BEIJING

Internet connections

To make flight inquiries and reservations more convenient for customers, United Airlines have announced that its English-language online booking service is now available on the company's China website.

All flights offered by United, including flights to the US and flights linking cities in the US, can be booked on the site.

Lilly's hard-sell

US pharmaceuticals firm Eli Lilly & Corp launched its erectile dysfunction (ED) drug, Cialis, to the Chinese market on Tuesday.

The anti-impotence drug, available in hundreds of hospitals in major cities, is a "very significant" part of the company's plan to increase its presence in China. The company hopes to further expand its sales network in the future.

Selling coffee to China

Starbucks Coffee Company, the world's leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee, has announced the opening of its first store in Qingdao.

"China is one of our fastest growing markets. There are great opportunities and potential in cities which we have not yet entered," said Christine Day, president of Starbucks Coffee International's Asia-Pacific operation.

Tan resigns

McDonald's head of operations in China, Peter Tan, resigned yesterday for personal reasons, the world's biggest fast-food chain has announced.

Tan will be replaced by Guy Russo, chief executive of McDonald's Australia, whose position will be filled by Peter Bush, spokeswoman Marina Leung said.

TNT box launched

TNT, the leading global provider of express logistics and mail services, has introduced its new "Easy Box" service to the Chinese market, company sources said yesterday.

Easy Box offers weights of either eight or 20 kilograms and is tailored to the needs of customers shipping electronics, garments, or other time-critical products.

200 years of history

China's commercial insurance sector is still in its infancy despite two centuries of history, said Li Kemu, vice-chairman of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission, at celebrations marking the bicentennial of the Chinese insurance industry late last week.

But the industry is poised to enjoy rapid growth in the coming years alongside China's fast-growing economy, the official said.

Best retail bank

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China has been named the Best Retail Bank in China for the third consecutive year by Singapore-based magazine The Asian Banker.

The evaluation was based on a combination of assessments by Asian Banker experts and feedback from bank clients.

TIANJIN

Pedestrian plaza to open

TEDA Citizen Plaza, a comprehensive urban pedestrian block, was given the green light to open by the end of the year at the International Business Running Forum of Bohai Coastal Economic Circle on May 29.

During the forum, experts and officials from China General Chamber of Commerce and Management Committee of Tianjin Binhai New Development Area discussed the business operation model of Bohai Coastal Economic Circle, the third biggest economic circle in China.

Mobile accessories fair

The 2005 International Mobile Accessories Fair was held recently in Tianjin.

Altogether 326 companies took part in the event, including handset makers, designers, chip-makers, original design manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers.

(China Daily 06/02/2005 page10)