IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Global aid plans to get more focus

China is planning a considerable expansion of its foreign aid programs with a particular focus on infrastructure projects in countries along the land and maritime Silk Road trading routes, government officials said on Monday.

Mobile spending picks up speed

Shopping via mobile phones is fast becoming the main option for spending money in China, with transactions from the not-so-developed western region of the country being the driving force, a report said on Monday.

Dalian Wanda boosts HK appetite for floats

As Wang Jianlin, the high-profile chairman of conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group, sat down with investment bankers and potential investors in Hong Kong on Monday to discuss the proposed $3.9 billion initial public offering of his commercial property unit, excitement and anticipation heightened among capital market circles.

Building a lasting foundation for growth amid tough domestic market

When Caterpillar Inc acquired Zhengzhou Siwei Mechanical & Electrical Equipment Manufacturing Co Ltd, a Hong Kong-listed mining machinery, it was considered a huge setback for Chinese heavy machinery makers and the industry in general.

Foreign equipment firms to step up localization drive

Foreign heavy machinery makers are banking on increased localization to counter growing competition from domestic companies, sluggish demand, and to further expand their presence in China, industry sources said.

What's news

Politburo study backs new FTZs in Tianjin and Fujian

Solar aircraft set for touchdown

The Solar Impulse Second, the world's largest solar-powered plane, will make two stopovers in China during a round-the-world flight in 2015, its builders said on Monday.

Online bourse for electronic components trading debuts

The first online exchange in China for electronic components started trading on Monday, recording cumulative transactions of more than 100 million yuan ($16.2 million).

Mapping trajectory of global capital flows

Economists are viewing China's monetary policy in 2015 as the next beacon in directing global capital flows, as the US dollar strengthens and the Japanese yen weakens.

Highlighting the best in nip and tuck by app

In an age when China's Internet sector is already being dominated by multi-million dollar giants such as e-commerce conglomerate Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, it is becoming increasingly difficult for entrepreneurs to start something from scratch and build it into the next industry heavyweight.

Coal tax reform to ease burden on producers and environment

China, the world's leading coal producer and consumer, has begun to levy resource tax on coal based on sales prices instead of production from Dec 1, in a move to shore up the industry and improve the deteriorating environment.