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Print - 2005-03-14
'Germany cannot stay key contributor to EU'

'Germany cannot stay key contributor to EU'

Germany cannot continue as one of the key contributors to the European Union budget whilst receiving little from Brussels in return, German Finance Minister Hans Eichel said in an interview published on Sunday. Speaking in Focus news magazine Eichel said:
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Australian Premier optimistic about FTA with China

Australian Premier optimistic about FTA with China

Free trade agreement negotiations between Australia and China were likely to go ahead with Canberra granting the communist nation market economy status, Prime Minister John Howard said Sunday. Asked whether he was optimistic the talks, which are yet to be
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
World Bank's IFC reaches out to Gulf investors

World Bank's IFC reaches out to Gulf investors

The World Bank's private sector lending arm said on Sunday it wanted to help deepen Gulf Arab financial markets and back private sector firms eager to replace their governments as the prime investors in the region. Assaad Jabre, International Finance Corp
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
China warns against being hasty with safeguards on textile exports

China warns against being hasty with safeguards on textile exports

China has cautioned its peers against any hasty implementation of safeguard mechanisms to restrict its booming textile exports, warning such measures would run counter to free trade principles. Following the end of quotas regulating the global apparel tra
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Orascom to spend $300 million to upgrade Algeria network

Orascom to spend $300 million to upgrade Algeria network

Egyptian mobile phone operator Orascom Telecom will invest $300 million this year to boost network capacity in Algeria, where it is the largest carrier, it said on Sunday. "The money will be used to pay for equipment. We need to extend our network and imp
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Saudi Arabia eyes $2 billion investment in Bangladesh

Saudi Arabia eyes $2 billion investment in Bangladesh

Saudi Arabia's Hi-Tech International Group (HTIG) is considering investing $2.0 billion to build a refinery in Bangladesh, an official from the cash-strapped South Asian country said on Sunday. Yasin S. Indarkiri, HTIG's chairman, discussed the investment
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Zimbabweans battle food shortages as drought worsens

Zimbabweans battle food shortages as drought worsens

Two orphan children kneel on the side of a highway in Zimbabwe's drought-hit south, picking up kernels of the food staple maize which have spilled off a passing truck. "We hope to gather enough maize to boil for a meal for the two us and our grandmother,
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Australia budget surplus less than A$10 billion

Australia budget surplus less than A$10 billion

The Australian government on Sunday rejected reports that it would hand down a bumper A$10 billion ($7.9 billion) surplus in its national budget in May, saying the surplus would be in line with earlier estimates. "The budget is strong, it is in surplus,"
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Asian central banks target Islamic bonds

Asian central banks target Islamic bonds

Some Gulf Arab and Asian governments have begun diversifying reserves into Islamic financial assets, but a shortage of Islamic sovereign bonds will slow the process, a senior banker said on Sunday. Iqbal Khan, Chief Executive of HSBC Amanah Finance, the I
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Asian central banks target Islamic bonds

Asian central banks target Islamic bonds

Some Gulf Arab and Asian governments have begun diversifying reserves into Islamic financial assets, but a shortage of Islamic sovereign bonds will slow the process, a senior banker said on Sunday. Iqbal Khan, Chief Executive of HSBC Amanah Finance, the I
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Malaria estimated at 515 million cases world-wide

Malaria estimated at 515 million cases world-wide

More than half a billion people, nearly double previous estimates, were affected by the deadliest form of malaria in 2002, scientists said on Wednesday. Most were in sub-Saharan Africa but nearly 25 percent occurred in south-east Asia and the Western Paci
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Chilly winter may widen Europe's ozone hole

Chilly winter may widen Europe's ozone hole

Record cold temperatures this winter could create a bigger hole in the ozone layer over parts of northern Europe, leading to damaging ultraviolet rays that can cause skin cancer, the European Commission said on February 22. Scientists had confirmed record
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Medical transcription in Pakistan

Medical transcription in Pakistan

Medical Transcription (MT) is relatively new but among the fastest growing occupations in Pakistan. It is among the top professions which are directly or otherwise linked with wireless revolution. Medical transcription involves transcribing a doctor's aud
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Global Warming

Global Warming

Effective control of forest fires may prove crucial in the fight against global warming since blazes from Alaska to Indonesia spew out vast amounts of heat-trapping gases, Canadian foresters said on March 3.
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Paris centre to be car-free from 2012

Paris centre to be car-free from 2012

The centre of Paris will be largely traffic-free from 2012 under a development project drawn up by the office of the city's left-wing mayor, according to a newspaper report Sunday. Entitled "Traffic reduction in central neighbourhoods," the plan calls for
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
2005 could be warmest year recorded: NASA

2005 could be warmest year recorded: NASA

A weak El Nino and human-made greenhouse gases could make 2005 the warmest year since records started being kept in the late 1800s, NASA scientists said this week. While climate events like El Nino - when warm water spreads over much of the tropical Pacif
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
15,000 illegal labour leave country every year

15,000 illegal labour leave country every year

The Ministry of Labour and Overseas Pakistanis here estimates that 150,000 people, often the most highly skilled and qualified, leave the country legally every year, it is thought up to four or five times that number may be attempting to leave through ill
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Early warning system seen for deadly leg clots

Early warning system seen for deadly leg clots

An early warning system can help doctors prevent many cases of deep-vein thrombosis, the so-called "economy-class syndrome" that causes potentially fatal blood clots, researchers said on March 09. Up to 2 million Americans develop the clots each year, usu
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Powerful pain medicine a growing US crime problem

Powerful pain medicine a growing US crime problem

Powerful painkillers like OxyContin, widely known as "hillbilly heroin," have emerged as a major crime problem in the United States, with many dealers and abusers obtaining them over the Internet. Abuse of OxyContin, which is legally prescribed for cancer
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Teva cuts disability in Parkinson's

Teva cuts disability in Parkinson's

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd's drug Azilect reduces disability in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, according to new research published on Friday. Professor Olivier Rascol of University Hospital in Toulouse, France, said a clinical study i
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
HEALTH UPDATE: laughter may be good for the heart

HEALTH UPDATE: laughter may be good for the heart

A daily dose of laughter may be good for the heart because, like exercise, it makes blood vessels work more efficiently, US researchers reported on Monday. Depression, on the other hand, can raise the risk of dying from heart failure, a separate study fou
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
HEALTH UPDATE: diabetes raises risk of liver cancer

HEALTH UPDATE: diabetes raises risk of liver cancer

Patients suffering from diabetes could be two to three times more likely to develop cancer of the liver, researchers said on Tuesday. Chronic infections with hepatitis C and B, cirrhosis and a family history of the illness are risk factors for liver cance
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
HEALTH UPDATE: herbal remedy as good as drug for depression

HEALTH UPDATE: herbal remedy as good as drug for depression

An extract of the herbal remedy St John's wort is as effective as a commonly prescribed drug for people suffering from moderate to severe depression, researchers said on Friday. They compared the extract called WS 5570, which is made by the German company
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
HEALTH UPDATE: exercise, some calcium build strong bones

HEALTH UPDATE: exercise, some calcium build strong bones

Children who drink more milk do not necessarily develop healthier bones, researchers said on Monday in a report that stresses exercise and modest consumption of calcium-rich foods such as tofu. The US government has gradually increased recommendations for
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
HEALTH UPDATE: aspirin therapy affects men, women differently

HEALTH UPDATE: aspirin therapy affects men, women differently

Taking a baby aspirin may prevent heart attacks in men, but it does little to ward off a first heart attack in women aged 45 to 64, researchers reported on Monday. However, the low-dose aspirin therapy widely recommended for both men and women may reduce
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
LG to buy $1.4 billion of Taiwan components

LG to buy $1.4 billion of Taiwan components

South Korea's LG Electronics Inc will buy about $1.4 billion of technology products from Taiwan in 2005, nearly tripling last year's spending, its vice chairman said on March 12. LG Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer S.S. Kim told reporters his com
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Mitsubishi to pay $762 million compensation

Mitsubishi to pay $762 million compensation

Mitsubishi Motors, the scandal-hit Japanese carmaker, has agreed to pay compensation worth some billion yen (762 million dollars) to DaimlerChrysler for losses on its investment in the Mitsubishi Fuso truck business, a report published on March 10.
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Mitsubishi to pay $762 million compensation

Mitsubishi to pay $762 million compensation

Mitsubishi Motors, the scandal-hit Japanese carmaker, has agreed to pay compensation worth some billion yen (762 million dollars) to DaimlerChrysler for losses on its investment in the Mitsubishi Fuso truck business, a report published on March 10.
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Ball now in Euronext's court but LSE bid uncertain

Ball now in Euronext's court but LSE bid uncertain

Euronext is the only declared suitor left for the London Stock Exchange after the apparent exit of rival Deutsche Boerse, but a bid from the pan-European exchange is by no means certain, observers say on March 8. Euronext may appear to have a clear run to
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Elpida to invest $960 million in DRAM plant

Elpida to invest $960 million in DRAM plant

Elpida Memory Inc, Japan's largest chipmaker, said on March 09, that it will invest 100 billion yen (960 million dollars) this year in a bid to catch up with its South Korean rivals. "This is part of our investment plan of 450-500 billion yen announced in
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Elpida to invest $960 million in DRAM plant

Elpida to invest $960 million in DRAM plant

Elpida Memory Inc, Japan's largest chipmaker, said on March 09, that it will invest 100 billion yen (960 million dollars) this year in a bid to catch up with its South Korean rivals. "This is part of our investment plan of 450-500 billion yen announced in
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Iran Khodro aims million cars a year by 2011

Iran Khodro aims million cars a year by 2011

Iran Khodro, the Middle East's largest carmaker, has ambitious plans to produce a million cars a year by 2011, expanding units in the Middle East, Africa and former Soviet States. Iran Khodro has signed production agreements with Renault and Peugeot, and
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Middle East telecoms firm Investcom plans $1.5 billion IPO

Middle East telecoms firm Investcom plans $1.5 billion IPO

Investcom Holdings, a telecoms company with operations largely in the Middle East, has hired banks to prepare an initial public offering that could value the firm at up to $1.5 billion, according to a source familiar with the company. Investcom, which is
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Middle East telecoms firm Investcom plans $1.5 billion IPO

Middle East telecoms firm Investcom plans $1.5 billion IPO

Investcom Holdings, a telecoms company with operations largely in the Middle East, has hired banks to prepare an initial public offering that could value the firm at up to $1.5 billion, according to a source familiar with the company. Investcom, which is
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
China's top oil firm sees 5 percent 2005 profit rise

China's top oil firm sees 5 percent 2005 profit rise

China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), Asia's biggest oil and gas producer, expects profits to rise 5 percent in 2005, a top executive said on 08 March, foreshadowing much weaker performance than 2004's 50 percent earnings leap. Vice President Jiang Jiemin
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
China's top oil firm sees 5 percent 2005 profit rise

China's top oil firm sees 5 percent 2005 profit rise

China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), Asia's biggest oil and gas producer, expects profits to rise 5 percent in 2005, a top executive said on 08 March, foreshadowing much weaker performance than 2004's 50 percent earnings leap. Vice President Jiang Jiemin
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Asia Pacific computer sales rise almost 14 percent

Asia Pacific computer sales rise almost 14 percent

Asia-Pacific computer sales excluding Japan rose 13.8 percent to 33.1 million in 2004, with a similarly strong performance expected this year, the Gartner research house said on March 09. For 2005, the US technology analyst firm said computer sales were f
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Asia Pacific computer sales rise almost 14 percent

Asia Pacific computer sales rise almost 14 percent

Asia-Pacific computer sales excluding Japan rose 13.8 percent to 33.1 million in 2004, with a similarly strong performance expected this year, the Gartner research house said on March 09. For 2005, the US technology analyst firm said computer sales were f
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Tokyo Electron aims for higher profit

Tokyo Electron aims for higher profit

Tokyo Electron Ltd, the world's No 2 chip equipment maker, said on March 10, that it expected to hit earnings forecasts for the current business year and was aiming for higher profits in the coming year on cost cuts. Tokyo Electron President Kiyoshi Sato
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Tokyo Electron aims for higher profit

Tokyo Electron aims for higher profit

Tokyo Electron Ltd, the world's No 2 chip equipment maker, said on March 10, that it expected to hit earnings forecasts for the current business year and was aiming for higher profits in the coming year on cost cuts. Tokyo Electron President Kiyoshi Sato
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
LG Card posts first quarterly profit

LG Card posts first quarterly profit

South Korea's largest credit card issuer, LG Card, said on March 10, that it had made money for the first time in more than two years in the fourth quarter to December last year. It had a 325.8 billion won (324.5 million dollars) net profit in the Septemb
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
LG Card posts first quarterly profit

LG Card posts first quarterly profit

South Korea's largest credit card issuer, LG Card, said on March 10, that it had made money for the first time in more than two years in the fourth quarter to December last year. It had a 325.8 billion won (324.5 million dollars) net profit in the Septemb
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Toyota starts first Asia-Pacific research center in Australia

Toyota starts first Asia-Pacific research center in Australia

Toyota inaugurated on March 07, a research and development center in Melbourne, Australia, the auto giant's first such Asia-Pacific facility outside of Japan, saying the region's customers were getting more finicky. The Melbourne center will begin with 70
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Mexico sees Europe, Asia interest in airlines sale

Mexico sees Europe, Asia interest in airlines sale

The financial crisis at major US airlines could force them out of the bidding for Mexico's top carriers, and European or Asian airlines could swoop in with their own offers, the executive leading the sale said. Andres Conesa, the chairman of Mexico's stat
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
EFG and OPTD push up Cairo stocks on results hopes

EFG and OPTD push up Cairo stocks on results hopes

Investment bank EFG-Hermes and Orascom Projects, Tourism and Development (OPTD) drove Egyptian stocks to new highs on Sunday amid expectations both firms will post strong results, traders said. The benchmark Hermes index ended up 555.31 points, or 1.4 per
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
US stocks face earnings and data storm

US stocks face earnings and data storm

US stock investors hope the start of the earnings season and a slew of important economic data this week can help restore some confidence to an equity market rattled by fears of higher interest rates and steep oil prices. On Friday, the blue chip Dow Jone
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Kuwaiti bourse up two percent at new record close

Kuwaiti bourse up two percent at new record close

The Kuwait Stock Exchange index rose 2 percent to a new record high on Sunday as the Arab world's second largest bourse continues a winning streak that has lifted the market more than 650 points in seven sessions. The index of nearly 130 mostly Kuwaiti co
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Tokyo stocks to stay on course; oil may dampen sentiment

Tokyo stocks to stay on course; oil may dampen sentiment

Japanese share prices are expected to keep rising on a brighter economic outlook, but fears of rising oil prices and higher US interest rates pose a downside risk, analysts said Investors continue to believe that the world's second-largest economy is gett
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Thai market looks set for volatile week

Thai market looks set for volatile week

The Thai stock market looked set for a volatile week because of uncertain overseas oil prices, but the announcement of a new cabinet late Friday was expected to offset the uncertainty, analysts said. "The index has already fallen to near the 710-point mar
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Hong Kong shares to trade in narrow range

Hong Kong shares to trade in narrow range

Hong Kong shares are likely to move sideways in cautious trade this week on prevailing concerns over higher interest rates, fund outflows and rising oil prices, dealers said. However any falls would be partly offset by expected strong earnings from compan
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
South Korean shares to continue higher

South Korean shares to continue higher

South Korea's stock market is expected to continue firmer in this week, led by Samsung Electronics and information technology shares, dealers said. They said the market would gain further as investors have greater confidence in an economic recovery after
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
New public share offers to keep Indian stocks subdued

New public share offers to keep Indian stocks subdued

India's stock market is expected to see lacklustre trading this week as investors shift their attention to the imminent launch of a host of new public share offers, brokers said. On Friday, the Bombay Stock Exchange's 30-share Sensex closed at 6,853.73, u
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
London stock market looks to Brown's budget

London stock market looks to Brown's budget

London investors would this week look to British finance chief Gordon Brown's budget for direction, as the end of the corporate results season draws closer, analysts said. The FTSE 100 index of leading London shares closed at 4,982.0 points on Friday, dow
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Taiwan shares to be impacted by anti-secession law

Taiwan shares to be impacted by anti-secession law

China's move to enact a controversial anti-secession law aimed at Taiwan and the island's subsequent reaction may dominate share prices next week, dealers said. They said the impact may not be too great since a draft of the law has already been unveiled.
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Rebound still on the cards for Malaysian stocks

Rebound still on the cards for Malaysian stocks

Malaysian share prices may see more upside after staging a recovery to close up 1.82 percent in the week to Friday, but gains are unlikely to be significant, analysts said. The market has slipped in the past three weeks and despite signs pointing to more
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Australian stocks tipped to remain steady after record run

Australian stocks tipped to remain steady after record run

Australian share prices are expected to consolidate this week after hitting record levels on the back of take-over activity in the resources sector, dealers said. After a series of record closes early in the week, the Australian market ended weaker Friday
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Sony names American as first non-Japanese head

Sony names American as first non-Japanese head

Sony said Monday its board had chosen Howard Stringer, a US citizen and former television journalist, as the iconic Japanese company's first non-Japanese chairman and chief executive. The Welsh-born Stringer, who currently heads Sony's US subsidiary, will
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Sony names American as first non-Japanese head

Sony names American as first non-Japanese head

Sony said Monday its board had chosen Howard Stringer, a US citizen and former television journalist, as the iconic Japanese company's first non-Japanese chairman and chief executive. The Welsh-born Stringer, who currently heads Sony's US subsidiary, will
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Yahoo launches small business resource centre

Yahoo launches small business resource centre

Internet media company Yahoo Inc said late Tuesday it launched its Small Business Resource Center, a new effort aimed at helping entrepreneurs run and market their online businesses while also helping big advertisers target the small business market. Avai
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Texas Instruments sees telephony driving Internet

Texas Instruments sees telephony driving Internet

Texas Instruments Inc is betting that Internet telephony will be the next major application to drive broadband connections into peoples' homes, Chief Executive Rich Templeton said on Tuesday. The world's largest maker of chips for cell phones believes the
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Cybernet upgrades e-mail services

Cybernet upgrades e-mail services

Cybernet has announced the upgrade of their existing e-mail services to World Class Sun's Java Enterprise System (JES) Software. Cyberbnet has always striven to give the best to its valued Customers commitment to provide a quality service and enhanced val
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Siemens launches first own 3G mobile phone

Siemens launches first own 3G mobile phone

The loss-making mobile phones unit of German engineering conglomerate Siemens launched its first self-made third-generation mobile phone on Wednesday, the first of two expected this year. The SXG75, with built-in GPS navigation system made by Siemens's VD
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Intel warned by Japan antitrust watchdog

Intel warned by Japan antitrust watchdog

Intel Corp received a warning from Japan's Fair Trade Commission about unfair business practices, the regulator said on Tuesday, marking the FTC's second such action against a computer industry giant following a similar move against Microsoft Corp last Ju
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Intel warned by Japan antitrust watchdog

Intel warned by Japan antitrust watchdog

Intel Corp received a warning from Japan's Fair Trade Commission about unfair business practices, the regulator said on Tuesday, marking the FTC's second such action against a computer industry giant following a similar move against Microsoft Corp last Ju
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
LG for 11 percent of handset market

LG for 11 percent of handset market

South Korea's LG Electronics said on Wednesday it would produce at least 70 million mobile phones this year and aim for an 11 percent global market share in 2005. It also said that it would raise prices on 17-inch LCD monitors by 5 percent, reversing a lo
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
LG for 11 percent of handset market

LG for 11 percent of handset market

South Korea's LG Electronics said on Wednesday it would produce at least 70 million mobile phones this year and aim for an 11 percent global market share in 2005. It also said that it would raise prices on 17-inch LCD monitors by 5 percent, reversing a lo
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Microsoft gives first key details on new Xbox

Microsoft gives first key details on new Xbox

Microsoft Corp on Wednesday gave some of the first key details on the next generation of its Xbox video game system, which will include an emphasis on high-definition content, an integrated media browser and "microtransactions" for in-game purchases. In a
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
German IT and telecoms growth seen slowing

German IT and telecoms growth seen slowing

Germany's information and telecoms sector will grow by 3.4 percent this year to 135.2 billion euros ($179.2 billion), faster than in 2004, but growth will slow next year, industry association Bitkom said. Bitkom confirmed its forecast for 2005, compared w
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
German IT and telecoms growth seen slowing

German IT and telecoms growth seen slowing

Germany's information and telecoms sector will grow by 3.4 percent this year to 135.2 billion euros ($179.2 billion), faster than in 2004, but growth will slow next year, industry association Bitkom said. Bitkom confirmed its forecast for 2005, compared w
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Wall Street bracing for bullish Intel update

Wall Street bracing for bullish Intel update

A day ahead of a scheduled update from Intel Corp, investors are gearing up for a strong forecast. The downside: shares of the world's largest chip maker, which have outperformed rivals this year, could suffer if the company is less than optimistic. "Earn
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
American Tower delays 2004 earnings release

American Tower delays 2004 earnings release

American Tower Corp, a wireless communications tower operator, said on Tuesday it was delaying the release of its 2004 earnings to complete a year-end audit of its financial statements. The company also said it expected to post a loss from continuing oper
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
American Tower delays 2004 earnings release

American Tower delays 2004 earnings release

American Tower Corp, a wireless communications tower operator, said on Tuesday it was delaying the release of its 2004 earnings to complete a year-end audit of its financial statements. The company also said it expected to post a loss from continuing oper
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
TSMC sales fall to 21-month low but rebound in sight

TSMC sales fall to 21-month low but rebound in sight

TSMC, the world's largest contract microchip maker, said February sales dropped 6.4 percent year-on-year to a 21-month low, slogging through a chip sector downturn that is expected to end in March. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) said on Wedn
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
TSMC sales fall to 21-month low but rebound in sight

TSMC sales fall to 21-month low but rebound in sight

TSMC, the world's largest contract microchip maker, said February sales dropped 6.4 percent year-on-year to a 21-month low, slogging through a chip sector downturn that is expected to end in March. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) said on Wedn
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Sony launches new slogan, sees European growth

Sony launches new slogan, sees European growth

Sony, which announced a management overhaul earlier this week, announced a new corporate marketing slogan on Wednesday and said it aimed to claw back market share in flat TVs and boost sales in Europe. The new slogan, "like.no.other", will be used from So
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Sony launches new slogan, sees European growth

Sony launches new slogan, sees European growth

Sony, which announced a management overhaul earlier this week, announced a new corporate marketing slogan on Wednesday and said it aimed to claw back market share in flat TVs and boost sales in Europe. The new slogan, "like.no.other", will be used from So
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Intel's new vision to develop technologies

Intel's new vision to develop technologies

Intel Corporation on Friday (March 4) outlined its vision to develop technologies in the future that will bring "digital intelligence" to future electronics products. The plan is to deliver technologies that will be more intuitive, intelligent and "humani
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Ascom swings to 2004 profit

Ascom swings to 2004 profit

Swiss technology firm Ascom swung to a net profit in 2004 as its restructuring drive took hold and it proposed a dividend, adding it aimed to boost sales and profitability in all its units this year. Full-year net profit came in at 47 million Swiss francs
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Ascom swings to 2004 profit

Ascom swings to 2004 profit

Swiss technology firm Ascom swung to a net profit in 2004 as its restructuring drive took hold and it proposed a dividend, adding it aimed to boost sales and profitability in all its units this year. Full-year net profit came in at 47 million Swiss francs
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Oracle may get distracted with Retek deal: analysts

Oracle may get distracted with Retek deal: analysts

Oracle Corp's acquisition of retail software maker Retek Inc could distract the software giant from integrating its recent $10.3 billion acquisition of PeopleSoft Inc, analysts said on Wednesday. Oracle has said the PeopleSoft integration was going well a
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Oracle may get distracted with Retek deal: analysts

Oracle may get distracted with Retek deal: analysts

Oracle Corp's acquisition of retail software maker Retek Inc could distract the software giant from integrating its recent $10.3 billion acquisition of PeopleSoft Inc, analysts said on Wednesday. Oracle has said the PeopleSoft integration was going well a
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
200,000 rally in Lebanon against UN resolution on Syria

200,000 rally in Lebanon against UN resolution on Syria

Tens of thousands of Lebanese rallied on Sunday to denounce a UN resolution demanding a Syrian military pullout as the government asserted its right to have a say in when the troops leave Lebanon. The pro-Syrian gathering in the southern city of Nabatiyeh
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Israel ready to strike Iranian nuclear plant: Sunday Times

Israel ready to strike Iranian nuclear plant: Sunday Times

Israel has drawn up plans for a combined air and ground attack on Iranian nuclear installations should diplomatic efforts fail to halt Tehran's nuclear programme, a report in the Sunday Times said. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's inner cabinet gave
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Fromer soldier who deserted Hitler takes peace message to Maoist rebels

Fromer soldier who deserted Hitler takes peace message to Maoist rebels

A 94-year-old ex-German soldier who deserted Hitler's army during World War II is to trek through the Nepalese Himalayas carrying a message of peace for Maoist rebels and hoping to shake hands with a Yeti. "I am a peace lover campaigning for peace and non
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Saudi security forces kill suspected militant

Saudi security forces kill suspected militant

Saudi security forces clashed Sunday with suspected militants in Jeddah, killing one and capturing three others, five days after the US warned of an increased threat of attack to its residents in the Red Sea city. Security forces were raiding a residentia
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
US 'hallucinating' over nuclear talks, says Iran

US 'hallucinating' over nuclear talks, says Iran

Washington is "hallucinating" if it thinks Iran will scrap its nuclear fuel production plans in return for economic incentives, a senior Iranian official was quoted as saying on Sunday. The United States offered the encouragement's in support of the Europ
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Talks on Iraq government fail before parliament

Talks on Iraq government fail before parliament

Iraq's leading parties said on Sunday they had failed to reach a deal to form a new government before the first meeting of parliament, crushing hopes a much-needed cabinet would start to tackle relentless violence. Iraqi Deputy President Rowsch Shways sai
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Annan visits Middle East as Israel acts against settlements

Annan visits Middle East as Israel acts against settlements

UN chief Kofi Annan was due in Israel on late Sunday, leading off a new round of high-level international efforts to revive the Middle East peace process. His visit comes as the Israeli government decided to dismantle 24 settlement outposts that have spru
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Military drill could result in 'actual war': North Korea

Military drill could result in 'actual war': North Korea

North Korea warned on Sunday that annual US-South Korean military exercises due to start this week and designed to deter any military threat from the Stalinist country could turn into "an actual war". The North's cabinet newspaper, Minju Joson, said the w
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Two US Marines wounded in Afghan ambush

Two US Marines wounded in Afghan ambush

Two US Marines were wounded when their patrol was ambushed by Taleban guerrillas in eastern Afghanistan, the US military said on Sunday. They came under fire early Saturday evening on a routine mission north of the city of Jalalabad. Remnants of the Taleb
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
19 dead as bus falls into gorge in India

19 dead as bus falls into gorge in India

At least 19 people were killed and 15 injured on Sunday when a bus skidded off a mountain road into a deep gorge in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal, police said. The accident took place 12 km (8 miles) from the tourist town of Mussoorie, Senior Supe
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Fliers up in arms over wide-body passengers

Fliers up in arms over wide-body passengers

Yara Zubalskyj had a bum foot when she took her seat next to an obese man on a recent Lufthansa flight from Washington. But in Frankfort, six hours later, other things hurt, too. "He tried to keep in his seat, said Zubalskyj, 58. "But he kept dozing and w
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Bait-ul-Maal will extend financial aid to trained women

Bait-ul-Maal will extend financial aid to trained women

The Managing Director Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal Brigadier Muhammad Sarfraz (Retd) has said that foolproof have been made for extending financial assistance to the deserving persons especially people living blow poverty line in the country. In an interview wit
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
Industrial zone for tanneries to be developed

Industrial zone for tanneries to be developed

An Industrial Zone for Tanneries would be developed soon in Sialkot and for this purpose necessary arrangements were being finalised. The proposed industrial zone for tanneries would be developed on 300 acres of land while a water treatment plant would al
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
The potential and growth of Islamic finance

The potential and growth of Islamic finance

Over the past three decades or so the Islamic banking and finance industry has emerged from nothing to an industry with assets of hundreds of billions of dollars under its management. Today some more than 250 Islamic banks and financial institutions are o
Published 14 Mar, 2005 12:00am
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