IN BRIEF

Baidu software for Dell phones

Dell Inc, the world's second-biggest personal-computer maker, agreed to produce smartphones running Baidu Inc software for users in China, challenging mobile-device makers including Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics Co.

The phones will use the Beijing-based search-engine operator's Baidu Yi mobile platform, according to Theresa Shen, a China-based spokeswoman for Dell.

UniCredit opens China branches

UniCredit SpA, Italy's biggest bank, plans to open new branches in China, doubling its staff to increase revenue in Asia's fastest-growing economy, said General Manager Roberto Nicastro.

"We are inaugurating our second branch in Guangzhou and aim to open other branches in Beijing, in the coast and in the central western cities of Chongqing and Chengdu," he said. "The Chinese market is crucial for us, we are ready to double our presence during the next few years."

CNPC set to issue bonds

China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), the country's top oil company, plans to issue 20 billion yuan ($3.13 billion) in bonds, three sources familiar with the plan said on Tuesday.

The plan is still subject to regulatory approval, the sources added. China Galaxy Securities Co Ltd and Citic Securities Co Ltd are underwriters for the deal, the sources said. CNPC declined to comment.

Experts discuss patent issues

Efficient analysis and use of patent information will help revitalize traditional industries and promote emerging sectors, said Tian Lipu, commissioner of the State Intellectual Property Office.

The office hosted the country's annual patent conference from Sept 5 to 6. More than 1,000 experts, scholars, corporate executives and government officials from around the world discussed how to use patent documentation to improve innovation capacity, a "considerable rise" in numbers over last year, according to the organizers.

Tencent opens App Center

The Chinese Internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd launched its application platform, called App Center, on Tuesday to compete with Apple Inc's App store.

The App Center has 3 billion applications, of which 550 million were provided by third-party application developers. Xie Pingzhang, vice-president of Tencent's Wireless Services Division, said the company hopes to increase the percentage of third-party applications to compete with Apple.

Ford's auto shipments fall

Ford Motor Co said on Tuesday it had shipped 34,916 vehicles to dealers in China in August, down 7 percent from a year earlier, marking its first monthly decline so far this year.

In the first eight months, sales came to 341,746 vehicles in China, an increase of 11 percent year-on-year, the company said in a statement.

China Daily - Agencies