US farm firms urge easing of barriers to investment

United States-based agriculture companies are seeking increased cooperation with China and urging further loosening of investment restrictions and trade barriers, especially in biotechnology, that will help secure safe, affordable food for Chinese consumers, said a report from the American Chamber of Commerce in China.

S&P fined $1.38b form is leading ratings

Standard & Poor's is paying about $1.38 billion to settle government allegations that it knowingly inflated its ratings of risky mortgage investments that helped trigger the financial crisis, the US Justice Department announced on Tuesday.

Frost is flab's new enemy with his diet drug bet

Phillip Frost at 78 isn't your usual Florida retiree. Rather than spending his days playing golf and relaxing, the billionaire former chairman of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd has embarked on his life's most quixotic quest: a blockbuster cure for obesity.

Euro Disney nightmare for investors

When Edith Zemirou bought Euro Disney stock more than two decades ago, she expected a decent return and her own small share in Mickey Mouse magic.

US sales buck the global trend in January

With Russia struggling, China's growth slowing and Brazil contracting, global automakers are counting on the United States, where January sales were the most in nine years.

Quality of CSR activity remains 'relatively low'

A new study, considered by experts as the first to accurately document and report on the corporate social responsibility activities of all kinds of companies in China, private and public, has concluded that the country's overall quality of CSR development remains what researchers described as "relatively low".

Finance companies launch new funding program for female entrepreneurs

China's first funding program aimed at providing finance exclusively to female entrepreneurs has been launched by a group of heavyweight finance organizations.

Pudong residents told 'get on your bike'

A public bicycle-sharing program has been launched in a Shanghai community to encourage more residents to get out of their cars and enjoy a healthier, low-carbon lifestyle.

IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Trade-related services set to be expanded

CCPIT to set up specialized agencies to help Chinese companies as they venture abroad

South Beauty has its eye on smaller cities for growth

High-end restaurant chain South Beauty is looking to expand into second-and third-tier cities to lift sales that have been flagging due to the government's ongoing austerity campaign.

Beer sales lose fizz amid austerity drive

Beer output fell last year for the first time in a decade, with producers facing price pressure as a result of the anti-corruption campaign and rising costs, industry officials said.