China allows investors to head abroad
2006-04-14 11:18:41
China said it will let companies and individuals make investments overseas for the first time, according to a new policy.
Study finds Europe bird-flu defenses vary widely
2006-04-14 09:20:48
A study slated to be published in a prominent medical journal has found wide variations in the plans European countries have drawn up for a possible bird-flu pandemic among humans, raising politically sensitive questions for some governments.
US, Russia approach finish line on trade deal
2006-04-12 11:59:52
After years of contentious negotiations, Russia and the U.S. are closing in on a deal that would clear one of the last major obstacles to Moscow joining the World Trade Organization.
Chirac abandons youth-labor law
2006-04-11 11:42:20
French President Jacques Chirac ditched a youth-labor law that sparked weeks of strikes and street protests, in a major about-face that underscores Europe's inability to decide whether to pursue painful changes needed to make its labor forces more affordable and productive.
China opens swath of airspace in boon to carriers
2006-04-10 10:36:36
After six years of talks, China has agreed to open a new corridor through its tightly restricted air space that could save airlines a total of $30 million in annual fuel costs and trim an average of half an hour off flight times between China and Europe, according to the International Air Transport Association, the main trade group for the world's airlines.
EADS enters talks to buy BAE's Airbus stake
2006-04-10 09:39:50
The decision by BAE Systems PLC to sell its 20% stake in Airbus means the British defense giant will now be freer to pursue its strategy of expanding in the U.S. But investors will want to see BAE match the returns it achieved from Airbus -- which contributed around 20% of the United Kingdom company's profit.
US pressures China over role in trade game
2006-04-06 11:47:50
With a new confrontational approach, the Bush administration is pushing China to act as a more "mature trading partner," as U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman puts it.
Car sector gears up for big change
2006-04-05 11:33:57
For years, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., a government-owned behemoth, has worked side by side with General Motors Corp. and Volkswagen AG on world-class assembly lines to build cars for the Chinese market.
Big returns in a small (stock) world
2006-04-04 11:07:05
In international investing, small is beautiful -- at least for the time being.
A firm's culture can get lost in translation
2006-04-03 11:58:02
Three times a week, staffers at the Canadian unit of Japanese videogame maker Koei Co. begin the day by standing next to their desks and facing their boss, Hidenori Taniguchi. "Good morning, everyone," says Mr. Taniguchi. "Good morning," chant Koei Canada's 30-odd employees.
Alcatel nears Lucent deal
2006-04-01 14:40:31
The board of Alcatel SA meets Saturday to hash out the final details of a merger with Lucent Technologies Inc. to form a Paris-based company that would be in the top tier of telecommunications-equipment makers in the key U.S. market.
Heat for the tubs of China
2006-03-31 17:08:18
A solar-power revolution is being staged on China's rooftops.