CEPA aims to build service-oriented gov't

The four-year China-Europe Public Administration Program (CEPA), launched in 2003 and scheduled to come to a close at the end of 2007, has greatly benefited the Chinese government in terms of public administration and public management, said Yuan Shuhong, vice president of the Chinese National School of Administration (CNSA).

Training draws warm response

The teaching methods of European Union (EU) experts have been well received by Chinese civil servants under the four-year China-EU Public Administration (CEPA) program, which began in 2003.

Forum opens today

The fourth China-Europe Senior Forum on Government Management will begin today at the China National School of Administration (CNSA).

Life Expat

You never know your luck in a big city

Most musicians don't seem to mind a drink, so starting my search for others to start a band with meant making a beeline for the bars. Beijing, in particular, is witnessing a growth of local acts and because underground music is relatively new, there's not the cold shoulders and elitism that is associated with more established scenes. By and large, musicians here are willing to collaborate and many can be found milling about live venues.

Special Supplement: Brand building boosts port development

YANTAI: "Vehicle loading network", a load-unload approach invented by Longkou Port, was put into practice at the beginning of last month.

Opportunity rocks

Ever seen that film clip for the Guns 'N' Roses song Welcome to the Jungle? You know, the one where Axl Rose steps off the bus as a naive, innocent country boy looking to join a band in the big city? Well, that may happen regularly in Los Angeles, but it's unlikely that many expats head to China looking to spread their musical wings (unless they play in a concerto).

Special Supplement: The Keda Group recipe for success

Liu Shuangmin, 57, is the president of Dongying Keda Group, an enterprise with an annual production value of over 8 billion yuan. The prosperous group started out as a small-sized engineering team established by Liu more than 20 years ago in Dongying, East China's Shandong Province.

Life Travel

Secret tarts are still melting hearts

LISBON: The coffee machine hisses, dishes clatter, and a buzz of voices fills the room. It is early in the morning and Lisbon's Cafe Nicola is already busy: Businesspeople are poring over newspapers, retired people are sipping coffee.

Miss this volcanic paradise and you'll be spewing

LA FORTUNA, Costa Rica: Costa Rica offers a wealth of flora and fauna to visitors without forcing them to endure days of marching through thick jungle.

The great walk

A tear rolls slowly down Liu Yurong's cheek, her large, dark eyes betraying a quiet sorrow. "It is my birthday today," the 25-year-old says. A biting wind stings her face as she stands above a deep gorge beside the ancient Great Wall at Ningwuguan, North China's Shanxi Province.