Apr 20 2010, no 151
20.04.2010, 22:33
Highlights from this issue:
TOP STORIES
- Dutch-Swedish chemical group AkzoNobel invested EUR 144m in 2009 in China and is now both expanding in Taixing and constructing a EUR 275m production site in Ningbo. The governmental infrastructure investments will keep the Chinese market going, no matter what demand expects elsewhere, the firm maintains. (Page 3)
- Pulled by China's aggressive stimulus, the world's third largest economy has walked out of woods, with GDP surges at three-year high of 11.9% in Q1. But the speedy growth is unbalanced, with economy quickly sailing to a turbulent passage and inflation looming large on horizon, calling on policymakers in Beijing to harness it. (Page 14)
- China reports its first trade deficit in nearly six years, as the RMB, now pegged to USD and believed to be seriously undervalued, has not stopped the Chinese from increasing import significantly. Yet, the deficit and the soaring import have not relieved pressure from the USA to revalute the yuan. (Page 15)
MANUFACTURING
- Sweden's HGL expands on outsopurcing return, more orders to its China plant
- AkzoNobel invests big money to expand in China, USD 144m poured in China in 2009
- Danish pharmaceutical firm Dako sets up sales office in China
- Swedish Proove starts up new lab in China, teaming up with Ningbo college
- Ningbo Industrial Park initiates business and incubator centre for start-ups, invites Chinese tech firms
FINANCE
- Big Chinese banks have big year in 2009, another good one ahead
FOOD & AGRICULTURE
- AB InBev sets up new brewery in Sichuan, its first in West China to rival Carlsberg
- HK's Vitasoy taps into mainland with a third plant
PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION
- China carefully squeezes housing bubble by harsh measures, more to come
- Office market warms up in spring in Beijing, but with doubts of a new bubble?
RETAIL & SERVICE
- Norwegian Pia Design promotes kid's cartoon character Ploddy the Police Car in China
- China's home electronics chain Gome to resume expansion after hiccup in 2009
- Foreign chain retailers outshine domestic players in TOP 100 list
IT & MEDIA
- Ericsson gets big deals in China in early 2010, but can run out of steam later in the year
- Microsoft opens RMB 700m tech campus in Shanghai, adds to big R&D centre in Beijing
- Denmark's Milcom opens office in Hong Kong, targeting mobile market in East Asia
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS
- Geely has taken over Volvo for SEK 13bn, corporate HQ to stay in Gothenburg
- US TRW sets up RMB 150m JV in China for auto safety products, vying Swedish Autoliv
- Auto sales refresh record again in March, but inventories rise, pointing to price wars ahead
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
- Vestas wins four big orders from China for wind turbines in four months
- China's power use remains strong in March, generators urge price hike
ECONOMY & POLITICS
- China's GDP soars 11.9% in Q1, triggers overheating concerns
- China posts 1st trade deficit in 70 months
- Despite deficit, RMB is under rising attacks, may go up as early as in Q2
- FDI into China on the rise, Beijing issues new policy to lure foreign investors
- Denmark closes Hong Kong Consulate General, decision questioned by chamber of commerce
KEY FIGURES
- GDP, industrial output, inflation, consumer price index, current account, currency, foreign trade & investment, regional data, retail trade, money supply, net lending, auto sales and key economic data forecast 2010-2011.