How officials are coping with increasing free trade challenges

The expanded China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone will see a transformation in government functions. These will involve defining the municipal government's administrative responsibilities.

Pioneer grows in size, scope

The State Council approved the expansion of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone last month by incorporating the Lujiazui Financial Area, Jinqiao Export Processing Zone, Zhangjiang High-Tech Park and Expo Park Development Zone. That move enlarged the FTZ from 28.78 square kilometers to 120.72 sq km and offered more space for reform trials.

New online platform to boost FTZ prospects

Shortly after Beijing approved the expansion of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai Capacity Exchange Co Ltd launched its new online container forward-booking platform, in January, believed to be the first of its kind in the world.

US may join world's biggest oil exporters

The United States will become one of the world's largest oil exporters if domestic production continues to surge and policymakers lift a four-decade ban that keeps most crude from leaving the country, a government-sponsored study shows.

Jittery investors reduce exposure to pound

Currency investors managing trillions of dollars are sitting out the United Kingdom's closest election since the 1970s.

Smaller stocks offer chance of biggest returns

For big returns, buy smaller companies - that's the takeaway from previous UK elections.

Murdoch's News Corp trails estimates as ad sales drop

News Corp, the newspaper publisher controlled by billionaire Rupert Murdoch, reported quarterly earnings that missed analysts' estimates after print advertising continued to fall and currency swings ate into revenue.

Ya'an quake relief funds accounted for in report

The level of information disclosure by China's charity organizations has been raised considerably, amid a slew of measures to improve the sector's self-discipline and regulation, according to a leading foundation.

Hanergy offers a shining solution for boosting agriculture efficiency

Cunningly hidden among mountains of colored roses and gardening tools, Hanergy Group's stand at the recent Hortiflorexpo in Shanghai also had its very latest solar-power technology on show.

American Airlines takes center stage at Beijing arts festival

A young mother surnamed Li brought her 8-year-old daughter to the National Center for the Performing Arts for the first time one evening at the end of last month, to enjoy the famous ballet, Swan Lake.

IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Tougher EU penalties for solar makers

Producers of solar panels from the Chinese mainland may face serious penalties or tougher regulations in Europe, where local competitors have accused them of using products made in other Asian locations to avoid import duties, industry insiders said on Tuesday.