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Asia Pacific

Thailand: Movie salute irks regime

A cinema chain in Thailand has chosen to cancel showing the latest film in The Hunger Games franchise. The decision follows the adoption by protesters against May’s military coup of the three-finger salute used in the movie.
Foreign companies leery of Bangladesh's gas fields

Foreign companies leery of Bangladesh's gas fields

Bangladesh has won undisputed ownership of what may be Asia-Pacific’s largest reserves of natural gas, but it is having a tough time persuading anyone to develop the fields.

China/South Korea: Free trade set for 2015

China’s Ministry of Commerce says it expects to complete negotiations for a free trade agreement with South Korea by the end of this year and that the treaty will take effect by the end of 2015.

South Korea: Rough waters for retailer

Swedish furniture and appliance giant Ikea will open its first outlet in South Korea next month, but the company is already in hot water.

Indonesia: Government boosts royalties

Indonesia’s government plans to make the intellectual property rights sector a larger contributor to the country’s economy over the next five years.

Malaysia: Report raises debt alarm

Malaysians want all the trappings of middle-class lifestyles, such as televisions, refrigerators and cars.

Pakistan: Government casts pall over solar

At a time when many governments are encouraging the use of clean and renewable energy, Pakistan has imposed a 32.5% tax on imported solar panels.
South Korea aims to become a major free trade hub

South Korea aims to become a major free trade hub

B.C. tech firms are among companies that stand to gain as country bolsters trade ties with Canada and the rest of the world
For western investors, the bloom is off China's economy

For western investors, the bloom is off China's economy

The “golden age” is over for foreign businesses operating in China, according to surveys of the country’s main trading partners.

India: Artifacts reported stolen

India’s Supreme Court is considering ordering a national probe after hearing evidence of massive theft and sale of valuable artifacts of historic significance from museums all over the country.