IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Shanghai grows in size, importance

The expansion of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone has been approved, the State Council announced on Monday, a move that will boost the FTZ's role as a testing ground for financial and trade policy reforms.

Fujian province looks to investment from Taiwan

A free trade zone in Fujian province will help attract further investment from Taiwan and boost sectors such as communication, transportation and tourism.

Tianjin to play a key regional role

The China (Tianjin) Pilot Free Trade Zone will play a major role in the "Belt and Road Initiative" when it is unveiled on Tuesday, boosting economic growth in the region.

Guangdong banking on finance

Financial service companies expect the pilot free trade zone in Guangdong to play a key role in fostering innovation and boost business with its close proximity to Hong Kong and Macao.

Lesson from Japan: Don't let deflation go out of control

S&P economist warns that excessive concern over 'moral hazard' could trigger a financial crisis

British brands on road to success in China

The fast-growing Chinese market has been one of the important factors boosting the British car sector in recent years. A strong brand heritage and government support have helped British cars win acceptance in China and made the auto industry boom again.

Time to rethink the development model

The transition to green socio-economic development in China is in progress.

Draghi warning falls on investors' deaf ears

Hedge funds, large speculators continue to bet against the euro

Russia recovering as oil reliance declines

Russia's economy showed signs of recovery in the first and second quarters amid a declining dependence on oil, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said.

Is the market for spirits in China bottled up? Or growing up?

The nation's ongoing austerity and anti-graft campaign has taken a bite out of the sale of luxury liquors, but a middle class surging in size and with an increasingly mature palate is developing a taste for spirits.

Foreign spirits producers eyeing middle class

As the anti-corruption campaign and austerity policies continue in China, sales of imported spirits are slumping. However, Western spirits producers remain optimistic about the future of the market, and are shifting their focus from high-end drinkers to young Chinese born after 1980 and the country's growing middle class.