mobilise funds and would help CEP¡¯s expansion into neighbouring provinces."

CEP was established in 1991 as a non-profit social institution by the Labour Confederation of HCM City. It currently has 17 branches in the city where it serves 72,000 poor clients. The Australian consul general in HCM City, Mal Skelly, said CEP was "a fine example of an effective microfinance organisation targeting the poor". The Australian Government, through AusAID, has extensively supported microfinance in Viet Nam by offering loans and building the capacity of microfinance institutions such as CEP HCM City, CEP Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province and CEP Long An Province. Skelly said the challenges facing the country¡¯s microfinance industry included improving the legal framework and financial sustainability of microfinance institutions, and developing effective pro-poor financial products, as well as sourcing funds.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/ 05/16/2007

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BANGLADESH: Govt Urged to Implement Edn Dev Programme

Teachers at a function yesterday urged the government to implement Education development Programme and salary structure for teachers as per recommendations of International Labour Organisation (ILO). They made this call at a function on the 14th death anniversary programme of Principal AKM Shahidullah in the city yesterday. On the day, Bangladesh Federation of Teachers. Association (BFTA) held a Milad-mahfil at its central office on Friday afternoon. The teachers said the recommendations of ILO were violated in the previous times. They also called for fixing teachers' salary as per ILO recommendations. Paying tribute to Principal AKM Shahidullah the teachers said, he created awareness of mass people on the importance of teaching as national responsibility. Moreover, Shahidullah also worked for creating awareness of people on the teachers' responsibilities as per recommendations of ILO. BFTA chairman Sheikh Amanullah, general secretary Prof. Kazi Faruk Ahmed, president of Bangladesh Teachers. Association Mohammad Azizul Islam, general secretary of Bangladesh College Teachers. Association Prof. Asadul Haque, general secretary of Bangladesh College-University Teachers. Association Prof. Abdur Rashid were, among others, present on the occasion, a press release said.

From http://nation.ittefaq.com/ 05/12/2007

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Govt Urged to Reduce CNG-bus Fare

Lawyers, educationists, journalists and social activists at a press conference urged the Government to reduce CNG bus fare and introduce sufficient CNG BRTC service in the city streets. They also urged the Government to implement the lowest fare rate for the CNG-run auto-rickshaws, taxicabs and buses. Citizens Rights Movement (CRM) oragnised the press conference on passenger harassment by drivers of auto-rickshaws in the city, at the National Press Club yesterday. The leaders of the CRM presented 11-point demands to the government in the press conference. Justice Golam Rabbani, former justice and one of advisers of CRM, chaired the conference, while Syed Marghub Morshed, former secretary, Syed Abul Maksud, columnist, Prof Dilara Hafiz, educationist, Group Capt (Retd) Md Alfaz, Barrister Sadia Arman, among others, spoke on the occasion. Tushar Rehman, Secretary General of CRM, read out written statement in the conference. Speakers urged the Government to ensure the free movement of passengers by CNG-run auto-rickshaws and drivers agreement to carry them. They said according to the tripartite agreement, diesel-run bus fares have been increased seven paisa per kilometer. But in reality, the authorities of these transports are taking about Tk one per kilometer. They urged the Government to form inter-district Road Transport Coordination Council. The council will comprise representatives of the Communication Ministry, BRTA, traffic police and media personnel. Speakers underscored the need for implementation of the Environment Protection Act 1995 for controlling noise pollution and stopping using of hydraulic horns in the city streets.

From http://nation.ittefaq.com/ 05/12/2007

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BHUTAN: ICT Access for the Visually Impaired

The teachers from the National Institute for Disabled (NID), Khaling and Drukgyel Higher Secondary schools are on training with Media LT, an NGO to spearhead the development of ICT for the visually impaired in Bhutan. The NID Khaling will function as the national centre for ICT particularly focusing on the need of the visually impaired. The NID Khaling, will open few more centre and provide assistance in ICT to all visually impaired people in the country on use and application of computers. The centre will also function as resource centre. The training is one of activities within the comprehensive package of creating a computer centre for the visually impaired at NID in Khaling. This training will enhance visually impaired people to improve their quality of work through Internet access.

From http://southasia.oneworld.net/ 05/10/2007

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INDIA: Indian Loan Project Gives Solar Energy to Rural Poor

A UN project in India has given thousands of people in rural areas access to reliable electricity by enabling them to take out small loans to purchase solar panels. The project, launched by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2003 in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, facilitated over 18,000 loans for solar panels over three years. A report on the project will be presented at the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, meeting this week (30 April) in New York, United States. The sunlight-powered systems offer a reliable source of clean energy. "When this project started, about 70 per cent of people in rural India had no access to electricity," says Jyoti Painuly, senior energy planner at the UNEP Risoe Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development in Denmark, which helped implement the project. At the time there were no credit sales, so the solar panels ¡ª already available in India for US$300-500 ¡ª were too expensive for most people. "The people who needed the solar panels the most didn't have access to the finance," says Painuly. UNEP recruited two popular banks to take part in the project as part of their 'priority sector lending' obligation ¡ª a government directive requiring Indian banks to give a percentage of their loans to people in rural areas.

To attract borrowers, UNEP negotiated an extension of the loan period from three to five years, decreasing the size of monthly repayments. The banks agreed to accept a smaller initial deposit and a two per cent cut in interest rates, compared to standard loans. At the start of the project, UNEP also subsidised the loans to further decrease interest rates. After three years, the project had increased credit loans for solar panels from 1,400 to 18,000, with few loan defaults. Following the project's success, banks originally unwilling to participate have begun giving poorer people credit to buy the systems, Painuly told SciDev.Net. These 'outside' loans now make up more than half of all loans. "The whole purpose of the project was to create a viable, sustainable market for these systems," explains H.V. Kumar, director of Crestar Capital, UNEP's implementation partner in India. He says the project has succeeded because it uses different ways of helping poor people ¡ª without the need to donate free systems or use heavy capital subsidies. "We facilitated the process so that people can access money on their own," says Kumar. The project has been extended to the Indian states of Gujarat, Kerala and Maharashtra, and UNEP plans to initiate similar projects in Algeria, China, Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Mexico, Morocco and Tunisia.

From SciDev.Net 04/30/2007

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Punjab Government to Revamp Medical Institutions

Chandigarh, May 3: In order to streamline the functioning of the government medical colleges in the state, the Punjab Government today decided to fill up 57 vacant direct quota posts in the teaching faculties on adhoc basis by the departmental selection committee. A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here. The Chief Minister also approved the proposal of the Medical Education and Research Department to re-designate 60 posts of Medical Officers to that of lecturer in the pre/para clinical departments and that of Senior Residents in the clinical departments. Likewise, it was also decided in the meeting to fill vacant 266 paramedical and 159 class IV posts through outsourcing. The Chief Minister asked the Secretary Medical Education and Research to submit a detailed master plan to upgrade the existing infrastructure in the state medical institutions which were in a dilapidated condition sice the past 25 years. He said that the services of well known architects should be engaged in consultation with Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) to give a facelift to the buildings of the medical colleges of Patiala, Amritsar and Faridkot.

It was also decided to equip the three medical colleges with state-of-the-art technology in a phased manner. Mr Badal pointed out that the medical institutions of Amritsar and Patiala would be taken up in the first phase of up-gradation and in the next phase the Baba Farid University of Medical Sciences and Medical College at Faridkot would be upgraded. The meeting also decided to grant financial autonomy to the three medical colleges, with a small sized coordinating committee to supervise their functioning. Taking part in the deliberations, Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal was of the viewpoint that optimal use of user charges should be made for the maintenance and up-gradation of the infrastructure, machinery and equipment in these colleges. It was also decided to raise a corpus fund of Rs 100 crore in order to give financial autonomy to these institutions thereby minimising their dependence on the state budget. Briefing the Chief Minister, Medical Education and Research Minister Tikshan Sud also emphasised the need to strengthen the infrastructure and logistics in the Government Ayurveda Medical College at Patiala, one of the oldest ayurvedic institutions of Northern India. This would help this college to undertake research and development in ayurvedic system of medicine which was growing in popularity. Others present in the meeting were Secretary Medical Education and Research Jagjit Puri and Director Medical Education and Research, Dr Kiranjit Kaur.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/03/2007

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Women and ICT-based Enterprise in West Bengal

After Kudumbushree in Kerala, it is the turn of West Bengal. Ten women from the Municipality of Howrah in the state have signed a partnership agreement to set up a group to do ICT business. The group is calling themselves. The group has sought a loan to do business and are now preparing a proposal in this regard. It is expected that the loan would be sanctioned by September. The money will be used to buy computers, a xerox machine, a laser printer and a digital camera. Proposed business activities include DTP, data entry work, digital photography, photocopying and renting computers to students for practice. For the first year, the premises will be offered free of cost by the Municipality of Howrah. In the meantime, the group will take part in training sessions on entreprenurial development. They have also decided to pool Rs 200 (two and a half pounds) each a buy a telephone. This telephone will be used for rental purposes and the earnings will be used to buy furniture such as tables, chairs, to be used for the ICT business. Till the period of the loan sanction, the group will work on computers provided by the NGO Change Initiatives. Change Initiatives is promoting ICT-based enterprises for women in West Bengal. It is organising promotional activities and facilitating women to set up such businesses. The first phase of its work was in collaboration with the University of Manchester and was supported by DFID.

From http://southasia.oneworld.net/ 05/03/2007

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Dynamic Water Resource Website Launched

The Union Ministry of Water Resources of India has redesigned the bilingual and dynamic website, http://www.mowr.gov.in, to make the ministry more transparent. The Ministry of Water Resources has developed the website to provide effective governance. As a measure to implement Information Technology Strategic Plan (ITSP), the ministry has redesigned its website so as to disseminate information about the Ministry for the general users, its own employees, citizens, coordinating States and Union Territories and other Ministries and Departments in Government of India. The website has three links to enhance the content presentation in a manageable unit.

From http://www.egovonline.net/ 05/11/2007

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IT Minister of India, Raja Focuses on Rural Telephony

New Communications and IT Minister of India, A. Raja has promised to focus on rural telephony across the country. He said that his policies would be focused on rural telephony and attracts more foreign direct investment (FDI) into the telecom and IT sectors. Currently, India has more than 200 million telecom subscribers both in fixed line and mobile phone.

From The Hindu 05/17/2007

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Setting Up of New Costal Nuclear Power Stations

New Delhi, May 17: The Government today informed the Rajya Sabha that setting up of Light Water Reactors of 1,000 MW capacity and above depends on developments on opening up of international civil nuclear cooperation. In a written reply, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Prithviraj Chavan also made it clear that as per the Atomic Energy Act, only a Government company can be permitted to set up nuclear power plants. No decision has been taken with regard to companies registered under Companies Act. On the number of nuclear power stations in the country, the Minister said there are presently 17 nuclear power reactors operating in the country with a capacity of 4,120 MW. The generation in the year 2006-07 was 18,801 million units. Regarding coastal nuclear power station in Orissa, Mr Chavan replied that the efforts of the Government to access international cooperation open up the possibility of setting up large capacity nuclear power stations comprising of Light Water Reactors based on imports at coastal locations. The actual setting up of these reactors would, however, depend on the international developments in this regard. He further said that the Site Selection Committee (SSC) set up by the Government is currently evaluating potential of sites offered by coastal states. The power capacity of the stations can be in the range of 6,000 to 10,000 MW. A site at Patisonapur in Orissa is among the sites being avaluated by the SSC, Mr Chavan added.

From http://www.newkerala.com/ 05/17/2007

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PAKISTAN: Lucky to Have Free Media, Says Hunt

LAHORE: An independent and active press is an important pillar of democracy because it empowers people, exposes corruption, encourages transparency and promotes participation in the political process, US Consulate Principal Officer (PO) Bryan Hunt said on Thursday. He was addressing faculty and students at the Punjab University¡¯s Institute of Communication Studies (ICS) at a ceremony held to commemorate World Press Freedom Day. Hunt said Pakistan was fortunate to have a free and growing independent media, adding that he had been impressed with the wide variety of viewpoints available in print and electronic media. ¡°For me, as someone who spent most of his career in African countries without a vibrant independent press, the difference in Pakistan is truly dramatic,¡± he said. He said an open press should be welcomed and encouraged. However, the PO stressed that more investigative journalism was needed. He said World Press Freedom Day recognised the important contributions of a free press and honoured the sacrifices made by journalists to report the truth. He said no nation could become a true democracy without a free press.

¡°The US vigorously promotes freedom of expression as a core component of our diplomacy and assistance programmes,¡± he said adding that the US supported press freedom through programmes and exchanges such as the Edward R Murrow Journalism Program for foreign journalists. ¡°In February 2006, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice launched the Global Internet Freedom Task Force (GIFT) which focuses on increasing the free flow of information and ideas on the Internet,¡± he said. He also outlined the US State Department reports on the state of press freedom in its annual Country Reports on Human Rights and said that for the ¡°first time, the 2006 reports included a separate sub-section on Internet repression¡±. Hunt also conducted a question and answer session in which he said the US did not influence the contents of media outlets. He said the media was best handled by the private sector. In his concluding remarks, Hunt said, ¡°Let us celebrate the right of the press to speak loudly, clearly and freely from shore to shore. Let us celebrate the wealth and variety of our modern media and let us remember that the critical role it plays in informing and educating voters is the life of democracy¡±.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 05/04/2007

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PM Asks for