19th APEC Ministerial Meeting Concludes

The 19th APEC Ministerial Meeting has concluded with the release of the Joint Statement. The statement covers the following areas: Promoting prosperity through a commitment to trade and economic reform; Continuing support for the WTO and the multilateral trading system; Regional Economic Integration; Regional Trade Agreements/Free Trade Agreements (RTAs/FTAs); Individual Action Plans (IAPs) and Collective Action Plans (CAPs); Trade Facilitation; Intellectual Property Rights and the Digital Economy; Investment; Anti-Corruption and Transparency; Improving the Business Environment and Structural Reform; Economic and Technical Cooperation (ECOTECH) and Capacity Building; Enhancing Human Security in the Asia-Pacific; Counter Terrorism and Secure Trade; Food and other Product Safety; Emergency Preparedness; Health; Energy Security and Sustainability; Ensuring APEC is Dynamic and Responsive to Developments in the Asia-Pacific. The APEC Leaders Week continues with the APEC Business Summit today and tomorrow. The APEC Business Advisory Council Meeting is currently underway and concludes on Saturday, and the climax of the week will be the APEC Leaders' Meeting on Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9.

From http://www.apecsec.org.sg/apec/ 09/06/2007

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ASEAN 'People's Charter' to Advance Civil Society

Early this month, Southeast Asian civil society leaders met at the Third ASEAN and Civil Society Conference (ACSC) in Singapore. There, civil society leaders, composed mainly of representatives from non-governmental organizations, trade unions, grassroot organizations and the academic community, called for the launching of an ASEAN People's Charter. The campaign for the People's Charter is expected to be launched if the actual ASEAN Charter, which is to be agreed and signed by ASEAN Heads of States in the upcoming Thirteenth ASEAN Summit, fails to address the aspirations of civil society. The debate around the ASEAN People's Charter began to emerge earlier this year among leaders of civil society groups in Southeast Asia. At this point, the People's Charter is not expected to replace the actual ASEAN Charter, but, instead, to illustrate the ideal charter people have in mind. Since the announcement for the creation of an ASEAN Charter by ASEAN leaders in their Summit in 2005, regional and national civil society groups have been active in pursuing close engagements with ASEAN and its member governments on this issue.

Throughout 2006, representatives of civil society groups were given some space to submit their input to the so-called Eminent Persons Group (EPG), which was tasked to provide some initial recommendations on the ASEAN Charter. Subsequently, an interface between civil society groups and the High Level Task Force (HLTF), currently responsible for the finalization of the draft of the ASEAN Charter, was conducted earlier this year. Despite this, local, national, and regional civil society groups remain concerned about the final outcome of the ASEAN Charter. Civil society leaders were particularly worried about the legitimization of the continuous use of ASEAN's existing values, norms, and principles, including non-intervention, Asian values, and others, in the ASEAN Charter. Apart from providing the legal status for ASEAN, regional civil society leaders felt the ASEAN Charter should provide a sound foundation for the implementation of regional governance in the future. Consequently, ASEAN Charter's failure to bring radical improvement in ASEAN's modus operandi was considered a significant drawback for the people of Southeast Asia.

Representatives of ASEAN civil society groups also expressed their concerns regarding the space provided by ASEAN and its member governments on the making of the ASEAN Charter. This was particularly true during the preparation of the final draft of the Charter by the HLTF. So far, only one interface between civil society groups and members of HLTF was conducted at the regional level. At the national level, members of HLTF showed little intention to meet and engage with their civil society counterparts in the drafting of the Charter. This applies even in a democratic country such as Indonesia. The ASEAN Charter drafting process was too hasty. In their statement, representatives of Southeast Asian civil society groups demanded ASEAN leaders ensure transparency through the disclosure of the ASEAN Charter draft for meaningful public consultation and discussions. Civil society groups also called for an assurance from ASEAN leaders for substantive participation from people at the national and regional levels in the adoption of the ASEAN Charter. This would include the referendum process at the final phase of the charter process. Other than high level officials from ASEAN member countries, not many people in the Southeast Asian region really know what their fate might be in years to come.

Would an undemocratic change of government and systematic and gross violations of human rights still permitted under the new Charter? Would commitment toward trade and investment liberalization that led to the suffering of millions of ASEAN citizens be justified under the new Charter? Could we see the end of the end of child soldiers and the trafficking of women when the Charter is adopted by the member states? These are but a handful of complex problems that have to be resolved in the Southeast Asian region. There are many other urgent issues, such as environment, poverty, and so on, that require strong governance -- at both national and regional levels. The Third ACSC also issued a separate statement to address the issue in Burma. In relation to ASEAN and the ASEAN Charter, the participants of the ACSC 3 called ASEAN member countries to take concrete measures to bring meaningful pressure on the Burmese junta, including the instigation of an arms embargo and measures to stem the flow of resources from ASEAN countries to the Burmese army and its associated elites. The emergence of the ASEAN People's Charter proposal really reflects the uneasiness of the people of Southeast Asia to allow a handful of ASEAN policy-makers to decide their fate. The people of Southeast Asia would certainly find it difficult if some undemocratic and corrupt governments in ASEAN sign the ASEAN Charter on behalf of its people. (By Alexander C. Chandra and Rafendi Djamin, Jakarta)

From http://www.thejakartapost.com/ 11/08/2007

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No Single Answer to S-E Asia's Greying Population

SOUTH-EAST Asia must start to address the challenges posed by its growing ranks of greying citizens which, if ignored, could have long-term political implications for the region, experts say. Some South-east Asian countries such as Singapore are already drawing up plans to tackle the matter but others have yet to fully grasp the seriousness of the issue, they said. 'From my perspective, it is really important,' said Aris Ananta, a senior research fellow with Singapore's Institute of South-east Asian Studies. 'From (an) economic point of view, if there are many older people and we cannot finance them, it's a burden,' he said on the sidelines of a forum on ageing organised recently by the institute. Because numbers of elderly are increasing at a pace that varies from country to country, there is no standard formula that policymakers can adopt, experts said. For Singapore, encouraging workers to stay employed beyond the retirement age of 62 is seen as part of the solution in a country where one in five people will be aged 65 and above by 2030. That figure compares with just one in 12 last year.

Such a policy may not be feasible for other South-east Asian countries where the demographics are different. 'The problem will be different from one country to another,' said Mr Ananta. Overcoming the challenge of the greying population will also require a complete change in the mindset that views older people as simply a burden, said Kalyani Mehta, associate professor from the National University of Singapore's department of social work. 'My personal view is that we still have stereotypes,' Professor Mehta said. From Singapore to neighbouring Malaysia and Brunei, foreign workers are a common sight as the countries seek to augment their labour pools. 'All the (South-east Asian) countries are experiencing this phenomenon of an ageing society,' said Rodolfo Severino, secretary general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from 1998 to 2002. He told the forum that 'you cannot just have unlimited migration because of the social impact'. Opening the doors to foreign labour can help a country with a fast-ageing population address its manpower shortage but this can also be a threat to social cohesion, Mr Severino said.

From http://www.straitstimes.com/ 11/09/2007

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ASEAN Should Be Driver of Regional Economic Cooperation and Integration - ADB President

SINGAPORE - Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda told ASEAN business leaders today that ASEAN can and should be an example to the group’s Asian neighbors of how economic cooperation can improve regional integration. “ASEAN is uniquely positioned to act as a de facto ‘regional hub’ of wider economic cooperation and integration within East Asia and eventually across Asia as a whole,” Mr. Kuroda said in his speech at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Business and Investment Summit. Most subregions in Asia and the Pacific are making stronger efforts to cooperate among themselves. As this process continues, “bridges” naturally form across subregional boundaries, leading to progressively wider and more comprehensive economic integration and political cooperation. The ADB President noted that the planned signing of the new ASEAN Charter is “probably the most important milestone in the evolution of the organization.”

“The new Charter shifts ASEAN’s institutional framework toward one that is more rules-based. Yet it remains sufficiently programmatic, acknowledging that national economic development and national priorities vary,” said Mr. Kuroda. He said that building the broad political and social consensus required for a far-reaching pan-Asian “vision” of regional integration would be difficult. “However, a market-friendly, pragmatic and multi-track approach to integration seems workable.” Mr. Kuroda stressed the importance of economic cooperation and integration for the region’s development, saying that bridging the development gap between ASEAN countries would continue to be a key challenge. He said the private sector must be an integral part of ASEAN efforts toward the establishment of an economic community in 2015. “Public-private partnerships will be a critical component crossing all four pillars of regional cooperation and integration – that is: cross-border infrastructure, trade and investment, money and finance, and the provision of regional public goods such as environmental protection and prevention of pandemic illnesses.”

From http://www.adb.org/ 11/17/2007

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ADB President Calls for Acceleration in Subregional Cooperation

SINGAPORE - Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda today called for increasing subregional cooperation in Southeast Asia as economic interests in the region converge. Mr. Kuroda's comments came during his participation in the leaders’ meetings for the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines -- East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and the Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand – Growth Triangle (IMT-GT). During the 4th BIMP-EAGA Summit, Mr. Kuroda noted that the four countries signed key subregional transport agreements earlier this year granting additional traffic rights to major international airports, facilitating the cross-border movement of buses and coaches and strengthening sea route cooperation. “Promoting the seamless flow of trade and tourism across the subregion’s borders is a major step in economic integration. Accelerating this flow will bring significant economic benefits – sooner – to all BIMP-EAGA countries,” Mr. Kuroda said.

In a joint statement, the four leaders welcomed ADB’s initiative in establishing a BIMP-EAGA environment program in the core of their Coral Triangle Initiative, aimed at enhancing the exceptional land and marine biodiversity of the subregion. A technical assistance grant of $1.5 million is being processed to start off the program. BIMP-EAGA was launched in 1995 as a key strategy of the group for addressing the social and economic development of their less-developed and more remote territories. Mr. Kuroda noted that BIMP-EAGA is now shifting from planning to implementing projects. BIMP-EAGA has a combined population of 57.5 million. It consists of the entire sultanate of Brunei Darussalam; Papua, Maluku, Kalimantan and Sulawesi in Indonesia; Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan in Malaysia; and Mindanao and Palawan in the Philippines. The 3rd IMT-GT Summit endorsed the participation of six new provinces of southern Thailand into the cooperation initiative, which has substantially expanded the scope of its cooperation since its formation in 1993.

IMT-GT is now composed of 32 states and provinces from the entire island of Sumatra, all but two states of Peninsular Malaysia, and all fourteen provinces in southern Thailand. The combined population of IMT-GT areas is now in excess of 70 million. Congratulating IMT-GT for its achievements during the year, including creation of a fully funded permanent secretariat in Selangor, Mr. Kuroda called for further enhancement of connectivity and trade facilitation. “Targeted reductions in transport and logistics costs along the identified connectivity corridors would substantially reduce the costs of moving goods and people across the Straits of Melaka.” To support increased subregional cooperation in IMT-GT, Mr. Kuroda said ADB is willing to significantly increase regional technical assistance. ADB support to IMT-GT is focused on enhancing regional economic connectivity corridors, trade facilitation, providing institutional and capacity development, and promoting local government participation.

From http://www.adb.org/ 11/19/2007

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CHINA: Controversial Road Law Revising

Drivers in China may only have to pay 10 percent of the cost of damage caused by accident that is above the insurer's pay out as the country's top legislature is discussing an amendment to the much-disputed road transportation safety law. According to a draft amendment to the law, automobile drivers will be asked to pay less than 10 percent of the compensation that exceeds the mandatory vehicle insurance for accidents involving non-motorized vehicle drivers or pedestrians-- if they can prove the victim broke traffic laws first and the automobile drivers tried to avoid the accident, the Beijing News reported today. The current law says automobile drivers should take responsibility for accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians, no matter who is at fault. But their responsibility could be eased to some extent if evidence proves that they have taken necessary action to try to avoid the accident. The current law was heavily criticized by car owners when it went into effect in 2004. The draft also clarifies that automobile drivers should pay 60 percent of the cost of an accident if both involved parties are equally to blame. Automobile drivers will pay 80 percent of the compensation if cyclists or pedestrians take minor responsibility, the draft said. But they will only be asked to pay 40 percent if cyclists or pedestrians are found to have played the major role in causing the accident. In December, 2005, Beijing driver Liu Huan was ordered to pay nearly 100,000 yuan (US$13,000) to the family of Cao Zhixiu, who was knocked down and killed when illegally crossing a main road, which is off limits to pedestrians. China reported 159,000 road accidents in the first six months of this year, in which 37,000 people were killed and 189,000 were injured, the Ministry of Public Security said.

From Shanghai Daily 10/25/2007

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China Tightens Rules for Drug Manufacturers

China is tightening application procedures for firms seeking to manufacture drugs, state media reported on Monday, following a rash of scandals over fake medicines and corruption in the industry. The higher threshold to qualify for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification will take effect on January 1. "The new standards have strengthened supervision over weak links in quality control of drug manufacturers," Xinhua news agency quoted Bian Zhenjia, of the State Food and Drug Administration, as saying. Before the revisions, manufacturers could get away with up to three "severe defects" in their drug-making process and still be certified. Now, no such defects would be tolerated. Falsifying application documents would also qualify as a "severe defect," the report said. China has long struggled with the safety of food and drugs, but has come under increasing scrutiny internationally after exports of a series of products were found to be tainted. Its food and drug watchdogs have also been plagued by graft, compounding the difficulty of cleaning up the sector. In July, China executed Zheng Xiaoyu, former head of the national Food and Drug Administration, after he was found to have abused his approval power to obtain bribes and win illegal profits from drug companies.

From http://news.yahoo.com 10/29/2007

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Lawyers Can Now Meet Crime Suspects

Lawmakers yesterday adopted a legislation that would help defense lawyers meet criminal suspects and obtain evidence from June next year. The amendment to the Law on Lawyers, passed during the 30th session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, includes three points: Defense lawyers can meet clients after initial interrogation or other mandatory sanctions ordered by judicial organs; Conversations between attorneys and suspects will not be monitored; and Defense lawyers have the right to read all the files and materials related to the case, and can collect evidence themselves or apply to prosecuting organs and courts seeking evidence. The existing Criminal Procedure Law does allow suspects to meet their lawyers after police interrogation. But it does not provide any detailed interpretation. The Law on Lawyers has no relevant stipulation at all, and thus prevents many suspects from meeting their lawyers because of police objections. Wang Rong, a Shanghai lawyer specializing in criminal defense, said many lawyers are unwilling to handle criminal cases because they often face difficulty in meeting clients, getting hold of case materials and obtaining evidence.

The amendment changes the situation, said Yang Minglun, deputy director of the legal affairs committee of the NPC Standing Committee, by "safeguarding lawyers' rights, especially in criminal defense". The amendment specifies that defense lawyers' opinions and remarks in court cannot lead to prosecution if they don't threaten national security or are slanderous, he said. "The amendment, to take effect from next June, will improve lawyers' working conditions effectively," he said. Legislators are considering amending the Criminal Procedure Law, Yang said, to make the provisions coherent. Yesterday's legislative session also accepted an amendment to the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights to enhance access to medicines when dealing with public health emergencies. The session also adopted three other laws: The amendment to the Civil Procedure Law - to address the long-standing problem of civil court rulings that are not carried out effectively; The revised Energy Efficiency Law - stipulating that the ability of local governments and their chief officials to meet energy-efficiency goals should be a key factor when higher-level governments examine their performance; and The Law on Urban and Rural Planning - to curb rampant urbanization and irrational land acquisition in rural areas.

From China Daily 10/29/2007

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New Law to Ban Falsifying Information on Accidents, Disasters

A new law, which is to take effect on Nov. 1, bans the fabrication and spreading of false information on accidents and disasters and requires governments to provide accurate and timely information. The Emergency Response Law approved by the national legislature on Aug. 30 this year is aimed at improving handling of industrial accidents, natural disasters, health and public security hazards. Chinese officials will be legally obliged to provide accurate and timely information on public emergencies, while media organizations that publish false reports could lose their business licenses under the new law. The 70-article law would help minimize losses and prevent minor mishaps from turning into major public crises. "People's governments in charge of coping with an emergency should provide coordinated, accurate and timely information on the emergency and its development," it says. The law also states that "units and individuals are prohibited from fabricating or spreading false information regarding emergencies and government efforts to cope with emergencies." Offenders will be warned, it says. Media organizations or web companies could lose their business licenses if their offences lead to serious consequences.

Government officials will incur administrative punishment for providing inaccurate information, says the law. Behavior that contravenes public security management rules or criminal statutes will be prosecuted, it says. The law requires "harsh punishments for looting of properties during emergencies and for disrupting emergency response work." The law says when extremely serious emergencies occur, which severely threaten life and property, state security, public security, environmental security or public order, which are not covered by the provisions in the law, the NPC Standing Committee or the State Council can declare a "state of emergency" in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws. Frequent natural disasters and industrial accidents have caused huge losses of life and property in China. Police records show 5.61 million natural and industrial emergencies were reported in 2004, leaving 210,000 people dead and1.75 million injured. Direct economic losses topped 450 billion yuan (56.3 billion U.S. dollars).

From http://www.chinaview.cn 10/31/2007

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Draft Food Safety Law Approved

The State Council, China's Cabinet, yesterday approved in principle a draft food safety law to raise standards and regulate supervision. World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan (left) and Li Changjiang, head of China's product-quality watchdog, address the media yesterday in Beijing. The WHO chief praised China's moves to crack down on food-safety problems as the country stepped up efforts in recent months to clamp down on shoddy and dangerous goods. "Food safety is vital to improving people's lives and health, so legislation must match national efforts of safeguarding food safety," said Premier Wen Jiabao. The draft law was discussed at yesterday's executive meeting of the State Council, which was presided over by Wen. "The draft bill covers food production, processing, consumption and regulation," the country's quality watchdog chief Li Changjiang said while meeting the visiting World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan. Li said the draft would be submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) for further review, but he would not give details or a timetable. An announcement on the central government's website said the law mandates better release of information about food safety issues, higher fines for errant firms and punishment of officials who act irresponsibly; and guarantees the public's right to compensation and to sue.

The announcement also said the law requires the establishment of a food safety risk analysis and monitoring system, as well as closer checks of food imports and exports. "I believe that the promulgation of this law will effectively improve China's food safety situation and ensure food safety and people's health," said Li, minister of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. Chan told Li that she was happy with the action China had taken to raise standards. "I'm confident that the way forward will be good for the world and for China. This is exactly what we are looking to you for - strengthened efforts," she said. The quality of Chinese goods has come under international scrutiny following a spate of safety scares around the globe involving Chinese products ranging from pet food to seafood and toothpaste to toys. The Chinese government said those were isolated problems but has also taken a series of measures to tighten checks and punish illegal activities. Meanwhile, there has been a growing voice asking for the revision of the Food Hygiene Law, which was adopted 12 years ago, or the formulation of a food safety law to offer the current food safety campaign legislative backing.

Chen Junshi, a senior researcher with the National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety who has been involved in the legislation, said lawmakers had, after heated debate, reached consensus that a new law would be better. "It is clear that the food safety bill, if passed, will replace the existing Food Hygiene Law," Chen told China Daily. The NPC Standing Committee would not reveal when the draft law would be tabled for the first review, but its legislative plan released earlier this year has scheduled the reading of the amendment to the Food Hygiene Law for late next month. Experts said they welcome the new draft law but expressed concern that the bill fails to touch on the restructuring of the current food safety supervision mechanism. Food safety is currently overseen by at least six major government departments, resulting in overlapping responsibility and law enforcement. However, Chen said the reform of the current mechanism is difficult because it might affect the interests of some government agencies. "The draft law doesn't change any of the existing supervision system. It only stipulates that the State Council has the power to change it in the future," he said. "We expect the next government, to be in power next March, to make some concrete changes in reforming the system."

From China Daily 11/01/2007

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China Issues New Guide for Foreign Investment

China's government released a new guide Wednesday of industries open to foreign investment and foreign companies that are banned or restricted from entering the Chinese market. Foreign investors are invited to join efforts to promote the recycling economy, clean production, renewable energy utilization and ecological environment protection. However, China is to prohibit foreign investors from exploiting "important and non-renewable" mineral resources, and to restrict energy-consuming and highly-polluting projects, said the NDRC. The new guide, promulgated against the backdrop of economic transformation from quantity to quality, will replace the 2004 version and take effect from Dec. 1, said the National Development and Reform Center (NDRC), or the top economic planner. The 28-page guide, stating China's position of "upholding the opening-up policy and safeguarding national economic security", has just been approved by the State Council. Foreign companies are restricted from entering "strategic and sensitive" industries relating to the national economic security, but the NDRC did not specify these industries or the restrictions. Foreign capital is encouraged to help develop service outsourcing and modern logistics, the guide says.

The manufacturing sector is also open to foreign investment in high technology, equipment manufacturing and new materials industries, but foreign investment in traditional manufacturing industries in which China already had "mature technologies and relatively strong production capacity" is not encouraged. The government will also curb the expansion of export-oriented industries to reduce ballooning trade surplus, which has stirred protectionist sentiment among major trade partners. Since 1997, China has revised the industry guide for foreign investors on three occasions in the hope of channeling foreign investment to serve the needs of industrial restructuring. Justin Lin, director of the China Center for Economic Research of Peking University, said it was time China started to be more discerning with foreign investment. The current policies to attract foreign investment were made 28years ago when China was desperate for money and foreign currencies. "Our priority now is not to attract as much foreign investment as possible, but to bring in new high-tech industries that we currently don't have," Lin said, "I have no doubt that preferential policies will only remain for certain kinds of foreign investors." Jin Bosheng, a research analyst with the Ministry of Commerce, said the government was showing particular interest in new high-tech industries, especially electronics, biology, petrochemicals and medicines, which indicated it was seeking to redirect foreign investment.

Amid growing domestic concern that surging foreign trade was failing to benefit people in central and western China, investment regulators are focusing on upgrading industries in the poorer areas of inland China. The government would also introduce a revised version of the guide for foreign investors in central and western regions, said the NDRC. China is the largest recipient of foreign investment of all developing nations for 15 successive years. But a 2004 report to the UN Conference on Trade and Development noted China attracted per capita foreign investment of 47 U.S. dollars, much lower than the 534 U.S. dollars per person that was invested in developed countries and below the world average of 107 U.S. dollars.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 11/07/2007

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China to Issue Rules on Standardizing Insurance Co Regulations

China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) has recently issued draft Rules on Standardizing Regulations of Insurance Companies for soliciting opinions from various insurance firms, according to sources from the CIRC. A CIRC official said that the draft rules are aimed at strengthening supervision over regulations of insurance companies, standardizing regulation content, and working out examining and approving procedures for the regulations. The rules cover the basic content, drafting, amending, examining and approving, and registration of the regulations, requiring insurance companies to give specific standards on equity structure, shareholders, organization, responsibility and accounting. Based on the draft rules, the regulations shall make it clear that if the company fails to meet CIRC requirements in payment ability, it shall not distribute profits to shareholders, and shareholders have the responsibility to support insurance companies to improve the payment ability by taking appropriate methods including making additional issue. The regulations of insurance companies are an important document to standardize the organization and behaviour of the companies, and the foundation for standardizing the corporate governance structure.

From http://au.biz.yahoo.com 11/07/2007

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China Mulling Regulation on Mixed Financial Operations

China's banking regulator is working on a guideline for supervision of cross financial operations of banking institutions, such as those in insurance and securities sectors, to identify hidden risks in the financial system, said Jiang Dingzhi, vice chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) on Thursday. Chinese commercial banks have been setting up or purchasing trust companies, leasing firms, insurance and securities brokers in recent years to expand and diversify their businesses. "We are trying to avoid risks resulting from the lack of supervision over the emerging umbrella bank groups, which have subsidiaries in insurance and securities businesses," said Jiang at the International Finance Forum in Beijing. Diversified services in such banking groups have helped improve the competitiveness of banks and their risk control capabilities, but new risks came along as well, Jiang said. Lack of transparency within the banking group, for instance, had made it possible to transfer assets and risks among different subsidiaries and the parent company due to absence of supervision. "The US sub-prime crisis overshadowing the US and global markets was one example of hidden risks," he said.

The new regulation aims to realize a concentrated supervision of banking groups as a whole, by putting all of their subsidiary business operations under supervision, Jiang said. In the present system Chinese banking institutions, securities companies and insurance firms were separately supervised by independent regulators: the CBRC, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), and the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC). In its draft guideline published by the CBRC on its website to solicit public opinion with deadline on Nov. 16, the commission encourages the parent company to consult with other regulatory bodies, including the CSRC and CIRC, on risks and capital adequacy ratio of its subsidiaries. The draft also says parent bank groups should deduct investment in their subsidiary securities and insurance companies from their balance sheets, or achieve a consolidated balance sheet for the group as a whole in other ways.

From Xinhua News Agency 11/09/2007

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China to Accelerate Listing of State-owned Enterprises

China will accelerate the fully listing of its eligible centrally administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs) or their main businesses in three years, said Li Rongrong, minister in charge of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) on Friday. Li's comment showed persistent government support for the listing of central SOEs, although an SASAC statement denied market rumors in mid October of a government plan to fully list 30 central SOEs before 2010. Most SOEs in oil and chemicals, telecommunications, transportation and metallurgy industries have been fully listed in recent years, said Li at an SOE performance evaluation meeting. In 2006, the total assets of central SOEs hit 12.2 trillion yuan, up 46.5 percent from the figure in 2003. Their revenue stood at 8.3 trillion yuan, up by 85.3 percent. The assets regulator, set up in 2003 to take control of big state companies, has been cutting the number of major SOEs by promoting mergers and acquisitions and allowing poorly performing state firms to go bankrupt.(One U.S. dollar equals to 7.46 yuan)

From http://english.people.com.cn 11/09/2007

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China to Revise Law on HIV Foreigners

China will relax a long-standing rule that bars foreigners with HIV from entering the country, a health official said. The law will be revised but a date has not yet been set, said Mao Qun'an, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health, according to a transcript of a news conference posted on the ministry's Web site late Monday. Under a 1994 law, foreigners applying for a residency permit in China must take an HIV test. Visitors to the country are asked to declare whether they have the virus — and can be refused entry or deported if they do. The law also affects those with other sexually transmitted diseases or tuberculosis. But Mao said China's attitudes have changed. "At present, we are considering, and we are changing the present regulation that stops foreigners with HIV and AIDS from entering the country, and this job is under way," he said. He did not give any details on how the law would be revised. The country has made more open efforts to tackle the disease in recent years, but still clamps down on some AIDS-awareness activists who are critical of the government's policies on the spread of the virus. In the past, the law has stopped those with HIV or AIDS from attending conferences on the disease in China.

"The change is correct and significant. It will benefit international cooperation on HIV/AIDS and will eliminate most Chinese people's concept that AIDS comes from foreigners," said Wan Yanhai, a Chinese activist for AIDS awareness and effective public health policies. Chinese police have occasionally detained him for his work. Wan said the Geneva-based Global Fund was behind the government's decision. The group finances programs that combat AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria and recently granted China $5.8 million to fight HIV and AIDS. The fund is holding a board meeting this week in the southwestern Chinese city of Kunming, and may have pressured the government to revise the law, Wan said. China holds a seat on the board of the Global Fund, which has approved a total of $424 million to fight disease in the country. The World Health Organization welcomed the news Tuesday, saying it was a major step in fighting discrimination and will lead to a greater understanding of how the virus is transmitted. "Decisions like this show that the Chinese government is continuing to make important progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS," said a statement issued by Joanna Brent, a WHO spokeswoman in China. An estimated 650,000 people in China live with HIV, according to the most recent government statistics, which date from 2005.

From http://news.yahoo.com 11/13/2007

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National Health Scheme to Be Released

A "national environment and health act" will be released next Wednesday by 18 ministries, a notice on the website of the Ministry of Health (MOH) said yesterday. The act, which will remain in place until 2015, is aimed at alleviating the harm to public health caused by environmental pollution, the website said. It has been backed by the MOH, the State Environmental Protection Administration, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology. China News Service, which published information about the act yesterday, said it will be carried out in two phases: In the first phase, ending in 2010, a national evaluation system will be set up to measure the harm caused by pollution, and surveys on the extent of environmental pollution and public health will be carried out.

In the second phase, monitoring networks will be set up to track changes in the amount of pollution released, and various government bodies will work together in responding to environmental crises. The monitoring networks will cover water for drinking and irrigation, the deterioration of the soil, extreme weather, public hygiene and the safekeeping of biological and microbiological agents in laboratories and animal farms. In cases of emergency, public warnings will be issued immediately and government bodies will assemble teams to minimize damages. Information platforms will be set up to coordinate actions and share information across government agencies. Information will also be publicized through the media as quickly as possible. Surveys on the sources of pollution and about its impact on the public health will be carried out soon. Research projects aimed at pinpointing the effects of climate change on the human body and the preventive power of traditional Chinese medicine are in the works.

From China Daily 11/14/2007

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Rules to Ensure Fair Selection of Civil Servants Issued

China's personnel authority on Thursday issued rules to ensure fair, transparent enrollment of civil servants. Government positions have become increasingly popular among job hunters. The rules, released by the personnel ministries of the Communist Party of China and the central government, ban employers of civil servants from setting "requirements that are unrelated to the nature of posts". In 2005, the government issued a health standard that included Hepatitis B carriers among eligible candidates for the civil service and dropped old weight and height requirements. The standard said Hepatitis B carriers were eligible to work for the government so long as the infection did not progress to the disease stage. Despite this, Chinese job hunters, including those seeking government posts, have long complained of discrimination on the grounds of sex, age, religion, race or physical disability. "Enrollment of civil servants has to follow the principles of being open, fair, competitive and selective, with dual consideration of the applicants' virtue and ability," said the rules.

Government jobs are closed to those with criminal records or sacked ex-civil servants, said the rules. Applicants who are caught cheating in exams or violating recruitment rules would be banned from applying for official posts for five years. Since China began organizing civil servant recruitment examinations in 1994, civil service has become one of the most popular professions of the country's job seekers because it offers a stable income, social status and excellent welfare insurance. In 2007, more than 530,000 applicants competed for 12,700 government jobs -- 42 people competing for each job on average. This year, more than 800,000 applicants will sit for the civil service examination in December, according to a statement on the ministry website. The most popular position, a post with the Ministry of Agriculture, attracted more than 3,500 applicants, the website said.

From Xinhua News Agency 11/23/2007

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JAPAN: Surveillance Society Eroding Public Freedoms, Rights - Forum

HAMAMATSU, Shizuoka Pref. (Kyodo) Should people be required to put public security first over their constitutionally guaranteed rights if it might prevent crime? Should visitors to Japan have to put up with being fingerprinted if it might catch terrorists? Lawyers, scholars and human rights advocates, struggling to find a solution to balance civil liberties and public security amid growing concerns that peace and order in Japan are deteriorating, met earlier this month at the annual human rights meeting of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture. Under the main theme, "Examination on Civil Liberty and Security — Surveillance Society since Sept. 11," it was reported that security measures, particularly those proposed or introduced after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, sometimes infringe on human rights. People are put under constant surveillance by security cameras on streets, while visitors aged 16 or older will be fingerprinted and photographed starting Nov. 20 under the revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law. In line with Japan's recognition that its security has reached a "cautionary zone," the government has toughened punishment for offenders, including juveniles. The Juvenile Law was toughened earlier this year, lowering the minimum age for sending minors to reformatories from 14 to "around 12." Also, the government is still considering legislation to recognize conspiracy as a crime, even if no illegal act is actually committed, to curb organized crime and terrorism, the JFBA reported.

These moves have been criticized by lawyers and human rights advocates, who argue they can lead to infringement of privacy and violate freedom of thought and expression, while the tougher penalty for minors will not be to the kids' benefit. The new immigration control system will discriminate against foreigners by marking them as possible terrorists, they argue. Such criticism, however, is not widely accepted. "People are now feeling happy about being watched and protected by state power," Takao Saito, a freelance journalist, told a symposium at the meeting. "I have to say that they have fallen into a 'masochistic' state of mind." Sophia University professor Yasuhiko Tajima, another panelist at the symposium, said the so-called surveillance society has become entrenched since the resident registry network took effect. "The network has paved the way for authorities to effectively collect personal information by providing each citizen with a number and gathering various data on an individual," he said, warning this may lead to probes into who will be cooperative and who will not in crises in the event freedom of speech is deemed in need of suppression. Besides the government's overt and covert interventions in citizens' lives, people are now aggressively involved in watching each other in their communities, instead of just being watched by the authorities, the symposium was told. Residents and volunteer groups engage in "community policing" with uniformed police to keep on the lookout for people acting suspiciously, while parents put IC tags on their children to keep track of their whereabouts, fearing they will be the target of crime.

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Will entry checks cross the line? Koichi Hamai, a professor at Ryukoku University, said people believe that criminals come from outside of their communities, when in many cases offenders are only outsiders in an economic sense. "They commit crimes because they cannot find their place in the community when the gap between the haves and have-nots is widening," Hamai said. "In that sense, we can say it is a community that creates offenders." He also said there are no statistics indicating foreigners are abetting a deterioration in security, adding it also remains unclear if surveillance cameras on the streets are helping to curb crime. Public perceptions of a "security deterioration" are baseless, the JFBA said at the symposium, noting the ratio of murders to the overall population has remained low and almost unchanged during the past two decades. The JFBA added, however, that over the same period, the media have increased their coverage of crime, fueling public concerns over security. On measures to protect children, Yuri Morita, who engages in antiviolence activities for kids and women, told the symposium that parental obsessions with keeping their children out of harm's way mean kids must always follow the same route to and from school and cannot make unscheduled deviations. "They are not allowed to play without being monitored by their parents or teachers," she said. "We have become independent through small adventures and small challenges, but nowadays, children are not allowed to follow such paths. It is greatly disadvantageous." Based on the meetings' findings and comments, the main lawyer lobby adopted a declaration calling for curbs on excessive use of state power while urging the government to review its immigration control regimen and drop the conspiracy bill. The declaration also criticized "mutual surveillance" by citizens, saying this "may deny diversity and tolerance in a community and bring about its breakup." Participants at the meeting shared the view that poverty, discrimination and lack of democracy are sometimes the causes behind terrorism and crime, at a time when the financial gap between people is expanding on a global basis. "People are unconcerned about the growth of surveillance in society if they are not subject to violent detention, and they do not feel any qualms about being secretly watched," said Satoshi Kinoshita, a law professor at Kansai University. "But we will gradually lose our privacy in such a society, and that is unhealthy."

From The Japan Times 11/14/2007

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Immigration Fingerprinting, Photographing Device Unveiled at Narita

NARITA — The Immigration Bureau put a new fingerprinting and photographing device on public display at Narita International Airport on Wednesday, a week before a new law requiring the fingerprinting and photographing of foreigners entering Japan comes into force. The law is aimed at preventing terrorism but officials say fingerprints and other biometric data will be stored in a database to be checked against foreigners who have been deported from Japan and those wanted by the Japanese police. The law excludes ethnic Koreans and other permanent residents with special status, foreigners aged under 16, visitors to Japan using diplomatic or official passports and state guests.

From http://www.japantoday.com/ 11/15/2007

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Fukuda Vows to Resume MSDF Mission

WASHINGTON (Kyodo) Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda pledged to U.S. President George W. Bush on Friday that he would make his utmost efforts to resume a refueling mission in the Indian Ocean that was supporting U.S.-led antiterrorism operations in and around Afghanistan. In joint remarks to the press after their first summit since Fukuda took office in September, Bush assured Fukuda that the United States will not forget the fact that North Korea abducted Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s. "I understand, Mr. Prime Minister, how important the issue is to the Japanese people, and we will not forget the Japanese abductees, nor their families," Bush said. But Bush also skipped over the one issue Japan was most concerned about: whether the U.S. would take North Korea off its list of terrorist-sponsoring nations as a reward for making progress on denuclearization. Japan fears the move will weaken its leverage for resolving the abduction issue, which has become part of the six-party talks on denuclearizing North Korea. The talks involve the U.S., North and South Korea, Japan, China, and Russia. On the refueling mission, Bush said in the joint remarks that he appreciates the "great leadership" Fukuda is showing in his attempt to revive the Maritime Self-Defense Force mission. In Japan, Fukuda has been struggling to make a breakthrough in domestic politics, which has been stuck in gridlock ever since the Democratic Party of Japan led the opposition to take control of the Upper House in July. The opposition then blocked a bill that would have allowed Japan to extend the mission before it expired Nov. 1. Fukuda, whose Liberal Democratic Party-New Komeito ruling bloc has drafted a new bill to resume the mission, told President Bush he will "do my best for the early passage of the bill." Fukuda said at the news conference that, "On the abduction issue, President Bush . . . renewed his promise of the unchanging support to the Japanese government."

The two leaders reaffirmed their strong alliance at the summit, which comes at a time the two countries are also facing trade issues, such Japan's food-safety restrictions on U.S. beef imports. But the refueling mission and North Korea remain the top issues for Japan. The two leaders agreed to continue "close cooperation" on getting North Korea to completely abandon nuclear weapons through the six-party talks. As for the possibility of taking North Korea off the terrorism blacklist, however, a Japanese official who briefed reporters refused to reveal what transpired between Fukuda and Bush, citing an "understanding with the U.S. side" about not going into detail. Fukuda explained "the importance of Japan and the United States cooperating on issues, including the removal of North Korea's status as a terrorist-sponsoring nation," the official said. Bush was quoted as saying that he understood Japan's concerns that the U.S. may set aside the abduction issue to reach a deal with the North, and that he will not forget the abduction issue. In his first overseas visit as prime minister, Fukuda laid out his signature policy of promoting Asian diplomacy, which he believes is in the common interests of both Japan and the United States. "I told (President Bush) that I firmly believe such active Asian diplomacy will lead to further strengthening of the Japan-U.S. alliance . . . and I feel very encouraged in receiving support from the president," Fukuda said. Japan disappointed the United States by withdrawing its two ships from the Indian Ocean. It is unclear whether the ruling and opposition parties will be able to strike a deal on continuing the mission in a divided Diet where the ruling bloc dominates the House of Representatives and the opposition camp controls the House of Councilors. Earlier this week, the Lower House passed a bill in a plenary session to allow the resumption of the mission and immediately sent it to the Upper House for deliberation — a move an opposition member criticized as a sign the prime minister's hoped to take "a souvenir" with him on his U.S. trip. But there are no clear prospects for its passage amid the strong resistance from the opposition, which says the mission is unconstitutional.

From The Japan Times 11/18/2007

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New Terror Law Seen as Intl Pledge

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's insistence during his summit meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush that he would strive to have a new antiterrorism law enacted can be interpreted as a pledge made to the international community. The fact remains, however, that the government is unsure about when and whether it will be able to start discussions on the new legislation in the opposition bloc-controlled House of Councillors. With the battle in the Diet set to heat up this week, Fukuda will depart for Singapore on Monday having only just come back from his first overseas trip as prime minister. The trip to Singapore is part of his diplomatic strategy in Asia. The schedule of Fukuda's visit to the United States was so tight that he stayed in the country for just 26 hours, as he was expecting the upper house to start deliberating the bill outlining a new antiterrorism law on Monday. However, the Democratic Party of Japan and other opposition parties have refused to attend a session to explain the purpose of the legislation and a following interpellation at the upper house's plenary session. Thus matters have not gone according to plan for Fukuda. The government and ruling parties regard Nov. 26 as the deadline for starting deliberations in the upper house, if they are to get the legislation passed into law by Dec. 15, when the current Diet session is to close. The upper house's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in charge of first examining the bill normally meets Tuesdays and Thursdays. The DPJ has demanded that the time spent deliberating the bill in the upper house should be at least the same as that spent in the House of Representatives, or about 41 hours in total. To meet the DPJ's demand, a senior LDP member in the upper house said: "If the procedures start on Nov. 26, only six committee meetings can be held before the end of the current Diet session on Dec. 15. That's right on the line of what's possible." As a precondition for starting the procedures, the DPJ plans to grill Finance Minister Fukushiro Nukaga, who was named by former Administrative Vice Defense Minister Takemasa Moriya as one of the politicians present at a dinner at which he was wined and dined by a defense contractor executive during Moriya's sworn testimony at the Diet. The DPJ plans to question Nukaga at sessions of the upper house's Audit Committee on Monday and its Financial Affairs Committee on Nov. 22 about contradictions between Nukaga's remarks and Moriya's testimony, and Nukaga's relationship with Yamada Corp., a defense contractor in the scandal. DPJ Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama said, "It may therefore be difficult to start deliberations [on the bill in the upper house] before Dec. 1." Fukuda, who said he reconfirmed the importance of the defense alliance with the United States, will hold talks with leaders of China, South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Singapore, where the East Asia Summit is to be held.

From http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/ 11/19/2007

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NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA: Full Text of Agreement Reached at First Inter-Korean Prime Ministerial Talks

SEOUL, Nov. 16 (Yonhap) -- The following is an unofficial translation of the agreement reached at the end of three-day talks between South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and North Korean Prime Minister Kim Yong-il. The first inter-Korean prime ministerial talks since 1992 were held in Seoul on Nov. 14-16. Agreement of the First South-North Prime Ministerial Talks on Implementing the Declaration on the Advancement of South-North Korean Relations, Peace and Prosperity. In accordance with the Declaration on the Advancement of South-North Korean Relations, Peace and Prosperity, which was adopted at the historic South-North Summit Meeting held in Pyongyang October 2007, the First South-North Prime Ministerial Talks on implementing the declaration was held in Seoul from November 14 to 16. The South and the North shared the view that the Declaration on the Advancement of South-North Korean Relations, Peace and Prosperity advances inter-Korean relations to a higher level and has a significant meaning in opening a new ground to realize peace on the Korean peninsula as well as prosperity of the people of Korea and unification of Korea and, to faithfully implement the declaration.

From http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/ 11/16/2007

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SOUTH KOREA: Among Top Science, Tech Powerhouses by 2012: Gov't

Korea aims to become the one of the world's top five science and technology powerhouses by 2012, the government said Sunday (Nov. 4). The plan by the Ministry of Science and Technology calls for more allocation of funds for research and development (R&D), the strengthening of knowhow in innovative cutting-edge technologies and concentration of scientific resources on promising growth industries. "About 3.2 percent of the gross domestic product is being used for R&D at present, but Seoul wants to raise the figure to at least 3.5 percent by 2012, with 1 percent of the state's budget set aside to bolster this endeavor," said a ministry official. In 2005, the country spent roughly US$23.59 billion on R&D. The United States spent more that 13 times that amount, with Japan spending 6 times as much. The figure increased to slightly more than $29 billion last year. He said the ranking will be determined by the Switzerland-based International Institute of Management and Development (IMD), whose 2007 competitiveness report placed South Korea seventh among 55 countries in the science area and sixth in terms of technological prowess. The official also said policymakers and experts want to concentrate efforts to build up 40 key strategic technologies along with 60 vital skills that could ensure South Korea's standing in the science and technology field. Among the key technologies, Seoul wants to become a world leader in next-generation high-speed trains, nano-materials, robotics, eco-friendly cars, hydrogen fuel cells and energy storage as well as biotech areas, including stem cell and cancer treatment. The Science Ministry said there will be fine-tuning of objectives as the government receives feedback, and the goal of making the top five will not be easy. In the 2007 IMD report, the United States ranked first in both science and technology areas, with Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Taiwan taking second to sixth place in the science ranking. In technology competitiveness, Singapore came in second, followed by Hong Kong, Denmark and Israel.

From http://www.korea.net/ 11/04/2007

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Gov't to Allow Labor-strapped Service Sector to Hire More Foreigners

Korea's service sector will be featuring more foreign faces. Hotels, restaurants and related services will be able to employ a larger number of foreigners for the first time in order to break through their manpower shortage, the Labor Ministry said on Nov. 8. Accommodation services such as inns and motels, regulated by the Health and Welfare Ministry, will be able to start employing foreigners from the end of this year. Under the new regulation, accommodation services, other than hotels, will now be able to hire foreign nationals but only those who are over 45 years of age and have emigrated from Korea in the past. This specific qualification was set just for this sector in order to limit employment to those that can speak Korean fluently, the ministry said. Hotels, regulated separately by the Tourism Ministry, will be allowed to start hiring foreign nationals from Nov. 12. In detail, foreigners with English skills will be able to work at hotels located in industrial sites frequented by foreigners, but the program is operating on a trial run only, the ministry explained. Also starting from now, restaurants with six to 10 employees will be able to employ up to four foreign nationals, a rise from the current limit of three. These and other measures are to help alleviate a manpower shortage in the nation's service industry. The government also decided to expand the employment opportunities for foreigners in other industries such as construction, farming and livestock, with improved operation of Korean-language tests offered to those wishing to work in Korea. There are over one million foreigners residing in Korea with nearly 430,000 working here.

From http://www.korea.net/ 11/09/2007

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Gov't to Support Low-income Users, But Maintain Energy Taxes

The government will come up with a set of measures this week aimed at helping people cope with skyrocketing crude oil prices, but the measures will not likely include cuts in energy taxes, government officials said on Monday (Nov. 12). The Ministry of Finance and Economy said that it plans to announce the measures, which are expected to benefit low-income people and farmers, on Tuesday (Nov. 13) after holding a meeting with lawmakers at the National Assembly. However, the ministry said that it is not considering steps to lower fuel-related taxes that account for up to 60 percent of the prices of some products. "Fuel taxes generate about 23 trillion won in state earnings each year," an official said, hinting that cutting such a large source of government revenue is not feasible. He also said that lowering energy taxes, which would result in more fuel usage, runs counter to the government's long-standing energy conservation policies. International crude prices reached record highs last week with the benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) hitting $96.32 per barrel, while Dubai crude, imported by countries including Korea and Japan, topped $86.53 per barrel. The first-half average was $61.22 for WTI and $59.98 for Dubai. Policymakers said that the government may slash the special excise tax on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and taxes on kerosene. At present, the government levies 157 won in various taxes per liter of kerosene, and 40 won per kilogram of LPG. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said it is pushing to expand the number of agricultural machines that are eligible to use tax-free oil. At present, only 40 types of farm equipment, including combines and tractors, can use tax-free oil. The ministry also said it may support farmers if they conserve energy in their greenhouses by switching to more efficient heating systems. In addition, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said it will provide consumers with a list of gasoline and diesel fuel prices from all filling stations nationwide. The measure, which will go into effect in April, could help lower overall prices by fueling competition between filling stations, it said. Meanwhile, think tanks, which carefully monitored the surge in prices, predict that the country will be able to withstand current developments for the time being, said the ministry.

From http://www.korea.net/ 11/13/2007

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Cabinet Approves Rules to Reduce Strike Damage

The Cabinet yesterday approved a set of new regulations on labor strikes aimed at protecting the right to collective action while reducing damage to key industries. The new enforcement ordinance, prepared by the Labor Ministry, calls for the abolition of the government's authority to intervene in labor disputes involving railways, hospitals, airlines and other key industries. It also states that those industries should maintain an essential minimum workforce during strikes. The new regulations would take full effect Jan. 1. The government currently has the ability to temporarily prohibit collective action in sectors regarded as crucial to the national economy and public life by invoking arbitration rights. Instead, the government will be allowed to use temporary workers to minimize the impact of industrial action. The revised law will affect railways, airlines, blood supply services, hospitals, postal services and the central bank, as well as water, electricity, energy, communications, oil and gas companies. The new rules will require checks to be conducted on trains and train tracks even during strikes. Airline workers will need to board passengers and conduct security checks. Airplane maintenance will also be included as an essential service. Companies operating in the water supply, electricity, oil and blood supply service sectors will be required to supply necessary services and conduct safety checks. The rules also state that hospitals must care for patients with serious illnesses and those in need of emergency medical treatment. Communications companies will need to maintain networks and provide repair services. But labor unions and their management will be required to agree on the minimal essential services - the level of management, specific criteria of duties and the number of workers needed - during strikes. The labor relations commission will intervene if the two sides fail to reach an agreement. Labor unions could face up to three years in prison or a maximum of 30 million won ($33,000) in fines if they do not abide by the government's guidelines, officials said. However, the new proposal is expected to face stiff opposition from labor unions. Yesterday, unions argued that the new rules do not reflect the opinions of labor workers and that they restrict labor rights. "Although the government's arbitration rights have been abolished, the protesting rights of labor workers will be taken away since the government officials are permitted to hire temporary workers to replace the strikers. The officials are also still granted with the authority to make emergency arbitration adjustments," said members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. Labor workers previously demanded the elimination of emergency arbitration, which requires strikers to return to work immediately and prohibits collective action for a 15-day cooling-off period.

From http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ 11/14/2007

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Forum to Focus on Humanitarian Laws

The Korean Red Cross and the Korean Association of International Law will hold a seminar on international humanitarian laws today. Highlighting the need to protect people's lives and alleviating the pain of those who live in the midst of relentless armed conflicts across the globe, the seminar aims to explore ways of resolving pending issues concerning international humanitarian laws, and to efficiently implement the laws. This year's event also celebrates the centennial of the 1907 Hague Convention and the 30th anniversary of the 1977 additional protocol of the Geneva Convention. The seminar will feature prominent guest speakers such as Dr. Han Wan-sang, president of the Korean Red Cross; Dr. Chun Soon-shin, president of the KAIL, and Dr. Choi Eun-bum, advisor on the humanitarian laws of the KRC.

From http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ 11/15/2007

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Presidential Candidates All Oppose Media Policy

All six leading presidential candidates surveyed by the JoongAng Ilbo said the government decision to shut down the press rooms was a bad idea and unlikely to succeed. But their positions diverged on other media issues, such as whether print companies should be allowed to operate broadcasting firms. While Lee Myung-bak, Lee Hoi-chang and Rhee In-je, all following the typically conservative line, said newspapers should be allowed to run television stations to be more competitive, Chung Dong-young, Moon Kook-hyun and Kwon Young-ghil, on the liberal side, said permitting such an arrangement could lead to a monopoly of opinion. All six candidates oppose President Roh Moo-hyun’s media policy, which took effect in August. Roh put the policy in effect to try to end the exclusive atmosphere among reporters in the press rooms at various ministries, and also restricted access to officials. Grand National Party candidate Lee Myung-bak said he “certainly believed a media policy should be based on a grand principle that the press should have the freedom to write and report.” “Closing down press rooms and voiding existing press passes are outdated measures only an authoritarian government can do,” he said. “When I become elected, I am going to review this policy from the starting point.” Running independent this time, Lee Hoi-chang, in his third bid for president, called the media policy “deadly.” The United New Democratic Party candidate Chung Dong-young, a former television journalist who was a unification minister under Roh, said, “I understand why this policy went into effect, but I do not agree with how it’s being conducted,” Chung said. “It should be conducted in a way that lets reporters have enough access to sources for the sake of letting people know what they should know.” Only Lee Myung-bak and Rhee vowed to undo the changes.

From http://joongangdaily.joins.com/ 11/16/2007

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MONGOLIA: Draft Law on Ecological Green Zone Submitted

The Parliament Standing Committee on Environment, Food and Agriculture discussed Wednesday a draft law on ecological green zone where minerals exploration and extraction activities are restricted. Pursuant to the draft, the region to the north from the latitude 47 grades of the territory of Mongolia is declared as an ecological green zone where minerals exploration and extraction activities are restricted. The restriction will be made by means of not granting mining licenses and not prolonging the licenses is valid now. Pursuant to the law on minerals, extraction licenses are granted for a 30-year term and are prolonged two times for 20-year terms. According to initiators of the law, 30 years are sufficient term, but in the course of the discussion it is possible to include the second 20-year term. The law, however, applies only to non-ferrous metals such as gold and copper. At present, there are over 5000 exploration and extraction licenses in Mongolia, of them 2700 cover the territory to the north from the latitude 47 grades. This area has 85 per cent of surface waters, about 20 per cent of subsoil waters, and 95 per cent of water resources. The draft law is drawn up with a view to preserve water resources, to protect soil from erosions, to mild the climate, to create favorable dimension for flora and fauna, to retain the permafrost, and to maintain ecological balance, in addition. At the beginning of the 20th century, Mongolians exploited their territory for ten kinds of purposes, whereas today this figure exceeds 140.

From Montsame 11/12/2007

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MYANMAR: Govt Committed to Implementing Remaining Stages of 'Roadmap to Democracy'

Myanmar's military government has said it remains committed to implementing the remaining stages of its "roadmap to democracy". The country is now at Stage 3 of its seven-point roadmap, with the formation of a constitutional drafting committee last month. Stage 1, which called for a resumption of the National Convention to lay down guidelines for drafting a new constitution, wrapped up in September, after 14 long years. Much is brewing in the seats of power in Myanmar's isolated capital Naypyidaw, as the country continues to attract the world media spotlight over a month after the government's violent crackdown on protestors. Naypyidaw is some 400km from Yangon. To get here, those who can afford it take a one-hour, US$40 flight, while the rest take a nine-hour train ride for under US$2. It was here that Myanmar's Information Minister Kyaw Hsan met a group of journalists and information officers from fellow ASEAN countries invited for a five-day visit. He is a member of the newly-appointed 54-member constitutional drafting commission. With its formation, the country is now in the third phase of a seven-stage roadmap for democracy unveiled in 2003. Still to come is a referendum to approve the constitution, followed by legislative elections. Ross Dunkley, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, The Myanmar Times, said, "Most of the international community has not been noticing that but we are at a point now where it could move rather quickly, and I think there are a lot of people who are showing some guarded optimism that that could happen."

At the pro-government Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, state media reports with photos of the Relations Minister's meeting with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi were touted as a sign of greater openness and transparency. Khin Maung Nyut, Historian, said, "I always am optimistic. I mean, do it genuinely...without interference from outside...but if all kinds of interference come in unnecessarily, they will be long delayed." Such interference, the government warns, includes funding of domestic protests and training by anti-government groups abroad. Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Myanmar Information Minister, said, "Foreign media are portraying the protests as a democracy movement. Actually, they are anti-democracy movements to disturb and undermine the seven-step movement to grab power through shortcuts." While it is clear the ruling generals will not give up power overnight, it is also obvious that the international community wants to see the process of democracy speeded up. Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs,said, "What we can see is a number of steps that are new and quite positive in a way. I mean of course, when I say positive, if you're aiming for the generals to sort of give up, throw up their hands and say, 'Aung San Suu Kyi, over to you, democracy now', I think that's really overly optimistic...So what we're hoping to see are graduated steps to something like a solution, which frankly, no one knows the shape of." All eyes will be on Myanmar at upcoming regional forums. First is the ASEAN Summit in Singapore on November 18-20, followed by the East Asia Summit on November 21, where analysts hope influential dialogue partners like China, Japan and India can help nudge Myanmar further, and faster, along the road to democracy.

From http://www.channelnewsasia.com 11/07/2007

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MALAYSIA: $33 Billion Development Plan Launched

“Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Monday launched a $33.2 billion economic plan aimed at boosting growth and reducing poverty in Malaysia's rural east. The East Coast Economic Corridor (ECER) project, drawn up by the national oil company Petronas, is the third and final of a series of big-spending development master plans which have been rolled out ahead of expected snap polls. The government said the 12-year plan was designed to create 560,000 new jobs and raise income levels for nearly four million people -- some 15 percent of the population. It will involve more than 200 projects in transportation, infrastructure, tourism, education, manufacturing, the oil and gas industries and agriculture.” AP reports that “The government is expected to fund more than half the investment for the east coast project, while the remainder is to come mainly from the private sector. Public funds will soon be poured in to jump-start the project, ‘signaling the government's commitment to realize the efforts of delivering development’ to the states, Abdullah said.” Reuters adds that “In a televised speech, Abdullah also announced an initial 6 billion ringgit ($1.80 billion) budget to kickstart the economic zone. Agriculture and tourism are key focus areas, with nearly half the funds earmarked to strengthen transport links and infrastructure in some of the poorest states, home to nearly 4 million people in Malaysia's northeast. In July Malaysia launched a $51 billion development plan to turn its mainly agricultural north into a logistics, food-processing and tourism zone by 2025. Last November, it unveiled an ambitious two-decade blueprint to turn 2,200 square km (850 square miles) of Johor next to Singapore into an industrial and tourist zone.”

From http://web.worldbank.org 10/29/2007

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Malaysia Committed to Urban Conservation

Malaysia is committed to urban conservation as it is aware of the need for sustainable cities, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk S. Sothinathan said. He said urban conservation was specifically addressed in Malaysia's National Urbanisation Policy drawn up by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and approved by the Cabinet last year. He said included in the policy were strategies to enhance conservation efforts for heritage and natural landscapes. "Policies which are most significant in the document include the policy for a sustainable and environmentally friendly development that will form the basis of environmental conservation and improve the quality of urban life. "Another is on areas and buildings of historical value and unique architecture that will be restored and gazetted. These two policies are related to conservation of the natural and built environments in the cities," he said in his speech at the International Symposium on Cities and Conservation: Partnerships Towards Sustainable Cities, here Tuesday. Sothinathan said the National Urbanisation Policy complemented other national policies and strategies including on environmental quality, biodiversity, forestry, water, mineral resources, marine life and highland resources, through his ministry and the conservation of natural and built heritage under the Malaysian Heritage Act under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage.

From http://www.bernama.com 11/06/2007

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Bill to Make Households Recycle Waste

Soon, every household will have to separate its waste to help in the recycling process or the garbage man will not collect the rubbish. Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said it would be compulsory for the households to separate their waste items once the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Bill 2007 was gazetted and enforced, expectedly in April. “This will stop people from throwing items that can be recycled which then end up in landfills,” he told a press conference after opening the National Recycling Day and Exposition here yesterday. Ong said the plan would be implemented only after everything was in place, including having sufficient facilities. “We will give a reasonable time before implementing it. We want to make it convenient for households to recycle their waste items. “Once everything is in place, we will not collect rubbish from households which refuse to separate their waste items,” he said. Ong said that at present, the Government could only advise or give incentives to the public for adopting recycling practices.

He said the Bill would also make it mandatory for producers to take back packaging materials such as aluminium cans and bottles for recycling or disposal. “We are working out a mechanism on how to carry out the take-back rules after the laws are fully enforced,” he said, adding that the ministry was also identifying industries that needed to practise the take-back rules. He said many countries had adopted product take-back rules as it was an effective way to reduce waste. Later, Ong opened the 9th World of Chinese Books Fair at the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The fair, with 710 booths from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia, will be held until Nov 25, from 11am to 10pm daily. The entry fee is RM2. The money will be donated to 13 selected Chinese, Malay and Tamil schools. At night, Ong visited the newly-refurbished SS2 Selera Malam hawker centre in Petaling Jaya before attending the Hawker Day dinner organised by the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council and the Petaling Jaya Community Hawkers Association in Section 17.

From http://thestar.com.my/ 10/07/2007

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SINGAPORE: Outline New Energy Policy

Singapore plans to increase growth in its energy sector. Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang explained plans Monday to increase the country's energy industry to $23.4 billion by 2015, up 70 percent from current levels. Kiang also said they want to triple industry employment from 5,700 jobs to 15,300 by 2015. The national energy policy framework, designed to help the country deal with surging oil prices, contains six points. "There's very little we can do to affect worldwide demand or supply. What Singapore can do is to work harder at energy efficiency and consumption. This won't take place overnight, but this is the best strategy going forward," Kiang said. The six points include: creating a competitive market, diversifying Singapore's energy supplies, improving energy efficiency, pursuing opportunities in clean energy, stepping up international cooperation and getting various government agencies within Singapore to work together.

From http://www.earthtimes.org/ 11/12/2007

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Amendments to CPF Bill Passed in Parliament

The government has passed the amendments to the Central Provident Fund Bill, which will facilitate the implementation of the new CPF interest rate framework, as well as provide low—wage workers with a new long—term income supplement scheme.As Singaporeans are living longer, they need more money to last them through old age. One of the changes made to the CPF Bill is to help members improve their retirement adequacy by providing them with an extra 1 percent in interest on the first S$60,000 of a member’s CPF monies every year. Manpower Minister, Dr Ng Eng Hen, said: "However, under the new interest rate structure, the extra interest that could have been earned would depend on the amount of combined CPF balances at each relevant period, as well as the balances in each CPF account at any one time, which would change due to contributions and withdrawals, including for uses other than housing. "As such, it may be quite complex and indeed costly to determine whether the additional 1 percent interest could have been accrued at each relevant period. We therefore propose to adopt a practical approach and the amendments in these clauses allow the CPF (Board) the discretion to recover up to the additional interest that could have been earned." The amendments also give a leg—up to low—wage workers by helping them to increase their incomes and CPF savings through the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme (WIS).

But MP of Jurong GRC, Mdm Halimah Yacob, was concerned about the income ceiling eligibility. She said: "Currently the WIS applies only to those who earn not more than S$1,500. However in computing this quantum, the current definition of salary under the Employment Act is used. Hence, instead of just using the basic pay as the basis for computation, all allowances, bonuses and overtime pay are included in the computation of the S$1,500 ceiling salary. I would like this to be reviewed as it is very common for low—wage workers to work overtime, which can, on average, come up to about 20 percent to 30 percent of the monthly wages." Dr Ng said for now, the scheme will remain targeted at older workers, earning up to S$1,500 a month. He said: "We don’t want to spread the help too wide because then it becomes difficult. Every time we raise it, we have to give more and certainly, there will be a fiscal impact. As it is, we think that it will cost S$400 million a year, every year." Dr Ng, however, assures that the scheme will be reviewed in three years. The changes to the CPF Act will take effect from 1 January 2008.

From http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ 11/13/2007

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Laws on Public Protests Apply During ASEAN Summit in Singapore

Police say laws governing public protests will apply when Singapore hosts the ASEAN summit and its related meetings from 18—22 November. The meetings come in the wake of a military crackdown in Myanmar which sparked public demonstrations in many countries. There were also protests in the Philippine city of Cebu, the venue of last year’s ASEAN summit. However, Singapore’s police say they are prepared to deal with any such security issues and they have learnt from events around the world. They say they have received and rejected an application by a local individual to hold an assembly outside the Shangri—La Hotel where the summit will be held. Opposition party Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) says on its website that its request to hold a protest on Monday has been denied. The SDP says it wants to protest the presence of Myanmar delegates in Singapore and call on ASEAN to promote democracy in the region. "Police would like to inform everyone to respect our laws. There are avenues to get your views heard legally. And if you wish to do so, you can always apply to the Police to have your event in an indoor venue," say the Police. Security is high on the list for Singapore authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will use about 10 armoured—plated cars to ferry heads of state and government. The Police are also closing lanes and roads during the summit. So motorists should expect roadblocks and security checks.

From http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ 11/16/2007

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THAILAND: NLA Agrees to Accept Draft Security Bill for Deliberation

The National Legislative Assembly has approved legislation to empower a prime minister to head the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) to handle internal security threats on an emergency basis. The NLA set up a 24-person extraordinary committee to scrutinise the Surayud government-proposed security bill which secured 101 to 20 votes. Prime Minister's Office minister Thiraphat Serirangsan said the government needed the security law under which the prime minister will act as chief executive of ISOC to cope with varied emergencies or threats to national security, ranging from transnational crimes and insurgencies to natural disasters and epidemic outbreaks. NLA member Prasong Soonsiri called on the government not to abuse the authority provided under the security law at the cost of human rights and judicial processes, while NLA member Suraphol Nitikraiphot said the new law will only add to the martial law and emergency rule currently imposed in certain areas of the country, plus the running of the Southern Border Province Administrative Centre for the turbulent southernmost region. Mr Suraphol suggested the authorities who will not be held responsible for damages done to any party under the new security law should not abuse their powers. The NLA member likened the government's security bill to a ''blank check'' handed out to the authorities to legalise and run ISOC missions in any areas of the country where threats to national security or crises may arise. The rights of all members of the public must be maintained while such a security law is enforced, he said.

From http://enews.mcot.net 11/08/2007

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Legislature Passes Retail Business Act

Thailand's National Legislative Assembly accepted the Retail Business Act to deal with retail and wholesale businesses nationwide. The NLA voted 97-6 to approve the government's legislation in principle and set up a 24-person extraordinary committee to scrutinise the bill which calls for the Commerce Ministry to form a committee to set policies and measures to promote as well as regulate retail and wholesale trade in fuel, jewellery and newspapers, among others, so that the businesses will be carried out in a fair, equal and competitive fashion. Commerce Minister Kirkkrai Jirapaet said the bill will by no means obstruct any large-scale enterprises which may deal in retail and wholesale businesses, though an estimated 100,000 local retail stores nationwide had already gone out of business in the face of the giant stores over the past four years. Neither was the legislation designed to thwart the running of local retail and wholesale businesses in fair competition with the giant stores -- against which local traders and the public in some 40 provinces had already strongly protested, according to the commerce minister. NLA member Ammar Siamwalla described the legislation as ill-defined and suggested retail and wholesale businesses nationwide should be supervised by local administrative bodies instead of the Commerce Ministry.

From http://enews.mcot.net 11/14/2007

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New Government Urged to Carefully Assess Populist Policies

Thailand's new government should carefully assess likely impacts before adopting so-called populist policies because some activities require substantial budgets and instill bad financial habits in the public, according to a leading academic and a top banker. Speaking at a seminar on "Thai Economic Direction in 2008: Hope from the Election," Niphon Puapongsakorn, dean of the Thammasart University Faculty of Economics, said many political parties had announced their election platforms with much populist content. Dr. Niphon conceded that some populist policies -- including developing and raising the standard of the public through education -- are sound. But he viewed that some other polices must be adopted and applied cautiously because they require a too high budget. The new government must not spend superfluously in implementing populist policies like that of the previous government because it had been already proven that such behaviour did more harm than good to the country's economy. He suggested that the new government amend the 2007 constitution, particularly regarding the electoral system, and laws that undermine foreign investor confidence such as the Foreign Business Act and Retail Trade Act.

Dr. Niphon added that the new government must step up its efforts to help the economy recover and restore investor confidence as soon as possible. In his view, the country's economy next year should grow no less than 5-7 per cent, not the 4.6-4.7 per cent level which as many thinktanks forecast. Prasarn Trairattanaworakul, president of Kasikornbank, said some populist policies announced by political parties in the coming election campaign deserved public support. However, some other policies must be considered with caution because they might instill bad habits in members of the public, who opt to wait for financial support from the government only. Implementation of such policies would increase the government's fiscal burden and cause damages to Thailand's economy in the future. Dr. Niphon said the new government would no longer be able to adopt a low interest rate policy to manage the economy next year because the cost of living has become rather high and inflationary pressure has increased. The government must prepare for external risk factors such as the impact of the sub-prime lending woes in the United States and the world oil price hike. However, he still believed the economy next year would continue to grow satisfactorily.

From http://enews.mcot.net 11/06/2007

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VIET NAM: NA Approves 2008 Economic Plan

The National Assembly approved next year’s socio-economic development plan and budget estimates yesterday. The vote in favour of the first resolution was 89.45 per cent; for the second, 88.03 per cent. Most deputies agreed that gross domestic product (GDP) would grow by 8.5 to more than 9 per cent with value-added agro-forestry and fisheries production forecast to rise by 3.4-4 per cent; industry and construction by 10.6-11 per cent and services by 8.7-9.2 per cent. Import-export turnover was expected to increase by 20-25 per cent with the rise in the consumer price index to stay below the rate of economic growth. The Socio-economic Development Resolution sets the following targets: An 18.5-per cent increase in the numbers to undergo vocational training; The creation of 1.7 million new jobs – including sending 85,000 workers to work overseas; The reduction of poor households from 14.7 to 11-12 per cent; The reduction in the numbers of under-nourished children to below 22 per cent; The increase of individual per capita living space to 12.2sq.m; Potable water for 75 per cent of rural and 85 per cent of urban residents; Forest cover to increase to more than 40 per cent; and The clean up of 60 per cent of polluted enterprises, the collection of 80 per cent of solid waste and installation of proper water-treatment systems in 60 per cent of industrial parks. The deputies also approved measures to achieve the targets proposed by the Government, the People’s Supreme Procuracy and the People’s Supreme Court and appraisal reports by the National Assembly’s Nationalities Council and its Economic and other committees. The resolution says that it will be imperative to strictly adhere to the economic development plan’s provisions for the disbursement of money and the efficient use of State investment funds.

The focus of Government investment next year will be capital works with priority given to the completion of projects in their final stages and irrigation for regions in severe drought or subject to frequent floods. These will include socio-economic development projects in the highlands, along borders and on off-shore islands.The resolution says the Government is determined to efficiently use official development assistance and finalise regimes that provide better financial control. The resolution asks the Government and the appropriate agencies to continue to review existing policies and laws, particularly the Land Law, the Housing Law and other documents relating to the issuance of land-use certificates. The resolution asks the Education and Training Ministry to initiate measures to eliminate negative phenomena in examinations and rapidly raise the quality of the teachers as well as education managers. It encourages all economic sectors, organisations and individuals to join with the Government to develop and improve the quality of teaching and learning. It asks the ministry to prepare a master plan and road map to adjust the tuition fees for school and tertiary students, especially children from poor families or those of social beneficiaries. The resolution asks the Government to spend more to ensure better public health facilities and equipment, particularly for district hospital and clinics. The Health Ministry should have preferential policies for the poor, it says. The resolution asks for better governance of national defence and security so as to maintain political stability and law and order. The resolution urges rapid settlement of people’s petitions and accusations.

It calls on government offices and agency managers to raise their sense of responsibility in the fight against corruption, the practise of thrift and the combating of waste. The resolution emphasises the need to quicken administrative reform and to reduce road accidents. The resolution seeks better co-ordination between the Government and its ministries and agencies and the National Assembly to ensure Viet Nam performs well as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and honours its commitments to global economic integration. The National Assembly resolved to make the national economy more competitive so as to improve the living conditions of the people and have Viet Nam removed from the list of "developing countries with low income by the end of 2008." Budget estimates The National Assembly agreed that revenue collection should equal 24.1 per cent of GDP, or a total of VND323 trillion (US$20 billion), next year. Another VND9 trillion ($562 million)– held over from 2007 to 2008 – would take the total to VND332 trillion ($20 billion). But the budget estimates approved by the deputies put expenditure at VND 399 trillion ($25 billion) – a deficit of VND66.9 trillion ($4.1 billion) or 5 per cent of the country’s GDP. The budget expenditure resolution carried by the deputies also approves plans to raise VND37 trillion from the issuance of Government bonds. About VND28 trillion of this will be used for transport and irrigation works. The resolution asks the Government to provide a specific plan for the money for each programme and project to ensure the targets and objectives are achieved.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/ 11/13/2007/em>

INDIA: Data on Villages Be Updated

India has launched a comprehensive data collection exercise for each of its more than half a million villages. The move is aimed at updating the government's information about social and economic indicators for each village to ensure better development. At present governments depend on traditional forms of data collection and most of the villages are not connected to the internet. About 70% of India's billion-plus people live in villages. Samina Makhija, project director of the data collection programme, told the BBC that although the initiative was thought of in the 1980s, financial constraints had delayed the project. Information about villages is available but it is all scattered and "comprehensive information" had to be made available in a "single place", she said. Makhija refused to reveal the project cost but said it had been re-started at the behest of the government-run Planning Commission. "We have invited private individuals, researchers, non-government organisations and institutes to join in data collection," Makhija said, and added that for each village for which data was collected, 3,000 rupees would be paid. The 28 districts selected to flag off the pilot project were the most backward districts in the country. The data collectors will gather information about the geographical features of a village, its infrastructure, schools and hospitals, number of toilets, access to roads, gender data and even information about the power consumption of the entire village. A pilot project has already begun in a number of villages in the states of Haryana, Orissa, Karnataka and Goa. This project seeks to use India's achievements in the IT sector to map out every village on a website. At present governments depend on local village councils and administrative heads for information about a village. Exactly 60 years after India became independent, officials say information on the real condition of rural India is lacking. More than half a million villages will be covered over the next six months and data collected will be posted on the National Information Centre's website to be accessible to both the administration and local people. Officials say they hope that this exercise will improve available information to carry out development work.

From http://southasia.oneworld.net/ 11/14/2007

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Government of India to Enact Laws for Consumer Protection

The Government of India is keen to empower consumers against sub-standard goods by enacting. In the works are a set of tough laws which will include the critical product liability clause, making erring manufacturers and suppliers liable to pay punitive damages. The proposals to enact to overhaul existing consumer laws, are part of recommendations made by the Planning Commission during the 11th Five-Year Plan, which is to be placed before the National Development Council in December, 2007. The Planning Commission has recommended mandatory standards for products, which impact health and safety of the consumer as well as harm the environment. These include electrical appliances, electronic, IT and telecom products, medical devices, industrial and fire safety equipment, helmets and material used for food packaging. The Government of India has admitted that there are serious shortfalls in achieving consumer welfare because of lack of laws regulating many products and services that impact health, environment and safety in general. The Planning Commission has suggested setting up of a National Quality and Standardisation Authority. This authority would be empowered to provide voluntary standards for all areas of economic and social activities and mandatory standards for products that impact health, safety and environment. There are also suggestions for setting up of a National Consumer Protection Authority that could fill the lacunae created by the winding up of Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission. This authority would be empowered to look into deceptive practices and misleading advertisements by manufacturers and service providers.

From http://www.egovonline.net/ 11/19/2007

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Mobile Government – A New Frontier

This Global Dialogue Seminar is organised as an integral part of the eGovWorld 2007 Conference taking place in New Delhi on November 29-30, 2007 to connect a large and high profile audience in India with experts and e-government champions in other countries to share ideas on how to take public services transformation to the next level with the help of mobile technologies. The seminar will provide a platform to discuss a variety of mobile services being developed and deployed around the world and will highlight global best practices. The event will be webcast live for Country Offices and remote audiences to enable remote participation, and several country offices will also be connected via videoconference.

M-government
Mobile services are quickly emerging as the new frontier in transforming government and making it even more accessible and citizen-centric by extending the benefits of remote delivery of government services and information to those who are unable or unwilling to access public services through the Internet or who simply prefer to use mobile devices. In theory, many government services can be now made available on a 24x7x365 basis at any place in the world covered by mobile networks, which today means almost everywhere. According to an estimate by R. Chandrashekar, Additional Secretary (e-Gov), Government of India (keynote speaker at this seminar), approximately 50%–60% of government services in India can be delivered via mobile channel. This emerging trend in public service delivery has been called "Mobile Government" (M-Government) and is part of a broader phenomenon of mobile-enabled development (m-development) or leveraging the mobile revolution to enable development impact. Mobile technology takes electronic services and makes them available via mobile devices such as mobile phones and PDAs, bypassing the need for traditional physical networks. As more advanced mobile devices become more common, and faster rates of data transfer become possible, more useful and higher value-added mobile services will be possible and expected from all levels of governments (especially municipal), in different areas and sectors. Both developed and developing countries have been experimenting with mobile delivery of public services for the last 5–7 years, and there is plenty of experience to learn from for the newcomers to the M-Government agenda.

From http://www.digitalopportunity.org/ 11/22/2007

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PAKISTAN: Jackson Lee Introduces ‘Lift Emergency’ Bill in Congress

Washington: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has introduced legislation in the House of Representatives calling on President Musharraf to end the state of emergency. This is the only legislation before the House that directly addresses the upheaval in Pakistan. “My resolution calls for the House of Representatives to express its opposition to the declaration of a state of emergency by President General Pervez Musharraf. It calls for a return to constitutional order and urges the Pakistani government to hold its elections in January 2008 as originally scheduled,” stated Lee. “I am very concerned for the safety of the people of Pakistan, Supreme Court officials, and members of the judicial courts including Pakistani lawyers, who continue to clash with government officials in ongoing protests in the region,” she said. “ My bill calls for the immediate restoration of Pakistan’s independent judiciary, including the reinstatement of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, the end of the practice of arbitrary arrest and detention, and allowing lawyers access to those detained. It also calls for Musharraf to lift restrictions on the nation’s media and news outlets.” Conditional aid: Congresswoman Lee said, “This legislation boldly calls for the Bush administration to make aid to Pakistan conditional on the protection of human and constitutional rights during this state of emergency. We must send a clear message to the world that the United States remains committed to upholding human rights around the globe.” She said as co-chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, “I recognise the nation of Pakistan as a great ally against the war on terror. However, the recent political upheaval combined with the constraints of the state of emergency has greatly hampered its effectiveness in fighting against the real enemy of Pakistan, terrorism. It is critical to understand that political instability in Pakistan greatly affects our national security in the US. This is why the US needs to get involved and should immediately dispatch a special envoy for the sake of the Pakistani people and the global community,” she said.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 11/10/2007

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Musharraf Amends Army Act 1952

ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday amended the Pakistan Army Act 1952 to empower the army to arrest, investigate and try civilians in a military court if they are found guilty of having committed a crime against defence, security or armed forces of Pakistan. The president amended the Army Act through an ordinance which had been promulgated with retrospective effect. Crimes committed since January 1, 2003, will now be tried under the amended act. “The civilians found guilty of having committed offences, which have been included in the Army Act with this amendment, will now be court martialed,” Attorney General Justice (r) Malik Qayyum told Daily Times. The crimes/offences, punishable under the Explosive Substances Act 1908, Prejudicial Conduct under Security of Pakistan Act 1952, Pakistan Arms Ordinance 1965, Prevention of Anti-national Activities Act 1974 or Anti-terrorism Act 1997 and sections 109, 117, 120B, 121, 121A, 122, 123, 123A, 124, 124A, 148, 302, 353 and 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code or attempt to commit any of these offences, will now be tried under the act. “It is not a new thing as similar laws are in practice in India, United Kingdom and the United States,” he told a private TV channel, Online reported.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 11/11/2007

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Islamabad to Get High Court

LAHORE: The federal government has decided to setup a High Court in Islamabad, as the Law and Justice Ministry finalises the legal and constitutional formalities in this regard, Aaj television reported. According to the channel, President General Pervez Musharraf has approved a constitutional amendment and the channel quoted Attorney General Malik Qayyum as saying that an amendment ordinance would soon be issued in this regard. Qayyum told the channel that the strength of the judges in Islamabad High Court had not been decided yet.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 11/21/2997

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Competition Commission Notifies Six Rules and Regulations

ISLAMABAD (November 24 2007): The Competition Commission of Pakistan has issued six important rules and regulations covering merger controls, general enforcement, prohibited agreements, code of business and other issues to effectively deal with day to day operations of the commission. The commission on Friday issued Competition (General Enforcement) Regulations 2007 empowering the commission for assessment of competitive effects of abuse of dominant position. The commission would assess competitive effects of abuse of dominant position in the market by considering various factors of dominance including market share; concentration measures and structural factors. Market share of the concerned undertaking would be examined from variety of sources including main parties, other competitors, customers, buyers, suppliers, trade associations and market research reports. Market shares can be measured in terms of revenues, volumes, production capacities or inputs, depending on the markets concerned and the information available. The commission may generally look at measures of the degree of concentration of the market provided, however, concentration measures will be indicators of the ability of the leading undertakings in a market to exercise market power collectively and other competitive constraints will need to be considered before finding that these undertakings have such market power. There may be other structural factors which may also provide an indication of current competitive conditions within the market.

Following Are the Rules and Regulation Issued by the Commission on Friday:
Competition Commission of Pakistan (Merger Control) Regulations: This regulation further explains the nature of merger, threshold of the intended merger and mode of seeking approval of the Commission by the undertakings before going into merger. The process of the application made by the applicant of organisations has also been explained for the guidance of the public and concerned parties. The format of the application to be made for seeking approval of the merger is part of this Regulation. It also contains all matters relevant to general enforcement of, the statutory provisions of the Ordinance. The main issues covered by this Regulation include exemption procedure from the application of statutory provisions relating to violation of the Ordinance; interim measures to he taken during the legal proceedings; inquiries into the alleged violations and other allied matters, The objective is to provide awareness of the regulatory role of the Commission. Competition Commission of Pak an (Leniency) Regulations: Pursuant to Section 39 of the Ordinance which provides that the Commission may, if it is satisfied that any undertaking which is a party to a prohibited agreement has made a full and. true disclosure in respect of the alleged, violation, take lenient view in favour of such undertakings. The regulation provides for conditions for grant of immunity from financial penalties and the procedure for seeking leniency.

Competition Commission of Pakistan (Investment and Expenditure): This Regulation provides for the details regarding the constitution of the Commission Fund to 'be known as CCP Fund, mode of making the expenditure there from and the preparation and audit of the accounts of the Commission. Competition Commission of Pakistan (Conduct of Business) Regulations: This regulation deals with matters relating to internal working of the Commission and the procedure for conducting the meetings and allied matters. Competition Commission of Pakistan (Service Manual) Regulation: This is virtually a "Service Manual" determining terms and conditions of the service of employees of the Commission. The draft Rules required under the Ordinance have also been prepared and submitted to the government for approval. Necessary notification in this regard will be issued after receipt of the approval of the government. The Commission has become fully functional after notification of the regulations made under the Competition Ordinance, 2007.

From http://www.brecorder.com/ 11/24/2007

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TAJIKISTAN: Parliament Approves 2008 State Budget

The Tajik parliament voted unanimously on November 2 to approve the government's draft state budget for 2008, Asia-Plus reported. In a report to parliament during the debate on the budget proposal, Finance Minister Safarali Najmuddinov explained that the priority for the government in the 2008 budget is to maintain the "socio-economic development of the country" while expanding tax collection and keeping inflation low. The 4.5 billion-somoni ($1.3 billion) budget is some 36 percent larger than the 2007 state budget and includes about $500 million in planned social spending, with increases of 44 and 41 percent on health care and education, respectively. The budget also allocates 732 million somonis ($212 million) for the energy sector, an increase of roughly 16.5 percent, to be largely spent on expanding hydroelectricity production. RG

From http://www.rferl.org/ 11/05/2007

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TURKEY: Draft Bill on Smoking Ban Passes in Parliamentary Commission

A draft bill expanding the scope of an existing ban on public smoking was passed in Parliament's justice commission yesterday, the Anatolia news agency reported. The bill had become void in the last parliamentary term and was proposed again in the commission after being renewed. The draft bill bans smoking in open areas of schools, educational institutions, hospitals and places of worship. It imposes limits on smoking in stadiums as well, and requires special smoking areas in open-air stands. Use of tobacco products will be banned in all places that host sports, culture, art and entertainment activities even if they are open-air locations, according to the draft. Special smoking areas can be allocated for smokers in such venues. Smoking will be banned in taxis too and taxi drivers will not be able to light up either if the bill passes.

Advertisements by producers and marketers of tobacco products will be banned and they will be barred from sponsoring events as well. Even commercial vehicles used by tobacco firms will not be allowed to any display any signs that will advertise the brand, according to the draft bill. Those who sell tobacco products to teenagers under the age 18 will be punished with prison terms ranging from six months to one year. Meanwhile, deputies in the commission who are themselves smokers supported the draft bill as well. Mehmet Tuncak, deputy of the governing Justice and Development Party (AKP) said he had prepared a long speech defending the rights of smokers, however, he could not make that speech as his father was undergoing surgery due to cardiovascular disease at that very moment. Deputy from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Ridvan Yalcin, said he supported the bill as a smoker but warned that the laws should be practical.

From http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/ 11/09/2007

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UZBEKISTAN: Lower House of Parliament Passes 2008 State Budget

On 9 November this year the Legislative Chamber [lower house] of Oliy Majlis [parliament] of the Republic of Uzbekistan held its meeting. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoev, members of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as heads of the republican organizations participated in the event, Jahon reported quoting UzA. The lawmakers considered the draft of the State budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2008, as well as the concept of the draft of new Tax Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan R.Azimov has appeared with a report on the said issues, as well as with co-report – the chairman of the Committee at the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis on budget and economic reforms A.Akhadov.

The detailed discussion of the draft of the main finance document of the country, during which the representatives of all factions at the political parties spoke, was held after answers to the questions. The lawmakers have said that the forecast of main macro-economic indices for 2008 has been worked out taking into account ensuring the sustainable and balanced growth rates, structuring and modernizing of economy, technical and technological renewal of its most important branches, further liberalizing the tax policy, establishing maximum favorable conditions for business, attracting the foreign investment. At the same time the social directivity of state expenditures remains in place, which envisages the consistent growth of citizen incomes, further increase of quality of services in the system of education and healthcare, as well as protecting the socially vulnerable layers of population.

Taking into account the views expressed during the discussion the Legislative Chamber is reported to have approved the State budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2008 and adopted the respective resolution. During the discussion of the draft of new Tax Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan the lawmakers have underscored the significance to further enhance the tax legislation of the country thanks to curbing the number of taxes and duties, maximum unification the tax bases and regulations of calculation on certain taxes, as well as the procedure of their payment, regulating the tax lifts, elaborating the clear, tested and the world-accepted principles of taxing. Taking into account the suggestions proposed at the discussion of the document, the deputies are reported to have approved the concept of the draft of new Tax Code and have passed it in first reading.

From http://finance.uzreport.com/ 11/13/2007

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AUSTRALIA: SA Govt to Regulate Regional Taxis

The South Australian Government has agreed to regulate taxis in country areas. Currently in areas outside Adelaide, taxis must be licensed as hire cars where there are no council by-laws controlling the operation of taxi services. Only two regional councils, Mount Gambier and Victor Harbor, have by-laws that regulate taxi services. The executive director of public transport, Heather Webster, says arrangements are being made to license country taxis where council by-laws do not exist. "Which will allow country taxis to have a distinctive plate and it will also put requirements on them in regard to their metering and their rooftop signs," she said. Country Taxis South Australia chairman Chris Brougham says the industry has long lobbied for accreditation. "But until I see the fine print, until I see what it is that they're actually proposing then I'm afraid I have to stay a little bit sceptical because we've been having this discussion with the Government for seven or eight years," he said.

From http://au.biz.yahoo.com/ 11/06/2007

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Going for Growth of Welfare State

ONCE, it was the job of governments to run public facilities, such as schools and hospitals, for the benefit of all. Now, increasingly, governments see their job as being to collect taxes from us to pay benefits to others who choose to use private schools, hospitals and child-care centres. Of the $9.4 billion in tax cuts and new spending announced in John Howard's policy speech on Monday, $8.6 billion was in new forms of welfare, delivered through the tax system. Far from "Australia making the transition from a welfare state to an opportunity society", as Howard declared, it was one more "breakthrough" expansion of the welfare state. If the Coalition is re-elected, Australians for the first time will be paying other people's school fees. If Labor gets in, we will be paying other people's internet bills. And all through the tax system. Under the Coalition, taxpayers will also subsidise rich people to put $1000 a year into a "home saver's account" for their child or grandchild. Under Labor, we would be paying half of other people's child-care bills (up from 30 per cent we pay now). We the taxpayers pay 30 per cent of other people's private health insurance bills, under a law introduced by the Coalition, and now embraced by Labor. We effectively pay part of other people's taxes if they are over 65, or over 55 and working. Apart from Labor's plans, all these measures (and more) were introduced by the Howard Government. Despite its rhetoric, it has massively expanded the welfare state, largely through new "tax expenditures" — welfare provided as tax breaks.

Treasury's latest annual round-up on tax expenditures estimates that in 2007-08, taxpayers will spend almost $8 billion giving welfare to other people through tax breaks. The biggest one is widely supported: the low income tax offset, targeted specifically to low-income workers to boost the financial incentive to work. Both parties have pledged to double that by 2012. Other tax breaks are more dubious. Treasury says the cost of tax rebates for private health insurance is now almost $1 billion a year — more than twice what we spend on health services for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. We spend $500 million on tax breaks of up to $500 for workers aged between 55 and 64 who keep working. It's almost pure waste of money, since most of them don't need any incentive to work, and if they did, $500 wouldn't do it. Taxpayers pay almost $2 billion a year so people of retirement age face lower tax rates than those of working age. And child-care tax rebates now cost about $400 million a year. Then there's the $6.25 billion in payments to non-government schools, the $30 billion put aside for family assistance, the mushrooming benefits for self-funded retirees — and the massive tax breaks ahead as people aged over 60 divert their income into tax-free super payouts. Once, welfare was based on need. Now it's based on buying votes. With our money.

From http://www.theage.com.au 10/09/2007

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Rudd's $500m Climate Strategy

KEVIN Rudd will promise a $500 million fund to help develop and commercialise renewable energy, in a campaign launch today targeting education, climate change and the Prime Minister's retirement. But Labor promises that its spending will be less than the $9.4 billion John Howard announced on Monday. Mr Rudd will project himself as the leader for the next 10 years, in contrast to Mr Howard personifying the last 10. At today's Brisbane launch he will try to capitalise on the widespread discontent Labor reports from its research about Mr Howard planning to hand over to Mr Costello next term if the Coalition is returned. Mr Howard yesterday became more specific on the timing of the handover. Previously, he has relied on the formula that he will step down "well into" the term. Once the two launches are over, the parties have their main initiatives out. But the Liberals are yet to announce the details of their hospitals policy. The renewable energy fund would help develop, commercialise and deploy technologies in areas including solar, wind, geothermal and wave. It would fund projects that take renewable energy initiatives from the laboratory to the grid. But the money for it is expected to be over a long period. A day after Mr Howard unveiled his $6.3 billion broad education tax refund for all school children, which would finance expenses including private school fees, Mr Rudd remained confident about his firm foothold on the education battleground.

"We have our own plans on education. We've been working on them all year. We are confident in them and they represent a real alternative," he said. Labor is stepping up its attack on Mr Howard's retirement. Under questioning yesterday, the Prime Minister said that if the Government was returned Peter Costello "will not become the prime minister until well into the next term … that's two years on, at least — or 18 months, two years on". Mr Rudd said Mr Howard had confirmed his retirement and "now there is some wobbly language about whether it's a year and a half's time or whether it's two years' time. "The bottom line is this: Mr Howard has no responsibility for owning the responsibility of implementing his campaign commitments (made) yesterday … because he won't be there to face the people at the next election. And we all know that on the key challenge of WorkChoices, Mr Costello would take WorkChoices even further." Mr Rudd attacked Mr Howard on economic policy, saying he had no real plan to fight inflation. Shadow treasurer Wayne Swan said: "We're not going to match Mr Howard dollar for dollar in his desperate pre-election spending spree. He's up to his old tricks again — putting big piles of money on the table just before the election, then after the election, if he's re-elected, forgetting about those issues." But Mr Howard rejected any suggestion that his policies would put further pressure on inflation, pointing to the strong surplus. He also vigorously denied that he was indulging in giving welfare to wealthier people. "I do not regard it as welfare, to give people a tax break for having children," he said.

From http://www.theage.com.au/ 11/14/2007

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NSW Flags Uniform Home Improvement Laws

The New South Wales Government is planning a massive overhaul of council rules for small renovations. The Government will release a discussion paper on the planning laws later this month, with critics concerned it will be oriented towards greater development and will give local councils less say. Planning Minister Frank Sartor says the rules can vary greatly from one council to another and some uniformity is needed. "There is nothing magical about how far your backyard shed has to be from a boundary," he said. "Surely, we can have common rules across the state, so everyone knows them. "The amazing thing is the more uniform the rules are, the more well-known they are, then the more likely people are to comply."

From http://www.abc.net.au/ 11/21/2007

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Changes to Anti-Smoking Laws

Anti-smoking legislation will be returned to Tasmania's Lower House after the Legislative Council last night voted to amend the bill. Under the legislation, smoking in cars carrying children would be banned. It would have also reduced the allowable size of cigarette and tobacco displays in shops from four square metres to one. However, Upper House MPs last night voted to ban displays from early 2011. Murchison MLC, Ruth Forrest, says the amendment will allow people to adapt to the changes. "Covering up a tobacco display completely will impose some costs on small business," she said. "And they will maybe need to consider if cigarette sales are a major part of their business, how they can diversify somewhat to account for that potential loss in sales - and they will need some time to do that."

From http://www.abc.net.au/ 11/22/2007

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Experts Launch Climate Action Plan for Incoming Govt

Australian climate experts say that no matter which party wins on Saturday, the nation faces a battle to control dangerous climate change. Three of the Australian National University's leading climate policy researchers have prepared an action plan for the incoming government. They recommend setting ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, and establishing a program to trade pollution rights. One of the authors of the plan, Professor Will Steffen, says now is an opportune time to release the policy brief. "Climate is obviously an ongoing and important issue, and it's one of a series of policy briefs that the [ANU's] Crawford School [of Economics and Government] has put out over the last couple of years," he said. Rather than hoping for any particular election outcome, he says the ANU researchers are aiming to inform public policy development, no matter what the election outcome is.

"My view as a biophysical scientist is that climate change is such a huge and growing issue that it really transcends politics," he said. "So we need, as a university, to be able to inform the debate, no matter who is in government." The United Nations' chief negotiator has warned there is a window of opportunity of 10 to 15 years to halt the march of dangerous climate change. Professor Steffen says he agrees with this assessment. "In fact, I've said that previously myself, based on the research that we see around the world," he said. "That's because there's some strong feedback in the climate system itself, that if we don't get on top of the problem, the earth is going to start shoving out even more CO2 and we may get into a situation that'll be difficult or impossible to control."

From http://www.abc.net.au/ 11/22/2007

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Local Govt Welcomes Federal Transition

The Queensland Local Government Association (LGAQ) says the incoming Labor Federal Government will have a big impact on regional council operations. Greg Hallam from the LGAQ says the change of government offers both positives and areas of concern for councils. "We welcome the fact that both the PM and the treasurer are from Queensland," he said. "We think that may be an opportunity to address some of the generational shortfalls of funding to Queensland across road funding, education, health. "We think that's a very important and positive and welcome breakthrough. We'll look forward to working closely with the new government." He says another positive is that Labor has promised to have a referendum on the question of recognising local government in the constitution. "There will be significant changes in a whole range of areas including climate change and the environment that will affect local government," he said.

From http://www.abc.net.au 11/26/2007

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NEW ZEALAND: Government Support for Sustainable Business

Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced a $750,000 grant for the Sustainable Business Network, the organisation which encourages sustainable business practice. The Prime Minister made the announcement at the Sustainable Business Awards in Auckland, where she presented the Sustainable Business of the Year Award. Helen Clark said that the Labour-led Government is committed to working with New Zealand businesses to help them become more sustainable. “The extra funding for the Network comes from the government’s new Business Partnerships for Sustainability initiative and runs over three years. “The Government’s preference is to build on existing sustainable business support programmes. The Sustainable Business Network provides such programmes. It is a member-based forum, where businesses can learn about new ideas and share experiences. “The Network’s track record in delivering practical advice on sustainability to business is excellent. About 600 businesses have signed up with it already, and its flagship programme, the Get Sustainable Challenge, is thriving. “The funding I have announced tonight recognises the importance of the Network’s work in helping businesses become more sustainable,” Helen Clark said.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ 10/25/2007

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Income Tax Act 2007 Enacted

The Income Tax Act 2007 received Royal assent yesterday afternoon. The new Act resulted from legislation that passed through its final stages in Parliament last week, the final chapter in the 15-year rewrite of the Income Tax Act. The new Act will apply to income derived from the 2008-09 income year.

From http://www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz 11/02/2007

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Tax Law on Volunteers' Payments Under Review

An issues paper released today explores a number of options for clarifying and simplifying the tax treatment of reimbursements and honoraria paid to volunteers. The paper seeks feedback on suggested ways of dealing with current uncertainties in the tax law relating to these payments to minimise, as much as possible, compliance costs for volunteers and non-profit organisations. Submissions close on 14 December. For more information see the government's media statement and the issues paper, "The tax treatment of honoraria and reimbursements paid to volunteers".

From http://www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/ 11/01/2007

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Labour Delivering for New Zealand’s Future

New Zealanders are embracing the Labour-led government’s work to boost savings and improve the skills of our young people, Finance Minister and Minister for Tertiary Education Michael Cullen said today. Dr Cullen announced today that the number of New Zealanders in KiwiSaver has already passed a quarter of a million, standing at 261,000 as of 29 October. In addition, the number of young people actively participating in Modern Apprenticeships has reached 13,838. The programme looks set to achieve its 14,000 target for 2008 before the end of this year. “The Labour-led government is delivering on our promises to New Zealanders,” Michael Cullen said. “At the last election, we fought to deliver KiwiSaver against an opposition who had promised to scrap the scheme to pay for reckless tax cuts. “At this year’s budget we announced major enhancements to the scheme to make it easier for all families to save for their future. The National Party voted against the enhancements and is still refusing to back them.

“Now with over a quarter million KiwiSavers, it is clear that New Zealanders are seizing the opportunity to save with the scheme growing three times as fast as some had predicted. Still, the National Party won’t commit to KiwiSaver and they’re now talking about cutting superannuation rates. “It is a similar story with Modern Apprenticeships. The Labour-led government has worked hard to restore the place of trades training in our economy after the last National government scrapped apprenticeships programmes. “At the last election we said we wanted to see 14,000 young people gaining skills through active participation in Modern Apprenticeships during 2008. We now look set to achieve that before the end of this year. “The Labour-led government is delivering on policies that will better prepare New Zealand for the future. While New Zealanders are embracing them enthusiastically, John Key and the National Party are opposing them at every step.”

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ 11/05/2007

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Strategy for Sustainable, Secure Energy

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Energy Minister David Parker today launched the New Zealand Energy Strategy, which sets the country firmly on a path towards clean, renewable energy. “The New Zealand Energy Strategy puts our country on an ambitious but achievable pathway towards greater sustainability, and a secure energy future,” Helen Clark said. “It’s important that New Zealand plays its part in tackling climate change. We need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions from energy use. This strategy, and its companion document, the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, help us do that.” David Parker said that the New Zealand Energy Strategy sets out the government’s vision for a sustainable, low emissions energy system, and an action plan to make that vision a reality. “It sets out how we will deliver secure energy at affordable prices to support economic development, while at the same time being environmentally responsible and reducing carbon emissions from our energy production and use,” David Parker said. “We’ve already announced a target of generating 90 per cent of New Zealand’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025. “The emissions trading scheme will help us achieve that. In addition, we’ll be considering regulatory options through the Electricity Act to limit new fossil fuel base-load generation over the next ten years.

“We are also preparing a national policy statement on renewable energy to provide guidance to local authorities when they’re considering renewable energy projects.” David Parker said the NZES also includes the target of halving domestic transport emissions per capita by 2040. The use of renewable energy from biofuels will increase, and New Zealand aims to be a world leader in electrically powered vehicles. As well, major investments in public transport are being made. The Energy Strategy was launched alongside the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy. Work on that strategy has been led by Jeanette Fitzsimons, Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation. Helen Clark and David Parker said that the measures outlined in the two energy strategies would support and complement the recently-announced emissions trading scheme.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz 11/10/2007

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Recycling in Public Places Initiative Launched

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Environment Minister Trevor Mallard today announced the first four areas in New Zealand to trial recycling facilities in public places under the Labour-led Government's Recycling in Public Places Initiative. Wellington City Council, Far North District Council, Kaikoura District Council and Christchurch City Council will be the first councils to receive government support to set up recycling bins in public places. Helen Clark said that tourism industry surveys of overseas visitors’ experiences report that the lack of good public waste disposal facilities is one of the most common criticisms received. “A visible, easily identifiable public recycling facility will help us improve visitor experiences and give more substance to our clean and green reputation. “Recycling is one of the easy things everybody can do to contribute to greater sustainability and minimise the waste stream. Household recycling is progressing well, but New Zealand needs more public facilities to encourage recycling of waste. This government programme is designed to kick-start a nationwide network of commonly branded recycling bins in public places,” Helen Clark said.

Trevor Mallard said that the government has allocated $4.6 million over three years to establish around 600 public recycling bins throughout New Zealand. The pilot project announced today will cost $1.5 million in the first year to install, operate, and publicise. "This initiative is one of many sustainability initiatives being progressively rolled out, as part of a broader work programme to lead New Zealand to greater sustainability in our use of resources and our way of life." “The pilots will serve as a model for recycling in public places for other regions. “Once the pilots are up and running, and have been evaluated, two more funding rounds for councils will open in 2008 and 2009, and more facilities will be developed across the country,” Trevor Mallard said.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ 11/13/2007

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Select Committee Improves Electoral Finance Bill

The Government is welcoming changes to the Electoral Finance Bill recommended by the Justice and Electoral Select Committee, says Justice Minister Annette King. “In particular, the Government agrees with the committee’s recommendation to delete clause 5(1)(a)(iii) of the original Bill. This clause was the subject of widespread comment by submitters, who were concerned at the broad definition of election advertisement in the clause. The deletion of the clause will therefore allay the concerns of such submitters.” Ms King says the Government wants to re-emphasise why the Bill is necessary. “This Bill is about creating a fair, transparent electoral system that puts all parties on a level playing field with clearly defined rules and safeguards to protect the electoral system from abuse. “This Bill does not restrict free speech. It simply restricts rights to ‘purchase’ speech through advertising. This is being done to safeguard our democracy by keeping to a minimum the undue influence of money in politics. That’s what a level playing field means, and the Government believes most New Zealanders understand and support this principle,” she said. “I believe it is a strong affirmation of the strength of democracy in New Zealand that there has been such considerable public interest in this Bill. The Select Committee received written submissions from 575 individuals and organisations, and sat for extended hours to ensure that 101 oral submissions could be heard.

“The committee has listened to these submissions, and has recommended a number of changes to the Bill. The Government is listening too, and believes that the committee’s recommendations will meet the concerns raised by a very large number of submitters,” Ms King said. “Parliament decided that the committee’s membership should be expanded to include representation from all the parties in Parliament. Its recommendations therefore reflect the joint view of many parties.” Ms King said the committee also consulted with the Human Rights Commission on its recommendations, and the Government welcomed the Commission’s thoughtful response, and its support for the Bill’s policy objectives (letter from Chief Human Rights Commissioner to the Select Committee chair is attached).

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ 11/19/2007

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Substantial Investment in Children and Families

The Minister for Social Development and Employment, Ruth Dyson, today announced almost $7 million to fund long term research into New Zealand families and children, to begin in 2008. Cabinet has approved $3.027 million to add to an existing commitment of $3.65 million from the Ministries of Social Development, Health, and Justice, the Families Commission, and the New Zealand Police. The Ministry of Research, Science and Technology earlier provided seed funding to help make the study a reality, bringing the total cross-government investment to $6.7 million. "This represents a substantial investment by the Labour-led government so we can identify and examine the key social issues that will affect future New Zealanders," said Ruth Dyson. The Longitudinal Study will be led by the University of Auckland, which has also contributed funding to the project, and will follow the lives of 7,600 children born in the Auckland and Waikato regions.

The study will help identify opportunities to improve children's lives by studying parenting behaviours, health and environmental factors, child development, education, nutrition and social interactions. It will be the first New Zealand longitudinal study to start before the children are born, with mothers being recruited in late pregnancy through their lead maternity carers. The study will then follow the children through to adulthood. For the first time, this Longitudinal Study will cover the full ethnic diversity of New Zealanders, by involving Maori, Pacific peoples, Asian and Pakeha children and their families. The study builds on successful studies conducted in Christchurch and Dunedin and updates them for the 21st century. "Children and families involved in the study will make a major contribution to our understanding of their lives, their needs, their experiences and their aspirations," said Ruth Dyson.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ 11/19/2007

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A New Public Health Bill

A new Bill designed to improve and protect New Zealanders’ public health was introduced to Parliament today by the Health Minister David Cunliffe. “Our public health legislation has served us well for over fifty years. It is now time to update it and bring it into the 21st century.” Health Minister David Cunliffe says “the Public Health Bill is a fundamental piece of legislation that protects public health. It will replace the Health Act 1956 and the Tuberculosis Act 1948.” “The Bill covers traditional aspects of public health such as controlling infectious disease, and providing for sanitary housing conditions, but modernises approaches and enables us to deal with a much wider range of public health threats.” Mr Cunliffe says that “throughout this Bill, the rights of the individual are balanced with the public interest to be protected from disease and other threats to public health including non-communicable diseases. Where individual rights are limited in the public interest, the Bill ensures that there are safeguards.” “One of the features of the Bill are updated provisions to protect New Zealand’s borders from all risks to public health and to take account of the changes in International travel. The Government has already responded to specific threats at our borders arising from pandemic influenza with the Epidemic Preparedness Act.” Mr Cunliffe says “this Bill takes things a step further and allows all health threats to be managed at the border including viruses that we do not even know about yet. This means that if someone entering New Zealand is suspected of being a serious risk to public health, steps can be taken to prevent the spread of that disease.” The Public Health Bill is expected to get its first reading in December.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ 11/21/2007

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APEC Tackles Corruption with Code of Conduct for Business

A new APEC Code of Conduct for Business, to help combat corruption in the region, was announced by Attorney-General Philip Ruddock today. The Code provides descriptions of various forms of bribery and clear guidance on how to identify corrupt practices. It describes practical steps businesses should take to counter corruption. "Corruption in the APEC region and beyond has serious and widespread consequences - it limits economic development, it discourages investment and it keeps people living in poverty," Mr Ruddock said. "Research by the World Bank Institute indicates that each year more than $1 trillion is paid in bribes worldwide. Businesses, particularly small businesses, need guidance when confronted with bribery." Mr Ruddock said take up of the Code by businesses will mean greater prosperity and economic growth across the Asia-Pacific.

"The Code is one of the outcomes of collaboration between APEC Governments and APEC businesses in 2007," Mr Ruddock said. "By adopting the Code businesses have the power to have a real impact on efforts to eradicate corrupt practices, leading to stronger economies and further trade liberalisation." The APEC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Experts Task Force plans to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt and implement the Code. SMEs make up about 99 per cent of enterprises in the regional APEC economy, and their contribution is between 30 per cent and 60 per cent of an economy's gross domestic product. The SME sector is particularly vulnerable to corruption and is a major part of the APEC economy. "It is important to codify an anti-corruption policy because enterprises are more likely to adopt a Code if presented with a ready-made example," Mr Ruddock said. "An APEC-endorsed code is important so that business is aware this is an APEC initiative and they have APEC support in opposing corruption." "I am confident the Code will prove to be a valuable contribution to the fight against corruption, both in our region and ultimately in the global economy."

From http://www.apecsec.org.sg/apec/ 09/06/2007

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ADB Hosts International Seminar on Fighting Bribery in Public Procurement

BALI, INDONESIA - Government representatives and experts from 25 countries and jurisdictions are joining the Asian Development Bank (ADB) this week in Bali, Indonesia, for an international seminar on combating bribery in public procurement. “Corruption in public procurement is a particularly important issue in the Asia-Pacific region where it is estimated that governments pay between 20% and 100% more for goods and services due to corrupt procurement practices”, ADB Vice President of Operations C. Lawrence Greenwood Jr. said in his joint welcome address with Paskah Suzetta, Indonesia’s Minister of the National Development Planning Agency, and Hendarman Supandji, Attorney General of Indonesia.

From http://www.adb.org/ 11/07/2007

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Transparency Society Plans Local Reform Index

Kuwait Transparency Society plans local reform index. As Kuwait seems to be getting worse classification with passing of time on the international Corruption Perception Index, Kuwait Transparency Society yesterday announced intention to launch a new "Reform Index" to gauge reform efforts and counter-corruption action at state bodies. Society chairman Salah Al-Ghazali told a press conference the index is an initiative to save the public sector after spread of corruption recently. It functions through competition among state bodies to identify, admit to, and address their own problems and coming clean with all before the public. A board of trustees gathering specialists and experts in administrative and financial affairs was set up to guarantee a proper and sound mechanism for the index, the official pointed out. The annual index involves criteria such as performance assessment mechanisms, transparency requirements, improvement of standards of service, and encouraging the state bodies, officials, and staff to engage in reform efforts. The index project also hopes to increase awareness on the need to counter administrative and financial corruption in the state sector and urge more care and commitment to principles such as preservation and best utilization of state funds.

Most active and successful institutions in this area would get time in the spot-light, he said, which would both whet competition among state bodies and increase awareness among the public. More on the index mechanism , Reform Perception Index commissioner Salma Al-Eisa said the idea was discussed with Transparency International Corruption Perception Index Commissioner Johann Graf Lambsdorff and Transparency International, and the experiences of Dubai and Jordan in this field was also reviewed. Al-Eisa pointed out observations and recommendations of experts from across the world were taken in consideration as well and the index project was presented to the Kuwaiti premier. The index, she said, gauges aspects on transparency, integrity, liability and accountability, respect of law, efficiency, justice, and competitiveness within state bodies. The bodies are to be listed from best to worst performer, she said.

The first list and report for 2007 would be announced at the transparency forum to be hosted in Kuwait in mid February 2008, the official revealed. Since 1995, Transparency International has published an annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ordering the countries of the world according to "the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among public officials and politicians". The organization defines corruption as "the abuse of entrusted power for private gain". Article 13 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) states "Each State Party shall take appropriate measures to promote the active participation of individuals and groups outside the public sector, such as civil society, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations, in the prevention of and the fight against corruption and to raise public awareness regarding the existence, causes, and gravity of and the threat posed by corruption."

From http://www.transparency.org/ 11/15/2007

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Asia' Public Sector IT Spend to Be $51-B in '07

SINGAPORE: Asia’s public sector IT spending to be $51.5 billion in 2007, with the market growing at a compound annual rate of 6.9 per cent from 2006 through 2010, according to Springboard Research study on public sector IT spending in Asia (including Japan). Study reveals that growth was steady in the region. The study also revealed that Japan, while growing much slower than the rest of Asia, is still by far the largest market in the region, accounting for 45 per cent of public sector IT spending. China and Australia are the next largest markets, accounting for 20 per cent, and 11 per cent, respectively, of public sector technology spending. India is the fastest growing market in the region, and the market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 19.5 per cent through 2010. While federal IT spending accounts for 72 per cent of all expenditures, Springboard is seeing increased growth in spending at the next level, comprised of state, regional, provincial and local governments. “This segment of the market is growing at close to 10 per cent a year across the region and state-level spending is growing twice as fast as federal spending in more mature markets like Japan, Australia, Korea, New Zealand, and Taiwan,” said Jonathan Silber, research manager for Springboard Research. “This is an opportunity, but it also represents more real estate that vendors need to cover as there are a lot more organizations at this level. Also, local government spending has tended to grow slower than state and regional spending; but in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, we have seen strong local spending growth that is as fast or faster than federal and state spending,” Silber added. Key sub-verticals within the public sector include education (public and private), which will account for 22 per cent of spending in 2007. Other key sub-verticals are healthcare (public and private) and defense/security, with healthcare being the fastest growth sub-vertical across the region. “We are seeing strong growth in technology spending in healthcare across the board. In most countries, it is the fastest growing sub-vertical as countries invest heavily in infrastructure and to support aging populations in places like Australia, Japan, and Korea,” Silber explained.

From http://www.ciol.com/content/ 11/16/2007

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More Political Commitment Needed to Fight International Corruption, Says OECD Secretary-General

"Much more needs to be done" to fight international corruption, said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría today at a conference in Rome to mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. He cited new anti-bribery laws, tougher sanctions and improved international co-ordination and co-operation as some of the Convention's achievements over the past decade. But, he said, "some countries are still holding back on implementing the Convention. They have almost no investigations. They have brought no cases to court. They are not being pro-active." "This needs to change," he said. Without credible action across a broad front, pressures will build on governments - even those who are currently strong performers - to go the other way. There is a big risk that countries will go back to doing "business as usual", including corruption. The only way to prevent this is to ensure that everyone plays by the same rules. We need practical measures, and, more importantly, we need political commitment." At the conference, Ministers and senior officials of the 37 Parties to the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to fighting bribery. For further information, please see www.oecd.org/bribery/anniversary

From http://www.oecd.org/ 11/21/2007

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CHINA: To Monitor Gov't Office Buildings' Energy Consumption

China will establish a nationwide system to monitor energy consumption of government office buildings and large public buildings, said a circular jointly issued by China's Ministry of Construction and Ministry of Finance. A national networked monitoring platform will be established to monitor energy consumption of these buildings in real time. Meanwhile, energy consumption calculation, auditing, publicity, quota and pricing systems will be established to promote energy conservation, according to the circular. Pilot projects have started in some cities and provinces, including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing and major cities in 15 provinces and autonomous regions. The government will extend the practices across the country in 2008, said the circular. In the circular, the two ministries also demand various localities to strengthen energy conservation in government office buildings and major public buildings to cut energy consumption by 20 percent by 2010, saving 11 million to 15 million tons of standard coal.

From http://news.yahoo.com 10/28/2007

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New Party Officials Appointed In China

China's Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Sunday approved the appointment of the new minister of public security and the party chiefs of Shanghai and Hubei. Meng Jianzhu, 60, is the new minister of public security after serving as party chief of East China's Jiangxi Province. He replaces Zhou Yongkang, who last week was named to the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China. Born in Jiangsu Province, Meng joined the CPC in 1971. He served as deputy party chief of Shanghai from 1996 to 2001 before moving to Jiangxi. Yu Zhengsheng, 62, former party secretary of Hubei Province, replaces Xi Jinping as Shanghai Party chief. Xi also was named to the Standing Committee last week. A native of Shaoxing in Zhejiang, Yu graduated from Harbin Military Engineering Institute, majoring in automatic control of ballistic missiles and joined the CPC in 1964. He was minister of construction from 1998 to 2001 before his post in Hubei. Luo Qingquan, governor of Hubei, becomes the province's new party chief.

From http://www.nasdaq.com 10/29/2007

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Medical Insurance System to Be Extended

Guangzhou's labor and social security bureau has said it plans to introduce two new medical insurance schemes for urban citizens and migrant workers next year. "To improve the existing system, we plan to create two new insurance schemes, which will mostly benefit urban residents and migrant workers," Cui Renquan, the bureau's director, said earlier this week. Cui said the schemes will cover a greater number of migrant workers who do not have Guangzhou permanent residences and local residents who are unemployed or do not have a pension under the existing system. He said the new schemes will focus on serious illnesses, with members being charged only a small premium. The bureau is currently soliciting opinions from other departments, but the schemes should be introduced next year, Cui said. The number of people in Guangzhou who are covered by medical insurance has already increased significantly this year, he said.

There are currently 2.52 million people under the protection of Guangzhou's medical insurance system, up 65 percent on 2006, he said. Cui said the city's authorities were also looking to bring the children of migrant workers under the insurance system in the future. He said the existing schemes, which relate to healthcare and insurance against injury at work, and childbirth insurance, have 1.71 million and 880,000 members, respectively. These figures are up 39 percent and 31 percent on last year. City authorities pay an average of 150 yuan a month into each member's account, Cui said. As a result, members save an average of 2,479 yuan ($332) a year. He said the bureau is confident the fund will be sufficient to cover the large volume of additional members once the new schemes are introduced. Zhang Qiuhong, director of the Guangzhou Medical Insurance Center, said a number of scheme members had complained about private hospitals overcharging them. She said the center will investigate all hospitals contracted to the insurance scheme to ensure fair pricing. If anyone feels they have been overcharged, they can make a complaint to the insurance center, she said.

From China Daily 11/03/2007

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China Subsidizes Rural Transportation

China's central government has subsidized transportation in rural areas and urged local officials to help the urban poor after it raised fuel prices by nearly 10% this past week, state media reported. Those who price gouge or spread rumors about the practice will be "severely punished" in order to maintain stable prices for refined oil, and natural and liquefied gas, the Xinhua News Agency said Saturday, citing a circular from China's top economic planning body. Beijing raised prices of gasoline and diesel fuel by nearly 10% on Thursday to curb demand amid shortages that have caused long lines at filling stations and disrupted trucking in key export areas. After three decades of economic reforms, China's government still sets one-third of prices, including the price of electric power, gasoline and cooking oil. Government controls have forced refiners to pay the difference between soaring market prices for crude and lower retail prices at the pump. Some refiners responded by cutting output. The price hike was the first granted by regulators in 18 months.

Officials had rejected refiners' appeals to be allowed to pass on high crude costs to consumers, citing a need to protect China's poor, who have seen a sharp rise in food prices, particularly pork, the country's staple meat. To balance the higher fuel costs, the central government will subsidize public transportation in rural areas, Xinhua said, citing a National Development and Reform Commission circular. Local governments should help minimize the impact on urban residents by extending temporary subsidies for the poor or raising subsistence payments, it said. The price hike will affect air travelers as well. Beginning Monday, domestic airlines will increase the passenger fuel surcharge from 50 yuan ($6.70) to 60 yuan ($8) for flights within 500 miles. Fees for longer flights will climb from 80 yuan ($10.70) to 100 yuan ($13.40), Xinhua said, citing a joint circular from the National Development and Reform Commission and the General Administration of Civil Aviation.

From http://www.usatoday.com 11/04/2007

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China to Build More Orphanages

The Chinese Government plans to build 83 new orphanages in 2008, as part of the effort to improve child welfare infrastructure, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said Tuesday. The State Development and Reform Commission plans to allocate 130 million yuan (US$17 million) for the construction, while the Ministry of Civil Affairs will use 200 million yuan (US$26 million) from the income of the Welfare Lottery. The funds would mainly be spent in building the new orphanages, said Zhang Mingliang, director of the ministry's department of social welfare and social affairs. Efforts would also focus on improving the facilities and functions of orphanages, so as to provide orphans with fostering, medical care, special education, rehabilitation, and vocational training, said Zhang. By the end of 2006, China had 249 orphanages with 30,716 beds, which accommodates 72,000 orphans, or 13 percent of the country's total. The government plans to set up orphanages or open orphan's departments in local welfare houses in all prefecture-level cities by 2010.

From Xinhua News Agency 11/07/2007

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China's Urban Unemployment Rate Declining

China's urban jobless rate has declined just .1 percent from last year even though more than 10 million urbanites found work so far this year. Labor and Social Security Vice Minister Zhang Xiaojian said that by creating more than 10 million jobs in the country's urban areas, employment has remained stable for most of 2007, China's official Xinhua news agency reported Saturday. "(The) employment situation in China has been stable this year, with the first 10 months completing 113 percent of the 9 million-job target set for the whole year," Zhang said. Zhang said that at the end of September, the urban unemployment rate sat at 4 percent, a decrease from last year's 4.1 percent, and 95.7 percent of China's "zero employment" families now had at least one employed member. The labor official did warn that the increasing number of college graduates could potentially pose an employment dilemma in the future, along with increased migration into China's urban areas. Xinhua said 11.84 million urban residents in China garnered new jobs in 2006, the first time the country surpassed 10 million in a single year.

From http://www.upi.com 11/10/2007

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China Dedicated to Improving Government Performance

China will accelerate the reform of its administrative system in a bid to improve government efficiency and performance, said Chinese State Councilor Hua Jianmin. Hua, also secretary general of the State Council, made the remarks in Beijing on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 4th China-Europe Senior Forum on Government Management. The Chinese government has always attached great importance to the improvement of its performance, he said. He noted that the Chinese government had made obvious progress in transforming the way it governs the country, such as making the switch from a planned to a market economy, streamlining the government structure, ensuring social management on the basis of law and making government affairs public. "A more efficient government will better serve the sustainable development of Chinese society and continue to satisfy people's surging demand," he said. Hua, also president of the China National School of Administration, said the annual China-Europe Senior Forum on Government Management was initiated in 2004 and had exerted positive impact on bilateral ties. The forum this year attracted more than 300 government officials and experts from 10 countries and regions around the world. The three-day forum will focus on topics such as reform of the public sector, governing in accordance with law, government performance and management, and government accountability.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 11/13/2007

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China to Improve Services for Migrant Population

The Chinese government has been urged to provide better services for migrants and protect their legal rights and interests, said a senior Party official here Tuesday. Good management of such people is key to maintaining social stability, said Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), at a meeting here. Governments at all levels should improve public services for this sector of the population, help solve their problems, protect their legal rights and interests and reduce discrimination against them, Zhou said. The Ministry of Education on Tuesday asked its local departments to ensure that children of migrant workers were enrolled in government schools and enjoyed the same tuition policies as those of permanent city residents. China's migrant population is estimated to be about 140 million, most of whom are from rural areas but now work in cities. Those failing to find decent jobs sometimes turn to crime and cause security problems. Zhou also said that local governments should encourage the public to take an active part in preventing crime and should focus spending on the areas that matter most to the public's daily lives.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 11/20/2007

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Stronger Anti-corruption Fight Urged

He Guoqiang, the top disciplinary official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), urged inspectors to intensify their anti-corruption drive under the guidance of the spirit of the 17th CPC National Congress. He, secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), spoke during an inspection tour of east China's Shandong province during November 15-19. To guarantee the implementation of major policy decisions and strategic arrangements made at the congress, all discipline inspectors must step up efforts to enhance their capacity to fight corruption and uphold integrity, He said. He, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said the anti-corruption drive must be flexible enough to cope with new situations and solve new problems. He urged discipline inspection departments to intensify investigation and research. While resolutely fighting corruption, commissions for discipline inspection at all levels must work harder to remove its root cause, take preventive measures, and improve relevant systems, He stressed. During his inspection tour of Shandong, He visited villages, firms, communities and colleges.

From Xinhua News Agency 11/20/2007

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China Pledges Environmental Improvement for Rural Areas

The Chinese government issued a document on Tuesday in which it vowed to tackle environmental problems in rural areas, where environmental conditions are "still very tough." "Some environmental problems have become the main factors endangering the health and property security of rural Chinese, thwarting sustainable economic and social development in the countryside," said the document issued by the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) and several other government departments. The document contained a pledge to reduce pollution and improve the environmental quality of drinking water sources by 2010. "To guarantee drinking water safety is the top priority of environmental protection in rural China," the document said. The SEPA director Zhou Shengxian revealed on an earlier occasion that more than 300 million rural Chinese were affected by unsafe drinking water. Zhou said in an interview with Xinhua that he hoped the quality of all of China's key drinking water sources would reach national standards by 2008.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 11/21/2007

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Chinese Courts to Improve Ruling Practice of Judicial Committees

Chief justice Xiao Yang announced on Friday what he said was a major reform in the process used by Chinese courts to rule on high-profile or controversial cases in a bid to make rulings more fair. The reform involves judicial committees, the highest decision-making bodies in the Chinese court system. These committees discuss and issue rulings on major or difficult cases. But the decisions of these committees, which are comprised mainly of presidents of law courts or tribunals, are made in closed sessions, with no direct contact with either the plaintiffs or defendants. From now on, members of judicial committees will join the bench to hear or try cases themselves, said Xiao at a national conference on reform of China's judicial system. Xiao, president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC), said the move would help the committee members "better pinpoint the focus and form an overall picture of the cases" and reduce the chance of biased rulings. The SPC's judicial committees would be divided into two groups -- one for criminal cases, the other for civil and administrative cases -- to improve efficiency and accuracy, Xiao added. As part of the reforms, judicial committees will use secret ballots to reach agreements on rulings. They will also enroll more experienced judges, he said. At Friday's conference, Xiao also specified other tasks that Chinese courts faced in building an independent and fair judicial system. "We should stick to the constitutional principle that any administrative organs, social groups or individuals have no right to interfere with fair rulings," he said.

From Xinhua News Agency 11/24/2007

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Judicial Reforms 'Yield Good Results'

Court reforms over the past decade have helped achieve judicial efficiency, including significant progress in the rulings in major, difficult or controversial cases, the country's top judge said recently. Supreme People's Court (SPC) President Xiao Yang said the reform of judicial committees, the highest decision-making bodies in the country's judicial system, has greatly improved trial quality and rulings. Addressing a national working conference on court reforms, Xiao said the decisions of these committees, comprising mainly court and tribunal presidents, used to be taken at closed sessions with no direct contact with either plaintiffs or defendants. But the reforms have made judicial committee members, along with other judges or panels, join the bench to hear or try the cases. "Each judge has to read the case document, voice his opinion and directly question litigants," Xiao said. "For difficult, complicated or socially important cases, judicial committees have to hear the cases in person to better understand the facts and reduce the chances of biased rulings." SPC judicial committees have been divided into two groups, one for criminal cases and the other for civil and administrative cases, to improve efficiency and accuracy, he said.

Local high courts and immediate people's courts have formed their own criminal, civil and administrative committees, too. As part of the reforms, judicial committees have also used secret ballots to arrive at a ruling. More experienced judges have been named to the judicial committees in contrast to the earlier practise of having only court and tribunal presidents, Xiao said. Renmin University of China's professor of criminal law Chen Weidong has hailed the reforms as "the transfer from closed sessions to trial participation in accordance with trial characteristics". "It's a fundamental necessity for judges to hear a trial before taking a decision," he said. "Chinese courts are becoming more professional and specialized, with the formation of special judicial committees and excellent judges who know how to deal with major cases," Chen said.

The SPC introduced other important measures, such as review of death penalties, retrial procedures, judicial enforcement, people's jury system, judges' enrolment and management, guiding case instruction and minors' trials. In a related development, China Society of Judicial Studies was set up yesterday, with SPC Vice-President Cao Jianming being named as its first president. Cao said the society will conduct special research on how to optimize judiciary resources, fight corruption in and build an independent and fair judicial system, protect people's basic rights and ensure that every citizen enjoys equal chance to be part of social development.

From China Daily 11/26/2007

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JAPAN: 5,150 Govt Retirees Get Double Pension Benefits

About 5,150 former central government employees who were loaned to government-affiliated public corporations and other bodies had received a total of about 1.1 billion yen in pension benefits from both the mutual aid pension plan for national public service personnel and the employee pension plans of the bodies where they worked as of the end of fiscal 2006, it has been learned. When a central government employee is seconded to an outside organization, he or she is supposed to suspend their contributions to the mutual aid pension plan and is required to join the corporate employees pension plan for the body at which they are hired. However, central government employees were allowed to join both the mutual aid pension plan and a corporate employees pension plan until 1984, when the dual membership system was scrapped. Although government employees are no longer allowed to do this, those who participated in both plans prior to 1984 and have now retired continue receiving pension benefits from both. They are estimated to be receiving about 1.14 billion yen in total benefits from the mutual aid fund alone every year, according to the Finance Ministry. Democratic Party of Japan House of Representatives member Akira Nagatsuma asked about the preferential treatment of such central government employees at the lower house's committee on labor issues on Wednesday.

The Finance Ministry has detailed data on central government employees who took advantage of the dual membership system and then retired after 1986. The number of such government employees stood at 3,870 as of the end of fiscal 2006, comprising about 0.5 percent of the 757,983 retirees who received pension benefits from the mutual aid plan for national government personnel at the time, according to the data. Based on the number, the Finance Ministry estimates that the total number of such retirees, including those who retired prior to fiscal 1986, is 5,150. Each of them receives 1.81 million yen a year on average in benefits from the mutual aid pension plan. Of the annual 1.81 million yen benefits, about 200,000 yen is accounted for by pension premiums paid while working on secondment outside the government. They also receive 180,000 yen to 240,000 yen a year from the employees pension plan of the corporations where they worked on loan. The total sum of pensions paid by corporate employees pension plans is 900 million yen to 1.2 billion yen every year. While they worked on loan, public corporations and other bodies where they were employed paid half of their premiums for both the mutual benefit and the corporate employees pension plans, while the employees covered the other half of the two plans. Nagatsuma said: "The dual membership of the pension plans was one example of the preferential treatment that national government employees enjoyed. I believe the government should return the premiums for one of the two pension plans that the employees paid into, and they should be allowed to receive benefits from only one of the plans."

From The Yomiuri Shimbun 10/25/2007

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Scandal-hit Ministry Faces Reform Plan

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has decided to reform the Defense Ministry under the leadership of the Prime Minister's Office in light of a series of scandals involving ministry officials. Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura announced at a press conference Friday that a panel of experts on defense and managerial issues would be established under him. The panel is expected to discuss concrete measures that could be taken to reform the scandal-tainted ministry, centering on the following three fields:
-- Strictly ensuring civilian control of the Self-Defense Forces.
-- Establishing a system to strictly control information.
-- Ensuring transparency in procurement of defense equipment.
The panel's first meeting will be held by the end of this month. After compiling an interim report in February, the panel is slated to submit the final report to the prime minister after a certain period. The scandals include suspected collusion between former Administrative Vice Defense Minister Takemasa Moriya and defense equipment trading firm Yamada Corp. "Under the prime minister's instruction to boldly promote reform of the Defense Ministry, a solid reform plan will be drawn up under the initiative of the Prime Minister's Office, not under the ministry," Machimura said. Fukuda decided to set up the panel during his talks with Machimura and Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Thursday, shortly before he left for the United States. In addition to Machimura and Ishiba, panel members will include former Tokyo Electric Power Co. President Nobuya Minami; Japan Center for Economic Research Chairman Akira Kojima; Tokyo University Prof. Akihiko Tanaka; National Defense Academy President Makoto Iokibe; Tokyo University Prof. Takashi Mikuriya; former Vice Administrative Defense Minister of the then Defense Agency Ken Sato; and former Joint Staff Council Chairman Shoji Takegochi. Meanwhile, Motonobu Miyazaki, a former Yamada executive suspected to have had collusive ties with Moriya, told his acquaintances that he "definitely dined with" Finance Minister Fukushiro Nukaga and former Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma. In his Diet testimony Thursday, Moriya said Nukaga and Kyuma were present on separate occasions when he was wined and dined by Miyazaki. As for the dinner with Kyuma, Miyazaki said the meeting was arranged by Yamada and paid for by Miyazaki, the sources said. The dinner took place "some time more than two or three years ago," the sources added. The sources also quoted Miyazaki as saying the dinner with Nukaga was arranged by a business leader and that Moriya and Miyazaki were separately invited. However, Miyazaki reportedly said he had not paid for the dinner with Nukaga, which was attended by about 10 people.

From http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/ 11/17/2007

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Japan Health System in Crisis

Medical services are collapsing in many parts of Japan. Doctor shortages are especially acute in obstetric-gynecological, pediatric and emergency care departments. It is high time that the government, lawmakers and the public seriously start discussing how to increase the number of doctors and nurses and how to improve their working conditions, including securing sufficient budgetary funds. A telling statistic in the current crisis is that, in 2006, 667 pregnant women being transported by ambulance were refused admittance by three or more hospitals. Also, as many as 1,012 pregnant women had to wait more than 30 minutes in ambulances until a hospital could be found that would accept them. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Japan has two physicians per 1,000 people (as of 2004), almost the lowest among developed countries. As a result, a Japanese doctor must see more patients than in other developed countries. Working conditions for hospital doctors in Japan are harsh, with some doctors on duty for up to 36 hours straight. At the root of the problem is the attitude of the health ministry and the Japan Medical Association. Since the 1980s, they have pushed the policy of restraining quotas for medical schools, believing that there would be too many doctors. The current situation shows how wrong they were. Their policy must be fundamentally changed. The government also should increase remuneration for medical treatment and help improve working conditions for hospital doctors, although budget problems must be cleared. The current medical internship system that started in 2004 is also responsible for the crisis. Those who have obtained a medical license must intern at hospitals for two years, but many of them choose hospitals in major cities, shunning university hospitals. As a result, the latter have had to call back doctors they had sent to core hospitals in the countryside. Measures must be devised to assign doctors who have finished internships at urban hospitals to hospital positions in the countryside for a certain period. Footnote: Japan's Suicide rate is the highest of any developed country, and ranks within the top-ten countries in the world. A study published in 2006, indicated that health problems were a significant factor in almost 50% of Japan's suicides in 2006.

From The Japan Times 11/21/2007

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Ozawa Sees Possibility of Early General Election

OTSU — The leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan indicated Sunday there is a possibility of a general election at an early stage. "It is generally seen that the situation now is not advantageous for the government and ruling coalition parties to dissolve the House of the Representatives for a general election, but you never know what will happen in this kind of the time," Ozawa said in a press conference in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. As for the controversial bill to resume Japan's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean, Ozawa said deliberations in the House of Councillors cannot be fully completed by the Dec 15 end of the current extended extraordinary Diet session.

From http://www.japantoday.com/jp/ 11/26/2007

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SOUTH KOREA: Public Service Reform Wins International Acclaim

Park Myung-jae (right), Minister of Government Administration and Home Affairs, receives award trophy at the 2007 BSC Hall of Fame.Korea's Ministry of Government Administration and Home affairs (MOGAHA) has received international awards in the global public and Asia-Pacific sectors. According to the ministry on Wednesday (Oct. 31), it is the first Asian ministry to simultaneously win the two awards. The honor came during the 2007 Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame for Executing Strategy awards ceremony held in Tokyo. Entry into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor awarded by Balanced Scorecard Collaborative, Inc. (BSCol) , the only organization in the world authorized to deliver products and services based on the Balanced Scorecard methodology. Founded by Harvard Business School professor Robert Kaplan and Dr. David Norton, BSCol annually selects private firms and government agencies in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Americas that generate outstanding results by adopting the BSC system. Previous BSC award winners include world-leading companies -- Canon, BMW, Motorola, Mobil and LG Philips -- and major government agencies, including the U.S. Army and the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Prof. Kaplan, who selected and assessed the award candidates, said the MOGAHA had outperformed world-class private companies and consequently deserved two places in the Hall of Fame for both the global public and Asia-Pacific sectors. Having adopted the BSC-based performance management system, the ministry has been developing better public management models more suitable for government bodies. “These awards hold significance since they show that the Korean government's innovative efforts are receiving international recognition,” said Park Myung-jae, Minister of Government Administration and Home Affairs, who attended the awards ceremony. “The MOGAHA will do its utmost to teach and share its experience and know-how with other government bodies and local entities in order to better establish the BSC-based performance management system,” the minister said.

From http://www.korea.net/ 10/31/2007

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Korea Will Curb Currency Speculation: Finance Minister

The Korean government will curb speculation in currency markets when necessary, the country's top economic policymaker said Thursday (Nov. 1). The won breached the 900 won-per-U.S. dollar level for the first time in 10 years and closed at 900.7 won to the dollar Wednesday as investors bet that the U.S. Federal Reserve will keep cutting interest rates. "We are concerned that market participants' expectations are moving in one direction," said Finance Minister Kwon Okyu at a parliamentary hearing. "We are committed to curbing speculative moves in the currency markets and it is our consistent principle that we will conduct smoothing operations when needed," he said. As of 11:20 a.m., the local currency was trading at 902.45 won to the U.S. dollar, down 1.75 won from Wednesday's close. A stronger won hurts profit margins of South Korea's exporters as it makes their products more expensive overseas. According to a poll by a local trade agency, Korea's exporters believe the won's value should be kept below 920-930 won to the dollar in order for them continue their exports.

From http://www.korea.net/ 11/01/2007

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Pension Service Search for Returns Risks Trillions

Korea will start a 20 trillion-won ($22 billion) fund to invest in global oil and gas projects, vying with China, Japan and India for resources as prices soar. The National Pension Service, Korea’s biggest investor with $235 billion in assets, is in talks with the Commerce Ministry and government agencies to start the fund by the end of this year, the service’s chief said. Korea imports 97 percent of its energy needs and is following China, India and Japan in tapping sources in Asia, Africa and Russia. Shifting pension money from bonds to oil, which rose to a record this week, will also help boost returns. “We have great interest in resource commodities, such as oil, gas and metals,” National Pension Service President Kim Ho-shik said in an interview on Tuesday. “We want to invest a lot in assets with higher risks and higher returns.” Crude oil prices have more than tripled since October 2002, reaching a record above $93 a barrel this week. Prices for copper on the London Metal Exchange have jumped more than fourfold in the past five years. Gold, which has more than doubled in the past five years, reached $794.70 an ounce on Oct. 29, the highest since January 1980, while platinum reached a record. China, the world’s biggest consumer of coal, copper and iron ore, said in January it may use its $1-trillion foreign exchange reserves to buy “strategic” resources. Oil & Natural Gas Corporation, India’s biggest explorer, said earlier this month it will seek a stake in an exploration area on Russia’s Sakhalin Island. Japanese government and business officials will visit South Africa next month to get supplies of metals for use in automobiles and steel alloys. “This is all about security of supply, this is all about getting access to supply at a reasonable price,” Mark Pervan, a commodity strategist at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group in Melbourne, said yesterday by phone. The pension service hasn’t yet decided how much it will contribute to the resources fund, Kim said. The service had 82 percent of its assets in bonds as of the end of August. Annual returns from bonds have more than halved since 2001, according to the service’s Web site. Korean regulations bar the pension fund from buying and selling commodities directly, while they permit investing in development projects through a fund, Kim said. “Instead of investing directly in the company that does the development, the fund will form a special-purpose company with them specifically for the project,” Kim said. The Commerce Ministry said in August that Korea will spend 10 trillion won on overseas oil and gas fields in the next decade.

From Bloomberg 11/01/2007

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Financial Watchdog to Streamline Regulatory Process

Financial watchdog said Tuesday (Nov.6) it plans to streamline the process of regulatory registration and authorization for financial institutions in a bid to enhance transparency and to minimize inconveniences for them. To that end, the country's regulatory body, the Financial Supervisory Commission, and the watchdog Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) will hold meetings to effectively process applications from financial companies, the FSS said. In a bid to enable financial institutions to avoid submission of identical documents to a number of departments upon request, the FSS is to establish a central point of contact that the offices will need to go through prior to demanding information, it said. To encourage financial holding firms to make inroads into foreign countries, the FSS revised rules earlier the month so overseas subsidiaries can be incorporated into such holding companies, it added. The changes came as part of the 100 tasks that the watchdog unveiled last month. The tasks, to be completed within the next three years, are aimed at upgrading financial supervision so the country can emerge as a Northeast Asian financial hub.

From http://www.korea.net/ 11/06/2007

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Future Reform Guidelines Proposed by KAPF and FKI

“The next administration should aim for ‘big market, small government.’ The market, not the government, should distribute resources where potential productivity is high,” said Kim Jong-seok, the chairman of the Korea Economic Research Institute (KERI), yesterday. “The government’s long-term welfare policy titled ‘Vision 2030’ should not be used for political propaganda, as was the case when the authoritarian government was in power. Presenting a rosy picture instead of elucidating burdens that need to be shouldered by the public will not help administer government policies,” said Economics Professor Choi Gwang at Hankook University of Foreign Studies. Many experts criticized the current government at a seminar titled, “Public Sector Reform Guidelines for the Next Government,” held at an FKI seminar hall in Yeouido yesterday, and hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) and Korean Association of Public Finance (KAPF). Participants agreed that the current government’s policy that goes against world trends by increasing the number of government officials, expanding administrative organizations, and suspending privatization, have pushed the public sector to grow out of proportion, wasted budget, and sapped the market’s vitality. Professor Choi said, “The incumbent government is sitting on mounting debts due to increased budget spending to improve social welfare to address economic polarization, to develop the nation in a balanced manner, and to implement the Engagement Policy toward North Korea.” He added, “Government-led job creation has led to serious budget wastage. Private-led job creation should be the basis of the government’s welfare policies.” Economics professor Gwak Tae-won at Sogang University said, “Korea’s tax rates are higher than those of Japan and America, imposing a heavier tax burden on the public. As population aging is reducing the number of workers and the capital flow is becoming smoother due to openness, corporate and inheritance taxes should be lowered to secure our growth potential.” He also said, “High property taxes usually lead to offerings, but home sales are excessively contained due to severe levying of capital gains taxes. This is a textbook example of an unreasonable policy mix and is also why the government has failed to curb soaring real estate prices, despite its bold implementation of related rules and regulations.” Senior researcher Jo Seong-bong at KERI said, “The second phase of privatizing the electricity industry, namely the electric supply, has come to a complete stop. The next government should provide efficient services by privatizing the public sector, thus encouraging competition.”

From http://english.donga.com/ 11/06/2007

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Gov't Curtails Union Rights in Public Services

A Cabinet meeting on Tuesday approved a revision to the law on labor unions and labor relations that will require businesses involved in tasks of vital public interest to carry out their basic duties even if unionized workers stage legal strikes. As of next year, unions of public service companies will be banned from going on full-scale strike. The sector includes hospitals, post offices, blood banks, the Bank of Korea and the suppliers of railway, subway and air transport, electricity, water, gas and communication services. They must continue to operate at least in part even if that means hiring replacements to fill in for up to 50 percent of striking workers.

From http://english.chosun.com/ 11/14/2007

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Roh Names New Chief at Tax Service

President Roh Moo-hyun yesterday promoted Han Sang-yool, deputy commissioner of the National Tax Service, to the post of NTS commissioner, which has remained vacant since the arrest of former NTS chief Jun Gun-pyo last Tuesday. Han will succeed Jun, who was arrested on suspicion of receiving 60 million won ($65,300) from one of his subordinates in exchange for favors relating to personnel changes at the NTS last year. The 54-year-old Han has served at various key posts of the NTS over the past three decades since joining the tax office in 1978. Han’s appointment came amid growing public calls for reform of the NTS, which has come under fire for widespread internal corruption, including kickback payments among NTS officials. Roh’s aides say the presidential office, the Blue House, was deeply embarrassed by Jun’s arrest, which came after last month's arrests of two former presidential secretaries on corruption charges. The scandals have dealt a serious political blow to the government led by Roh, who has campaigned for transparency and clean politics over the past five years. Roh’s single five-year term is to end next February.

From http://joongangdaily.joins.com/ 11/15/2007

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Lee Pledges to Overhaul Bureaucracy

Grand National Party presidential candidate Lee Myung-bak unveiled plans to build a "small and efficient government", pledging to slim down central administrative bodies and freeze the number of public servants. His bureaucratic reforms would reduce government spending by up to 10 percent, Lee told a news conference at party headquarters in Yeoido yesterday. "The number of public officials will be frozen at the current level and central government institutions will be consolidated into fewer and larger bodies," he said. Lee pledged that if elected he will whittle down ministries and smaller central government branches, currently totaling 56, and will drastically reorganize 416 government-affiliated committees. A number of organizations will be merged or removed, he said. The current government has been under criticism for increasing its size excessively. The number of public servants increased by 65,000 since President Roh Moo-hyun took office in February 2003, according to Home Affairs Ministry's statistics. It marked the second largest increase after the Roh Tae-woo government, which took office in 1988 and added more than 176,000 government jobs. Under the current government, a total of 28 new public institutions were established, the wages of public officials also increasing by up to 50 percent. Despite criticism, the current government has emphasized that most officials had been posted to local governments and the social welfare sector, as part of the goal to achieve balanced development in the nation. Lee also vowed to tighten the public officials' ethics code by increasing punishments and penalties. "Corrupt officials will be obliged to pay 50 times the amount of bribes they take," Lee said. He also vowed to root out tax evasion by more than doubling penalty rates. Additional back taxes will increase from the current 40 percent of unpaid taxes to 100 percent, he said. Lee added that he would push for privatization of state-run companies and delegate government projects to the private sector. His aides said Lee favors a Singaporean way of privatization, in which the government still retains its stakes while handing over management responsibility to professional private experts. Lee said earlier this month that he would privatize policy banks, including the Korea Development Bank, and will use the proceeds to back mid- and small-sized companies.

From http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ 11/17/2007

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INDONESIA: Good Governance Envisioned Across Archipelago by 2008

The government on Wednesday unveiled an ambitious goal of applying a nationwide system of good governance by 2008. State Minister for Administrative Reforms Taufik Effendi said of 465 regencies and cities in the country's 33 provinces, more than 50 percent already applied good governance. "There are 293 regencies and cities, as well as four provinces in Indonesia that have applied a good governance system," Taufik said at a regional forum on transparent and accountable government. "We're targeting that all of Indonesia's regions and cities will have applied a good governance system by the end of 2008, after the House of Representatives endorses the public services bill," he said. The bill is expected to be ready for ratification early next year. He added said after the bill became law there would be no more excuses for state offices to fail to serve the public. The four provinces that have applied the good governance system are Gorontalo in Sulawesi, Riau in Sumatra and Central and East Java. The cities include Sragen in Central Java and Jembrana in Bali. Taufik said regions would achieve several advances through good governance, including better public services, such as one-stop and free-of-charge services; decentralization of authority at village and district levels; the application of information technology; and the encouragement of small and medium enterprises. "But good governance is unlikely to succeed if local administrations do not put in place transparent and accountable systems." He said that in regions applying best practices, administrations tended to be slimmer, human resources more professional and supervision systems more accountable.

Taufik said familiarizing bureaucrats and residents with good governance was being emphasized in regions left behind during the Soeharto era. "We are now trying to improve their welfare, but that doesn't mean that we are putting aside the central government," the minister told The Jakarta Post. "Improvements in the central government have been done gradually, with advancements among the police, customs offices, and tax department." This second regional forum, organized by the United Nations Governance Center, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and Indonesia's State Ministry for Administrative Reforms, runs until Nov. 16. The forum, attended by representatives of 22 countries, will discuss and determine strategies to create effective good governance, especially in Asian countries, by focusing on building and maintaining transparency and accountability in the public sector; corruption eradication programs; capacity and accountability of local administrations; as well as service delivery and access. "Economic development in Asian countries is running so fast, but it hasn't touched the welfare of the grassroots yet," Jomo Kwame Sundaram of UNDESA said. "And the government is playing an important role here by encouraging and being a leader in the development, and ensuring that the benefit of the economic development is reaching the grassroots," he said.

From http://www.thejakartapost.com/ 11/15/2007

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MALAYSIA: Government Still Getting Feedback on Subsidy System Change

The government is still studying and getting feedback on suggestions to restructure Malaysia's subsidy system to ensure only those really in need get the facility, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin said today. "We don't want the poor to be unduly burdened but at the same time we must do (revamp subsidy) within our means," he told reporters on the sidelines of the 12th Malaysian Capital Market Summit 2007 here. The government, said Awang, is finding it difficult to maintain subsidies at the current level and to ensure that financial allocations for development are not affected by the need to fund subsidies. This year alone the government had to allocate RM40 billion for subsidies, covering commodities like petrol, gas, fertilisers, water and electricity. Awang said with the commitment given by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in looking after the interests of the people, the government will come out with a subsidy system that is close to perfect, if not perfect. Asked if any decision has been made on the matter, he said: "Not yet. We are still looking at various options and ways on how to do it, but it is not just about changing a particular measure. "When you have subsidy that you still want to keep in place for certain groups, especially the lower income, the enforcement and implementation must be very carefully carried out."

From http://www.bernama.com 11/13/2007

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The Need to Set Up Specialised Admiralty Court, Says Chief Judge

There is a need to set up a specialised court in Malaysia to deal exclusively with shipping and maritime-related matters, said Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Richard Malanjum. He said the establishment of an admiralty court was necessary to cope with the country's booming shipping industry and maritime services sector. "By setting up the admiralty court, we are telling the world that we are lifting the anchor and setting sail," said Malanjum in his opening speech at a forum organised by the Bar Council entitled "Admiralty Court - The Way Forward". Malanjum said this was his personal view and did not represent that of the judiciary or any governmental authority. The forum held at the Bar Council's auditorium was attended by the legal fraternity, officials from the Attorney-General's Chambers and people in the shipping and maritime industry. Currently, the Commercial Court 3 in Kuala Lumpur is designated to hear admiralty matters. Malanjum said in order to meet international standards and expectations, judges expert in maritime law should be appointed to the court to ensure that cases were settled judiciously according to correct legal principles and provide litigants with the confidence that their cases were being looked at with a "trained eye". He said the admiralty court could be used to deal with disputes relating to collisions, salvage, towage, cargo documents, charter parties, marine insurance, ship financing and disagreements concerning seafarers' contracts. Malanjum said in order to have an efficient and useful admiralty court, it must be fully computerised to enable users of the court system to interface with court personnel through a website, provide user-friendly service where documents could be filed online, applications could be made directly to the admiralty judge via web conferencing and writs issued over the Internet, assuring the people in the industry of a speedy and reliable service.

"After 50 years since independence, it is about time (to set up an admiralty court) and the statistics in the shipping and admiralty business justify it," Malanjum said, adding that he would "lend his strong support to the idea of an admiralty court". "I see the growth of the maritime services sector. I recognise its potential to grow further. I hear about the needs of the maritime industry. I also see the maritime law as not moving in line with the times and the weaknesses in the present legal structure." He said the admiralty court could also be a vehicle for judicial reform of the country's maritime law, and that Malaysia would have its fair share of cases that would raise issues for judicial consideration, thus adding to the value of the country's maritime jurisprudence. "Once such admiralty court has been established to the standard that is acceptable by the industry players, I believe it will help make Malaysia a respected forum to resolve maritime disputes. Gradually we will aim to develop into a forum of choice, just like London, New York and Hong Kong." After the forum, Bar Council vice-president Ragunath Kesavan said it would be a great opportunity for Malaysia to capitalise on the maritime industry as the court would attract people to relocate in Malaysia instead of Singapore or Hong Kong. On computerisation of the civil and criminal courts, Ragunath said the courts in Sabah and Sarawak were way ahead of the courts in the peninsula in terms of document filing, video conferencing and keeping track of files. "What we are trying to impress on the government is that, `you have a system that is working although on a small scale, so why don't you use it in the peninsula'?" he said.

From http://www.bernama.com/ 11/15/2007

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Council Systems Being Improved

The Housing and Local Government Ministry will continue to improve the services of local authorities, said its Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting. “We are continuously monitoring and improving the systems and structure of the local authorities. We will make the systems more transparent so that we will know where the weaknesses are and correct them,” he told reporters after opening the National Recycling Day and Exposition here yesterday. He was asked to comment on Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo’s decision to withdraw the controversial broom award for under-performing government agencies and sack those who fail to perform. Ong said the Government would continue to complement and cooperate with state governments to ensure that the local authorities provide good performance. Ong said state governments could advise or reprimand the local authorities to further improve their services. He said that although the the local authorities were under the state governments, they had to follow the standardised mechanism set by his ministry, to help improve their public delivery system.

From http://thestar.com.my 11/18/2007

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Agencies to Be Reviewed Regularly

The performance of state agencies are evaluated from time to time, with the next review due early next year, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said. He said the review would involve looking at their direction, planning and activities. Meetings would be chaired either by him or his deputy to monitor the running of the agencies on a day-to-day basis, he told the Pahang State Assembly here yesterday. He said there were some administrative problems when it came to certain agencies, such as the Bukit Fraser Development Corporation which oversees the highland resort. “The corporation takes care of Bukit Fraser but the resort's administrative matters come under the Raub District Council. “We are aware of this and will look into ways to streamline the matter,” he said.

Adnan also said that 3,742 land applications had been processed as of Oct 30, including those from more than 10 years ago. “The applications will be raised at the state-level meeting before decisions are made. “Letters to inform applicants whether their applications have been approved or not will be issued as soon as possible,” he said. Meanwhile, state Local Government and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said the interim period for Alam Flora Sdn Bhd would end next month. Full privatisation for solid waste and cleaning management would commence on Jan 1 with the setting-up of the National Solid Waste Management Corporation, he said. Later, Datuk Ti Lian Ker (BN – Teruntum) urged for the relaxation of certain restrictions imposed on entertainment and liquor permits and for commercial activities to be placed under a zoning system. He said that otherwise Kuantan would become a ghost town and that strict conditions may encourage illegal centres to mushroom. Datuk Mohd Faisal Abdullah (BN – Beserah) urged the Government to crack down on illegal street demonstrations by using the Internal Security Act.

From http://thestar.com.my 11/22/2007

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PHILIPPINES: New Investment Agency Proposed

A bill that to create an Industrial Development Board (IDB) that will be mandated to improve the country’s investment climate has been filed with the House of Representatives. House Bill No. 2530, authored by Rep. Junie Evangelista Cua of Quirino province, proposes creating an IDB to assume the regulatory functions of the Board of Investments (BoI), which in turn would focus on promoting the Philippines as an investment site. Having a government body focused on regulation and another on promotion will help improve the country’s investment climate, the proposal says. As proposed, the IDB will be an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry like the BoI, and will consist of seven governors, namely: the secretary of trade and industry, and undersecretaries for industry and investments and for international trade, three private-sector representatives, and the IDB director general. The proposed IDB will also be responsible for formulating a “national framework for industrial development”; promulgate rules, regulations and policies on the granting of fiscal incentives to IDB-registered enterprises; and determine the government’s investments priorities plan (IPP), which lists government-preferred business activities and projects that are entitled to fiscal incentives. The bill says IPPs will be valid for the duration of the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) and Medium-Term Philippine Investments Plan (MTPIP), both prepared by the National Economic and Development Authority. This amends the current practice of changing the IPP every year.

Other functions of the IDB, as stated in the bill, are as follow: Assist micro and small enterprises in the preparation of feasibility and other pre-investment project study; process and approve, deny, suspend, or revoke applications for registration; establish a mediation center for disputes between registered enterprises; and restrict importation or exportation of any equipment, raw materials, intermediate or finished goods as it deems necessary to manage resources and supply in the country. Some incentives provided in the bill are similar to those enjoyed by BOI-registered firms. It is, however, giving better incentive package for export-oriented firms which includes an eight-year income tax holiday and exemption from value-added tax on goods purchased locally. The bill also provides that a registered activity or project may qualify for a preferential income tax rate of 15 percent after its income tax holiday privilege has lapsed. The bill also seeks to exempt micro-enterprises from local-area taxes. “All things constant, incentives become material and determinative of investment decisions,” Cua says in the bill’s explanatory note. Cua cites data in the 2006 World Investment Report that indicated the Philippines attracted $2.34 billion in foreign direct investments last year, compared with investments that entered Singapore ($24.055 million), Thailand ($10.756 million), Malaysia ($6.06 billion) and Indonesia ($5.556 million).

From http://archive.inquirer.net/ 10/18/2007

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Leader Should Quit on Corruption Links--59% of Filipinos

EDITOR’S NOTE: Reposting to correct percentages of respondents who rated credibility of key players in NBN (De Venecia III, Abalos, Neri) scandal as reflected in an official corrected media release sent by Pulse Asia on its survey on corruption-related issues. MANILA, Philippines -- For 59 percent of Filipino's, a president's being linked directly or indirectly to corruption, even without strong evidence, is enough reason for him or her to resign, according to a recent survey by polling firm Pulse Asia Inc. Moreover, 70 percent of Filipinos are aware of the bribery scandal surrounding the government's botched telecommunications contract with Chinese firm ZTE Corp., and the same percentage said the Senate should continue investigating the matter. Pulse Asia polled 1,200 respondents nationwide from October 20 to 31. It has a margin of error of +/- 3 percent and a confidence level of 95 percent. Pulse Asia ranked the answers to the question of what reason would be enough for a president to resign on four levels. From the highest level and the percentage of respondents who opted for each, these were: that there should be "strong evidence" against the chief executive or his/her family (34 percent); that the president’s name be linked to corruption (22 percent); that even one member of the presidential family is linked to corruption (19 percent); and tolerating corruption among government officials (18 percent).

Only seven percent chose none of the reasons given by the survey firm. Added up, the second, third, and fourth levels total 59 percent. In a phone interview, Pulse Asia executive director Ana Maria Tabunda said this means for a majority of Filipinos, the “evidence does not need to be strong. A president just has to be linked to corruption [for him or her to resign]." "That is what ZTE is about…In Japan, officials [accused of corruption] resign even without strong evidence," she pointed out. Asked what they would do to force a president to resign, 61 percent said they would sign an online petition, 28 percent said they would discuss it with friends, 27 percent said they would speak out in rallies, 26 percent said they would join rallies, 25 percent said they would do "whatever is necessary" beyond rallies, while nine percent picked none of the choices in the questionnaire. The NBN scandal involves accusations by businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia III that resigned Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos allegedly tried to bribe him to give up his company's bid for the $329-million project. De Venecia, the son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia, also accused President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's husband, Jose Miguel, of warning him to "back off" bidding for the project. The First Gentleman denied this. Even as he maintained his innocence, Abalos resigned in the wake of the controversy. Former National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) chairman Romulo Neri also accused Abalos of bribery. As NEDA chief, Neri has to approve economic contracts entered into by the government. At a Senate investigation, Neri said he told the President of the bribery attempt. He declined to give further information citing "executive privilege." Asked who was "more credible" among the key players in the controversy, 58 percent of those aware of the controversy said they are “all equally not believable,” Pulse Asia said. “On the other hand, 22 percent of Filipinos are convinced that De Venecia is the most credible of the three,” trailed by Abalos (12 percent) and Neri (8 percent).

From http://archive.inquirer.net 11/19/2007

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New Tudela Mayor Named

CEBU CITY, Philippines - The Danao City City Court has ordered Rogelio Baquerfo of the municipality of Tudela in the Camotes Islands, western Cebu, to immediately cease his functions as mayor of the town and vacate the position to make way for Demetrio Granada. Judge Edito Enemecio of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 25 has set aside the Commission on Election’s proclamation of Baquerfo as winner of the mayoralty race last May 14, citing a recount that resulted in Granada getting 13 more votes than Baquerfo. “The court declares (Granada) as winner and duly elected mayor of the municipality of Tudela,” Judge Enemecio ruled in his Nov. 12 decision. “The proclamation of (Baquerfo) is set aside and (he) shall immediately vacate the position.” The sheriff of RTC Branch 25 served the court decision to Baquerfo yesterday. He has 15 days to file a motion for reconsideration or an appeal. After the May 14 polls, Granada filed an election protest against the manner in which the votes in the town were counted. While the official count had Baquerfo’s 2,940 votes win by eight votes to Granada’s 2,940, Granada cited irregularities in the appreciation of ballots. The court formed a revision committee that recounted the votes in seven of 12 Tudela precincts. Granada contested a total of 49 recounted ballots. Of the 49, the court concluded that only 28 could be counted in favor of Baquerfo. The other 21 votes were marked invalid or stray. “If the 21 votes will be deducted from the total number of votes credited to Baquerfo, he has only a total of 2,927 votes in his favor. Granada’s total number of votes remains unchanged at 2,940 votes,” the court said.

From http://archive.inquirer.net 11/20/2007

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SINGAPORE: Government Sets Aside More Money for Juvenile Rehabilitation

The government has announced a 25 percent increase in annual funding for the rehabilitation of young offenders. Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan announced the increased funding for the Guidance Programme (GP). The GP gives first-time youth offenders - up to 19 years old - a chance to undergo rehabilitation instead of prosecution. The programme has seen a success rate of 90 percent and helped some 6,000 youths over the last decade. Funding aside, manpower is also critical for the programme. So the Ministry will collaborate with the National University of Singapore to start a module on juvenile rehabilitation. The 13-week module, part of the social work programme, is slated to start next August. It will allow social work students a chance to better understand this field before starting their careers.

From http://www.channelnewsasia.com 11/20/2007

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THAILAND: PM Assures Consuls of New Government in February

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Wednesday assured the consuls of many countries that Thailand would have a newly elected government within February of next year. He gave his assurances as he presided over the World Federation of Consuls 2007 held for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region to celebrate the 80th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. In addition to participation by honourary consuls in Thailand, the event serves as a venue to boost trade and investment, and to promote cultural exchange. It is also organised to mark the 25th anniversary of the World Consular Federation's establishment. Gen. Surayud said he wanted all participating consuls to have confidence in Thailand's readiness to restore democracy in the country. "It is expected that our country will have the new government within February of next year," he said. The Thai premier also invited the consuls to join in celebrating His Majesty the King's 80th birthday, during which time many grand activities are scheduled to take place.

From http://enews.mcot.net 11/14/2007

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Anti-Corruption Panel Finds Thaksin Richer

One year after the September 19 bloodless coup toppling prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's National Counter Corruption Commission released details of assets declarations of ministers under the Thaksin administration, which saw the deposed prime minister's assets risen by 57 million baht (US$1.6 mn). The anti-corruption panel revealed Mr Thaksin's assets worth 614 million baht, or 57 million baht increasing from the year before, while his wife Pojaman has total assets of 8.6 billion baht (US$252 mn), shrinking 247 million baht (US$7.2 mn) from last year. Among the cabinet members, former foreign minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon is the richest -- with assets of more than 4.5 billion baht (US$132 mn), which is 100 million baht higher than the previous year. His wife Sophawan has assets of 36 million baht. (US$1.05mn)

From http://enews.mcot.net/ 11/15/2007

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Health Officials on Monitoring Bird Flu Outbreak

Public Health Ministry officials throughout Thailand have been ordered to closely monitor a possible outbreak of the potentially deadly avian influenza bird flu virus as winter has begun in the country, according to senior health ministry officials. Dr. Praj Boonyawongvirot, Permanent Secretary for Public Health, said that although no new cases of bird flu had been reported for almost 15 months, health officials throughout the country had been ordered to closely monitor possible new patients as the winter season has begun. Some 800,000 health volunteers on duty at villages nationwide are asked to monitor dead poultry and the sick, Dr. Praj said, adding that the public should not eat animals which die from any sickness. Disease Control Department director-general Dr. Thawat Suntrajarn said no new bird flu patients have been reported this year, through November 15. However, he nonetheless advised the public to avoid contact with poultry because the disease could be contracted through touch and other contact with sick birds, such as saliva.

From http://enews.mcot.net/ 11/17/2007

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Interior Ministry Rank and File Urge Clampdown on Vote-Buying, Gunmen

Thailand's Interior Ministry has instructed district chiefs and village heads nationwide to assure that the December 23 election will be held in a fair, clean and peaceful fashion, combat vote-buying and electoral rigging scams and keep hired gunmen at bay. Permanent Secretary for Interior Phongphayome Wasaphooti flashed the directive for all the local leaders under care of his agency to help maintain peace and order before, during and after the election, especially by preventing possible violence which might otherwise be carried out by hired gunmen. In any case, district chiefs and village heads are obliged to be good examples for ''democracy-loving'' citizens, coordinate with Democratic Development Volunteers currently assigned to promote the electoral process in localities throughout the country and see to it that their villagers will achieve at least a 70 per cent voter turnout December 23. Plaques or certificates of honour plus an annual bonus will be provided for district chiefs and village heads who follow the ministry directives on the general election, while on the other hand, legal and disciplinary penalties will be given to those who might be possibly involved in vote-buying or electoral rigging scams, according to the permanent secretary, who also instructed provincial and district authorities to keep a watchful eye on the local leaders. More than 4,000 candidates from 41 parties are competing for 480 seats in the House of Representatives in the post-coup general election.

From http://enews.mcot.net/ 11/22/2007

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VIET NAM: National Assembly Queries Ministers

The National Assembly yesterday continued to quiz health and home affairs ministers and Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung. The Deputy Prime Minister estimated that a series of major natural disasters in the country had cost at least 1 per cent of national economic growth. As a result, he said, the Government would struggle to realise this year’s economic goals. He said that restoring infrastructure damaged by floods would be the Government’s priority over the next few months. He also said the Government would do its best to combat the spread of disease and minimise the number of road traffic accidents. Hung said the Government would resist the urge to use the national budget to cut taxes or contain the galloping consumer price index, according to the dictates of a market economy. The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged that the price increases would adversely affect the poor but said the Government would consider giving assistance to the most needy. Concerning the widening poverty gap between rural and urban areas, Hung said the Party and State were keen to see the rich get richer, but said the poor would not be neglected. He said the Government would focus on building infrastructure, such as roads, schools, irrigation systems and housing for the poor. Hung said the Government took full responsibility for serious mistakes in its handling of Project 112 to computerise administrative work.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/ 11/20/2007

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PM Okays Pilot Social Service Project

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has approved a pilot project to build and lease social service infrastructure to private organisations and individuals. The pilot project’s goal is to create favourable conditions for organisations and individuals to build social infrastructure that will be available for long term lease. Priority treatment will be given to key social services such as schools, hospitals, cultural venues and sport facilities. The project will mobilise capital investments to develop social, training, education and health infrastructure. The investment needed to build these facilities is high, and faces slow capital return, which could impede their development. The Government will offer a preferential policy for organisations and individuals at home and abroad who will invest in constructing social infrastructure for lease. The selected investors will be offered incentives such as lower land rent, land tax and coporate income tax. Ha Noi and Dong Nai southern Province will implement the pilot project. Each locality is authorised to build four pilot projects with capital mobilised from different economic sectors. The four projects include a pre-school with ten classes, a junior high school with 20 classrooms, a health clinic to provide medical checks for 100 people a day and a 100-bed hospital. In addition to these pilot projects, the administrations of Ha Noi and Dong Nai are authorised to select qualified investors for building other social infrastructures for lease to non- public agencies. The demand for lease of social infrastructures by companies engaged in the health, education, training, culture and sports sectors is growing along with the nation’s economic growth.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/ 11/22/2007

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BANGLADESH: To Step Up Anti-graft Campaign

Bangladesh's emergency government is to step up its anti-graft campaign aimed at cleaning up the country's notoriously corrupt politics, a report said Thursday. Communications minister M.A. Matin said more than 60 separate anti-corruption taskforces were working across the country and their number was likely to be increased soon, the state-run BSS news agency said. Matin said 44 cases involving high-profile figures and their family members had been dealt with by the courts while a further 573 cases were pending, the report added. Bangladesh has been under emergency rule by the military-backed government since January, when disputed elections were cancelled after months of turmoil over vote-rigging allegations. The temporary government has pledged to hold fresh polls late next year after completing its anti-corruption drive. More than 150 leading politicians and businessmen are currently in custody including the country's two most recent prime ministers, Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and Sheikh Hasina Wajed of the Awami League. Among those jailed by special fast-track courts are more than a dozen former ministers and their relatives who have received sentences of between three and 20 years.

From http://southasia.oneworld.net/ 11/01/2007

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INDIA: ADB to Support E-governance in Eastern Indian State

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has presented a proposal to provide technical assistance for deploying innovative information and communication technologies (ICT) for supporting the e-governance initiative in Assam. The technical assistance, worth $ 500,000, would be funded by the Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund, which has been provided to the ADB. The technical assistance is scheduled to be implemented within a 10-month period from November to August 2008. The objective of e-Asia programme is to strengthen the capacity of developing member countries and provide technical assistance for promoting ICT and closing the digital divide, especially through national and regional strategies. E-governance has been recognised as a powerful tool in the hands of governments for reducing costs, enhancing revenues and improving the delivery of all the public services. Sources said the bank is taking up the project as it has been found that financial sustainability has been a major challenge in expanding the e-government and e-rural development projects across Assam. They pointed out that this was particularly true with respect to rural ICT investments as these entail longer payback periods than commercial ones owing to relatively heavier infrastructure costs and lower rates of return. In this context, cost innovative technologies, such as broadband access network or wireless network, can be considered as appropriate technology solutions. This will enable and expedite the e-government and e-rural development process in an effective and efficient manner. The technical assistance will help Dispur reduce the digital divide by expanding the Assam State Wide Area Network for e-governance delivery. This includes in its ambit rural area initiatives relating to agriculture, land records and registration and improvement of ICT accessibility and development of e-governance applications in accordance with the roadmap to be identified by the e-government masterplan.

From http://www.digitalopportunity.org/ 11/13/2007

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PAKISTAN: Deputy Attorney-general Pakistan Resigns

ISLAMABAD: Deputy attorney-general Pakistan Yawar Ali Khan has resigned form his post. He is brother-in-law of a Supreme Court judge Justice Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday, who did not take oath under the PCO. Talking with Geo News, Yawar Ali Khan said that he has faxed his resignation to President General Pervez Musharraf and he does not want to work further on this post. Yawar Ali Khan was posted as deputy attorney-general after the reinstatement of chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 11/10/2007

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Musharraf to Quit Army Office Before Dec 1: Attorney General

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said that he will quit as army chief before December 1, the country's attorney general told reporters Thursday. The announcement came as military ruler Musharraf, who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999, faced growing international calls for him to shed his uniform. "The president has said he will give up his uniform before December 1," attorney general Malik Mohammad Qayyum told a news conference. Qayyum said Pakistan's incoming caretaker government would take an oath on Friday morning after the current parliament dissolves at one minute before midnight.

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 11/15/2007

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Provincial Assemblies Dissolved

LAHORE/Karachi/Quetta: Punjab Governor Lt Gen (r) Khalid Maqbool, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Balochistan Governor Awais Ghani dissolved the provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan on Sunday. A notification issued by the Cabinet Wing of the S&GAD late on Sunday night said Governor Maqbool had dissolved the Punjab Assembly on the advice of the chief minister. After the dissolution of the assemblies, the cabinets also stand dissolved, and all special assistants and advisers to the chief ministers shall cease to hold office with immediate effect. Governor Ibad dissolved the Sindh Assembly on Sunday night on the advice of Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim. Sindh Assembly Secretary Hadi Bux Buriro said that the assembly’s secretariat had no role in the dissolution. Governor Ghani dissolved the Balochistan Assembly on the advice of Chief Minister Jam Muhammad Yousaf, app reported. The dissolution takes effect immediately, a Balochistan government notification said. The caretaker chief ministers and cabinet members are scheduled to take oath today (Monday). Caretaker CMs: Justice (r) Ejaz Nisar is likely to take oath as caretaker Punjab chief minister today (Monday) along with his interim cabinet, which stands at around 19 people, Daily Times learnt. Governor Maqbool will administer the oath to Nisar and his cabinet members. According to a statement released by Governor’s House, the cabinet members are Mumtaz Khan Minhais, Khurshid Zaman Qureshi, Khawaja Muhammad Jalaluddin Roomi, Dr Mira Phailbus, Mubashar Luqman, Muhammad Shafique, Wing Cdr (r) Aslam Khan Humayun, Barrister Mehmood Ahmed Sheikh, Maqbool Elahi Malik, Karim Malik, Faqir Syed Ijazuddin, Arifa Syeda, Sohail Afzal, Saad Ahsanuddin, Justice (r) Asif Jan, Shahzad Azam Khan, Mian Shafqat Ali, Sayed Dilwar Abbas, Walid Tariq Saigol and Makhdoom Afkarul Hassan. Sources told Daily Times that Pakistan Muslim League leader Saleh Muhammad Bhutani had been chosen to lead the caretaker government in Balochistan. Governor Ghani will administer oath to the caretaker chief minister and his 14-member cabinet. The expected ministers include Saifullah Magsi and Roshan Khurshid Brocha. Two names are being considered for Sindh’s caretaker chief minister: Hassan Ali Chahnio and AQ Halepota, Daily Times learnt. staff report/agencies

From http://www.pakistanlink.com/ 11/19/2007

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AZERBAIJAN: Former Minister Sentenced

Azerbaijan's Court for Serious Crimes passed sentence on October 31 on former Economic Development Minister Farxad Aliyev, his brother Rafik, chairman of the board of the Azerpetrol group of companies, and 17 other people accused of expropriation of state property, illegal business activity, tax evasion, accepting bribes, and abuse of their official position, day.az and zerkalo.az reported. Farxad Aliyev was sentenced to 10 years' and Rafik Aliyev to nine years' imprisonment. The two men were arrested two years ago; Farxad Aliyev was initially accused of plotting a coup d'etat, but that charge was soon shelved. He repeatedly protested his innocence and his loyalty to President Aliyev, to whom he is not related. Lawyers for the two men said they will appeal the sentences and objected that the entire trial was based on unsubstantiated allegations. Human-rights activist Novella Jafararoglu likewise said the prosecution's case was "illiterate" and the sentence on Farxad Aliyev excessive, day.az reported on November 1. LF

From http://www.rferl.org/ 11/01/2007

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IRAN: Parliament Approves Ministers

Iran's parliament has approved President Ahmadinejad's nominees to lead the oil and industry ministries, respectively Gholamhussein Nozari and Ali Akbar Mehrabian, Radio Farda reported, citing Iran reports. The nominations were formally presented to parliament on November 14. Radio Farda stated observers believe the two -- who are currently caretaker ministers -- are presidential choices intended to help Ahmadinejad closely control the ministries. Nozari was approved with 217 votes for and 20 against, and Mehrabian with 174 votes and 49 votes against. The president defended his choices in parliament on November 14, and touted them as fully meeting parliament's criteria for the ministries. Legislators have in the past called for technocrats to take over what are considered technical ministries. VS

From http://www.rferl.org/ 11/15/2007

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Executive Bodies Cannot Set Up News Agencies

An official said according to a new Cabinet ratification, executive bodies will not be authorized to set up news agencies. Addressing a closing ceremony of the 4th International Conference on Public Relations on Saturday, Mohammad Paryab, secretary of Government Information Dissemination Council, also said executive bodies will not be authorized to set up news agencies to compete with non-government news agencies, Fars News Agency reported. The official noted that the government has identified problems in order to promote the public relations sector. He stated that information dissemination activities are not centralized, adding that when the government took office, public relations offices did not manage the websites of 14 ministries, while it is their responsibility. Paryab noted that earlier state bodies had no plans in the fields of information dissemination and public relations, but the government enacted the first comprehensive bylaw of public relations in 10 articles. “The government named May 17 as the Communications and Public Relations Day,“ he said.

From http://www.iran-daily.com/ 11/18/2007

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KYRGYZSTAN: Opposition Party Finalizes List of Candidates

At a party congress in Bishkek on November 7, the Kyrgyz opposition Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party finalized its list of candidates for the December 16 parliamentary elections, AKIpress reported. The party list includes prominent opposition figures Omurbek Tekebaev, Kubatbek Baibolov, Temir Sariev, Tatyana Ponomareva, and Duyshon Chotonov. Under the terms of the amended Electoral Code, political parties are allowed a total of 100 candidates on their party lists. But Central Electoral Commission member Bolot Malabaev explained on November 7 that the party lists will be limited to showing only the first five names, arguing that the election ballots "will not have enough room for all 100 candidates" from each party. The Ata-Meken party, led by Tekebaev, was only recently registered by the Central Election Commission, and recently formed a new alliance with the opposition Ak-Shumkar party in an effort to conduct a united campaign for the approaching elections (see "RFE/RL Newsline," October 25 and 26, 2007). RG

From http://www.rferl.org/ 11/08/2007

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KAZAKHSTAN: New Civic Rights Group Set Up

A new civic rights group has been established in Kazakhstan to "protect the constitutional rights of citizens," Kazakh Television reported on November 6. The group, called Zan zhane Adildik (Law and Justice), also aims to combat corruption among state officials, and, in cooperation with the Kazakh police, help to "solve problems that impede the work of legal entities." A leader of the group, whose name was not reported, said the organization has over 900 members and that offices will be opened in eight Kazakh cities. RG

From http://www.rferl.org/ 11/08/2007

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TURKMENISTAN: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Fires Heads of City and Provincial Administrations

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sharply criticized governors of the provinces for serious shortcomings in the sphere of agro-industrial complex at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. In particular, following a number of checkups conducted by employees of the Supreme Supervisory Chamber of Turkmenistan, fields in Akhal provinces were found to be in extremely poor conditions, and organization of grain sowing and cotton harvest campaigns was bad. Other than this, payments to tenants for the last year cotton have not been made, the Turkmen State News Service (TDH) said. The president of Turkmenistan relieved governor of Akhal province Gurbangberdi Orazmyradov for serious shortcomings in work. He also instructed the prosecutor general's office to conduct a thorough investigation of the state of affairs in the province. Governor of the town of Dashoguz Mammetniyaz Nurmammedov has been appointed head of Akhal province. Having criticized governor of Mary province Muhammet Gurbannazarov, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov relieved him of the post for failing to fulfill his duties. He was replaced by governor of the town of Mary Kakageldi Gurbanov. Following a request by governor of Lebap province Tagaymyrat Mammedov, the president of Turkmenistan relieved him of his post for health reasons and appointed Charyyarguly Odeberdiyev head of the province. Having relieved governor of the town of Turkmenabat Toyly Meredov for shortcomings in work, the head of state appointed Yazgeldy Annayev in his place.

From http://www.turkmenistan.ru/ 11/13/2007

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UZBEKISTAN: Election Commission Approves Karimov's Presidential Candidacy

Meeting in Tashkent on November 19, Uzbekistan's Central Election Commission formally approved the candidacy of incumbent President Islam Karimov for the December 23 presidential election, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reported. With no opposition party even registered in Uzbekistan, commission Chairman Mirzoulugbek Abdusalomov also announced the registration of three other candidates, all of whom are staunchly pro-government figures. The other candidates are Aslidin Rustamov and Dilorom Toshmuhamedova, members of the pro-government People's Democratic Party and Party of Justice, respectively, both of whom are currently serving as deputy parliamentary speakers. Toshmuhamedova is the country's first-ever female candidate for president. The other candidate, Akmal Saidov, heads a parliamentary commission on democratization and civil society and leads the National Human Rights Center. Abdusalomov said that two other applicants failed to collect the required signatures from 5 percent of the country's estimated 16 million eligible voters. The commission decision to approve Karimov as a candidate allows him to seek a new seven-year presidential term despite a constitutional ban on third terms. Karimov supporters argued that the holding of two national referendums in 1995 and 2002 rendered at least one of his two presidential terms inapplicable. Karimov, who will turn 70 in less than two months, was formally nominated by the Liberal Democrats, one of only five registered political parties in Uzbekistan. He as served as Uzbekistan's president since 1989 and, in his last reelection, secured another term with nearly 92 percent of the vote, although a subsequent referendum extended the presidential term from five years to seven. RG

From http://www.rferl.org/ 11/20/2007

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AUSTRALIA: 2006 E-Government Strategy, Responsive Government: A New Service Agenda

Information and communications technology (ICT) is transforming the way government operates and the pace of change will only increase over the next few years. ICT advances can provide better service delivery, while at the same time improving efficiency and reducing the costs of government. Effectively harnessing ICT to achieve this goal is a significant challenge. The 2006 e-Government Strategy, Responsive Government: A New Service Agenda, outlines how the Australian Government will meet this challenge. The broad agenda was set in 2002 in the initial e-government strategy, Better Services Better Government, which mapped out the move toward more comprehensive and integrated use of new technologies for government information, service delivery and administration. In 2004, the government released its information economy policy document, Australia's Strategic Framework for the Information Economy 2004 - 2006. It outlines a whole of government approach to maintaining Australia’s position as a leading information economy including a key strategic priority to raise Australian public sector productivity, collaboration and accessibility through the effective use of information, knowledge and ICT.

From http://www.ibls.com/ 10/30/2007

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Public Servants Prepare ALP for Win

AUSTRALIA'S most powerful bureaucrats have given Kevin Rudd's frontbench extraordinary support on a "transition to government" plan. Some Labor shadow ministers have been briefed three times by Commonwealth department heads, reflecting a widely-held view in Canberra that Mr Rudd is on track to win. A suite of ex-bureaucrats - including former public service boss Michael Keating - have been giving advice, as Labor moves to ensure it won't be caught flat-footed. The Opposition Leader yesterday confirmed a transition program had been under way "for many, many months". ALP National President John Faulkner, who is by Mr Rudd's side as he criss-crosses Australia - and Labor's spokeswoman on public administration, Penny Wong, have been key players in putting together a new government structure. A raft of Canberra-based lobbyists and ALP officials have also been sounded out for senior roles in a Rudd government. "This is about making sure that if we do win, we hit the ground running," one senior Labor figure said. "A large number of people have been sounded out for key roles in a Rudd government." Other senior players have also been offering advice including Mr Keating, who was the head of Prime Minister and Cabinet from 1991 to 1996.

The role of Mr Keating, who was Australia's most powerful bureaucrat during the reign of Paul Keating, is not clear-cut. One senior Labor source said Mr Keating was working on a new "governmental structure" for Mr Rudd. Other well-informed sources said Mr Keating - who has known the Labor leader for years - has played a far lesser role. A coy Mr Keating has repeatedly declined to comment. "No, look forget it, okay," he said, when contacted. Labor is keen to play down suggestions it's already begun carving up the spoils of office, fearful of voter backlash at any sign of cockiness. But Labor frontbenchers have been receiving extraordinary access to confidential advice from the country's most powerful bureaucrats. Mr Rudd is expected to receive a briefing from the Secretary of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Peter Shergold, in the final week of the campaign.

From http://www.news.com.au/ 11/05/2007

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Labor Focus on Disability Services Across Government

A LABOR government would implement a whole-of-government approach to services for the disabled, the shadow minister for disabilities, Jan McLucas, said yesterday. Under the plan every department would have to ensure it was providing disability services, "so if you're the Department of Transport, what are you doing to ensure people with disabilities get access to your services?" Senator McLucas said. A Labor government would also expand a companion card scheme — already available in some states — for carers accompanying disabled people, to ensure free access to events and services. And Labor said $962 million which the Coalition promised to spend on supported accommodation and respite for older carers — bypassing the states — would be funnelled back into state disability services on the condition that states match the funds. Family and Community Services Minister Mal Brough promised earlier this year to match any extra money the states committed to disability services on top of funding already provided through the Commonwealth-state disability funding agreement. But he later withdrew the offer to some states, saying they were slow to respond. Negotiations for the next federal-state disability funding agreement have broken down. In June the Government announced a $1.8 billion package for people with a disability and their carers, which includes the $962 million pledge. It has promised to spend this amount no matter what the states do. Senator McLucas said yesterday that Labor's package — which also honours a Coalition commitment for one-off payments to carers — bettered the Government's by $800 million. "We are very confident that all the states will (match the extra $962 million) and we have had firm commitments from four states already," she said. The Labor plan would also allow disabled people to access both aged care and disability services as they aged. "At the moment they can't get aged-care services, because that is seen as double-dipping," Senator McLucas said. Services for the disabled have been in the election spotlight following the breakdown in negotiations for the funding agreement and after a bipartisan parliamentary report labelled disability services as inadequate. A group of carers has set up a party in a bid to get elected to the Senate and following some smart preference deals, the Carers Alliance may win a NSW seat.

From http://www.theage.com.au 11/09/2007

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Top Officer Linked to Corruption Scandal

ONE of Victoria's top-ranking police officers has been implicated in a corruption scandal and faces possible criminal prosecution after the release of secretly taped phone conversations. In explosive allegations that have rocked the Victoria Police, Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby has been accused of leaking sensitive information that ended up with a policeman suspected of involvement in a gangland murder. Mr Ashby was also accused of not telling the truth at an Office of Police Integrity hearing last month, and again yesterday, after his bugged conversations with police union boss Paul Mullett and media director Stephen Linnell were played to the inquiry. Mr Linnell, one of Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon's most trusted confidants, is also facing questions over public testimony he gave to the inquiry on Wednesday. Potential charges against Mr Ashby include conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, perjury, unlawful release of confidential information and breaches of the Telecommunications Interceptions Act. All carry jail terms. Apart from evidence of misconduct, the phone taps have uncovered serious tensions at the highest levels of the force, with Deputy Commissioner Simon Overland described by Mr Ashby as "that prick" and by Mr Linnell as "that c--- Overland". Mr Ashby, once touted as a future chief commissioner, has vehemently denied the allegations against him. Appearing before yesterday's public hearing, a visibly shocked Mr Ashby was confronted repeatedly with bugged conversations that contradicted evidence he gave under oath at a private hearing last month, and initially yesterday. He is believed to be the most senior Australian police officer ever to have his phone tapped. The most serious allegation is that he leaked details of an investigation into a police union delegate suspected of providing a hitman with the address of a male prostitute, Shane Chartres-Abbott, who was later murdered.

Counsel for the OPI, Greg Lyon, SC, accused Mr Ashby of passing that information to Mr Mullett, a friend of suspended Detective Sergeant Peter Lalor, who was the target of the investigation. Police Association president Brian Rix then allegedly rang Sergeant Lalor three times in an hour, saying he needed to meet him urgently. "I'm putting it to you, Mr Ashby, the information has gone from the Deputy Commissioner, to the director of media, to an assistant commissioner, to the Police Association secretary, to the Police Association president, and into the hands of the very target of the operation," Dr Lyon said. But Mr Ashby denied any part in the leaking. "I don't know how it got passed to the target of the operation at all," Mr Ashby told the inquiry. "I did not pass that to Mr Mullett." Mr Ashby had also previously denied knowing of the existence of the probe into Sergeant Lalor — codenamed Operation Briars — but the bugged phone calls revealed him discussing documents from the investigation with Mr Linnell. The media director, who will appear before the hearing today, also appeared to be less than truthful when he gave evidence on Wednesday that he had never shown Mr Ashby the documents. In one of the taped phone calls, Mr Linnell warns Mr Ashby to be careful about what he says to Mr Mullett on the telephone. "Is he (Mr Mullett) being recorded?" Mr Ashby asks. "I can't say," Mr Linnell replies.

The Assistant Commissioner then went to Mr Linnell's office and was shown the Operation Briars terms of reference, which indicated that Mr Ashby's phone was not being bugged. "I wouldn't be too worried, after reading those TORs (terms of reference) and stuff," Mr Ashby was recorded telling Mr Linnell the next day. Mr Ashby also admitted seeing the name of Sergeant Lalor and other investigation targets on the terms of reference, after he was played conversations in which he told Mr Linnell: "You know, the names involved. I'm very cool. I wouldn't know those pricks if they walked through the door now." The phone calls between Mr Ashby and Mr Mullett took place in June, August and September this year. They discussed a number of topics, including where senior detectives — who were at the time assigned to high-level taskforces — were working. On the day Mr Ashby was told Mr Mullett's phone was bugged, Mr Ashby asked the union boss to call his wife's phone. He admitted yesterday that he did so because he knew his wife's phone would not be bugged. That phone call was not taped, but Dr Lyon alleged yesterday that during it Mr Ashby told Mr Mullett details about the investigation into Sergeant Lalor. "Within hours of you learning the information, there's credible evidence to suggest there's information in the hands of the target," Dr Lyon said. Mr Ashby replied: "I did not provide Mullett with any names at all." Asked about Mr Linnell's warning to be careful about what he said to Mr Mullett on the phone, Mr Ashby maintained that the focus of his concern was a planned trip to Fontainebleau in France by Deputy Commissioner Simon Overland, which he did not want to appear on radio's "rumour file".

Around the time of the conversations, Mr Ashby had been assigned to broker the new police pay deal with Mr Mullett because of the pair's cordial relationship. Yesterday he likened him to a "criminal informant" who needed to be "cajoled and lied to". Mr Ashby denied that the taped conversations were "sinister", but said they were aimed at building a relationship with "a guy that has the power to bring (Victoria Police) to its knees, publicly". The taped conversations also reveal serious tensions and factionalism at the top of the force. In one intercept, Mr Ashby launched a stinging attack on Mr Overland, referring to him as "that prick" and bemoaning the fact that he went "straight to a deputy's job" at a young age. Mr Linnell also hit out at Mr Overland in a conversation with Mr Mullett. "It's certainly not as though you've had a f------ easy ride, like that c--- Overland. That's what shits me," Mr Linnell said. In September, Mr Overland told Mr Linnell that he was worried about the leaking of information about the Chartres-Abbott murder to The Age. The call was part of an investigation strategy to determine if Mr Linnell was the source of leaks. Mr Linnell then phoned Mr Ashby to tell him about Mr Overland's fears, but when Mr Overland later asked Mr Linnell if he had told anybody, he replied: "No. God no, no."

From http://www.theage.com.au/ 11/09/2007

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Government Website to Educate on Terror

A WEBSITE has been launched to educate the people of NSW about terrorist attacks. The site provides individuals and businesses with information on how to prepare for a terrorist incident and what to do after an attack. NSW Premier Morris Iemma and Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione formally announced the website today - and challenged concerns it may unnecessarily worry people or itself be rendered useless following an attack. Mr Iemma said hundreds of thousands of local citizens went online for information following the London bombings. He also said he'd rather people be more concerned than poorly informed about potential terrorist attacks. "If terrorists use the internet to kill people we're going to use the internet to protect people," Mr Iemma said. "We would be negligent if we did not have such a website."

Mr Scipione challenged criticism that the internet would be the first target for terrorists, making the site inaccessible in an emergency. "At times of an emergency, we've found that the only link that stood up anywhere in the world has been the internet," he said. The website, www.secure.nsw.gov.au, has been translated into 13 different languages and provides links to counter terrorism legislation and news stories about terrorism incidents around the world. People who log onto the website can learn about the state's counter terrorism strategy in terms of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Following the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, Australia's counter terrorism alert was elevated to and remains at medium.

From http://www.news.com.au/ 11/11/2007

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Cutting Bureaucracy Won't Hurt Services

Labor leader Kevin Rudd says his plans to make cuts to the public service would not have any impact on federal government services. Mr Rudd has promised that if he is elected on Saturday, he would set up a razor gang to find savings within the federal bureaucracy. But he says that will not mean fewer Government services. "I'm not talking here about a reduction in federal government services, I am talking about the administrative budgets of departments," he said. "And therefore I am very mindful of what can be done through a razor gang process, as far as non-core functions of government are concerned. "I believe we can implement our full program in a fiscally responsible fashion." Mr Rudd insists he is serious about being economically conservative and says the Government should have done more to contain the cost of the public service. "I have lived in Canberra and it just strikes me as passing strange that this Government - which supposedly belongs to the conservative side of politics - has not systematically applied the meat axe to its own administrative bloating," he said.

From http://www.abc.net.au 11/21/2007

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Gillard Defends Ombudsman Referral

Deputy Labor leader Julia Gillard says she is referring people to the Workplace Ombudsman because the service is best placed to give correct information on pay entitlements. Workplace Relations Minister Joe Hockey says Ms Gillard is a hypocrite because she is referring people to a service she plans to abolish if elected. Ms Gillard says that is still the plan, but until then, people need the correct advice under the current system. "We do our best to provide them with advice but my office can't provide advice on the pay categories and pay entitlements of people across 4,300 awards," she said. "So whoever I'm approached by, if they need advice about a pay category I ask them to ring the Workplace Ombudsman."

From http://www.abc.net.au/ 11/22/2007

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Qld Health Director-General Calls It Quits

The director-general of Queensland Health has resigned. Uschi Schreiber will be taking on a partnership with Ernst and Young in Sydney. Premier Anna Bligh says Ms Schreiber's resignation will be effective from February next year but she will be on leave from next month. The executive director of Policy Planning and Resourcing in Queensland Health, Professor Andrew Wilson, will act in the position while the job is advertised. Ms Schreiber took over the top job in 2005 and since then Queensland Health has been continually embroiled in controversies ranging from inadequate background checks on foreign doctors, to the recent death of a toddler at Rockhampton Hospital.

From http://www.abc.net.au 11/23/2007

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Rudd Turns a New Page for Labor

For the first time in more than 11 years Australians are waking up to a changed political landscape, with Labor readying itself to take power. Kevin Rudd swept aside the Prime Ministership of John Howard with a stunning victory, turning a 16-seat deficit into a majority of about 22 seats, depending on the final outcomes in a handful of electorates. Mr Howard conceded graciously, sending Mr Rudd and the Labor Government he will lead his best wishes and admitting it was "very likely" that he had lost his own seat of Bennelong to Labor's Maxine McKew. Mr Rudd says Australians had looked to the future in placing their trust in him and his team. "Today Australia has looked to the future," he said. "Today the Australian people have decided that we as a nation will move forward." "We should celebrate and honour the way we conduct this great Australian democracy of ours, and it's been on display tonight," he said.

From http://www.abc.net.au 11/25/2007

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Henderson Confirmed as New NT Chief Minister

The Northern Territory has a new Chief Minister, with the Labor Caucus meeting today to elect Paul Henderson as Clare Martin's successor. Marion Scrymgour is the new Deputy Chief Minister. Ms Martin announced her resignation this morning less than 48 hours after Labor swept to power federally. Deputy Chief Minister Syd Stirling has also resigned. Both will remain in Parliament as backbenchers. Mr Stirling will retire at the next election but Ms Martin has not indicated if she will run again in 2009. Ms Martin says going today means the new leader will be able to establish a relationship with the new Federal Government and prepare for the next Territory election in 2009. "After nearly nine years, you've got to look at how you refresh the team," she said. "This is a job that requires 100 per cent - and more - commitment." She says the federal intervention had "a big impact" on her decision to step down and the last six months had been the toughest of her political career. Ms Martin says while it is the right time to step down, she does have some regrets. "I would like to have created more jobs, particularly in the bush," she said. "Having secondary education in the bush and kids actually graduating to year 12 is a big start, but until we get that literacy and numeracy happening, then people can't be employed, so I would like to have seen that happen much faster."

From http://www.abc.net.au 11/26/2007

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'Put Up or Shut Up', Says Nauru's Adeang

Nauru's deputy president David Adeang has broken his silence over a political crisis in the country that has seen three ministers resign. In an email to AAP, Adeang - who is also finance and foreign affairs minister - hit back at claims he had engaged in shady conduct with Asian businessmen. This allegation and others were outlined in a recent media statement by Health Minister Kieren Keke, who was part of a group of Nauru ministers who resigned on November 8. Keke also accused Adeang's father, Kennan Ranibok Adeang, who is Nauru's High Commissioner to Fiji, of verbally abusing two ministers. But Adeang challenged the group of rebel ministers to prove the allegations in parliament. "The allegations against me are unproven and I did challenge them to prove it in parliament, and they have thus far failed," Adeang said. "I look forward to our next sitting when I expect them to put up or shut up," he said. As well as Keke, resources and rehabilitation minister Frederick Pitcher and justice minister Roland Kun also resigned their portfolios. There were indications the breakaway group would move a no-confidence motion in the Nauru parliament, although this has yet to occur. Adeang said the group were making a bid for power and the issues they raised should have been dealt with internally.

"The Australian Finance Team that is responsible for managing Nauru's finances have not seen fit to make any complaints of a governance nature related to my role as finance and foreign affairs minister," he said. Adeang said the issue of his father's behaviour had not been raised as an issue by Keke in his resignation letter. "They have found it convenient to load up their accusations against me in a bid to discredit me from all angles possible," Adeang said. In August Scotty was returned as president after he secured 14 votes from the country's 18 parliamentarians. A hallmark of Scotty's government has been financial reforms brought in to try to reverse the country's economic decline.

From http://nz.news.yahoo.com 11/20/2007

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NEW ZEALAND: Laban Welcomes New Role

Luamanuvao Winnie Laban says her new role as Pacific Island Affairs Minister is a wonderful opportunity to build on the huge economic and social gains made by Pacific people under the Labour-led government. “Our Pacific people are young, vibrant, full of aspiration and have a great future ahead of them. As Minister I look forward to working together with all our Pacific communities to ensure our people reach their true potential,” said Laban. “Pacific people have made real gains under Labour. Unemployment has halved since 1999. Working for Families is increasing the incomes of thousands of our families. KiwiSaver is making it easier to save and the price of going to the doctor has halved. “I particularly look forward to working to advance the economic development of our Pacific people through the implementation of the Pacific Economic Action Plan and the Pacific Women’s Economic Development Plan. “These plans have specific milestones for our people and I look forward to working with the community, the private sector and government agencies to meet these.

“There is now a very real sense of optimism within our Pacific communities and I will work to lead our people towards greater economic prosperity. “It is important to me that our people can fully contribute to, and share in, New Zealand's success. “My personal approach has always been one based on collaboration. As Minister I want to bring all of our people together and give each of them a voice and a stake in their future. Laban said she would also work closely with her Ministerial colleagues across all portfolios to ensure that the huge gains of the past nine years continue. Laban also becomes Associate Minister of Trade in today’s reshuffle. “I look forward to working with Trade Minister Phil Goff in this new role. My hard work and passion for advancing trade opportunities and two-way trade within our Pacific region is well known,” said Laban.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz 10/31/2007

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Renewed Cabinet Line-Up

Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced the Labour Party Caucus has elected three new ministers to the Cabinet. The new Cabinet ministers are: Steve Chadwick, MP for Rotorua Shane Jones, MP Maryan Street, MP. Helen Clark said that the three vacancies arise from the impending retirement of Steve Maharey, the decision by Mark Burton to return to the backbench, and the place vacated by David Benson-Pope in July. Significant reallocations of portfolios are: Michael Cullen takes on the Treaty Negotiations portfolio in addition to finance Phil Goff adds the Corrections portfolio to his responsibilities Annette King takes on the Justice portfolio, and retains Transport and Police Pete Hodgson becomes Minister for Economic Development, Tertiary Education, and Research Science and Technology Chris Carter becomes Minister of Education and retains Ethnic Affairs David Cunliffe becomes Minister of Health, and continues his responsibilities in Communications and Information Technology Trevor Mallard becomes Minister of Broadcasting, the Environment, and Labour, and retains SOEs and Associate Finance Ruth Dyson becomes Minister of Social Development and Employment, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector and retains Senior Citizens and Disability Issues responsibilities Lianne Dalziel takes on Food Safety and Associate Justice in addition to Commerce David Parker adds States Services to his responsibilities.

Nanaia Mahuta takes on the full Local Government portfolio and Associate Tourism in addition to her other responsibilities. Clayton Cosgrove takes on the full Immigration portfolio, Sport and Recreation, Small Business, and responsibility for the Rugby World Cup. He retains Associate Justice and Finance responsibilities. The new ministers duties are as follows: Steve Chadwick becomes Minister of Conservation, Women’s Affairs, and Associate Health. Maryan Street becomes Minister of Housing, Minister for ACC, along with Associate Minister for Economic Development and Associate Tertiary Education. Shane Jones becomes Minister for Building and Construction, Associate Minister of Treaty Negotiations, Associate Immigration and Associate Minister of Trade. Darren Hughes becomes a Minister outside Cabinet with responsibilities as Minister of Statistics, Associate Minister of Social Development and Employment, and Deputy Leader of the House. “On this occasion I wish to thank the three ministers who are going to the backbench for the contribution they have made to the government. “Both Steve Maharey and Mark Burton have carried tremendous workloads since 1999. I respect Steve’s decision to retire from politics and Mark’s decision to put all his energy into campaigning for re-election in his constituency.

“Dover Samuels is also moving to the backbench at this time and is not seeking re-election at the next election. He has been a senior member of the Labour Party for many years and a staunch advocate for Maori within the Party and for Labour within Maoridom. “The New Zealand Labour Party has been privileged to lead the government for eight years now. “There has been through that time renewal at both the ministerial and broader parliamentary level. “That becomes most apparent when today’s Cabinet is compared with that which took office in 1999. “More than half the Cabinet Ministers named today were not in Cabinet in December 1999, and close to half were not in the Cabinet elected after the 2002 election. “At the forthcoming election, around one fifth of the Labour caucus elected in 2005 will not be seeking re-election. The party is consciously regenerating and recruiting at all levels to ensure that it can offer the best leadership to New Zealand in the years ahead. “This Cabinet is appropriately balanced between large centres and regional New Zealand, and the North and South Islands. “There are seven women Cabinet ministers. Three Cabinet Ministers are Maori. “The changes made at this time are all about putting the Labour-led Government in a strong position to campaign for re-election in 2008,” Helen Clark said.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz 10/30/2007

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New Chair of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology Board

Bryan Gould will succeed Dame Margaret Bazley as the new Chair of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology Board, Pete Hodgson, Minister for Research, Science and Technology announced today. Mr Gould brings a record of significant governance experience, strong and relevant connections to the research sector and an excellent understanding of government processes to the Foundation. Mr Gould served as member of the UK parliament for 14 years before returning to New Zealand to become Vice Chancellor of Waikato University, a post which he held for 10 years until his retirement in 2004. Under his leadership, the University of Waikato undertook several significant initiatives, including the construction of the WEL Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts, the establishment of the School of Maori and Pacific Development, and the creation of the Waikato Innovation Park. Mr Gould has been appointed for a three year term and will succeed Dame Margaret Bazley in May 2008. This will complete six years of service on the Board for Dame Bazley. Mr Gould will be involved in the appointment process for the other three members whose terms will end on 30 April 2008. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Dame Margaret Bazley for her hard work; during her time on the board she has made a considerable impact and has implemented some significant changes around government investment in Research, Science and Technology. I wish her well in all her future endeavours.” said Pete Hodgson.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ 11/18/2007

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Supreme Court Contractor Announced

Courts Minister, Rick Barker announced today that Mainzeal has been appointed as the contractor to carry out the construction of the Supreme Court complex. "The Supreme Court complex is the pinnacle of the major investment in court facilities made by this government over the last eight years. I am pleased that construction of the complex can now go ahead full steam," Mr Barker said. "A New Zealand-based Supreme Court is a major step in the evolution of the court system and should be housed in a building that matches the vital role the Court plays within the New Zealand Justice system. "The new building and the restored historic Old High Court building on the Lambton Quay site will provide fitting accommodation for the Court for generations to come. "The appointment of Mainzeal as contractor brings them together again with the leading architects Warren and Mahoney, reuniting the team that made such a magnificent job of restoring Parliament buildings," Mr Barker said. The next step in the project is to commence work on the restoration of the Old High Court building, with the key task of cutting the building off its foundation and inserting base isolators which will provide seismic protection. On the new site the main work will be the continuation of pile drilling to support the new building and the excavation of the basement area.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ 11/20/2007

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Corruption Fight Taken to PNG Schools

The fight against corruption has been taken to Papua New Guinea schools in an ambitious project by the PNG chapter of Transparency International. Eight teachers will begin work on developing teaching kits for use in PNG’s upper primary and lower secondary schools in a pilot project funded by the United Nations Democratic Fund (UNDF). The teachers, who completed a weeklong course on good governance and anti-corruption issues recently, were randomly selected from schools in eight provinces. The kits they will produce would enable their colleagues to develop values, skills and information for their students, in the hope the next generation of Papua New Guineans will create a truly democratic society free of corruption. Initially, one kit for upper primary would consist of an A4-sized 48-page teacher guide booklet and would support the outcomes outlined for these grades, with one copy provided for each primary school. Another series of kits will be designed for the lower secondary levels. This would consist of a thematic set of eight units of about 20 pages each and consist of teacher guides and supporting posters. PNG has scored badly on global corruption rankings in recent years with the 2007 TI-produced corruption perception index (CPI) released in September ranking the Melanesian state 162 out of 180 nations surveyed. Corruption has had dire effects in PNG with TIPNG blaming it for the lack of basic services in a lot of rural areas of PNG. The corruption watchdog hopes to see the benefits of the project in the next generation of Papua New Guineans.

“What we talking about here is generational change, I think our current generation may have lost its way a little, in terms of the kinds of values we all hold onto – (which is) reflected in the kind of situation we have at the moment. So our only hope is to improve this next generation and provide them a core set of values that they can grow with, and hopefully through them we can start to see significant change within our communities,” said TIPNG board director Peter Aitsi. The school project is being done in close consultation with the PNG Education Department. Its launching coincides with the launching of a youth democracy camp project funded by the U.S. Department of State at a cost of US$20,000 (K60,795.60). Aitsi said the U.S. funded project was a democracy and advocacy skill building camp for PNG youths that would engage them in democracy, good governance, transparency advocacy and good leadership-oriented activities. Port Moresby-based U.S. ambassador Leslie Rowe said her country supported the democratic principles of good governance, anti-corruption and the rule of law and it was good the project funded by her government would focus on the youth of PNG.

From http://www.pacificmagazine.net/ 11/14/2007

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Global Leaders Call for Innovation and Cooperation at 2nd Global HR Forum

Under the theme of “HR Solutions for the Next Generation,” the 2007 Global Human Resources Forum brought together over 150 global leaders from 35 countries into a unique setting to exchange accumulated experiences, share best practices, and search for innovative HRD solutions that will ultimately lead to the co-prosperity and sustainable development of the whole world. Organized on October 23~25 by the Government of Korea, in collaboration with the Korea Economic Daily and the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education & Training, the 2nd annual Global HR Forum attracted a huge crowd of participants numbering over 4,000, who were eager to learn from the insights and expertise of the 150 speakers who included top business CEOs, government officials, academics and international organization representatives. Oscar Arias Sanchez, President of the Republic of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, opened the grand meeting with a video message in which he stressed the importance of bridging social polarization through investment in education and HRD. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton also delivered his congratulations for the gathering in a video-taped speech, touching on the need to work together in addressing common challenges amid an increasingly mutually dependent environment. Keynote speakers included Richard C.

Holbrooke, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Ben Verwaayen, CEO of British Telecom, Jerome C. Glenn, Director of the Millennium Project at the World Federation of United National Association, and Francis Fukuyama, Professor of Johns Hopkins University. Twenty-three active sessions followed in four separate tracks, allowing for expert debate from the perspectives of higher education, businesses, government and international cooperation, respectively. Alongside, in the mornings of October 24 and 25, three separate sessions opened for the opinion sharing of corporate CEOs, HR management officers and financial officers. At the same time, 12 one-hour special debate programs were organized for domestic and foreign speakers to share dialogue on focused agendas including university restructuring, urban environment for global talents, the inter-Korean summit and peace building in Northeast Asia, improving MBA programs, visions for future education, and key talent development in the field of science and engineering. Of the four main tracks, business sector discussions were led by Chairman Yoshiaki Shin of Mitsui Sumimoto Insurance Co., Ltd., CEO Chow Kok Fong of Changi Airports International Singapore, and top HR managers from well-known multinational enterprises including IBM, Goldman Sachs, BMW and HSBC. In the academic track, Chancellor Mark Wrighton of Washington University in St. Louis, Professor Robert Barrow of Harvard University, and Harry C. Katz, Dean of the ILR School at Cornell University, were among the long list of prestigious speakers who talked about ways to bring innovation to higher education.

From the government circle, a large number of high officials including H.E. Abd Dhiyab Al Ajili, Iraqi Minister of Higher Education, H.E. Mohamed Yousif Abdallah, Sudanese Minister of Culture, Youth & Sports, and H.E. Kircho Atanasov, Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Education and Science, sought ways to deepen mutual understanding and build trust among nation states through the exchange of human resources. Leading figures from international organizations also provided depth and diversity to the Forum, including Director Barbara Ischinger of the OECD Directorate of Education, Tertiary Education Coordinator Jamil Salmi of the World Bank, and Director General Al Monji Bousnina of the Arab League Educational Cultural and Scientific Organization(ALESCO). In addition, two special sessions were newly organized this year under the fourth track, under an aim to find viable solutions for regional, religious and social conflicts across the globe. In the afternoon of the 24th, representatives from Iraq, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia engaged in dialogue with Korean participants in a search for stronger partnerships between Korea and the Middle East, particularly in terms of human resources exchange. In the afternoon of the 25th, Ambassadors in Korea representing Australia, Bulgaria, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland and Pakistan got together with Korean youths and foreign students to share experiences and insights on developing a culture of understanding and co-prosperity across borders.

Korean Prime Minister Han Duksoo was present at the Forum’s opening, where he stressed the key role of HRD in bridging major social issues including the economic gap. Along with warm words of congratulations for participants, Prime Minister expressed his wish for a successful and long-living Forum, one which would “serve as a venue for global communication and face-to-face meetings, where information and knowledge will continue to be shared on the strategic development of future HR.” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Kim Shinil also delivered his words of encouragement for the second annual Forum, noting that “the fundamental solution to every national and international problem must be, and can be, found in the power of human resources.” “It will be next-generation global talents that generate sustainable growth and co-prosperity across the world,” he stressed. In Korea, the Government first identified HRD as a core strategy for national development in 2001, and elevated the education ministry into a super-ministry to oversee the country's human resources development. By successfully implementing two five-year national HRD plans since, Korea has been able to secure a leading position in this area within the international community. More recently, in August 2007, the Government launched a National Human Resources Committee under Presidential leadership, in order to further discuss national HRD agendas and develop strategic policies under a single integrated framework.

From http://www.korea.net/ 10/29/2007

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OECD Countries Take New Approach to Fostering Innovation, Says OECD Report

More and more OECD governments are giving firms tax breaks to drive innovation while cutting their direct spending on business research and development (R&D), and are also encouraging public research organisations to commercialise their inventions, according to a new OECD report. According to the OECD Science, Technology and Industry Scoreboard 2007, two thirds of the 30 OECD member countries offered businesses tax subsidies in 2006, up from 12 in 1995, and most have tended to make it more generous over the years. Direct government funding financed an average of 7% of business R&D in 2005, down from 11% in 1995. Spain, China, Mexico and Portugal provide the largest tax subsidies and make no distinction between large and small firms. Canada and the Netherlands on the whole continue to be more generous to small firms than large ones. Emerging economies, including Brazil, India, Singapore and South Africa, also offer a generous and competitive tax environment for businesses investing in R&D.The type of tax subsidy available varies from country to country but includes an immediate write-off of current R&D spending, as well as tax relief or allowances against taxable income.

The Scoreboard notes a sharp rise in the globalisation of innovation. International co-authorship of scientific publications tripled between 1995 and 2005. Cross-border co-operation on inventions nearly doubled as a share of total inventions worldwide between 1991-93 and 2001-03. Foreign ownership of domestic patents increased by 50% between the early 1990s and the early 2000s. European Union countries interact most often with each other and are less globalised than the United States, while Japan and Korea are less internationalised overall, the report finds. In addition to new data on the rising investment in knowledge by emerging economies, this edition of the Scoreboard shows that: R&D spending in OECD countries has increased steadily in recent years although more slowly than during the second half of the 1990s. Total gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) grew by 4.6% annually in real terms between 1995 and 2001, but by less than 2.2% a year between 2001 and 2005. 3.9 million researchers worked in R&D in the OECD area in 2005, of which two thirds were employed in the business sector. The share of business researchers varies widely from country to country: in the United States, four out of five researchers work in the business sector, two out of three in Japan but only one out of two in the European Union.

The number of business researchers has grown most rapidly in smaller OECD countries, such as New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Iceland and Greece, where their number has grown by 10% a year over the past decade. The number of business researchers in China has grown by an average of 15% a year over the past five years. In terms of technological specialisation, patent data show that the United States and emerging economies, notably China, India, Israel and Singapore, focus their innovative efforts on high-technology industries, such as computers and pharmaceuticals, while continental Europe concentrates on medium-high-technology industries, such as automobiles and chemicals. The United States has the most biotechnology firms (close to 2,200), followed by Japan and France (800 each). But the number of biotechnology patents has been falling since 2000 in most countries, after a sharp increase in the late 1990s, largely due to the more restrictive criteria applied by patent offices and the end of the wave of patenting that followed the decoding of the human genome. 80% of Korean households have high-speed broadband access, the highest in the OECD. In 2005, Korea reported the highest surplus in the ICT goods trade balance, followed by Finland, Hungary and Japan.

From http://www.oecd.org/ 10/25/2007

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New Index Measures Countries' Ability to Connect to Global Markets

November 5, 2007 - A new World Bank study ranking 150 countries pinpoints the places where it’s easy or difficult to ship goods across countries, into and out of ports, and over borders. The Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and accompanying study, Connecting to Compete: Trade Logistics in the Global Economy, find that the countries with the most predictable, efficient, and best-run transportation routes and trade procedures are also the most likely to take advantage of technological advances, economic liberalization, and access to international markets. Countries with “higher overall logistics costs are more likely to miss the opportunities of globalization,” say the study’s lead authors Jean Francois Arvis and Monica Alina Mustra of the Bank’s Poverty Reduction and Economic Management (PREM) group.

“The biggest source of costs is not really transportation cost (such as freight costs), port and handling charges, procedural fees (such as bonds), or even agent fees, and side payments, it is the predictability, the reliability, and the quality of services that are much more important than the cost,” says Arvis. “What matters most is reliability of the supply chain – whether the goods can be delivered on time,” adds Mustra.Like the World Bank Group’s Doing Business report and the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index, the Logistics Performance Index provides a set of indicators to gauge international competitiveness. LPI measures the performance of the supply chain in international trade, “something that is not naturally captured by statistics,” says Arvis. He adds the ability to benchmark the “logistical friendliness” of countries will help inform national policy makers, and development organizations looking for solutions to problems affecting a country’s ability to connect to global markets and foster economic growth.

800 International Logistics Professionals Surveyed Some 800 freight-forwarders and express carriers working in the international logistics business in 100 countries rated countries in a web-based survey on such things as whether customs brokers or rail transport service providers were competent, export shipments were cleared and shipped as scheduled, and criminal activities occurred or information payments (bribes) were sought. The index ranks the major transport hub of Singapore first, and land-locked Afghanistan last. Developed, high-income countries, such as the G-7, are all top performers, while the performance of developing countries, even those with similar income levels, varied considerably. China, for instance, was 30th out of 150, while some higher-income oil exporters, such as Algeria (140th) performed below their potential logistically, according to the study. Countries with good shipping logistics tend to attract export-oriented foreign direct investment—seen, along with trade, as a way to access knowledge and technology.

Vicious Circle Countries at the bottom of the index are “typically trapped in a vicious circle of overregulation, poor quality services, and underinvestment,” the study adds. Earlier this year, the Bank’s Global Development Finance noted that while net private capital flows to developing countries reached a record US$647 billion in 2006, that money did not go to the poorest countries. In fact, 82 percent of the private capital flows to developing countries in recent years have gone to just 20 of the 135 included in the GDF’s analysis. “In this highly competitive world, the quality of logistics can have a major bearing on a firm’s decisions about which country to locate in, which suppliers to buy from, and which consumer markets to enter,” the study points out. An unreliable supply chain may mean having to carry higher inventories of supplies or finished products, or force shippers to use a more expensive form of transportation, such as air, to meet a deadline, it says.

Unpredictability is also a major constraint for companies and countries trying to diversify into higher value production. In global production chains, countries face a double challenge of maintaining an efficient chain not just for exports but also for imported inputs and components. “The large difference between countries’ performance can be explained by the fact that the overall performance of a country is largely influenced by the weakest link in its supply chain,” says Arvis. “For the most severely constrained countries—typically landlocked countries in Africa and Central Asia—innovative solutions may need to be found, and international donors will play an important role.” The Bank’s web-based logistics survey was distributed by large international logistics companies to operational staff in the field “handling trade first hand,” says Mustra. The survey was translated into English, French, Spanish, and Chinese and produced more than 5,000 evaluations. A follow-up survey likely to be conducted in early 2008 will also be available in Russian and Portuguese.

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 11/05/2007

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ADB Promoting Regional Cooperation in South Asia by Boosting Research Capacity

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is extending a $1.2 million grant to promote regional cooperation in South Asia by enhancing the capacity of research institutes, think tanks and experts in the region. The grant, Technical Assistance (TA) for Supporting Network of Research Institutes and Think Tanks in South Asia Phase II, covers consulting services, regional conferences, research programs and publications. These activities help mold public opinion and often influence the views of leaders in the region, contributing to stronger political will for cooperation. “The project will promote regional economic cooperation in South Asia through knowledge sharing, policy formulation and improving the capacity of research institutes through studies and workshops,” said Shunsuke Bando, economist of ADB’s South Asia Department. ADB is the executing agency and research institutions networks will be the implementing agencies. Those studies and workshops will recommend policies and plans of joint actions to enhance cooperation among members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation established in 1985 by Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. While most South Asian countries have fairly well developed and analytically oriented research institutes, think tanks and experts, the research activities and the dissemination of findings can be further improved.

From Asian Development Bank 11/13/2007

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Google Powers Its Strategy with Green IT Thinking

If you took an arial tour of Google's Mountain view, Calif.-based headquarters, you'd find its eight rooftops covered with 9,212 solar panels. But that's only the beginning. To reach its goal of creating 50 megawatts of renewable generating capacity for its operations by 2012, Google is looking into the use of various forms of renewable energy, including solar, wind, geothermal and fuel cells, said Robyn Beavers, director of green business and operations strategy at Google. "We'll make sure we evaluate them all thoroughly and make the right choices that work for Google," said Beavers, who was at the Conference on Clean Energy in Boston this month to talk about Google's plans to become a more energy-efficient company. "This past May we switched on our system, which is 1.6 megawatts of solar panels in our Mountain View headquarters campus," she said in an interview. "And we've also built two carport structures -- shade structures over outdoor parking lots -- and mounted solar panels over the tops of those. You can park underneath the solar panels and charge your hybrid vehicle from the sun."

In addition, Beavers said Google installed solar hot water modules that use the sun's energy to heat the water in its new office in Hyderabad, India. The solar modules will cover all the hot water usage in the entire office building, she said. The company also negotiated discounts with residential solar panel installers in California so it can offer discounts to Google employees who want to put solar panels on their own homes, she said. "We try to encourage our employees to become more environmentally friendly in their own lives," Beavers said. "So we also offer employees a fuel-efficient vehicle incentive. If an employee buys an eco-friendly vehicle, we give them a rebate; the less gas an employee's vehicle uses, the more money they get, starting at $1,000 for a typical hybrid." Google is also in the process of doing a massive energy-efficiency overhaul, which includes performing energy audits at all of its office buildings, she said. "We're counting light bulbs, figuring out where we use electricity and how much, and then we make energy-efficient retrofits based on that data," Beavers said, such as replacing old fluorescent bulbs with more energy-efficient ones, she said. "We'll change all of our lighting and use fewer bulbs, which will save money in electricity and help pay for the overall project," she said. (By Linda Rosencrance)

From Computer World (U.S. online) 11/13/2007

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CHINA: To Build Efficient Innovation Mechanism with Production, R&D Integrated

China should establish a market-oriented technical innovation mechanism taking enterprises at the core and able to better integrate institutions of higher education and R&D outfits, Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan said Sunday in a congratulatory letter to mark the inauguration of a special association. He said that developing such a mechanism accorded with the global trend in science and technology and economic development would provide a significant foundation for China to build itself into an innovative nation. Zeng hoped the China Association for the Promotion of Collaboration between Production, Learning and Research could serve as a conduit between governments and companies, schools and R&D institutions and give its contribution to the country's economic transfer from quantity to quality. State Councilor Chen Zhili said at the opening ceremony that the government would strive to create a good policy ambience, enhance research and exploration on the integration of the three parties and turn the mechanism into an efficient, open and flexible one. Xu Zhijian was elected to head the association by more than 300 delegates from governmental departments, institutions of higher learning, state-owned and private enterprises.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 11/05/2007

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China to Attract Foreign Investors to Service Sector

China plans to attract more foreign investment in the service industries, with a particular emphasis on outsourcing, state media reported Sunday. China's move to gradually reduce barriers to foreign investments in the service business is part of a broader strategy to go for more eco-friendly and less wasteful "quality investment," the Xinhua news agency said. "The point (of the transformation) is to absorb advanced technologies and management skills from foreign countries," said Zhang Mao, vice minister of the National Development and Reform Commission. "Foreign investment companies are expected play a positive role in this regard," he was quoted as telling a forum in Beijing. He was not quoted as giving any details about which service industries would be opened up to more foreign participation. But Assistant Commerce Minister Chong Quan, speaking at the same event, said China encouraged multinationals to expand into outsourcing services. He said his ministry had named 10 cities where "conditions are mature" for outsourcing services, including Beijing and Shanghai. Foreign direct investment into China hit 6.8 billion dollars in October, up 13.2 percent from the same month a year ago, the government said last week.

From http://news.yahoo.com 11/18/2007

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HK Approves First Retail Islamic Fund

The Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission has authorized the first Islamic fund for sale to retail investors in Hong Kong on Tuesday. The commission's Intermediaries and Investment Products Executive Director Alexa Lam said facilitating the development of the Islamic investment market is a high priority. "The introduction of Islamic retail funds gives added variety to our retail fund market and underscores the versatility of our asset management industry," she said. In support of the government's initiative to develop Islamic finance, the commission has been working with industry participants to enable the introduction of Islamic financial products to the Hong Kong market. It has also uploaded related education materials to its website.

From http://news.yahoo.com 11/18/2007

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New Rules Adopted to Help 140 Mln Migrants

A soon-to-be-released document for local governments will help 140 million migrant people get access to better housing, medical services and education for their children, a senior official said yesterday. "All local governments should incorporate the document's new measures for the migrant population into their economic and social development plans," Zhang Xinfeng, vice-minister of public security, said yesterday at the meeting of the Central Committee for Comprehensive Management of Public Security, which reviewed the document draft. Under the new measures, governments will: Be responsible for educating the children of migrant workers in their adopted homes. Build dorms for migrant workers to improve their living conditions. Encourage migrant workers to obtain insurance cover for work and basic medical care. Provide them with the same free services available to the registered population in areas such as infectious disease prevention and treatment, children's vaccination and maternity care. Gradually commit to giving migrant workers in stable employment the opportunity for permanent residency status. Migrant people have to register for temporary residency when they move to a city. However they do not have access to education for their children and some free medical services. Official figures show there are currently about 140 million migrant people across the country, roughly 10 percent of the total population.

From China Daily 11/21/2007

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China Government: To Strengthen Management of New Invest Approvals

China will boost the management of its approval process for new investment projects to strengthen macroeconomic controls, the State Council said Wednesday. In a statement on the central government Web site, the State Council, or Cabinet, said "the failure to follow rules on some new investment projects, lax implementation of rules, insufficient efforts at supervision, have contributed to overly rapid investment growth." The State Council added rapid investment growth has become a "prominent problem" affecting economic stability, in a reiteration of its concern over investment growth. Urban fixed-asset investment in China accelerated in the January-October period to 26.9%, the fastest growth pace recorded so far this year.

From http://www.nasdaq.com 11/21/2007

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New Steps to Control Investment

The government is to strengthen the management of all new investment projects and will pull the plug on any that do not have appropriate approval. Analysts said the measure is designed to stop the economy from overheating. According to a document published yesterday by the State Council on its website, all new projects must be properly authorized and abide by land use, energy efficiency, market access and environmental protection criteria. Relevant departments must establish records for investment projects valued at more than 50 million yuan ($6.7 million) and submit all relevant information to upper-level governments, the document said. In addition, from the start of next year, detailed information on all such projects must be made available to the public via the Internet, it said. Projects found to be breaking the guidelines will be halted immediately and offenders punished, it said. The document said there have been too many new investment projects in recent years, some of which have failed to follow relevant laws and regulations.

Coupled with loose management and poor law enforcement, these have led to excessively fast investment growth and too much duplication. The government has been increasingly concerned with the speed at which the economy has been growing, with figures for the first three quarters showing year-on-year growth of 11.5 percent. It has said it must prevent the "relatively fast" economic growth from worsening and becoming overheated. The central bank has raised the interest rate five times this year and commercial banks' reserve requirement ratio - the proportion of money they must hold in reserve - nine times. Inflation remains one of the government's key concerns, following consumer price index growth of 6.5 percent in October, matching the decade-high figure reported in August.

Adding to policymakers' concerns, urban fixed-asset investment rose 26.9 percent year-on-year in the January to October period, up from 26.4 percent in the first nine months, according to official figures. Although the authorities did not reveal how fast fixed-asset investment grew in October, it could be as much as 30 percent - an acknowledged danger line - analysts have said. Chen Jijun, senior analyst with Beijing-based CITIC Securities, said: "I think there will be further tightening measures to rein in the fast-expanding economy, especially in the real estate sector." There might not be a blanket tightening, which could spark a slump in investment, but it will be industry-specific, he told China Daily. Those that consume large amounts of energy, for example, might be dealt the hardest blow by the regulators, he said. Goldman Sachs (Asia) forecast in its latest research note there will be two more 27-basis-point interest rate hikes by the end of the year, and lowered its real GDP growth forecast for next year to 10.3 percent.

From China Daily 11/22/2007

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New Rating System Can Boost Green Buildings

Environmentally friendly buildings present China with a unique opportunity to make concrete progress in the country's efforts to clean up. In a recent report titled Is China Ready to Take the LEED? international real estate money management and services firm Jones Lang LaSalle highlighted that as sustainable buildings become more prevalent in China, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is emerging as the preferred method for certifying these innovative, market-moving developments. China's cities are in the midst of a massive building boom, creating intense competition in major markets and dramatically increasing energy consumption. Sustainable buildings offer a significant solution - both in terms of the need for market differentiation and greater energy efficiency. In light of this, LEED has emerged as the preferred rating system, because it is flexible enough to be applied to a diverse variety of markets and also because it enjoys the greatest recognition of various international rating systems. This recognition is especially important when one considers that a prime motivator for developers to create a certified sustainable building is to differentiate their projects from the competition.

"It is important that builders and occupiers develop an understanding of LEED and the overall sustainable building movement, as it has significant business implications and is an opportunity to make a real contribution in the effort to improve China's environment," said Benjamin Christensen, research manager of Jones Lang LaSalle Beijing, one of the authors of the report. In the past, companies in China would only focus on increasing sustainability levels in their individual tenancy. But as more and more certified sustainable buildings enter the market, the sustainability of these buildings will be a significant draw for demanding tenants. "This will be the case not only because this type of office space satisfies corporate social responsibility (CSR) demands, but also because sustainable buildings are proven to increase productivity, decrease employee turnover and, very importantly, save energy costs," added Christensen. For developers, the emergence of LEED-certified buildings means the China office market is reaching a new level of sophistication and that sustainable design will increasingly be a prerequisite for top projects. This, in turn, implies that the technology and expertise necessary to design and build a sustainable building will be more accessible and established in the country.

LEED's emergence also means the public and the government would be more aware of sustainable buildings and rating systems, such as LEED, thus providing developers with a new opportunity to enhance their public image and launch a platform for marketing new projects. For tenants, the increase in LEED-certified office space means they will have office options that better satisfy global CSR requirements. Those who choose to occupy sustainable buildings will likely save money on energy and increase staff productivity because of improved internal office environment. Prosper Centre, a 148,000-sq-m office and retail complex in Beijing CBD (central business district), is setting an important precedent as it will be the first LEED-certified office project to be completed in the capital, the report said. Hong Kong developer Henderson Land aims to make its new project, World Financial Center, a pre-eminent Grade A office building in Beijing.

The developer has stated that the market demands that a building of this caliber must be highly sustainable. The World Financial Center is currently pre-certified for LEED and is aiming for LEED Platinum upon completion. The report also highlighted that the push toward more sustainable construction in China is being led by both the market and the government. The government has created a framework of minimum requirements for energy efficiency on all new construction. The requirements are based on the average energy efficiency of Chinese buildings in 1980 and aim to decrease energy use on all new construction by 50 percent before 2010 and by 65 percent before 2020. The current requirement across China is 50 percent, but in both Shanghai and Beijing, the local governments have already increased the minimum requirement to 65 percent.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 11/23/2007

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JAPAN: Govt to Launch Rural Homestay Project

In an effort to give children living in cities a better understanding of rural life, the government plans to launch a homestay project in rural areas next fiscal year for primary school students. About 30,000 children are expected to take part in the project in fiscal 2008. The project, which will be largely funded by the government, also is expected to promote rural revitalization efforts as the government plans to include 1.2 million children each year from all of the country's 23,000 schools by fiscal 2013. The multidisciplinary project, which it is envisaged will send fifth- or sixth-grade primary school students to villages for a weeklong homestay and activities including nature studies, will be coordinated by the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry, Education, Science and Technology Ministry and Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry. "The project will help nurture well-rounded children, and should foster a willingness to learn and a sense of independence," an education ministry official said. One internal affairs ministry official said the project "is expected to revitalize rural communities."

The government will select 470 schools--10 schools in each prefecture--in fiscal 2008 as model schools, with children from these schools to be sent to fishing, farming or mountain region villages. The government plans to pay 50,000 yen to 60,000 yen per person toward accommodation, excluding the cost of meals. Initially, 40 locations considered capable of accommodating up to about 100 children will be selected for the pilot projects, and a manual will be compiled for the hosts. The government hopes to expand the number of locations to at least 500 nationwide, including by refurbishing unused school buildings. The three ministries allocated a total of 2.2 billion yen from the budget framework for fiscal 2008 to cover expenses. The government also plans to distribute money from a special local grant tax to support local governments that undertake similar projects.

From The Yomiuri Shimbun 10/30/2007

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Comprehensive Support System for Revitalizing Local Communities to Be Developed

MIC aims at bringing about socio-economic revitalization in local communities by developing a ubiquitous network society. To that end, MIC will develop a system to support local communities that proactively make efforts to revitalize themselves with ICT, to provide successful models. MIC will also disseminate the knowledge and expertise nationwide. MIC has been supporting local communities that have a keen interest in revitalizing themselves with ICT. In supporting their efforts to solve local issues under the initiative of the community, MIC promotes the development of network infrastructure and the use of ICT. In consideration of the recent and immediate issue of bridging regional gaps, MIC will bolster its support for local initiatives using ICT to solve local issues in terms of knowledge and expertise. Through the support, MIC aims to develop successful models of ICT use for the independence and revitalization of local communities, such as promotion of primary industry and local industry or development of a safe and secure society. MIC will also disseminate the knowledge and expertise obtained through such efforts nationwide with a goal to raise the level of local economy and society by taking advantage of the ICT potential to change the social structure.

From http://www.soumu.go.jp/ 11/06/2007

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SOUTH KOREA: Roh’s Sloppy Management of State-run Companies and Burgeoning Public Costs

The Roh administration has notoriously mismanaged state-owned corporations, running up astronomical debts while adding more employees to their payrolls. Most state-run companies cannot pay for the paychecks given to their own employees. Their profits and government grants are not enough to cover their payroll expenses in some cases. Roh has aborted all privatization efforts, however. Experts point out the need to privatize idling state-run companies, along with various initiatives to overhaul their competitiveness.

State-run companies burdened with sloppy control and burgeoning debts – The Kim Dae-jung administration at least endeavored to streamline the corporate structures of state-run entities through restructuring. On the contrary, Roh Moo-hyun aborted such efforts allegedly to improve internal governance and operational systems. Roh’s approach did not bring any improvements; rather, Roh’s measures led to burgeoning debts and many more employees on the public payroll. As of 2002, Korea National Housing Corporation had debts amounting to 9.8 trillion won. The amount increased a whopping 258.2 percent to 35 trillion won in June 2007. Despite the disappointing performance, its payroll shot up 35.4 percent from 3,238 to 4,385 for the same period. Roh’s various development projects, including the construction of a new administrative capital, have also depleted the treasury of Korea Land Corporation, doubling its debts from 11 trillion won in 2002 to 25 trillion won in June 2007. Its payroll, however, snowballed from 2,125 to 2,677 workers over the same period. Likewise, Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation watched its debts rise 387.5 percent from 2002 to June 2007, the highest increase among the 24 state-run companies. Its personnel, on the contrary, rose 20.5 percent for the same period. Korea Coal Corporation constituted another vivid example of Roh’s notorious management. Declining coal demand and poor management have completely eaten up its capital, losing more and more money every year. Now, it pays its employees with loans. In 2002, for example, its debts amounted to 897 billion won, which shot up to 1.2 trillion won as of June 2007.

Worsening profitability – The burgeoning payrolls of state-run entities have deteriorated their profitability. A congressional accounting bureau recently reviewed the management conditions of 13 major state-owned companies, including Korea National Housing Corporation, Korea Coal Corporation, and Korea Tourism Corporation. Their net profit margin dropped from 10.63 percent in 2002 to 7.04 percent in 2006. The term “net profit margin” refers to the ratio of net profits to net sales, an important indicator showing how much profit or loss a company generates. Experts and scholars point to Roh as the epicenter of the problems. Once taking office, Roh aborted all ongoing privatization efforts and egged on public companies toward sloppier management and worse profits. Yonsei University economics professor Kim Jeong-sik criticized, “Roh has stressed the value and needs of state-run corporations. But he did not mention their problems, such as sloppy management, burgeoning debts, and excessive spending. The bigger they get, the more taxpayers have to cough up to finance their payrolls.”

From http://english.donga.com/ 11/05/2007

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Gov't to Support Low-income Users, But Maintain Energy Taxes

The government will come up with a set of measures this week aimed at helping people cope with skyrocketing crude oil prices, but the measures will not likely include cuts in energy taxes, government officials said on Monday, Yonhap News Agency reported. The Ministry of Finance and Economy said that it plans to announce the measures, which are expected to benefit low-income people and farmers, on Tuesday after holding a meeting with lawmakers at the National Assembly. However, the ministry said that it is not considering steps to lower fuel-related taxes that account for up to 60 percent of the prices of some products. "Fuel taxes generate about 23 trillion won in state earnings each year," an official said, hinting that cutting such a large source of government revenue is not feasible. He also said that lowering energy taxes, which would result in more fuel usage, runs counter to the government's long-standing energy conservation policies.

From http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ 11/13/2007

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South Korea Opens Boot Camp to Confront Cyberspace Addiction

MOKCHEON, South Korea: The compound - part boot camp, part rehab center - resembles programs around the world for troubled youths. Drill instructors drive young men through military-style obstacle courses, counselors lead group sessions, and there are even therapeutic workshops on pottery and drumming. But these young people are not battling alcohol or drugs. Rather, they have severe cases of what many in this country believe is a new and potentially deadly addiction: cyberspace. They come here, to the Jump Up Internet Rescue School, the first camp of its kind in South Korea and possibly the world, to be cured. South Korea boasts of being the most wired nation on earth. In fact, perhaps no other country has so fully embraced the Internet. Ninety percent of homes connect to cheap, high-speed broadband, online gaming is a professional sport, and social life for the young revolves around the "PC bang," dim Internet parlors that sit on virtually every street corner. ut such ready access to the Web has come at a price, as legions of obsessed users find that they cannot tear themselves away from their computers.

Compulsive Internet use has been identified as a mental health issue in other countries. But it may be a particularly acute problem in South Korea because of the country's nearly universal Internet access. It has become a national issue here in recent years as users started dropping dead from exhaustion after playing online games for days on end. A growing number of students have skipped school to stay online, shockingly self-destructive behavior in this intensely competitive society. Up to 30 percent of South Koreans under 18, or about 2.4 million people, are at risk of Internet addiction, said Ahn Dong Hyun, a child psychiatrist at Hanyang University who just completed a three-year government-financed survey of the problem. They spend at least two hours a day online, usually playing games or chatting. Of those, up to a quarter million probably show signs of actual addiction, like an inability to stop themselves from using computers, rising levels of tolerance that drive them to seek ever longer sessions online, and withdrawal symptoms like anger and craving when prevented from logging on.

To address the problem, the government has built a network of 140 Internet-addiction counseling centers, in addition to treatment programs at almost 100 hospitals and, most recently, the Internet Rescue camp, which started this summer. Researchers have developed a checklist for diagnosing the addiction and determining its severity, the K-Scale. (The K is for Korea.) In September, South Korea held the first international symposium on Internet addiction. "Korea has been most aggressive in embracing the Internet," said Koh Young Sam, who heads the Internet Addiction Counseling Center, which is run by the government. "Now we have to lead in dealing with its consequences." Though some health experts here and abroad question whether overuse of the Internet or computers in general is an addiction in the strict medical sense, many agree that obsessive computer use has become a growing problem in many countries.

Doctors in China and Taiwan have begun reporting similar disorders in their youth. In the United States, Dr. Jerald Block, a psychiatrist at Oregon Health and Science University, estimates that up to nine million Americans may be at risk for the disorder, which he calls pathological computer use. Only a handful of clinics in the United States specialize in treating it, he said. "Korea is on the leading edge," Block said. "They are ahead in defining and researching the problem, and recognize as a society that they have a major issue."

The rescue camp, in a forested area about an hour south of Seoul, was created to treat the most severe cases. This year, the camp held its first two 12-day sessions, with 16 to 18 male participants each time. (South Korean researchers say an overwhelming majority of compulsive computer users are male.) The camp is entirely paid for by the government, making it tuition-free. While it is too early to know whether the camp can wean youths from the Internet, it has been receiving four to five applications for each spot. To meet demand, camp administrators say they will double the number of sessions next year.

During a session, participants live at the camp, where they are denied computer use and allowed only one hour of cellphone calls a day, to prevent them from playing online games via the phone. They also follow a rigorous regimen of physical exercise and group activities, like horseback riding, aimed at building emotional connections to the real world and weakening those with the virtual one. "It is most important to provide them experience of a lifestyle without the Internet," said Lee Yun Hee, a counselor. "Young Koreans don't know what this is like." Initially, the camp had problems with participants sneaking away to go online, even during a 10-minute break before lunch, Lee said. Now, the campers are under constant surveillance, including while asleep, and are kept busy with chores, like washing their clothes and cleaning their rooms.

One participant, Lee Chang Hoon, 15, began using the computer to pass the time while his parents were working and he was home alone. He said he quickly came to prefer the virtual world, where he seemed to enjoy more success and popularity than in the real one. He spent 17 hours a day online, mostly looking at Japanese comics and playing a combat role-playing game called Sudden Attack. He played all night, then skipped school two or three times a week to catch up on sleep. When his parents told him he had to go to school, he reacted violently. Desperate, his mother, Kim Soon Yeol, sent him to the camp. "He didn't seem to be able to control himself," said Kim, a hairdresser. "He used to be so passionate about his favorite subjects" at school. "Now, he gives up easily and gets even more absorbed in his games." Her son was reluctant at first to give up his pastime. "I don't have a problem," Chang Hoon said in an interview three days after starting the camp. "Seventeen hours a day online is fine." But later that day, he seemed to start changing his mind, if only slightly.

As a drill instructor barked orders, Chang Hoon and 17 other boys marched through a cold autumn rain to the obstacle course. Wet and shivering, he began climbing the first obstacle, a telephone pole with small metal rungs. At the top, he slowly stood up, legs quaking, arms outstretched for balance. Below, the other boys held a safety rope attached to a harness on his chest. "Do you have anything to tell your mother?" the drill instructor shouted from below. "No!" he yelled back. "Tell your mother you love her!" the instructor ordered. "I love you, my parents!" he replied. "Then jump!" the instructor ordered. Chang Hoon squatted and leapt to a nearby trapeze, catching it in his hands. "Fighting!" yelled the other boys, using the English word that in South Korea means the rough equivalent of "Don't give up!" After Chang Hoon descended, he said, "That was better than games!" Was it thrilling enough to wean him from the Internet? "I'm not thinking about games now, so maybe this will help," he replied. "From now on, maybe I'll just spend five hours a day online."

From http://www.iht.com/ 11/18/2007

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MALAYSIA: FT Disaster Fund to Be Set Up

A Federal Territory disaster fund will be set up to speed up the disbursement of compensation to disaster victims in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique said having such a fund at state level would make it easier to allocate funds to disaster victims. "By disbursing the money quickly, we hope it will help alleviate the stress and trauma suffered by the victims," he said. Zulhasnan was speaking to reporters after closing the Federal Territory Crisis Management Awareness Retreat here. About 130 people from various government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the media attended the three-day retreat. Zulhasnan said the organisers chose Johor as the venue as they wanted to learn from the state’s experience in handling the floods in December last year and January this year. He also proposed having the next retreat up north, where they could tap the experience of those involved in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. "We may expand the scope to include representatives from resident associations (in the next retreat)," he said.

From http://thestar.com.my 11/23/2007

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Special Fund Planned for Laid-Off Workers

A special committee studying a retrenchment aid scheme has proposed that employers and workers contribute monthly premiums to a fund for laid-off workers. Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said the committee, chaired by the Human Resource Ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Thomas George did not fix an amount but suggested that it could be between 50 sen and RM1 from both parties. “It is still at the proposal stage. It will be submitted for Cabinet approval once finalised. If approved, financial aid can be given to retrenched workers for about six months, sufficient time for them to find new jobs,” he told reporters today. Earlier, he presented prizes to the winners of the Sierramas Community Fun Run 2007. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek flagged off the event.

From http://thestar.com.my 11/19/2007

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EC: Have Forum on Electoral System

The Election Commission has proposed a forum to discuss reforms to the electoral system. EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman said the authorities could set up the forum as an avenue for disgruntled voters to bring up their grouses. He said this was a better way than criticising the commission. “The grouses have to be looked at in a peaceful manner. The matter cannot be resolved through street demonstrations,” he told reporters here yesterday after briefing returning officers and assistant returning officers on the preparations for the 12th general election. Abdul Rashid said the EC was willing to help the authorities on setting up the forum if there is a request for it. His suggestion came in the wake of police warnings against organisers of a planned series of nationwide gatherings, similar to the one held last weekend in Kuala Lumpur, purportedly to seek reforms in the election process. In Kuching, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said the Government has not received any report that its officers and other civil servants were involved in last Saturday’s street protests in the capital. In Kuala Lumpur, police questioned three politicians in connection with the street protest. DAP national publicity chief Ronnie Liu, Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president R. Sivarasa and PAS central committee member Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad were questioned for about an hour at the commercial crimes headquarters in Bukit Perdana yesterday.

From http://thestar.com.my 11/16/2007

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SINGAPORE: New Centre Set Up to Promote Fair Employment Practices

A new centre has been set up to promote fair employment practices. Over the next 12 months, the Tripartite Centre for Fair Employment will develop toolkits for employers and introduce awards to recognise the outstanding ones among them. The centre also welcomes feedback on how to improve employment standards. Eighteen companies pledged to be fair employers at the Centre's launch on Tuesday, joining 500 others who have already signed up. Tripartite partners will continue to take a practical approach to eliminate unfair workplace behaviour like recognising that sometimes it is just a case of miscommunication. Halimah Yacob, Deputy Secretary-General, National Trades Union Congress, said: "Sometimes the intention is not to discriminate, but the lack of clarity in the job requirement, whether expressed through the newspaper, through other means, that sometimes causes the miscommunication and causes the friction. "So that's where... we have to educate the employers. There can be certain jobs, where certain criteria is required, so please explain it so that you won't create this misunderstanding."

From http://www.channelnewsasia.com/ 11/20/2007

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VIET NAM: Workshop Discusses Economic Governance

A workshop was held on Monday to discuss the role of the State in the socio-economic development process. Organised by the Central Institute of Economic Management, it featured speeches by the institute’s director and Werner Jann, chairman of Political Science, Administration and Organisation at Germany’s Potsdam University. Participants also had the opportunity to discuss international experiences and their perspective on the role Government should play in the economic process.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/ 11/21/2007

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Rotating Civil Servants in Budget Control Positions to Prevent Fraud

The Government has issued a decree to regularly rotate civil servants in positions of control over the State budget and property to stem official corruption. Deputy Bui Dac Luyen from the northern province of Ninh Binh: Civil servants who are assigned to a position for a long time can become involved in wrongdoing. Some of them have taken advantage of their positions for personal gain. The rotation of positions of power is an appropriate policy that helps prevent corruption and facilitate administrative reform. This decree will create favourable conditions for office heads to manage their staff. However, the implementation of the decree will be difficult for offices with few staff members. Some leaders may also take advantage of this and bring their relatives into the office to fill newly available positions. Leaders can avoid wrongdoing by taking seriously their responsibility to uphold democracy and taking into account the opinions of the trade union in determining final staff assignments. Leaders taking their responsibilities seriously is the most important factor for building a group of incorruptible and dedicated civil servants. In addition, we should enhance the supervision of the Party and people’s organisations with periodic inspections of offices.

From http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn 11/23/2007

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INDIA: National Training on SHG Federations

APMAS has announced its 7th National Training on SHG Federations to be held from December 3-8, 2007, at Hyderabad, India. APMAS is a national-level technical and managerial support institution with the vision, "Sustainable self-help movement in India". The programme is open to the staff of SHPIs Self-Help Promoting Institutions) including NGOs, bankers and government agencies. The training is a six day residential & field programme designed to provide the participants with an overview of the SHG federations, the process of formation and strengthening of the federations, the role of promoters, the issues faced by the federations, the guiding principles, registration issues, etc. The participants will also visit an SHG federation to gain in-depth understanding on its functioning aspects. The training would be highly participatory and interactive in nature. The first three days would be class room based, followed by a one day field visit to learn from the existing practices. Learnings from the field visit would be consolidated through presentations and panel discussions with the heads of the promoting institutions. Audio-visuals would be used at appropriate times to enhance the learnings. All expenses related to boarding, travel to field for exposure visit, consultation fee for resource persons and field organizations, accommodation, training material would be borne by APMAS.

From http://southasia.oneworld.net/ 11/02/2007

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Government to Invest Largely on Innovation for Knowledge Leadership: Ramasami

New Delhi, Nov 15 (ANI/Business Wire India): Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, has said that national innovation project is sourcing six billion dollars from World Bank to back-up innovation and inventors with risk capital. Dr. Ramasami said this at the inaugural session of Knowledge Management (KM) India - the Knowledge Summit 2007, which is being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), here till November 16. The summit is focused to meet the strategic requirement of the country through knowledge management by creating a better understanding of knowledge management practices, research and practical applications. On the government initiatives towards KM, Dr. Ramasami said, "National Mission has set aside Rs.1000 crore as a long term programme to create and promote knowledge clusters." He said that the knowledge clusters will develop and explore already existing resources along with management of the surplus human capital of India. "Government is looking at larger propositions to develop India as the knowledge capital of the world and has initiated Public - Private Partnership to have sustainable growth in the competitive global knowledge economy," he added. He further added the Intellectual Property Right (IPR) laws are effective in the country and innovators should be aware of their rights. CII, through this summit has brought together KM practitioners, policy makers as well as academicians and researchers.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, President of CII, said, "CII is creating a platform for the knowledge management by bringing all the stakeholders on a single platform through KM India - the Knowledge Summit 2007 with a focus on creating a more robust Indian ecosystem that generates economic value through the effective harnessing of knowledge and intellectual capital, within knowledge-based organisations and industries." On the changing knowledge scenario of the world, Mittal said that the knowledge that India has produced, should belong to India. "India should capitalise on the innovations and create an environment to manage the knowledge. India has to provide skill set to the large section of school dropouts to support the economy and make human resource a national asset," he added. "KM is the process of transforming the youth into skill based resource and gain advantage of the knowledge based products and services, he said. The initiation of KM is an arduous and continuous process for the society and the organisation, mentioned," he said. He also said that Indian companies should use KM tools effectively to survive in the competitive global market and knowledge should be managed well for the sake of future. CII, through its theme of 'Building People, Building India' will ensure that companies and society should encourage KM as a part of the ecosystem, he added. Ashok Soota, Past President of CII and Chairman and Managing Director of Mindtree Consulting said, "India must revolutionise traditional means of talent creation and knowledge production, via our education system and introduce new mechanisms that help create a sustainable knowledge ecosystem through better knowledge management practices."

In order to bring focus on creativity and innovation, India needs to create open ended exploration and experimentation opportunities for students, he added. He also said that stress should be given to humanities and liberal arts education as much as given to science, engineering and medicine as innovations emerge from cross disciplinary views. He added that intellectual and technical infrastructure is required to leverage the existing brain power. To promote and develop the KM practices, Soota recommended the following:
-- Need to open ended exploration and experimentation into Indian educational process.
-- Roll of humanities and arts should be stressed in the education as cross disciplinary teams will lead the way to innovation.
-- Create an annual get together of stakeholders in a summit to bring out clear actionable that can be used to strengthen the knowledge eco-system.
-- Spread the social movements around knowledge and idea exchange.
-- Build an online portal that creates connections and ends the problem of distance.
Vikram Tiwathia, Chief Information Officer of CII said, "KM has been short-listed as a special category in 'e Governance Awards'. The emphasis on KM can only be realised by bringing the knowledge 'haves' and 'have nots' together in the globally connected environment."
KM should be a continuous process by bringing together the practitioners, inventors and investors to convert technology into value proposition and leverage the knowledge advantage, he added.

From http://in.news.yahoo.com/ 11/15/2007

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City Water and Its Waste Management

Cities in India are growing, but in a haphazard manner. The demand for water has exploded, while tonnes of waste is generated everyday and is left untreated. How do we even begin to compute these costs, and assess the water-waste balance for our thirsty urban growth? Clearly, cities can do more with less - by cutting down on inefficiencies and distribution losses, all signs of poor management. But equally important are issues of resource equity - the massive gap in water supplies within the city. The challenge is therefore as much about justice as it is about technology. We also need to address the enormous challenge of water pollution caused primarily by human waste. There is an urgent need to switch from the current paradigm of capital, water and material intensive processes of waste management to a more cost effective, non-sewerage paradigm of human waste disposal.

About the course
Through hands-on workshops, interactive seminars, detailed case studies, film shows, field trips, and classroom instructions, the programme will explore the current water-waste situation, pollution management practices and policies and their drawbacks It will also suggest an alternative paradigm suited to the Indian situation. Hands-on design workshops will teach participants how to design and implement localised wastewater treatment systems in a variety of situations and localities. Field visits will allow participants to view innovative decentralised wastewater systems implemented across the city. You will have the unique chance to meet and interact with experts and professional in the field of decentralised wastewater treatment

Venue
Anil Agarwal Green Centre, 38, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi-110062

Date
January 14 - 17, 2008

Contact person
R. K. Srinivasan
Phone: +91-11-29955124/125 (Ext. 236)
Fax: +91-11-29955879
Email: rksri@cseindia.org

From http://southasia.oneworld.net/ 11/162007

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SRI LANKA: Sri Lankans Use IT to Beat Poverty

MAHAVILACHCHIYA, Sri Lanka - In a north-central village, deep inside Sri Lanka's backwoods, a young man is glued to a computer screen, pushing a mouse and filling in figures. Isuru Senevirathna is entering data at Sri Lanka's first business processing outsourcing (BPO) company set up in a village, and probably among the first in the world that is surrounded by tall trees, bird calls, paddy fields and streams. "It's nice to be able to do a job like this," the 20-year-old youth, BPO is a growing IT business which Sri Lanka embraced with relish. Dozens of companies are now springing up in Colombo as many of the world's best Western corporations look for cost-effective ways to handle their back-office operations in countries where labor and communications are cheaper. But OnTime's setting, next to a wildlife park, and subject to the occasional threat by Tamil Tiger guerrillas, makes it unique. Mahavilachchiya lies 250 kilometers north of Colombo and the fact that it is close to the ancient town of Anuradhapura is an added feature. OnTime owes its existence to the vision of Nandasiri Wanninayaka (better known as "Wanni"), an English teacher-turned village entrepreneur. Except for its sylvan location it is no different from the rest of the BPO industry.

Its clients include John Keells, Sri Lanka's biggest conglomerate, and once the blinds are drawn and with air-conditioners running, it could well be an office in downtown Colombo. OnTime operators log into an accounting system through a secured link and enter data like prices and inventories. Some 150 documents are handled by each operator per day. New clients negotiating with OnTime include Dialog Telekom, Sri Lanka's biggest mobile phone operator, and Singer, the multinational sewing machine giant. "The BPO entry came because we needed to create job opportunities for our youngsters to remain in the village after their initial training in English and IT," said Wanni. OnTime is a part of the "Horizon Lanka" initiative launched by Wanni, while still a schoolteacher, in 1998. Starting off as an English teaching exercise for the children of rice farmers, its scope widened dramatically following the gift of a personal computer by the United States Embassy. From there the village quickly progressed into a center of IT learning where one in every eight families now has a computer (a ratio of 100 computers for 800 families). Impoverished farmers are now reading online newspapers in their ramshackle homes with the help of seven wireless nodes. The villages have wireless Internet access at all times. Wanni and his Horizon Lanka exploits are legendary and have been profiled in newspapers and other media across the world.

The IT village's big moment came when Wanni and his best students shared the stage with Intel chairman Craig Barrett in December 2005, during the latter's visit to Sri Lanka. Wanni said the idea of setting up a BPO emerged as he pondered the next stage of development. "Having taught English and then IT, the next issue was where do they get jobs? How can we retain them in the village?" he said. Enter the Foundation for Advancing Rural Opportunities in Sri Lanka (FAROLanka) to help Horizon set up its BPO and find its first client. FARO's help however comes with conditions - Wanni's support and guidance to help other villages develop on similar lines. Sponsored by John Keells, OnTime staff received BPO training in Laos and India. For other Mahavilachchiya youngsters, the choice of careers is limited to joining the armed forces (or, in the case of girls, garment factories) or remain in the village as a farmer. OnTime's CEO Nirosh Manjula Ranathunga, a 30-year-old university graduate who studied IT while doing his commerce degree, lives in Anuradhapura and visits Horizon only twice a week because he says he can handle operations from his hometown easily over the Internet. Ranathunga is interested in transferring his skills and learning to other villages. "I joined Horizon Lanka two years ago as a project manager and am very happy with this BPO initiative," he said.

Some 50 youths are now being trained to take up BPO jobs in Mahavilachchiya. In a reversal of sorts, boys and girls from the cities are now visiting Horizon Lanka. "They come here to learn from us," said Wanni. Because of their English speaking and writing skills, youngsters here are beginning to write software programmes for overseas companies and individuals earning foreign exchange. They have a far better future - compared to youths from other villages - as computer programmers, software programmers and related jobs. "This [OnTime] has helped us to take on the world from this small hamlet," says 24-year-old Chamila Priyadharshini. Currently in a state-sponsored teachers training course for English, Tamil (language of the biggest minority group) and Japanese, Priyadharshini says she wants to be a trained teacher in three years and spends her spare time teaching IT and English at the Horizon center. Replete with a modern gym, video and audio equipment and other electronic modern gadgetry the center also prepares youth for other aspects of urban life, should they choose move out. Wanni's current target? "I want to send at least one youngster from here to the prestigious MIT [Massachusetts Institute of Technology] in the United States."

From http://www.atimes.com/ 10/27/2007

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Endorses Recycling of Plastic Waste

The Sri Lankan government has begun encouraging plastic waste recycling in an effort to prevent the material piling up along the road side and causing environmental pollution. The authorities are keen to spread the message that there's money in collecting and recycling waste. Already several businessmen have started recycling plants and the government wants to improve the collection system. "Countries like Japan and in Europe you don’t see plastic waste dumped on the road side – they have an effective way of disposing and recycling," says Pasan Gunasena, Director General of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). "So it not the problem of plastics, it’s the system of how you manage the post consumer plastics." The CEA recently launched a program called the national post-consumer plastic waste management. A tax on plastic imports is being used to help fund the collection and recycling of the waste. “The money collected through the cess is given to the CEA as a fund to implement this project which explores the possibilities of disposal of plastics and polythene,” says Gunasena. The fund is now about 100 million rupees and the authorities hope that after the first year of operation, raw plastic imports could be reduced by 20 percent. Sri Lanka currently imports 160,000 tonnes of plastic raw materials each month.

Separating the plastic
The CEA wants to encourage people to segregate the plastic from other garbage to make it easier to collect and send for recycling. There are more than 120 plastic and polythene recyclers in the county. Most are small ventures like that of T.D. Priyashantha who owns a plastic and polythene recycling factory employing some 15 people. He saw the potential of recycling plastic and polythene 10 years ago. Today his factory operates round-the-clock producing 500 kg of recycled plastics and polythene particles and cubes a day. "I went into this business because I was aware that there was demand for recycled plastic," says Priyashantha. But he says he doesn’t have enough segregated waste plastic and polythene materials to recycle. "If there is a good price for it, more people will collect polythene." The new CEA project hopes to improve the collection of segregated plastic waste. "You can separate the polythene bags and other plastic waste and before separation you have to wash it - so this is an income generation source,” says Rizvi Majeed, Project Director of the CEA. "Recyclers pay for the material and if you separate it the prices are very high so it is up to the collector, namely the local authority." The districts of Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have been identified as the ones where most polythene and plastics waste is generated. That is because a number of religious and other festivals take place in these areas, drawing large crowds of people. According to a ministry of forestry and environment survey, 185 tonnes of non-degradable polythene and plastic waste is thrown out within the Colombo district each day. Priyashantha pay collectors 45 rupees per kilo of waste plastics if it is clean. "If it is dirty, unwashed polythene we don’t want it even at five cents," says Priyashantha. Priyashantha sells the recycled plastic particles and cubes to toy makers, bottle makers and the shoe soles makers, charging 160 rupees a kilo. To import the same raw material a buyer has to pay 260 rupees per kilo.

A profitable business
Majeed says plastic waste tends to pollute water and disrupt agriculture and that burning it can also be hazardous. "We will encourage recycling. In the future it will be a very competitive business. I mean plastic waste will be a very valuable thing in the future." The authority hopes to increase the number of plastics and polythene collectors in the country and create more awareness. The island has long had people who buy old bottles and newspapers. Collecting old iron has also become a lucrative business to some. But not everyone knows that there is money in waste plastic.

From Lanka Business Online 11/05/2007

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PAKISTAN: NADRA Develops E-Toll System to Ease Traffic Congestion

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has developed e-Toll system to ease movement of vehicles and full proof accounting of vehicles in Pakistan. The system basically consists of a re-usable electronic-tag which is attached to the windscreen of vehicles with a prepaid toll amount issued through e-Tag issuance booths placed just before entry to the motorway. Later on such booths would be established at different convenient locations and pre-pay facility for e-Tags will subsequently be through cheques, credit cards and kiosks. When vehicles with e-Tags will enter into the toll-lane, a reader will capture details of the vehicle from e-Tag. At the time of exit from the motorway the vehicle will again drive through the designated toll lane and during this process, a reader will read the vehicle's identity and the system will automatically deduct the applicable toll from the pre-paid amount. An LCD sign would inform the driver about the amount of tax deducted from his account. In collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and the National Highways Authority (NHA), NADRA is offering the system at Peshawar, Islamabad and Lahore toll plazas. A post-paid system will also be introduced for frequent users and fleet owners. Monthly billing for these will include registration number of vehicle, date/time of entry/exit record and toll charged.

From http://www.egovonline.net/ 11/14/2007

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AFGHANISTAN: Parliamentary Leaders Discuss Security

The heads of a number of Afghan parliamentary committees participated in a joint session on November 24 to deliberate on the security situation in the country, Pajhwak Afghan News reported. Yunos Qanuni, the speaker of the Wolesi Jirga (People's Council), the lower house of the parliament, told reporters that similar sessions will last for several days and will include leaders from the upper house, the Meshrano Jirga (Council of Elders). The parliamentary leaders are likely to discuss proposals aimed at improving security, according to Qanuni, who described insecurity as the main concern among Afghan lawmakers. Qanuni claimed that security has deteriorated over the last six years. Meshrano Jirga Chairman Sibghatullah Mojaddedi accused elements of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of supporting the insurgency in Afghanistan and condemned widespread corruption in Afghan government departments.

From http://www.rferl.org/ 11/26/2007

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TAJIKISTAN: Media Group Seeks to Reform Media Laws

At the close of a meeting in Dushanbe on November 19, the head of the National Association of Independent Media, Nuriddin Qarshiboev, unveiled a series of recommendations by the group aimed at reforming Tajikistan's current law on the media, Avesta reported. The group noted that although "the first phase of work to reform" the law on the media "has been accomplished," the group now plans to "attract independent lawyers and representatives of government bodies and the country's parliament to study the proposed changes and amendments to existing legislation." The group also called on journalists to more actively "engage in the law-making process" and to "put forward their concrete proposals to improve the norms of legislation regulating the activities of the media in Tajikistan." RG

From http://www.rferl.org/ 11/21/2007

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TURKMENISTAN:　Security Council Discusses Issues of International Cooperation

The Turkmen President, Supreme Commander in Chief, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, chaired a regular meeting of the state council yesterday. At the meeting he listened to the reports by heads of military and law enforcing agencies on the pace of military reform and fulfillment of the instructions issued earlier. As the Turkmen State News Service (TDH) reports, Turkmen defence minister reported on his recent trip to the People's Republic of China during which he discussed issues of establishing more close Turkmen-Chinese partnership in the military sphere. Turkmen prosecutor general Muhammetguly Ogshukov reported on the results of his visit to the Russian Federation where he held talks on priority areas of cooperation in the law enforcing sphere. "Turkmenistan has been committed to the principles of positive neutrality, having steadily pursued a policy of good neighborliness and wide international cooperation that would serve interests of all sides, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said. At the same time, Turkmenistan as a sovereign state has to permanently think of its national security and continuous strengthening of the army defensive capacity which guarantees peace and tranquility in the country and well-being of people." In this regard, the head of state pointed to the need of further strengthening the material-technical base, training of skilled military staff and instructed heads of military bodies to create proper conditions for military service and life of soldiers.

From http://www.turkmenistan.ru/ 11/20/2007

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UZBEKISTAN: Tashkent Hosts Session of Council of Heads of Governments of SCO Member States

Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Masimov, Premier of the State Council of China Wen Jiabao, Acting Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev, Head of Russian Government Victor Zubkov, Prime Minister of Tajikistan Akil Akilov, SCO General Secretary Bolat Nurgaliyev and Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Antiterrorist Structure Myrzakan Subanov participated in the session.

From http://www.uza.uz/ 11/02/2007

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Seminar Discusses Trends in Development of Marketing in ICT

On 23 November Tashkent hosted a national seminar on "Current state and trends in the development of marketing in ICT" organized by the Uzbek Agency of Communication and Informatisation, the Centre for Scientific-Technical and Marketing Studies, and I-Teco Company (the sponsor of the seminar). Among the participants were the representatives of the postal service, telecommunication and informatisation, and mobile operators, joint ventures operating in the ICT sphere, and Alskom Insurance Company. The aim of the seminar was to provide opportunities to the participants to share information on the current condition, prospects and problems associated with the solution of the present and future priority marketing problems in the sphere of ICT. Reports were delivered on the current activity and plans of the specialists in marketing, operators providing postal communication, telecommunication and informatisation services.

Also, among the issues discussed were questions concerning the use of marketing in postal services in the countries with transition economies; the marketing activity of UzbekTelecom Company and the UzInfoCom Centre and the ways to its optimization; the tasks and the development of marketing services of the companies and specialized marketing centres, the performance of the works within the frame of the marketing programme at the Tashkent branch of Uzbekiston Pochtasi (Uzbekistan Post); the use of marketing in the pay phone services; the use of marketing in insurance as a stimulus to improve the insurance protection of the ICT entities of Uzbekistan; and the role of Internet in the implementation of marketing policies of enterprises. Today, during the period of convergence of communication and informatisation services, it is hard to overestimate the role of ICT in satisfying the needs of the community commonly referred to as the Global Information Space. The process of its formation is quite complicated, as it is taking place during the age of informational revolution.

There is a direct link between the growth of the population, the economy and technology. That is why in order to forecast the development of the ICT sphere, it is necessary to foresee the changes in the economy and the growth of the population. The 21st century is the age of global change in the sphere of ICT, the age of transition from industrial to informational society. Today economic processes run much faster. That is why one of the most important forms of assistance to the real business is improvement of its informational support. Undoubtedly, the use of marketing is extremely important for this. In the conditions of the fast convergence of telecommunication networks and services, economic processes run much faster and more intensively. That is why one of the most important ways to develop the business process is to use marketing. According to the results of the seminar, recommendations were provided on increasing the efficiency of the activity of marketing services (marketing departments) of companies in the market conditions in the sphere of ICT, on stimulating the development of marketing services, and improvement of the provision of high quality services meeting the requirements of the consumers.

From http://business.uzreport.com/ 11/23/2007

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AUSTRALIA: Plan to Manufacture Up to 500,000 Technical Training Places

NEARLY half a million technical training places would be created over the next four years under a Labor plan to fix chronic skills shortages and curb inflationary pressure. Unveiling the $539 million funding injection for the training system, Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd yesterday vowed to "tackle the skills crisis head on" if he won government. Pledging to answer repeated calls from business for more help with skilled labour, he argued that some of the new graduates could be in the workforce as early as June next year. "To lift workforce participation now and to have an immediate impact on our skills shortages and inflationary pressures, we must get those on the margins of the workforce back into the workforce now," he said. Under the plan, 450,000 technical training places would be created by 2010-11. That total includes up to 65,000 extra apprenticeships, to allay the chronic shortages in trades such as hairdressing, plumbing, motor mechanics and others areas. Two-thirds of the new places would be for workers seeking to update or upgrade existing skills. The other third would be reserved for people who are outside the workforce. These places could be available from as early as April next year, Mr Rudd said. "This will ensure that some of those classes could be completed as early as June 2008 — thus stimulating immediate increased participation in the workforce," he said. Labor would fund its $539 million plan by axing the Work Skills Vouchers and Business Skills Vouchers for Apprentices schemes, which were expected to cost $632.9 million over the next four years. Vocational Education Minister Andrew Robb said Labor's policy was "robbing Peter to pay Paul". "They are getting rid of at least 250,000 training places that we have committed to … and 50,000 places in technical colleges. It is smoke and mirrors."

Education Minister Julie Bishop said Labor was not really committed to technical training, after it vowed to scrap Coalition plans for 127 private technical colleges across the nation. She said those specialist colleges would provide 30,000 graduates each year once they were operating at full capacity. Business has put skills shortages at the top of its political agenda and welcomed Mr Rudd's announcement of 450,000 new training places. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry survey shows that a lack of skilled workers is the "number one constraint on investment," the organisation's director of education and training, Mary Hicks, said last night. "We welcome the focus on skills and welcome the additional spending," she said. The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry said attracting and retaining workers was "increasingly becoming the overwhelming issue that business is confronting … particularly in the trades area". John Glover, the Victorian executive director of Group Training Australia, said the announcement was a positive and the proposed numbers were "huge". Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union national president Julius Roe said Mr Rudd's proposal was a "long-term solution" to the ageing of the trades-based workforce. The Australian Industry Group, which has tried to alert the Government to the skill shortage for many years, declined to comment.

From http://www.theage.com.au/ 11/15/2007

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NEW ZEALAND: Bright Ideas Fund for Energy Efficient Hot Water

An Innovation Fund to encourage smart innovations that will lead to the uptake of solar water heating and heat pump water heating technologies was launched today by Jeanette Fitzsimmons, Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation. Under the new fund EECA will contribute up to 50 percent of the cost of an approved project, with a maximum grant of $100,000. Funds will be allocated in several contestable rounds. The first round of applications is being called during November. “The Innovation Fund is there to promote fresh thinking and cutting edge approaches to generating hot water that will contribute towards a more sustainable, energy efficient New Zealand,” Ms Fitzsimmons said. “We’re seeking to support new and bright ideas that will encourage more and wider use of solar and heat pump water heater technologies.” Only projects that are not already covered by any of EECA’s other funding schemes are eligible. Projects can fall under one of three categories: Solar water heating projects that will result in the installation of a large number of solar water heating systems, or provide industry information to support commercial decision-making; or Heat pump water heating projects to encourage the uptake or to gather information and performance data on the technology towards further this developing industry; or Other innovative projects to demonstrate original approaches to improving solar water heating or heat pump water heating technology and uptake.

In the November round, preference will be given to projects that have commercial applications, although subsequent rounds may have a different focus. A second round of applications is expected to take place in March-April 2008. Irrespective of the size of the project, applications are sought from a diverse range of public or private sector organisations. This could include; energy retailers and generators or line companies; water heating industry participants; local government authorities; community and charitable trusts; education organisations; design professionals or individuals. “It is very exciting to think of what might emerge from the applications and the potential that the successful projects may have on advancing the future of the solar water heating sector and energy efficiency in New Zealand. It would be terrific if projects assisted through the Fund went on to make a significant impact on the lives of all New Zealanders.” The launch of the Innovation Fund is part of the progressive roll-out of the Government’s $15.5 million solar water heating programme resulting from its cooperation agreement with the Green Party. It forms part of its broad approach to promoting sustainability, energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz 11/02/2007

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SOEs to Report on Corporate Social Responsibility

The government today announced a formalised framework for Corporate Social Responsibility which will apply to all State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and will be monitored and measured against targets, just like financial performance. State Owned Enterprises Minister Trevor Mallard said the framework formalises programmes of work that are already undertaken by SOEs. "The State Owned Enterprises Act requires SOEs to show a sense of social responsibility and to have regard to their communities as part of their objective to be a successful business. In this respect, their obligations go beyond privately owned companies. "This new framework will see corporate social responsibility targets set in each SOE's annual Statement of Corporate Intent, which will then be independently monitored and reported against - as with the financial targets. "Under the new framework, each SOE will be required to assess its impact on the society and environment in which it operates, and adopt specific corporate social responsibility programmes that are appropriate. "In addition, any breaches of corporate social responsibility standards will have to be reported in company annual reports to ensure transparency of the process."

Trevor Mallard also announced that the upcoming 2008/09 Statement of Corporate Intent (effective from the start of each SOEs 2008/09 financial year) for each company will be produced in line with this framework, and shareholding ministers and officials would work with SOEs to achieve this. He also noted there was a wealth of evidence that showed good corporate social responsibility programmes and practice could add value to a business operation. "There is a lot of good work currently being undertaken in this area by SOEs, such as the Genesis Oncology Trust and the distribution of 1 million freepost envelopes last year to community groups by NZ Post. The formalised framework allows programmes such as these to be monitored and reported against." Ministers are expected to review how the corporate social responsibility framework is reflected in the new Statements of Corporate Intent in August 2008.

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz 11/08/2007

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Hunn Report Provides Lessons for Public Service

State Services Minister David Parker says an independent report into public service recruitment and employment provides important lessons for public servants and state sector managers. The report into the process surrounding the employment of Madeleine Setchell was carried out by former State Services Commissioner Don Hunn. "Don Hunn’s investigation has been thorough," David Parker said. "It’s clear from the report that some processes were not carried out as well as they could have been. I am comfortable that the State Services Commission has taken appropriate action and is committed to avoiding repetition of the mistakes disclosed in the report. I will continue to monitor its actions in this regard. "Conflicts of interest are an unavoidable fact of life in Wellington, and they will continue to arise in the future. It is important that they are managed appropriately when they do arise. "Chief Executive performance issues have been identified in this report, and the State Service Commissioner is responsible for dealing with them. He has imposed penalties as he considers appropriate.

"In terms of his own involvement, Dr Prebble is a long-serving and able public servant who has suffered the embarrassment of his own mistakes being laid bare. To his credit he has been willing to take full responsibility for what happened." Mr Hunn’s report explicitly finds that Dr Prebble’s omissions did not affect the outcome for Ms Setchell, David Parker said. "The Government considers the monetary penalty Dr Prebble has imposed upon himself to be appropriate, in recognition of his own mistakes and the need to maintain high standards expected of his position. It retains confidence in his ability to manage similar issues into the future."

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz 11/14/2007

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New Digital Advisory Body to Be Established

The government is setting a clear direction for a new digital and community sector representative body, Communications and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe said today. “To provide a stronger unified voice for the broader ICT sector, including community ICT interests, the government is looking to establish a new representative body in 2008.” “The government is currently working on a refresh of the Digital Strategy by mid 2008.This month’s Digital Future Summit is part of that process. As the government undertakes this work, its timely to also review the governance of the strategy to ensure that broader government, business and community input into digital strategy issues is appropriate and adequately provided for going forward,“ says Communication and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe. “Building on the great work of Hi-Growth, ICTNZ and the Digital Strategy Advisory Group ,it is proposed this new advisory body will provide Ministerial advice , provide research and information to the large number of sector groups , and support new digital programmes.”

“I’m not proposing to replace current sector groups, but rather ensure that all sector and community interests are heard and are adequately resourced by an umbrella group .The advisory body would be supported by a well resourced executive Secretariat.” Communication and Information Technology Minister, David Cunliffe says “I do not want to predetermine the outcome of this work nor does the government have a preference on how this body of work might work along existing sector bodies.” “Instead the process ahead is one of consultation with stakeholders on the best proposal to represent industry, business, community and government interests in New Zealand’s digital future.” “I encourage stakeholders to be engaged in determining and developing a proposal for a new representative advisory body. I will be announcing how we will be moving forward with this process at the Digital Future Summit,” said Mr Cunliffe. Information on Cabinet decisions related to this announcement is available at www.digitalstrategy.govt.nz

From http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ 11/20/2007

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Asia Has Become Home to the World’s Fastest Growing Cities

24 October 2007: Africa now has a larger urban population than North America and has 25 of the world's fastest growing large cities. Half of the world's urban population now lives in Asia, which also has half of the world's largest cities and fastest growing large cities. Europe's share of the world's 100 largest cities has fallen from more than half to under ten per cent in the past century. It now has none of the world's 100 fastest growing cities and most of its declining ones. These are among the findings published by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) in the 2007 edition of its analysis of urban change.The research highlights the gap between rapid urban growth and government capacity to plan and manage it in most of Africa, Asia and Latin America, particularly in light of climate change. "The world's urban map is rapidly being redrawn," says the paper's author David Satterthwaite, a senior fellow in IIED’s human settlements group. "Most of Europe's great centres of industry are no longer among the world's largest cities and most of the future growth in urban areas globally will be in low and middle income countries." "How these centres grow will have huge implications for efforts to reduce poverty," he adds. "This will also influence whether disasters linked to climate change can be avoided and greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced."

The analysis dispels some myths and reveals some surprising findings:
· Many of the world's largest cities now have more people moving out than in.
· The world's urban population is not concentrated in large and 'mega-cities' (far more people live in smaller urban centres of under a million inhabitants).
· The speed of urban growth has been exaggerated in low and middle income countries, particularly African ones.
"Urbanisation is often attributed to an urban bias in government and aid agency policies, but there is little evidence to support these claims," says Satterthwaite. "In fact, these policies leave much to be desired as they tend to neglect the urban poor, leading to high levels of urban poverty, overcrowding in slums and serious health problems." "Governments should see urbanisation as an important part of a stronger economy and their expanding urban population as an asset, not as a problem," he says. Worldwide, a billion people live in low-quality tenements or squatter settlements with inadequate water and sanitation. Economic growth is the dominant driver of urbanisation in most nations. The largest cities and much of the world’s urban population are concentrated in the world’s largest economies, and there is a strong association between a nation’s wealth and level of urbanisation. Satterthwaite warns however against broad generalisations: "Despite the underlying economic foundation to urban growth, the form it takes is shaped by political and social factors at a local or national level." "Most of the ten-fold increase in the world's urban population over the past century was in low and middle income countries," he says. "Most of these nations lack the institutional, legal and financial systems needed to manage rapid urban change over the next 15 years in a way that addresses urban poverty and the risks associated with climate change." "Many governments still see urban growth as something they should try and stop. But urban growth does not have to mean urban problems," says Satterthwaite. "Many of the world's fastest growing cities are among the best managed. Cities create opportunities for improving quality of life without increasing resource use and environmental problems. How they are governed and planned will becoming increasingly important in the 21st century."

From http://www.citymayors.com/ 10/24/2007

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Opening of UCLG 2nd World Congress

Today witnessed the opening ceremony of the 2nd UCLG World Congress in Jeju South Korea, where over 1,800 participants united under the theme ‘Changing Cities are driving our world’. The ceremony featured the Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the three UCLG Co-Presidents, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, the United Nations High Delegate for the Alliance of Civilizations and Former President of Portugal, and the Executive Deputy Director of UN-Habitat. The UN Secretary General also addressed a message to the local government representatives. The Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Mr Tae Hwan Kim opened the event by declaring that “UCLG plays an exceptional role in local democracy.” Mr. Bertrand Delanoe, Mayor of Paris and President of UCLG, recalled that “In three years, our organization has succeeded in becoming an institution recognized by international institutions. Here in Jeju, we are committed to standing along side the United Nations as arbiters of peace.” Mr. Paco Moncayo, Mayor of Quito and Co-President of UCLG, underlined the importance of the challenges faced by local authorities, notably in the promotion of peace and the fight against climate change. Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, President of UCLG Africa and Co-president of UCLG, observed that “the second Congress is taking place at a time when over half the world’s population lives in cities and consequently we believe that cities are changing the world.” Ban-Ki Moon, UN Secretary General addressed a specially recorded message to the world’s cities, stating that “the future of humanity will depend on the manner in which cities react to the major challenges posed by globalization.” Mr. Duck-soo Han, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, then highlighted the importance of decentralization and sustainable development. Mr. Jorge Sampaio, United Nations High Delegate for the Alliance of Civilizations and Former President of Portugal, then expressed his pride at having contributed to the creation of a unified voice for local governments and went on to invite UCLG to become a member of the Alliance. Finally, Ms. Inga Klevby, Executive Deputy Director of UN-Habitat, paid testimony to the long partnership between UCLG and UN-Habitat and underlined the importance of the Guidelines on Decentralization and the Strengthening of Local Authorities. The ceremony concluded with the declaration of Mr. CHEN Haosu, President of UCLG Asia-Pacific Region, announcing the offer of a symbolic statue offered by the Chinese government to Jeju Province in a spirit of peace and cooperation.

From http://www.cities-localgovernments.org/ 10/29/2007

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ADB Funds for E-Initiative

Guwahati, Nov. 9: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has presented a proposal to provide technical assistance for deploying innovative information and communication technologies (ICT) for supporting the e-governance initiative in Assam.The technical assistance, worth $500,000, would be funded by the Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund, which has been provided to the ADB. The technical assistance is scheduled to be implemented within a 10-month period from November to August 2008. The objective of e-Asia programme is to strengthen the capacity of developing member countries and provide technical assistance for promoting ICT and closing the digital divide, especially through national and regional strategies. E-governance has been recognised as a powerful tool in the hands of governments for reducing costs, enhancing revenues and improving the delivery of all the public services. Sources said the bank is taking up the project as it has been found that financial sustainability has been a major challenge in expanding the e-government and e-rural development projects across Assam. They pointed out that this was particularly true with respect to rural ICT investments as these entail longer payback periods than commercial ones owing to relatively heavier infrastructure costs and lower rates of return. In this context, cost innovative technologies, such as broadband access network or wireless network, can be considered as appropriate technology solutions. This will enable and expedite the e-government and e-rural development process in an effective and efficient manner. The technical assistance will help Dispur reduce the digital divide by expanding the Assam State Wide Area Network for e-governance delivery. This includes in its ambit rural area initiatives relating to agriculture, land records and registration and improvement of ICT accessibility and development of e-governance applications in accordance with the roadmap to be identified by the e-government masterplan.

From http://www.telegraphindia.com/ 11/09/2007

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Poverty Reduction Not Reaching Very Poor – Report

“Developing countries have made much progress in reducing poverty and hunger but have not been as successful in reaching the poorest of the poor, according to a new report released on Tuesday. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) The World's Most Deprived report, which used household survey data from 20 developing countries, found that poverty reduction has been slower for people living on less than 50 cents per day, most of them in Africa. The report distinguishes between people who live on between $75 cents and $1 a day; those who live on 50 to 75 cents a day and the ‘ultra poor’ that live on less than 50 cents a day. It said 162 million people could be classified as ultra poor and if they were concentrated in a single country they would make up the seventh most populous nation after China, India, the United States, Indonesia, Brazil and Pakistan. … The report finds progress in reducing poverty was mainly due to economic growth in China and India, where poverty levels have declined. For people just below the $1-a-day level it has fallen faster than for people living below 50 cents per day. …” [Reuters/Factiva]

Kyodo News reports that “…If all of the ultra poor were concentrated in a single nation, it would be the world's seventh most populous country after China, India, the US, Indonesia, Brazil and Pakistan, the IFPRI said in a report. … Sub-Saharan Africa is home to three-quarters of the world's ultra poor while East Asia and the Pacific experienced a substantial reduction in the number of people living at all levels of poverty, including the poorest, it said. ‘New and different action is urgently needed to improve the livelihoods of the world's poorest people,’ Joachim von Braun, director general of the institute, said. Measures to promote pro-poor growth need to be combined with actions for social protection, he added. …” [Kyodo News/Factiva] AP notes that the report “…The report said inequality remains a problem for fast-developing China, where the survey found the poor have seen fewer benefits than they would if all incomes had grown equally. ‘The big challenge from here on is that further reduction and elimination of poverty cannot be achieved by further growth,’ von Braun, told AP. … [He] said such change would need a continued emphasis on education for low-income groups. Insurance would also lessen the economic impact of health crises among poor families, he said.” [The Associated Press/Factiva]

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 11/07/2007

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ADB Active in Disaster Risk Management and Recovery in Region

NEW DELHI, INDIA - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) continues to be active in disaster risk management in Asia, and has learned important lessons from its experiences, ADB Vice President Ursula Schaefer-Preuss, Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development, said today. Ms. Schaefer-Preuss is attending the Second Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, organized by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs. At the conference, held in New Delhi, Ms. Schaefer-Preuss emphasized that disaster relief is an important pillar of poverty reduction. “Disaster relief strategy needs to be mainstreamed into policy decisions on infrastructure, agriculture, housing and natural resource management, among others,” Ms. Schaefer-Preuss said. “This also means that a clear and responsible government coordination mechanism needs to be established and maintained at all times.” Ms. Schaefer-Preuss said there needs to be a clear link between international agreements, national strategies, local actions and support from various partners. She also emphasized the importance of cooperation among the countries mostly likely to be affected by disasters.

“Too often, we have witnessed the lack of clear coordination among the various institutions – which tends to delay the needed assistance,” she said. “I believe regional cooperation is a critical need for Asia where those nations affected can share their knowledge and experience.” Many scientists are predicting a higher probability of natural disasters in the near future due to climate change. ADB recognizes the need to forge strong partnerships to prepare for possible future needs. Partnership among donor agencies, governments, research institutes and local communities will be critical in reducing the impact of future disasters. ADB’s Disaster and Emergency Assistance Policy sets out objectives which are designed to strengthen support for reducing disaster risk in ADB’s member countries in Asia and the Pacific, as well as provide rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance following a disaster. A new action plan is being prepared to further embed disaster risk management into ADB’s operational practices, and to develop additional risk reduction measures to further enhance reconstruction projects and climate adaptation projects.

From http://www.adb.org/ 11/08/2007

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Asian Countries Spending More on Health Care IT

China is leading emerging markets in Asia -- including China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam -- in an increasing percentage of the IT spending in the healthcare industry across Asia. In its latest research on IT adoption in the healthcare industry in Asia, Springboard Research found that emerging markets account for 59 percent of the US$3.4 billion in healthcare IT spending in Asia (excluding Japan) in 2007, with this share expected to increase to 64 percent of spending by 2010. "While it is no surprise to IT vendors that the emerging markets in Asia are growing quickly, the percentage of the total healthcare IT spending could provide a surprise to many vendors," said Jonathan Silber, research manager for Springboard Research. Silber notes that the key strategy for vendors is to understand the solution trends in each market and tailor their strategies to make sure they are going after their addressable market, instead of just a big number. "With the way the market is fragmented you can not have a regional strategy--it needs to be focused on the countries and solutions where a vendor can execute," added Mr. Silber.

Healthcare IT spending in the emerging markets of Asia is still very much a hardware based play as these economies build their basic IT infrastructure. Sixty-one percent of the 2007 spending was on hardware and this is expected to continue relatively steady, dropping slowly to 57 percent in 2010 as spending starts to move more into software and IT services. Both software and IT services are expected to grow across these emerging markets at a compound average growth rate of about 15 percent between 2006 and 2010. "China is the 800 pound gorilla of technology in the Asian healthcare industry. It is already the largest market and is starting to dwarf the other emerging markets in the region. If a vendor has limited resources to cover multiple emerging markets in the region, they need to make a key decision on whether to focus their resources solely on China to better capture the opportunity or spread them out among multiple countries where the opportunity is much smaller," added Mr. Silber. "We are seeing the larger vendors with scale, resources, and an existing channel network reaps the greatest benefits at this point."

Springboard's research has shown an increased emergence of local ISVs and SIs in the healthcare sector in Asia's emerging economies, specifically in niche solution areas. These local firms are both partnering and competing with the multinational players to meet the local needs of the Asian healthcare industry. Springboard expects competition to increase over the next few years as more multinational providers focus on the healthcare opportunity in these countries. The Springboard Research study, IT in the Healthcare Industry in Asia-IT Vendors Make a House Call, examines key trends, market sizing, and forecasts in the Asia (excluding Japan) public and private healthcare industry. A key focus area of the report is the inclusion of an array of market data, including market size and growth forecasts, for key technologies by country. Springboard also analyzes what is driving IT adoption by country as well as what social, economic, and government actions and policies are driving IT spending within each country. This extensive research study aims to help IT vendors identify key target markets and segments in the healthcare industry to help them better understand and penetrate this industry.

From ComputerWorld Phillipines 11/09/2007

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Seven Trends in Network Security

Moore’s Law, the evolution of Web 2.0 applications and virtualization are among the trends influencing the network security industry, according to unified threat management vendor Fortinet Inc. Fortinet’s chief marketing officer, former Gartner analyst Richard Stiennon, spoke to Network World Canada about the seven major trends affecting the direction of the industry.

1. Moore’s Law
It's overstating the obvious to say that processors are getting faster, hard drives getting bigger and computers in general becoming more powerful at an exponential rate. “You’ve got static security technologies that exist – antivirus tools on the desktop, for instance, aren’t going through any major upgrades to their efficiency or their methodology — and yet computers are becoming more powerful and (shipping with) bigger disk drives, so there are more things to scan,” Stiennon says. This may be a case where security manages to keep up — the antivirus products take advantage of the computer’s power as well, he says.

What's in a trend? Listen to former Gartner analyst Richard Stiennon on our IT Business Out Loud podcast “On the network throughput side, the status quo right now is to do most networking firewalling and encryption for SSL and VPN with the CPU on your desktop and laptop. But on the network gear side of things, MIPPS chips or standardized CPUs are not able to keep up with network throughputs.” Specialized content-processing network devices will need more specialized silicone to deal with throughput, he says, whether homegrown ASICS or off-the-shelf products from manufacturers like Mistletoe Technologies.

2. New apps, new vulnerabilities
"Over and over, someone will roll out an application, and because they roll it out to trusted parties, there are no vulnerabilities or exploits used against the application,” Stiennon says. But the applications become more popular — Salesforce.com, for example, now has a million users and is starting to become a target for attack. “We know with online banking, the user name ‘password’ isn’t strong enough, but here all these salespeople are getting onto Salesforce.com with a user name of ‘password.’" MySpace and FaceBook allow anyone to create and deploy applets or widgets, and they reach huge audiences quickly, opening up the underlying architecture of the sites to having personal information harvested, or distributing malware to users.

3. Plug-and-play
We’re on the way to network equipment that’s aware of where it is on a plug-and-play basis, Stiennon says. “Even if it first grabs a random IP address from a DHCP server, eventually it will phone home and find out its new policy is such and such, it’s IP address is such and sucjh, and it’ll be reminded to register with the vendor for warranty and subscription updates and signature updates,” he says. Now, it’s often done with a USB token with preconfiguration information, Stiennon says, but it’s “pretty imminent” that the machines will be taking care of it themselves over the network.

4. Research trends
Research is driven by the bad guys, Stiennon says. “If they’d stop being so innovative, we could all stop hiring new people and getting smarter,” he jokes. “Research is chasing. It makes it easy to predict where it going to go. It has to follow the bad guys.” Pundits predicted the demise of signature-based research as early as 2000, he says. “Microsoft was going to fix this problem. We wouldn’t need antivirus research. Obviously, that isn’t the case.” The more than 70 antivirus companies researching worldwide share their signatures, “but the methodologies and tools are proprietary to everybody.” Stiennon bucks the recent trend among some security thinkers that whitelisting certain applications rather than trying to keep up an ever-expanding black list is a more effective approach. “It’s got some merit, in a law office or a publisher, where you use standard, off-the-shelf applications,” he says. “But most large enterprises have lots of custom applications.”

5. Modularity and standards
Network manufacturers are increasingly providing component slots for card modules, largely using the AMC (advanced mezzanine card) standard. “It means manufacturers of components can scale and get their costs down,” he says. Also, it means that hardware manufacturers would be able to accommodate off-the-shelf components. There’s still a strong market for security appliances for a couple of reasons, he says. First of all, from the vendor’s perspective, it’s more efficient to control the hardware and operating system than to try to support a variety of platforms. And there is still a need for specialized hardware.

6. Hardware acceleration
Like processor speed, bandwidth is growing exponentially. “Frankly, right now, we’re facing a 10G world,” Stiennon says. To do intrusion detection or any kind of content filtering over pipes that big will require specialized processors. One option is to use multicore chips running many instances of Linux in parallel, he says, but there are plenty of foundries that can provide custom ASICs. “We’ll see a lot more of these specialized content processing chips,” he says.

7. Virtualization
Microsoft’s operating systems don’t literally multi-task like Unix servers, but VM Ware has made that virtually possible by creating multiple instances of a Windows server on a single machine without leakage. It’s not perfect, but “it’s better than having stacks and stacks of servers.” Along with the advantages of rack space, power consumption and heat output, virtualization is a very secure to segment networks – they’re invisible to each other, so problems on one network don’t leak over to another. “A hacker who owns one network … can’t break into another network,” he says. (By Dave Webb)

From Network World Canada 11/13/2007

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Commentary: SE Asia Faces Challenges in Time of Prosperity

In a commentary published in Thai daily, The Nation, Regional Communications Manager of the World Bank's East Asia and Pacific region, Peter Stephens writes: “The gathering of Asian leaders around the 13th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit next week in Singapore comes at a moment of historic challenge in a region which, despite great progress in recent years, remains home to most of the world's poor. The year ahead promises another strong economic performance - though in an environment more fraught with risks and uncertainties. According to the World Bank's latest East Asia and Pacific Update, developing East Asia is set to notch 9.7 percent growth in 2008 (down from 10.1 percent in 2007) as the world economy hovers around 3.4 percent this year and the next. But behind the encouraging projection for East Asia are several critical concerns that will occupy policymakers' attention, even as they press ahead with signing the new Asean Charter and implement the blueprint for an Asean Economic Community by 2015. … For the 10 members of Asean, the big questions at the summit will centre first on the cohesion of the grouping itself, both in response to internal issues and growing external competitive challenges. …

Each country faces its own set of reform questions, made more pressing by the competitive pressure of China and India in an increasingly fast-paced, open and global marketplace. The forces which Southeast Asia rode to prosperity in the 1970s, 80s and 90s now have the ability to work against the region unless it accelerates reforms which make it a more attractive and open investment destination. The challenges range from raising the skills and innovativeness of the labor force, to creating sophisticated financial systems, to maintaining social cohesion, to greatly reducing corruption. Without tough policy and institutional changes, countries now at the middle-income level stay where they are. … The year ahead is also likely to be memorable as the turning point in the global cycle. After five years of sustained and accelerating expansion, the US economy is slowing and global monetary policies are being tightened. The outlook remains for a ‘soft landing’ and continued expansion, but one that is weighted with more uncertainties and with greater volatility.” [The Nation (Thailand)/Factiva]

From http://web.worldbank.org/ 11/16/2007

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CHINA: More than 1.3 Bln Bank Cards

Chinese banks had issued more than 1.3 billion debit, credit and semi-credit cards by the end of September, roughly one for every person in China, according to China UnionPay. Bank card consumption as a percentage of China's total retail sales exceeded 18 percent in the first nine months as more Chinese opt for cards over cash, China UnionPay President Xu Luode told a forum on local finance. China had 183 banks issuing cards that could be used at 1.08 million points of sale of 650,000 specially endorsed outlets and 120,000 automatic teller machines. But the bank card market is dominated by large national banks as regional financial institutions controlled just nine percent of the market with 190 million bank cards issued over the first half of this year. A survey released by the Nielsen Company on Saturday showed the use of bank cards was spreading quickly and reshaping the shopping habits of the Chinese although cash remained the main form of payment.

The report, based on 11,500 Chinese consumers in 18 cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen and Shenyang, revealed that urban card holders were gradually adopting Western consumption habits of using cards not only for shopping, but also cash withdrawals and even installment payments. China UnionPay, the country's only bank card network operator, planned to complete its national payment network next year by setting up branches in northwestern Xinjiang Uygur and Ningxia Huiautonomous regions as well as Gansu and Qinghai provinces that are less developed compared with the eastern coastal areas.

From Xinhua News Agency 11/07/2007

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World's Highest Mobile Phone Base Station Begins Operations on Mount Qomolangma

The world's highest mobile phone base station tested successfully on Tuesday on Mount Qomolangma, also known as Mount Everest, at an altitude of 6,500 meters. The station, run by China Mobile, the largest mobile phone service provider in China, will provide services for mountaineers on the world's highest peak and the torch relay for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. At 1 p.m. on Tuesday, a worker called the mobile phone of Wang Jianzhou, general manager of China Mobile, via the station and the conversation was clear, said a company spokesman. He said the station's construction was "incredibly difficult" as the oxygen level at the site was only 38 percent of that at ground level. Immediately after the call, workers packed away the equipment for the winter, during which time temperatures on Mount Qomolangma can fall to as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius.

The components will be assembled again before the Olympic torch relay scheduled for next May, the spokesman said. The company began hiring porters and yaks to transport equipment and material to the station on October 25 and the process lasted more than 20 days. Five engineers, with the help of three professional mountaineers, arrived at the site on Thursday and installed equipment over the following two days. An official with Tibet Mobile, the Tibetan subsidiary of China Mobile, said they would base the station's operation period on the needs of mountaineers and scientific surveys. China Mobile has already built two other stations on Mount Qomolangma at 5,200 meters and 5,820 meters. The new station means that the mobile phone service covers the entire climbing route of Mount Qomolangma.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 11/13/2007

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Exports, Imports Data to Go Online

Information on the country's imports and exports including quality and quarantine standards, regulations and policies will be made available online in March, the authorities said yesterday. The move to strengthen standards and safety covers more than 4,000 kinds of goods in 14 major categories and sub-categories, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) stated on its website. "As China's economy and trade with other countries develops rapidly, the amount of imports and exports has also increased greatly, making it an urgent task for quality inspection departments to ensure the safety of commodities and to safeguard the nation's image," the administration said. "The database aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest quality inspection and quarantine information worldwide, including quality and quarantine standards, regulations and administrative procedures." To help foreign enterprises and organizations understand China's quality inspection and quarantine policies and procedures, and familiarize themselves with the country's import and export goods, an English version of the database will follow in June.

By the end of next September, the database will include information on more than 140 types of food products. "Food safety issues are attracting increasing attention worldwide," the deputy director of AQSIQ's food production and supervision department, Wang Hong, said in an online interview yesterday. "It is a top concern for consumers and also a challenge the government must face. "New technologies and materials have helped modernize food production but they have also triggered new problems, such as the safety of new ingredients, additives and packaging." The State Council approved in principle a draft law on food safety late last month, as a supplement to the existing Food Hygiene Law. The draft law stipulates that imported food and additives must meet the country's national safety standards. Meanwhile, food exports should satisfy the requirements set by importers and pass local entry inspections and quarantine. At the end of August, China had 448,000 food production and processing companies, including 26,000 medium- and large-sized ones. Following a number of recent investigations, other measures to improve food safety have been introduced, including upgrading quality standards and tightening inspections.

From China Daily 11/15/2007

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China Set to Allow More Competition in Mobile Phone Market

A pledge by China's regulators to let fixed-line phone operators enter the faster-growing mobile market could lead to much greater competition in the telecom industry, analysts said Monday. Vice Minister of Information Industry Xi Guohua used a forum in Beijing over the weekend to announce plans by the government to grant licences to fixed-line telecom operators soon, the Xinhua news agency reported. "The rapid development of mobile telecom services had lured away subscribers of fixed-line services," Xinhua said, citing Xi. His ministry confirmed the remarks to AFP Monday. Fixed-line operators welcomed the news, but said they still needed to know more before popping the champagne. "We're still looking for a timetable," said Qin Shaojuan, a spokesman for China Netcom, one of the two large fixed-line operators in China. "But if they really are going to give a licence, that's extremely good news for us." The vice minister's remark followed months of speculation that the government was considering ways to restructure an uneven telecom market, where mobile is as hot and vibrant as fixed-line is stagnant.

"Fixed-line operators are facing immense pressure," said Kang Zhiyi, a Beijing-based analyst with TX Consulting. "Whether you look at revenue or profit growth, the difference with the mobile segment is large." China Telecom Corp., the nation's top fixed-line operator, said late last month its net profit for the first nine months was little changed from a year earlier amid continued competition from cellphone providers. By contrast, China Mobile Ltd., Asia's biggest mobile phone company, said its net profit for the same period grew nearly 30 percent, buoyed by strong subscriber growth and a wider rural reach. The difference in corporate fortunes reflect broader forces at work in the Chinese market. The number of mobile phone users in China was 523.3 million at the end of September, up 13.5 percent from the end of 2006, according to official data. The government expects the number to rise to 540 million by the end of 2007. The number of fixed-line users in China was 371.7 million, a rise of 1.1 percent from late last year. In reaction to the Vice Minister's Xi's remarks, shares in China Telecom rose 4.0 percent in early trade Monday in Hong Kong, while China Netcom, the other major fixed-line operator, gained 4.7 percent.

A restructuring of the industry would come at a crucial time as the market is preparing for the arrival of third-generation mobile telephony, or 3G, as opposed to the currently dominant 2G. 3G allows various more advanced functions, including the use of broadband wireless data via mobile devices. No detailed information was available from the government on how it planned to allow China Telecom and China Netcom to become involved in mobile operations. Unconfirmed media reports have suggested that China Mobile's smaller rival, state-owned mobile carrier China Unicom, could be split up between China Telecom and China Netcom. "Dividing China Unicom could be a way to do it," said Jiang Lifeng, an analyst with CCID Consulting based in Beijing. "China Unicom has two networks, but in itself, it's not a very strong player, so splitting its assets could help reinvigorate the competition in the market," he said.

From http://sg.news.yahoo.com 11/19/2007

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China to Allow Fixed-line Operators Access to Mobile Services

China's Ministry of Information Industry (MII) will grant fixed-line operators licenses for mobile telecom services "at an early date", a senior official said here on Sunday. The move would give the country's fixed-line operators, who have suffered losses in subscribers in recent months, equal footing with mobile service providers in competition for the huge telecom market. MII Vice Minister Xi Guohua told a telecom forum that the rapid development of mobile telecom services had lured away subscribers of fixed-line services. According to ministry statistics, the number of newly-added mobile phone users was 6.91 million in the first nine months, compared with 430,000 new fixed-liner users. New fixed-line users have been at a record low of 200,000 every month since May. Losses in subscribers were also recorded in August and September. Zeng Jianqiu, a professor with the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, said: "The canceling of fees for receiving calls via mobile phones since the beginning of this year has made it more difficult for fixed-line phones to compete with the more advanced and convenient mobile technologies." Xi added that more than half of the country's mobile phone users had enjoyed the service of receiving calls free as promoted by the prepaid service packages.

Mobile phone users previously paid for both making and receiving calls, a difference that favored the fixed-line service which gave the latter certain advantage in vying for subscribers. "The sagging performance of the fixed-line market has come to a point where it cannot be fixed by operators themselves," Zeng said. He urged the government to give fixed-line operators access to mobile services. "It could create more competition in the telecom market and would benefit consumers." Statistics revealed China's telecom service charges have been declining in recent years. The average charges were 62 percent lower in 2006 compared with that in 2001, or 11.5 percent lower if compared with the 2005 level. The country's total phone users have exceeded 900 million until present, said Xi, adding that more than half of the revenue of the telecom sector was contributed by mobile services. However, rural areas, especially those in central and western China, still lagged behind for coverage of phone services, as users were highly concentrated in coastal areas and the cities.

From Xinhua News Agency 11/19/2007

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HK's Digital Rights Management Platform Wins World Summit Award

Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company announced here Tuesday that its project "Digital Copyright.hk, One-Stop Digital Content Marketplace" has won the World Summit Award (WSA) 2007 in the e-business category. The winning project is a unified Digital Rights Management (DRM) platform for intellectual property protection. Cyberport obtained support in 2004 from the Innovation and Technology Fund administered by the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Commission to develop this platform primarily for Hong Kong creative industries. It aims to enable content owners to publish their quality audio and visual materials by providing content identification and robust protection with DRM technologies. Meanwhile, a vast array of content is available on the platform for people to download legally and safely. Representative of Cyberport attended the World Summit Award gala ceremony on Nov. 5 in Venice, Italy. Since 2003, the WSA has been held every two years under the auspices of the United Nations World Summit on Information Society.

It is the world's premier contest for excellence in e-content and creativity, aimed raising global awareness of the richness and diversity of e-content in order to narrow the content gap. The WSA honors producers of interactive multimedia and innovative information and communication technology applications. This year, the WSA grand jury 2007 evaluated over 650 entries which were nominated from 168 countries to the Global WSA. The jury selected as winners the five most outstanding products in each of the eight WSA categories namely e-government, e-learning, e-health, e-inclusive, e-business, e-culture, e-entertainment and e-science. China won in three categories, and Cyberport's project was the only one from Hong Kong. It was also the only winning project representing Hong Kong in the past three WSAs.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 11/20/2007

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Online Service to Help Job-hunting College Students

More than 100,000 job vacancies in different companies have been provided online to college students since Tuesday, which is part of the efforts of the Chinese government to help them with this year's job hunting. The online job fair, first of its kind this year, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the State Development and Reform Commission, and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. The five government departments will hold at least 13 online job fairs, including construction, health, agricultural and commercial sectors, an official with the MOE said. The MOE, and nine other government departments will offer other helps to job-hunting students, including free job-hunting consulting, skill training, internship program, and financial support for impoverished graduates.

They have also made policy to lead the students to work in undeveloped western regions of the country. "This move is to meet the urgent demand for jobs amid surging numbers of college graduates," the official said. China will also establish some pilot bases to encourage students to start their own business. China has been under great pressure as the number of college graduates keeps surging. According to statistics, 5.59 million students will graduate from higher education institutions in 2008, an increase of 640,000 over this year. About 30 percent or 1.4 million college graduates failed to find a job on graduation in 2007. Earlier this month, Chinese Vice-Minister of Labor and Social Security Zhang Xiaojian said that the employment issue would become "more protruding" as more college graduates entering the job market each year. Statistics show that a total of 11.84 million urban Chinese found jobs last year, the first time China saw the number of newly employed urban people exceed 10 million in one year.

From Xinhua News Agency 11/21/2007

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China Online Database Offers Rental of Expensive Scientific Instruments

Expensive scientific instruments are now available for public rental throughout China via a new on-line database launched on Thursday. The database, operated out of Beijing, boasts a catalogue of about 14,770 scientific instruments, each costing 400,000 yuan (53,000 U.S. dollars) or more, said a press release by its sponsor, the Ministry of Science and Technology. The instruments are owned by universities, research institutes, state-owned enterprises and private companies, among others. They are being advertised online free of charge to publicize their availability to the public, according to the database administrator. The website (www.scilink.cn) provides a brief introduction of an instrument and its function, its location and the contact of its provider. The two sides can then negotiate by themselves on the rental terms. "The purpose of setting up this database is to save resources and increase the efficiency of the expensive instruments," said Wan Gang, scientist-turned minister of science and technology and former president of Shanghai's Tongji University. The database features seven regional bases. They include the Pan-Pearl River Delta, Yangtze River Delta, Bohai Bay rim and the northeast, northwest, southwest and central China regions.

From http://www.chinaview.cn 11/22/2007

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JAPAN: Nearly 70% of Japanese Worried about Their Lives

TOKYO - MORE than two-thirds of Japanese are worried about their lives - a record high, according to a Sunday news report. An annual Cabinet Office survey conducted from July 5 to 22 found 69.5 per cent of respondents were worried or felt uneasy about their everyday lives, the Kyodo News agency said. The figure was the highest on record for the survey, conducted annually since 1958, it said. Anxiety about life after retirement topped the list, followed by health concerns, the report said. Nearly three-quarters of all respondents said the government should reform the social security system, and more than half said measures should be taken to deal with the rapidly aging society. The poll was conducted just weeks before the ruling bloc suffered a crushing defeat in July 29 elections for parliament's upper house. The government's acknowledgment earlier this year that it had lost track of pension records played a leading role in that defeat. Japan is also faced with a looming economic pinch, as the country's rapidly aging population increases the strain on the government's social security budget. The interview-based survey released on Saturday targeted 10,000 people around the country, 60.9 per cent of whom responded, Kyodo said. The report did not indicate if any margin of error was provided.

From http://www.straitstimes.com/ 09/09/2007

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The 75-And-Older Crowd Now 10% of Japan's Population

People 75 and older now constitute 10 percent of the population, the government said Wednesday, underscoring the rapid growth in Japan's elderly. The figure was 1.3 percent in 1950, when the government first started tracking such data, and rose to 5 percent in 1991 before breaking the 10 percent mark this year, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry said. As of Nov. 1, Japan's population was estimated at 127.79 million, with 12.76 million — 4.79 million men and 7.97 million women — aged 75 or older. The ministry compiled the estimates on the basis of the 2005 census and data on births and deaths in subsequent years. Men aged 75 or older account for 7.7 percent of the male population, while their female counterparts account for 12.2 percent of all of Japan's women. Those aged 65 or older totaled 27.53 million, accounting for 21.5 percent of the population. Those aged 14 or younger, meanwhile, totaled 17.28 million, down 140,000 from a year ago and making up 13.5 percent of the population. The ratio was 35.4 percent in 1950. The latest figures show that the graying of Japan's population is progressing faster than earlier predicted. Based on the 2000 census, the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research had forecast that the 75-or-older age group would account for 9.7 percent of the population in 2007, and that those 14 and younger would account for 13.7 percent.

From Kyodo News 11/22/2007

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SOUTH KOREA: Korea Turning into a Multiracial Society

Foreigners enjoy a harvest event in Insadong, Seoul, on Oct. 17. The event was hosted by Chilgok County Office of the North Gyeongsang Provnice.Korea's growing foreign population, which topped the landmark 1 million mark in late August, is rapidly familiarizing Koreans with the way of life in multiracial and multicultural societies. Foreigners are increasingly ubiquitous in subways, restaurants, neighborhood parks, streets and other areas nationwide. The 1 million foreigners, including 720,000 residents, represent approximately 2 percent of the entire Korean population. Reflecting the trend, foreign communities are springing up across Korea, including a French community in Seoul's Bangbae-dong, "Little Tokyo" in Seoul's Ichon-dong and the so-called Central Asian Village in Seoul's Dongdaemun market area frequented by Korea's increasingly large population of Central Asian and Russian immigrants. In addition, a number of foreign districts have recently been established in locations close to industrial complexes, such as Guro in Seoul and Banwol in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, as more and more foreigners, mostly from China and Southeast Asian countries, come to Korea in search of their "Korean dream." Korean-Chinese workers are concentrated in Guro's "Yanbian Street" and Nigerians can be spotted on Itaewon's "Nigerian Street."

A Nepalese street has emerged in Seoul's Changshin-dong, while Filipino workers regularly flock around a cathedral in Hyehwa-dong in downtown Seoul on Sundays. In Seoul's Central Asian town, signboards of restaurants, fried chicken houses, cafes and video shops are all written in Russian. Every weekend, the area draws citizens of Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan who come from their homes in Ansan, Guro, Namyangju and other industrial suburbs to shop, eat, drink and catch up on news from home. Mixed into the crowd are adventurous Koreans or Western tourists looking to sample exotic Silk Road cuisines. In the countryside, foreign brides, mostly from Vietnam, China and the Philippines, have emerged as essential members of agricultural households. According to government figures, one out of every four men in rural areas is married to a foreign woman. Reflecting the trend, an increasing number of provincial and county governments are holding Korean language and cooking classes for foreign wives.

The 1 million foreigners come from over 40 countries. Given Korea's ethnically homogenous nature, such a multiracial society is a new and enormous challenge to most Koreans. According to data released by the Justice Ministry, the total number of foreigners living in Korea, including illegal migrant workers, reached 1,018,036 as of the end of September, with ethnic Chinese accounting for 463,215, or 45.5 percent, followed by Americans (115,204), Vietnamese (67,117), Filipinos (51,052), Thais (43,945), Japanese (37,254), Mongolians (31,713) and Indonesians (25,969). "The foreign population in Korea has grown by approximately 100,000 persons a year over the past decade. The expatriates here totaled just 269,641 in 1995 and 491,324 in 2000," said a ministry official. "Notably, about 65 percent of the foreigners live in the Seoul metropolitan area. By 2010, the foreign community is expected to swell to 1.4 million, accounting for 2.84 percent of the entire Korean population," the official said. The official also said the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae held the second government meeting on Thursday (Oct. 25) to discuss new policy measures to help remove inconveniences for foreigners in Korea and improve the human rights and welfare of expatriate manual workers.

From http://www.korea.net/ 10/25/2007

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Korea Among Top Science, Tech Powerhouses by 2012

Korea aims to become the one of the world's top five science and technology powerhouses by 2012, the government said Sunday (Nov. 4). The plan by the Ministry of Science and Technology calls for more allocation of funds for research and development (R&D), the strengthening of knowhow in innovative cutting-edge technologies and concentration of scientific resources on promising growth industries. "About 3.2 percent of the gross domestic product is being used for R&D at present, but Seoul wants to raise the figure to at least 3.5 percent by 2012, with 1 percent of the state's budget set aside to bolster this endeavor," said a ministry official. In 2005, the country spent roughly US$23.59 billion on R&D. The United States spent more that 13 times that amount, with Japan spending 6 times as much. The figure increased to slightly more than $29 billion last year. He said the ranking will be determined by the Switzerland-based International Institute of Management and Development (IMD), whose 2007 competitiveness report placed South Korea seventh among 55 countries in the science area and sixth in terms of technological prowess. The official also said policymakers and experts want to concentrate efforts to build up 40 key strategic technologies along with 60 vital skills that could ensure South Korea's standing in the science and technology field. Among the key technologies, Seoul wants to become a world leader in next-generation high-speed trains, nano-materials, robotics, eco-friendly cars, hydrogen fuel cells and energy storage as well as biotech areas, including stem cell and cancer treatment. The Science Ministry said there will be fine-tuning of objectives as the government receives feedback, and the goal of making the top five will not be easy. In the 2007 IMD report, the United States ranked first in both science and technology areas, with Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Taiwan taking second to sixth place in the science ranking. In technology competitiveness, Singapore came in second, followed by Hong Kong, Denmark and Israel.

From http://www.korea.net/ 11/04/2007</