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<title><![CDATA[MyStockVoice - Complete post list]]></title>
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<title><![CDATA[Chinese Economy, warning signals ? (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[While the Chinese economy expanded 8.9% in Q3,&nbsp;propped up by easy credit&nbsp;&amp; continued&nbsp;government spending programmes, Europe, US &amp; Japan continue to flounder. The world's 3rd largest economy has recorded 7.7% overall growth in the first 9 months of 2009, with officials saying they are confident that the much talked about annual growth target of 8% will be acheived.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/436/chinese_economy_warning_signals_gbriceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:38:54 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordanian education under pressure  (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Jordan is implementing a number of reforms to maintain the high standard of its education network in the face of increasing student numbers, competing calls for state funding and needed modernisation.&nbsp;The kingdom's education system has scored well in a series of international assessments, with the World Bank rating Jordan, along with Kuwait, as the leading education reformer in the Middle East and Northern African (MENA) region in 2008. UNESCO also ranked the country 18th out of 94 nations for providing gender equality in education.&nbsp;Education has long been one of the top priorities for the Jordanian government, which dedicates around 13% of the state budget to the sector every year, with spending on public and private education accounting for 6.4% of GDP.&nbsp;This focus on education extends to the tertiary system, where around 30% of all students are taking courses in education, the highest single study stream, eclipsing other courses. Given the growing numbers of students entering the system, with some 150,000 commencing their first year of school annually, the demand for teachers is increasing, offering those studying education at university a solid career path.&nbsp;This year alone, the Ministry of Education appointed 4000 new teachers to meet the needs of the school system, taking the number of teachers and administrative staff in Jordan's state schools to 90,000.&nbsp;Though the ministry has been increasing staff numbers, and improving infrastructure through a nationwide programme of building new schools and upgrading existing facilities, the downturn in the economy has had a flow-on effect on the country's education system.&nbsp;While the Jordanian economy is expected to continue its expansion this year, with both the government and the IMF predicting GDP will grow by around 3%, this is well down on the 6% rise in 2008. This slowing of the economy has seen many families becoming more cautious, with an increasing number withdrawing their children from private schools and enrolling them in public ones.&nbsp;There are some 1.6m students currently in the Jordanian education system, three-quarters of who are enrolled in the state's 3300 schools, with the remaining 400,000 attending one of the 2400 private institutions across the country. However, according to reports in the local media, almost 11,000 students formerly attending private schools have transferred into the state system this year due to what was described as "economic considerations". This comes on top to the 31,000 students who moved to public schools in the 2008/09 academic year.&nbsp;According to Fayez Suidy, the director of the ministry's Private Education Department, economic pressures are the underlying cause of students leaving the private segment.&nbsp;"Each year, parents decide to move their students from public to private schools and vice versa, but financial matters remain the main reason behind the transfers," Suidy said in an interview with the&nbsp;Jordan Times in late August.&nbsp;This flow of students back to state schools will increase the demands being put on the public education system, in terms of staff, materials and infrastructure requirements.&nbsp;Adding to the strain placed on the education system is the large numbers of young Iraqis, children of families who fled their own country, who are now attending schools in the kingdom. In 2007, the Jordanian government approved a proposal to allow Iraqi children living in the country to attend state schools for free, with 24,000 enrolling in the 2007/08 academic year, and 26,000 in 2008/09.&nbsp;While this is only a fraction of the students attending state schools, representing around 2%, the figure is rising and there is little sign that these students and their families will be returning home any time soon.&nbsp;Furthermore, according to a recent report by the Private School Owners Association, Iraqi children make up 10% of students attending non-state schools, though this figure is expected to fall due to rising costs, with at least some expected to transfer to the public system.&nbsp;These pressures could cause the educational budget to be spread somewhat thinly in the coming years, as the growing numbers of students may force the authorities to spend more to provide basic facilities and materials rather than new schools and improved technology.&nbsp;With the government having to balance the many demands on its limited funds, the country's education system should remain adequately resourced to maintain present service, but without a major increase in its budget may find it hard to step up a class.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/435/jordanian_education_under_pressure_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:23:48 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Tightening liquidity heralds stock exchange slow down in Nigeria (Africa/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[2009 is shaping up as a transitional one for Nigerian capital markets, with investors still cautiously trading as the effects of slower economic growth and restructuring in the dominant banking sector play out.&nbsp;In September, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) clocked up a turnover of 9.05bn shares, with a total value of N66.01bn ($434.2m), with 123,106 deals completed, according to the bourse's monthly report. This represented an 8.7% decline in trading volume from the previous month, and a 4.0% fall in value, following respective drops of 0.1% and 5.03% in August.&nbsp;The overall picture for the first three quarters of 2009 is sharply down on the same period of last year, with volumes falling to 75.3bn shares traded, 45.6% lower than 169.63bn units in January-September 2009, and value dropping to N508.7bn ($3.3bn), down 74.5% on N2.23trn ($14.6bn).&nbsp;The Nigerian Stock Exchange All-Share Index (NSE ASI) fell 944.10 points, or 4.1%, through September to 23,009.10. The index has fallen 29.84% from 31,450.78 at the close of 2008.&nbsp;Meanwhile, market capitalisation totalled N7.81trn ($51.8bn) at the end of September, dropping 1.43% on the month and down 18.3% from N9.56trn ($63.6bn) at the end of last year, though comfortably above the 2008 nadir of N6.21trn ($41bn).&nbsp;There are several reasons for the NSE's sluggish performance, most of which fundamentally stem from the impact that the global economic crisis has had on Nigeria. The IMF has forecast that the country's growth will be trimmed to 2.9% this year, from 6.0% in 2008 and 7.0% in 2007, while declining oil revenues have slowed the flow of cash into the economy and government coffers. Furthermore, the tightening of credit worldwide has seen capital flows to shrink, while investors have retreated, particularly in some emerging markets.&nbsp;There are also domestic issues that have affected the NSE's performance, which, like many of the world's markets, has yet to show strong signs of recovery. Part of the slow turnabout may be due to a partial correction that has lingered in the markets, following meteoric 74.73% growth in market capitalisation in 2007.&nbsp;The country's banking sector, which has been notoriously vulnerable to crisis, has also hampered growth. Banks dominate the NSE, accounting for 71.3% of transactions by value in September; four of the five biggest companies on the bourse are banks, alone accounting for nearly 17% of market capitalisation. The IMF praised Nigeria's banking sector in June, saying that "Financial stability has been sustained in the face of severe pressures related to global and domestic developments. This success reflects the well-capitalised banking system and crisis-related actions of the central bank."&nbsp;Nonetheless, Nigeria's banks have been far from immune. The NSE has reflected the impact of the tightening in liquidity and the drying up of interbank lending on banks. The results of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stress tests over the summer, which five banks failed due to large non-performing loan portfolios, prompted a $2.5bn bailout, the resignation of senior management and a suspension of trading for the banks involved.&nbsp;With analysts now expecting another wave of consolidation, with 23 banks potentially being reduced to 15, investors may continue to hold back until the dust has settled and potentially expensive mergers and acquisitions have gone through.&nbsp;Ongoing concerns about regulation and irregularities may also be holding the exchange back from full-blooded recovery. On October 19, it emerged that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was mounting an investigation into price manipulations by certain unspecified "market operators" unbeknownst to the NSE and brokers. The SEC is due to call those accused for questioning on November 9, the organisation said in a statement, adding that it "would impose appropriate sanctions on erring operators found to have engaged in acts that have brought disrepute and erosion of investors' confidence to the capital market". Those accused of committing criminal acts will be reported to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission.&nbsp;While the equity market has had a difficult year, investors have sought to move into the growing government bond sector, seen as a safe haven in uncertain times. Demand for government debt has soared through 2009. In the first nine months of the year, Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bond turnover totalled 13.31bn units worth N14.02trn ($93.2bn), more than doubling from 6.81m units and N6.82trn ($44.8) in the same period of 2008. Total bond turnover reached N1.9trn ($12.5bn) in September alone.The bond market's dynamism has increased pressure for the relaunch of a corporate bond market, which Nigeria has not had for two decades. With demand on the NSE still relatively low, bond issues would be an excellent way for companies to raise capital. Some reform of legislation would be necessary, though changes are already in the pipeline, including easing asset-allocation rules for pension funds, which would give them more scope to invest in highly rated bonds.&nbsp;Given its past vulnerability to capital flight and financial sector instability, Nigeria's capital markets have rebounded better than expected in the wake of the global crisis. Local press has reported increased bullishness in October, which could indicate rising positivity in the domestic and global economy. NSE officials have also noted the opportunities for value-buyers, and, with long-term growth prospects excellent, many companies' shares are likely to appeal as recovery stocks at present. As the efforts of the well-respected CBN reinforce banking sector progress, confidence should return to the market, at least towards those institutions with a clean bill of health. Meanwhile, the bond market goes from strength to strength, but the process of reform, and the drive to cut out malpractice, is still far from over.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/434/tightening_liquidity_heralds_stock_exchange_slow_down_in_nigeria_africaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:53:10 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[HP launches ProCurveOne in Latin America (Latin America/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Hewlett-Packard has announced that it will be expanding  it's&nbsp;sales operations for networking division ProCurve from Mexico into the rest of Latin America of its networking division, ProCurve, beyond Mexico. ProCurve products &amp; services will now be available in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela&nbsp;&amp; Costa Rica.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/433/hp_launches_procurveone_in_latin_america_latin_americatechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:37:36 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China, Russia make moves on Mongolian uranium deposits (EM Asia/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Since the opening up in the mid-1990s, uranium exploration in Mongolia by international companies has not been&nbsp; subject to any clear national policy or close regulation. In the last few years, however, the Government has sought to exercise more control over the whole mining sector and earlier this year it set up MonAtom to undertake uranium exploration and mining on behalf of the state, as well as to pursue nuclear energy proposals. It will hold the state's equity in uranium and nuclear ventures, under the Mongolian Nuclear Energy Agency.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/432/china_russia_make_moves_on_mongolian_uranium_deposits_em_asiaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:39:51 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Chevron hits new deposit in Greater Gorgon (Asia Pacific/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Chevron Corporation has announced an additional natural gas discovery in the Greater Gorgon area&rsquo;s&nbsp;Carnarvon Basin, Australia&rsquo;s premier offshore hydrocarbon zone.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/431/chevron_hits_new_deposit_in_greater_gorgon_asia_pacificenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:08:51 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Baidu seals mobile search with China Unicom (BRIC/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Baidu, Inc., the leading Chinese language Internet search provider, today announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited to provide wireless search for China Unicom's 3G mobile subscribers.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/430/baidu_seals_mobile_search_with_china_unicom_brictechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:45:34 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Heritage to acquire Genel to maximise Kurdish oil development (ADR/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Heritage Oil Plc, an independent upstream exploration and production company, provides the market with information in relation to the Taq Taq oil field in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq ("Kurdistan") and an update on the proposed acquisition of Genel Energy International Ltd ("Genel"). Further to its announcement on 5 October 2009, Heritage issues this announcement in part to comply with its obligations under the FSA Disclosure and Transparency Rules in relation to the Taq Taq licence in which Genel has an interest.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/429/heritage_to_acquire_genel_to_maximise_kurdish_oil_development_adrbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:26:15 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Supply & demand the key to Chalco success (ADR/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A number of new reports coming out of China &amp;&nbsp;other  industry &amp; economic factors&nbsp;point to the Aluminum Corporation of China  Limited (CHALCO) entering into a new growth phase, which has me looking at the  ADR from a fairly bullish stance.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/427/supply_demand_the_key_to_chalco_success_adrindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:12:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Argentex begins gold & silver exploration on Pinguino, Argentina prospect (Latin America/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Argentex Mining Corporation is pleased to announce that its 2009-2010 exploration and engineering program has commenced in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. This multi-property program is scheduled to include drill testing, trenching and a combination of geochemistry, airborne and ground geophysics. Drilling at Pinguino is expected to total 15,000 meters (49,212 feet), with the initial phase designed to test and expand near-surface oxidized silver and gold mineralization. In addition, metallurgical samples are being collected from oxide phases of three different vein types and the preliminary economic assessment (scoping study) of Pinguino has commenced.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/426/argentex_begins_gold_silver_exploration_on_pinguino_argentina_prospect_latin_americacommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:37:10 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[India's Industrial Output Surges In August (EM Asia/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[While many developed economies are still struggling to find growth, some emerging economies are once more starting to fire up for real. Like India, where industrial production rose the most in 22 months in August, suggesting the central bank may have now have more scope to begin the exit process from emergency stimulus measures. Output at factories, utilities and mines was up 10.4 percent from a year earlier after gaining a revised 7.2 percent in July.&nbsp;And the impovement in industrial production probably continued into September, since the HSBC Purchasing Managers Index increased for a sixth straight month. The index rose to 55 last month from 53.2 in August. India&rsquo;s benchmark stock index has now more than doubled from the three-year low hit in March, capital inflows have rebounded and consumer demand has steadily recovered for consumer durables like cars, air conditioners, refrigerators as well as for homes. The rise in output is good news for the Reserve Bank of India who can now turn their attentions more towards addressing the growing inflation problem. India&rsquo;s wholesale prices rose for a fourth week at the end of September with the benchmark wholesale-price index climbing 0.7 percent (in the week to Sept. 26) from a year earlier, after rising 0.83 percent in the week to 19 September. Fears are also mounting that price gains will accelerate as the weakest monsoon rains since 1972 begins to create food shortages.&nbsp;But the biigest problem is with consumer inflation. Prices for farm workers were up 12.89 percent in August from a year earlier. those for rural workers were up 12.67 percent and consumer prices paid by industrial workers climbed 11.72 percent.&nbsp;The central bank cut interest rates six times between October 2008 and April this year, while the government reduced taxes on consumer products and imports, providing a combined stimulus worth more than 12 percent of India&rsquo;s gross domestic product.&nbsp;At its last meeting on July 28, the Reserve Bank held its reverse repurchase rate at 3.25 percent and maintained the repurchase rate at 4.75 percent. The cash reserve ratio was kept unchanged at 5.0 percent.&nbsp;The consensus seems to be that the first rate hike will come in January but the possibility of a first move at the October 27 monetary policy meeting looks to be a much closer call than it seemed to be a month ago.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/425/indias_industrial_output_surges_in_august_em_asiaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:51:09 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China launches a new "Scramble for Africa" as it attempts to secure natural resources (BRIC/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Chinese interest in acquiring "strategic assets" continues unabated, with recent acquisitions &amp; investments in a number of companies in Australia &amp; South America.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/424/china_launches_a_new_scramble_for_africa_as_it_attempts_to_secure_natural_resources_bricenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:44:13 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[TNK-BP Endorses $1 Billion Yamal Investment (BRIC/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[TNK-BP today announced important investment decisions made at the meeting of the Board of Directors of TNK-BP Limited, the ultimate holding company of the TNK-BP group of companies. The meeting was chaired by Mikhail Fridman, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of TNK-BP.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/423/tnkbp_endorses_1_billion_yamal_investment_bricenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:02:42 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Malaysia's Petronas teams with Gazprom on Dragon LNG project in UK (EM Asia/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Petgas Trading, a UK subsidiary of Malaysian oil and gas multinational Petronas have jointly announced a number of collaborative ventures with Gazprom Marketing &amp; Trading Limited, a UK subsidiary of the Russian gas giant OAO Gazprom.&nbsp;The collaboration initially focused on opportunities related to the recently commissioned Dragon LNG terminal in Milford Haven, South Wales in which Petgas Trading (UK) Limited has a 50% share of the terminal's LNG re-gasification capacity. The terminal is able to supply 6 billion cubic metres of LNG importation annually, enough to cater to approximately 5% of the UK's gas consumption.The venture is strengthened by Petronas' more than 20 years of experience and leadership in various aspects of the LNG business value chain and Gazprom Marketing &amp; Trading Limited's strong position as a leading gas trader in the UK and northwest European gas markets.&nbsp;In addition, both companies' affiliate trading entities are well positioned to deliver LNG cargoes into the terminal, which will enhance the terminal's utilisation and facilitates greater diversity and security of supply to the UK market as a whole.&nbsp;Thus far, Gazprom's affiliate Gazprom Global LNG has supplied two cargoes into the Dragon LNG terminal, including a commissioning cargo in August and Dragon LNG's first commercial LNG delivery in early September. Additional LNG cargoes are now planned through this coming winter and into 2010.&nbsp;The companies have expanded the initial area of collaboration to include other gas marketing and trading activities, and discussions are on-going to deepen and extend the scope of the two companies' relationship which may include ventures beyond the UK gas market.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/422/malaysias_petronas_teams_with_gazprom_on_dragon_lng_project_in_uk_em_asiaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:28:55 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Vodafone launches innovative VoIP service in Netherlands (Africa/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Vodafone Netherlands has introduced a new service add-on that allows mobile VoIP services, called Internet Totaal Blox. The Internet Totaal Blox is an enhanced verison of the standard data add-on, Internet Blox for &euro; 9.95 per month, which excludes use of VoIP services. Mobile VoIP and in particular calling over a 3G data connection is a hot topic in the mobile industry. A cheap voice tariff plan and an internet plan for less than EUR 10 could offer a much cheaper way of calling for consumers. But for the operators, they lose the voice traffic, and the chance of customers calling outside their monthly plan becomes smaller. It becomes especially a problem if the consumer agrees with his closest contacts to only use mobile VoIP calls. Then the operators lose out on the termination access fees as well. These are just a few of the reasons why the operators are not rushing to allow mobile VoIP. For Vodafone another issue is that it's cheapest internet plan offers much higher download and upload speeds than at rival operators. This was a small but fundamental mistake when mobile internet services started. In contrast, T-Mobile chose to differentiate its mobile data plans by the amount of MB included, rather than the speed. As a result of the difference, Vodafone's cheapest mobile internet plan is more suitable for mobile VoIP than data plans at KPN and T-Mobile. With the differentiated pricing for Internet Totaal Blox, Vodafone's making a first attempt at rebalancing, allowing its revenues to shift from voice to data. Customers who provide minimal revenues - a voice plan at EUR 22.50 or lower - have to pay more for mobile internet than customers with a more expensive contract plan. A customer with a monthly voice plan at EUR 27.50 and the Internet Totaal Blox at &euro;14.50 pays in total &euro;42.00 per month. With the differentiated pricing, Vodafone (NYSE:VOD) ensures that every customer who wants to use mobile VoIP generates a minimum ARPU of &euro;40 or more. Currently around 13% of all Vodafone postpaid customers in the Netherlands have a mobile internet subscription, according to Telecompaper's Consumer Panel. So there's plenty of room still to grow, although for a large number of consumers &euro;40 a month is still too much, especially given the current economic conditions. For early adopters though, there is now finally an option to use the over-the-top voice applications. Vodafone's chosen pricing means it no longer has to be so afraid of these applications becoming a huge success.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/421/vodafone_launches_innovative_voip_service_in_netherlands_africatechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:19:37 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon  - focus on education (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[According to many key indicators, Lebanon's education system receives excellent marks, ranking among the best in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The country has some of the highest retention rates throughout primary and secondary levels, some of the region's best student-to-teacher ratios, and university enrolment levels far above the MENA average, World Bank figures show.&nbsp;However, increasingly it is the private sector that can claim responsibility for this success, with standards of state schools apparently slipping, despite most of the 10% of budgetary expenditure being directed to the public component of the system.&nbsp;Lebanon is failing to gain full value from its schools, with a lack of faith in state-provided learning and little cooperation between the public and private sectors combining to weaken the system.&nbsp;The latest national human development report issued by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) cited a number of problems with Lebanon's education system, in particular the public segment. These included high dropout rates of 10.7% at basic education levels and repetition rates of between 20% and 24% in public schools.&nbsp;The report, titled "Towards a Citizen's State" and released at the end of June, said there were significant disparities when it came to comparing state and private education in Lebanon, reflecting problems of equity and efficiency. Importantly, the report said that many poor students dropped out of school because they believed that they would occupy the same level of jobs irrespective of their educational achievements.&nbsp;"This is not to say that all private schools are superior to public ones, as there are differences in the quality of education provided by private institutions as well," the report said. "However, overall as a sector, it seems to be functioning more efficiently."&nbsp;The apparent loss of faith in the public education system has seen a further shift to private schools, always popular in Lebanon due to the multicultural nature of society and the right of religious-based learning enshrined in law.&nbsp;Though there was a slight shift back to public education in the years following 1990, a reflection of a strengthened state, this trend was soon reversed. Having peaked at 34.5% of enrolments at the primary school level in 2000, the most recent World Bank studies show that student numbers at Lebanon's state schools have now slipped to 32.4% of total enrolments.&nbsp;By contrast, some 67% of primary students in Jordan, 95% in neighbouring Syria and around 90% in more affluent Saudi Arabia attend state schools.&nbsp;While state secondary school enrolment rates in the country are closer to those of the private sector, accounting for around 46% of the total as of 2007, roughly the same as seven years before, it still means that well under half of all Lebanese school students benefit from the massive outlays by the state. The gap between public and private is far wider at the tertiary level, with just one of the Lebanon's 41 higher education facilities being a public institution.&nbsp;Though public and private education at the primary and secondary levels is supposed to be carried out under a standardised curriculum, there are widespread deviations from the regime issued by the Education Ministry. Added to this has been the inability of various factions to agree to universal textbooks on some subjects, such as history.&nbsp;According to the economist Charbel Nahas, the Lebanese government has failed to delineate a strategic vision for education. In a paper dealing with the issue of financing higher learning in Lebanon, published in April, Nahas said the country's education system was theoretically structured around a dualist system, under which both the private and public sectors were supposed to work hand in hand to bridge the gaps in the overall education of the country.&nbsp;However, this was far from the case, with no real partnership having been established between these two systems to put in place institutional bridges and allow cooperation to take place, he said.&nbsp;"Consequently, the most accurate description of 'adjacent sectors' is more exact than a 'dual system', since the two sectors function independently from one another, with minimum bridges and coordination," Nahas wrote.&nbsp;Given that private education is the preferred choice of the majority of families in Lebanon, if the government wants to make the dual system work, the provision of services in the public sector needs to be enhanced. ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/419/lebanon_focus_on_education_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:11:37 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Getting IT right in Dubai (Middle East/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Having been an early convert to the cause of information and communications technology (ICT), both as a tool of the economy and a sector in its own right, Dubai is looking to maintain its edge over regional rivals&nbsp;The emirate has long recognised the importance of integrating IT into the economy, having invested heavily in infrastructure to ensure that there is a strong communications backbone. This is evidenced by the government's policy of providing as many of its services as possible via ICT channels, with at least 90% of these to be available online by the end of next year.&nbsp;The second part of Dubai's ICT policy has been to promote investment in the sector, either through encouraging overseas companies to base themselves in the emirate or by putting in place the means for local firms to grow and start-ups to take root.&nbsp;The sharp end of this push is the Dubai Internet City (DIC), established in 2000 as an ICT hub, allowing both foreign and local companies to operate in a free trade zone environment.&nbsp;The DIC can point to some notable successes, with international ICT players such as Microsoft, Cisco Systems, IBM, Dell, Siemens, and Sun Microsystems currently working out of the cluster.&nbsp;According to Malek Sultan Al Malek, the executive director of DIC, so far 2009 has been a real test of strength for business models in the technology industry, though the sector has remained resilient.&nbsp;"The Middle East has set an example for growth momentum in the technology sector as reflected by the interest shown by global brands in regional companies," he said on September 24 when announcing the DIC would be the strategic sponsor for the GITEX 2009, the Gulf's largest IT trade fair.&nbsp;However, that growth momentum has left a number of firms along the wayside, with a few companies based within the DIC closing their doors.&nbsp;While there may have been closures, the DIC seems to have shrugged off the global downturn, with some 1400 companies now operating out of the hub.&nbsp;While Dubai was at the forefront of adopting IT, the emirate's lead in the field has been whittled back as some of its neighbours have also established ICT clusters of their own, seeking to both attract foreign firms and foster domestic start ups.&nbsp;Meanwhile, it is telling that a recent report on study options at higher education institutions across the UAE found that 19% of all courses focused on IT and computer engineering, second only to the 25% devoted to business administration.&nbsp;Though critical of the fact that there was a dearth of humanities courses on offer, the study by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, released at the end of August, underscored both the importance in which ICT was held and the apparent belief that it offered a strong career path.&nbsp;Rather than debate the perceived imbalance between various courses on the curriculum, Al Malek believes ICT is a central cog of the economy and therefore of education.&nbsp;"Dubai has developed the fastest in the region, being the first to create a diverse knowledge-based economy. Technology is the core from which other industries can grow, and I have confidence that working with the education and IT sectors will make technology the most powerful and positive force in people's lives today," he told a conference in late June.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/418/getting_it_right_in_dubai_middle_easttechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:06:43 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi outperforming other Emirates (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi can afford to look forward to a promising year, given evidence indicates an incraesingly robust economy, despite mixed results across the Emirates as a whole.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/417/abu_dhabi_outperforming_other_emirates_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:01:59 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Nigeria to restructure how it deals with International Oil Companies (Africa/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Wide-sweeping changes to Nigeria's energy sector are under review as the federal government considers concerns from international oil companies over a reform bill meant to modernise the sector and improve transparency.&nbsp;The Petroleum Industry Bill, backed by President Umaru Yar'Adua, will restructure the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as a profit-driven company to include three regulatory bodies: the National Petroleum Assets Management Agency to regulate upstream commercial activity; the Petroleum Products Regulatory Agency to regulate downstream; and the Department of Petroleum Resources to oversee all technical aspects. The new legislation is being touted as a means to increase efficiency in a sector burdened with cumbersome laws for operators. In addition, it seeks to redistribute oil fields owned by foreign oil companies that are not being used, raise taxes and royalties, and increase employment of Nigerians in the sector.&nbsp;"The goal is to ensure a fair share to Nigeria, comparable to other important oil-exporting countries," the minister of petroleum resources, Rilwanu Lukman, told international press in July. He added at an Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting that he hoped the bill would "enhance the confidence of potential investors" by raising the sector to international standards of transparency and fair competition.&nbsp;However, opponents say that the bill, which has been a decade in the making, needs more input from stakeholders, with some multinationals threatening to curtail investments if the legislation is not reconfigured. "The aggregate impact of multiple taxes, high royalties and loss of incentives under the Petroleum Industry Bill as currently proposed will have a significant negative impact," the head of Shell in Nigeria, Basil Omiyi, told the Nigerian senate at a public hearing in July. Chevron also expressed concern that its deep-water offshore fields would not be viable under the new law, while Exxon threatened to pull the plug on a $60bn investment plan if the proposed amendments were implemented.&nbsp;Following the outcry, the government agreed to review some of the specific clauses within the bill. "There may be some modifications here and there to take into account what we have heard at the public hearing especially, but the fundamental objectives of the bill remain the same," Lukman told OPEC.&nbsp;The long-heralded legislation would be the largest reform in the Nigerian petroleum industry's 50 years of existence. Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa's second-largest economy, receives up to 85% of its revenue from the oil and gas sector. As of August, over $600bn in revenue has been generated since oil was discovered in the Niger Delta in the 1960s. Yet, according to the government, it receives proportionally less money than other energy exporting countries due to an outdated fiscal regime containing unfair terms for Nigeria.&nbsp;In recent years, oil production has been volatile due to funding problems at NNPC and Niger Delta militants targeting oil production facilities. A new rash of militant attacks broke out at the beginning of this summer, disrupting world oil supplies. Shell, the largest operator in the Niger Delta, stated on June 30 that it was producing at half-capacity due to the attacks. Crude oil production dropped to about 1.3m barrels per day in July and August according to industry sources (the federal government estimated it at 1.6m), causing new OPEC member Angola to surpass Nigeria as Africa's top oil producer. At the end of August, Lukman indicated that output had rebounded to 1.7m barrels per day, closing in on its 1.94m-barrel daily average in 2008.&nbsp;The financial crisis has added another layer of difficulty for the Nigerian petroleum industry. Export revenue plummeted at the start of the year as worldwide crude oil prices fell to $33 a barrel, from a July 2008 high of $147. While they have since rebounded to around $70, the World Bank is urging Nigeria to wean its economy off an oil dependency. "The crisis is an opportunity to diversify and re-position the economy for steadier long-run growth," commented World Bank managing director Ngozi Okonjo Iweala in March. Foreign direct investment, the bulk of which goes to the energy sector, is expected to drop this year to $6bn from $8.2bn in 2008 on the back of the crisis.&nbsp;The sector is also facing a patch of uncertainty following the recent disclosure that one of China's national oil companies, the China National Offshore Oil Company, had submitted a proposal to buy stakes in 23 premium production blocs, many of which are partially or wholly-controlled by American and European oil majors. The total number of reserves it is seeking is an estimated 6bn barrels, larger than all of its current African blocs combined. However, while licences for 16 of the sought-after blocs are due to expire, the remaining blocs are still under contract, which makes the allocation of additional stakes difficult. Some of the current stakeholders have explored options to fend off the Chinese bid - which, according to news reports, ranges between $30bn and $50bn - including, as Shell has done, seeking judicial recourse.&nbsp;The Nigerian energy sector is in dire need of both increased investment and regulatory stability to help ensure sustainable production, which means the Petroleum Industry Bill, depending on its final structure, could prove to be a much-needed palliative.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/416/nigeria_to_restructure_how_it_deals_with_international_oil_companies_africaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:36:20 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Improved forecast from Infosys could point to real recovery (Africa/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Indian software &amp; services giant Infosys has announced its results for&nbsp;Q2 2009 &amp; has correspondingly raised its&nbsp;forecast for 2010&nbsp;due to&nbsp;improved business from customers in the U.S.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/415/improved_forecast_from_infosys_could_point_to_real_recovery_africatechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:58:39 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Rio Tinto & Ivanhoe complete Mongolian mining deal (EM Asia/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/414/rio_tinto_ivanhoe_complete_mongolian_mining_deal_em_asiacommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:15:48 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Olympic Dam crucial to BHP Strategy (ADR/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Mining giant BHP Billiton has announced revised figures  that significantly upgrade the&nbsp;reclaimable reserves for its flagship Olympic  Dam operation in southern Australia.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/413/olympic_dam_crucial_to_bhp_strategy_adrcommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:43:31 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China North East acquires Tiancheng to expand vertical integration (BRIC/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/411/china_north_east_acquires_tiancheng_to_expand_vertical_integration_bricenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:55:13 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Rio Tinto adds to divestments $2.9Bn so far in 2009 (ADR/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Rio Tinto has completed the sale of its Jacobs Ranch coal mine to Arch Coal, Inc. for a cash consideration of US$764 million, which differs from the original price of US$761 million due to slight adjustments in the closing working capital balance.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/410/rio_tinto_adds_to_divestments_29bn_so_far_in_2009_adrcommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:39:56 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Suntech Launches Utility Scale Solar in China (ADR/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Suntech Power Holdings Co,&nbsp;has announced the completion and grid connection of the first 10MW utility-scale solar power project in China. Located in Shizuishan, Ningxia Autonomous Region, the 10MW ground mount solar system is the first phase of a 50MW solar plant that is targeted to be completed by 2011 in conjunction with Suntech's strategic partner, China Energy Conservation Investment Corporation (CECIC). In addition to supplying high quality solar modules for the system, Suntech designed, installed and managed the development of the solar system and holds a minority share of the project.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/409/suntech_launches_utility_scale_solar_in_china_adrenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:20:06 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Trina extends strategic supply contract for 5 years (ADR/Manufacturing)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Trina Solar Limited&nbsp; has announced that it has extended its eight  year long-term supply agreement with Jiangsu Zhongneng Polysilicon Technology  Development Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Limited  ("GCL-Poly") by another five years. Initial delivery of polysilicon to Trina  Solar started in April 2008.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/408/trina_extends_strategic_supply_contract_for_5_years_adrmanufacturing.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:12:33 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Declining oil revenues put pressure on Iranian economy (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Iran&rsquo;s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had a difficult task in persuading the country&rsquo;s Majlis (parliament) to approve his choice of cabinet ministers following the disputed June presidential election. But the challenge now facing one of those ministers, Masoud Mirkazemi, appears far greater.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/407/declining_oil_revenues_put_pressure_on_iranian_economy_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:47:26 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Vodafone unveils handsets to support 360 application platform (ADR/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Vodafone is also releasing two of its own handsets designed by Samsung with Vodafone 360 pre-installed. Nokia will offer another four handsets with the application, and another 100 will be able to use the service at launch. Vodafone aims to make the download suitable for all operators and as many handsets and operating systems as possible.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/406/vodafone_unveils_handsets_to_support_360_application_platform_adrtechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:44:38 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Busy tones in Qatar telecoms sector (Middle East/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Qatar&rsquo;s telecommunications sector is becoming increasingly competitive, both domestically and on the international stage.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/405/busy_tones_in_qatar_telecoms_sector_middle_easttelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:36:10 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Making IT happen in Kuwait (Middle East/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Kuwait has long been a regional leader in the adoption and application of IT, being among the first countries in the Middle East to introduce and promote internet usage and mobile telephony. However, it may need to do more to maintain advantages in the rapidly evolving technological environment.&nbsp;A recent study by economic analysis firm Business Monitor International said that while there had been reports of some IT projects being scaled back due to the downturn of the economy, total domestic IT spending would be around $794m this year, of which some $214m is forecast to be spent on software.&nbsp;While expenditure on IT may be increasing, and having made significant progress in expanding and diversifying the country's economic base, Kuwait has been less successful in maintaining its IT utilisation at cutting-edge levels. Compared to some of its neighbours, Kuwait has low penetration rates for broadband, with just 41% of households having broadband access.&nbsp;According to the World Economic Forum (WEF's) latest study on global competitiveness, Kuwait has slipped somewhat in the ranking overall to 39th out of the 133 economies assessed, though this may have more to do with others improving their rank. The country also rated less than strongly in the category of technological readiness, the assessment of the ability of an economy to adopt existing technologies to enhance productivity.&nbsp;The WEF also noted that the widest utilisation of information and communications technology (ICT) is vital for the development of a competitive economy, as is the existence of a positive regulatory framework. This being an area Kuwait can improve on, having been ranked 99th globally for its ICT-related laws.&nbsp;This is one of the key areas in which, according to the study, Kuwait needs to improve competitiveness, with the country being ranked 99th globally for its laws relating to ICT.&nbsp;Though the latest assessment by the WEF clearly highlights some weaknesses, it also points to opportunities for IT providers and delivers guidelines for both public and private technology users seeking to improve their performance.&nbsp;According to Khaled Faraj Al Saeid, the managing director of IT and software services provider International Turnkey Solutions, the demand for IT-related products is a direct reflection of a competitive environment. &nbsp;"With heightened competition comes a stronger need for companies to seek out competitive advantages," Al Saeid told OBG. "One way in which this can be achieved is by implementing state-of-the-art IT systems and products."&nbsp;Though cost is an important factor, even more so in harder economic times, Al Saeid says there is a need for a different approach to tenders for the provision of technology,&nbsp;"It is my contention that the current system for qualifying tendering offers is somewhat flawed and requires further maturation," he said. "Too often contracts are awarded solely based on the lowest price."&nbsp;Al Saeid also believes that the way IT is applied could change, as users look to cut costs.&nbsp;"Given the current economic climate, outsourcing has become a top priority as organisations are restructuring and identifying ways in which to become leaner, more efficient and productive," he said.&nbsp;As a result of that climate, GDP is projected to see a contraction of 1.2% for this year, while the government has opted to reduce state expenditure in response to the global financial crisis, rather than increase deficit spending as has been done by some other states in the region.&nbsp;Though this policy means the state budget should be in surplus by year's end, there has been a shortage of liquidity in the marketplace, which could impact IT sales, at least in the short term.&nbsp;By more closely embracing IT advances, Kuwait can sharpen its competitive edge.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/404/making_it_happen_in_kuwait_middle_easttechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:28:09 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Emirates takes another step towards nuclear energy solution (Middle East/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[As Abu Dhabi's leadership visited Washington to solidify US support for their nuclear power plans, government officials in the emirate delayed the tendering of the project in order to give bidders more time.&nbsp;Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled to the American capital to meet with senior US officials, including President Barack Obama and the secretary of state, Hillary Clinton.&nbsp;The UAE needs the green light from the US in order to use American companies and technology in its plans to build a series of nuclear power reactors. Following positive feedback from Washington, the "123 agreement", named after Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, is expected to pass through Congress around mid-October, unless the unlikely event of Congressional action blocks it.&nbsp;Given that there is already American participation in the bidding process via a consortia including General Electric, it stands to reason to expect American support, especially given the gloomy economic situation in the US.&nbsp;The winner of the contract to build and operate the planned series of nuclear power stations was supposed to be announced on Wednesday the 16th of September. However, it was leaked to local press that government officials are taking extra time in order to allow all three bidders to continue with the process. A diplomatic source close to the deal told local press, "It'll take a long time because they continue to have three candidates."&nbsp;The decision to hold off was based on the fact that the three bidding consortia of firms - from France, South Korea, Japan and the US - were so closely matched. Each bid's application is being judged on the skills they bring to the table, these include technology, cost-efficiency and deliverability.&nbsp;From the government's perspective it would appear the delay is actually good news. Robust competition amongst the bidders usually results in the state client receiving value for money.&nbsp;A little over 12 months ago, it would have been a very different story. Contractors held all the cards as clients struggled against perennial shortages of experienced builders, soaring costs and a lack of manpower.&nbsp;Nowadays, though, the capital is in the fortunate position to maximise the value of any contracting deals by taking advantage of falling material and engineering costs, as well as getting the most out of eager contractors.&nbsp;By the same token, the global economic slowdown has actually acted as an impetus for financially robust governments, such as Abu Dhabi, to ramp up power production while it is cost efficient to do so. Another reason for the emirate, however, is its burgeoning population.&nbsp;According to Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development, between 2002 and 2007 the emirate's population grew at an average annual rate of 4.8%. This number leapt even further for the years 2005-08, with growth figures averaging 6-7%. Owing to this rapid population growth an increasing strain has been put on energy supply.&nbsp;Annual peak demand for electricity in the UAE is likely to rise to more than 40,000 MW by 2020, a cumulative annual growth rate of about 9% from 2007. Current capacity committed to domestic electricity generation can only match about 50% of that amount, creating understandable concern over shortages.&nbsp;It is for this reason that the atomic strategy, which is the largest construction contract in the history of the country, worth $41bn, is on the cards.&nbsp;Policymakers see nuclear power as the solution. When the project is finished in 2017 it is expected that nuclear power will generate up to one-third of the country's electricity requirements.&nbsp;Before of any of that can happen, though, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE, is expected to announce his approval of a new law that will endorse the country's nuclear regulatory body officially.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/403/emirates_takes_another_step_towards_nuclear_energy_solution_middle_eastenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:27:13 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Canadian Hydro Acquires World's Largest Offshore Wind Prospect (Asia Pacific/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Canadian Hydro Developers, Inc.has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the rights to a 4,400 MW offshore wind prospect ("Offshore Wind Prospect") in Ontario from Wasatch Wind, Inc., a private U.S.-based renewable energy company. When completed, this facility would be the largest offshore operation in the world, supplying enough renewable energy to power over two million homes. The agreement is subject to customary due diligence and the terms are confidential.The Offshore Wind Prospect is located approximately five to 30 kilometres offshore in one of the Great Lakes bordering Ontario, near available transmission interconnection. It has an estimated net capacity factor of 40 per cent. The Offshore Wind Prospect is eligible for the Ontario Green Energy Act's Feed-In-Tariff 20-year contract at a price of $190 per MWh, subject to 100 per cent of Ontario consumer price index ("CPI") inflation from contract signing to commercial operations and 20 per cent of Ontario CPI annually thereafter. Canadian Hydro anticipates that the Offshore Wind Prospect will be built in stages, with the first 400 to 500 MW to come online by the fourth quarter of 2014. Regulatory and environmental permits and approvals, site release from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and financing are required prior to proceeding with construction."This is a tremendous growth opportunity for our company and our shareholders, and a perfect fit with our long-term strategy and position as a market leader in Canada. We expect the Offshore Wind Prospect to give Canadian Hydro (TSX:KHD) years of strong, double-digit growth and to provide our shareholders with attractive returns," said Kent Brown, Chief Executive Officer. "Canadian Hydro already owns and operates the two largest wind facilities in Canada. We are leading the way in Ontario by generating 40 per cent of the province's installed renewable energy capacity, and we are eager to pioneer offshore wind in Ontario and North America."]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/402/canadian_hydro_acquires_worlds_largest_offshore_wind_prospect_asia_pacificenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:18:41 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Siemens  sign contract for major onshore wind farm in Scotland (ADR/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Siemens and Airtricity, the renewable energy development division of Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), signed a contract on the supply of wind turbines for a major onshore wind farm in Southern Scotland. The 2.3 megawatt (MW) machines will be used at the Clyde wind farm in South Lanarkshire 70 kilometers south of Glasgow which will have a total capacity of up to 350 MW. The wind farm will be commissioned in 2012.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/401/siemens_sign_contract_for_major_onshore_wind_farm_in_scotland_adrindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:14:18 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Qatargas Announces Laffan Refinery Starts Production (Middle East/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Qatargas has started production from the Laffan Refinery, the first condensate refinery in Qatar. The refinery&rsquo;s production reached commercial quantities and specifications on 23 September for all products.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/400/qatargas_announces_laffan_refinery_starts_production_middle_eastenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:08:52 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Trend intact as MELI looks to add to years performance (Latin America/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Looking at the Latin-American market from an economic  point of view, we can see that there are a number of reports &amp; indicators  coming out, particularly from Brazil, Chile &amp; Argentina, that the continent  is bouncing back from the global recession a lot quicker than it's Western  counterparts. Normally with stockpicks, I tend to focus on a single market,  rather than a whole&nbsp;region, however, I have been looking at MercadoLibre for the  last few weeks &amp; am bullish on it's prospects going forward.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/399/trend_intact_as_meli_looks_to_add_to_years_performance_latin_americatechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:25:19 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Vodafone launches Global 360 platform (ADR/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Vodafone today announces the launch of Vodafone 360 - a new suite of innovative internet services for the mobile and PC.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/397/vodafone_launches_global_360_platform_adrbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:32:35 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Moody's upgrade should see iShares EWZ adding to stellar year (ETF/Single Country)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[As Business News America reported earlier today, Moody's  Investor Services are looking at an upgrade of Brasil's investment grade, which  would be good news for the economy as a whole &amp; the financial sector in  particular &amp; more interestingly for retail investors&nbsp;iShares MSCI Brazil Index: EWZ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/396/moodys_upgrade_should_see_ishares_ewz_adding_to_stellar_year_etfsingle_country.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:55:23 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Vodafone teams with Time Warner to provide DRM free music service (ADR/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Vodafone today announced a deal with Warner Music which will make Vodafone the first global mobile network operator to offer its customers over-the-air access to the combined music catalogue of the world's four largest music companies in DRM-free format.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/395/vodafone_teams_with_time_warner_to_provide_drm_free_music_service_adrtechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:01:14 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Moody's upgrade could see increased international trading of Brazilian finance stocks (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[If Brazil's sovereign rating gets its upgrade to investment grade from Moody's there could be a push towards more foreign trading of the country's bank stocks, as well as a spark for a secondary market, Moody's VP and senior analyst on Brazilian banks Ceres Lisboa told BNamericas.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/394/moodys_upgrade_could_see_increased_international_trading_of_brazilian_finance_stocks_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:06:16 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China Mobile should dominate e-reader market (BRIC/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Following the digital trend in the West &amp; with  internet connectivity set to become ubiquitous via 3G launches by all the three  major mobile operators in the near term, a number of domestic companies are  jumping on the e-reader bandwagon, that has been rocking this year with Amazon's  Kindle. This could be an astute move, as the Chinese market has the potential to  become the largest market for the devices globally.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/392/china_mobile_should_dominate_ereader_market_brictechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2009 10:26:26 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Rio Tinto Alcan preparing to restart idled Vaudreuil Refinery (ADR/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Rio Tinto Alcan is preparing to restart idled production capacity at its Vaudreuil alumina refinery in Quebec, Canada.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/391/rio_tinto_alcan_preparing_to_restart_idled_vaudreuil_refinery_adrindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:20:05 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Viva Brasilia as ADR issues heat up banking sector (BRIC/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[State controlled banking behemoth Banco de Brasil has been involved in a three way battle with it's private peers Itau-Unibanco &amp; Banco de Bradesco for some time for dominance in the growing domestic banking  sector. Having surpassed ITUB in the second quarter, mainly due to lower interest rates attracting borrowers, Banco de Brasil has now announced that is looking to change it's stance regards international stockholders.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/390/viva_brasilia_as_adr_issues_heat_up_banking_sector_bricbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:11:02 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[AES Begins Commercial Operation of Three New Facilities in Chile, China and Jordan (Latin America/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The AES Corporation &nbsp;announced today the start of commercial operations of three new facilities across its global portfolio: Guacolda 3, a 152 MW coal plant in Chile; Huanghua I, a 49.5 MW wind farm in China; and Amman East, a 380 MW combined cycle gas plant in Jordan. The facilities build on AES' diverse portfolio of generation and distribution businesses across energy source, technology, and geography.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/389/aes_begins_commercial_operation_of_three_new_facilities_in_chile_china_and_jordan_latin_americaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:36:03 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Anadarko announce oil discovery in offshore Sierra Leone (Africa/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Anadarko Petroleum Corporation &nbsp;today announced a deepwater discovery at the Venus exploration well in block SL 6/07 offshore Sierra Leone. The Venus B-1 well was drilled to a total depth of approximately 18,500 feet in about 5,900 feet of water and encountered more than 45 net feet of hydrocarbon pay. Venus is the first deepwater test in the Sierra Leone-Liberian Basin.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/388/anadarko_announce_oil_discovery_in_offshore_sierra_leone_africaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:30:44 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Vankor Field Produced Its First Million Tons of Crude for Rosneft subsidiary (BRIC/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[First million tons of crude oil has been produced at Vankor oil and gas field in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, while daily output at the field increased to 20,000 tons (146,000 barrels).]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/387/vankor_field_produced_its_first_million_tons_of_crude_for_rosneft_subsidiary_bricenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:06:51 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Tullow Announces Oil discovery in the Ngassa-2 exploration well in Uganda (Africa/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Tullow Oil plc (Tullow) announces that the Ngassa-2 exploration well, which is located in the Kaiso-Tonya region of Block 2, has encountered 7 metres of oil pay in a 14 metre gross sand. Pressure data acquired through logging operations indicates the potential for a significant oil column down-dip, which could fill the entire 150 sq km closure. Although evaluation is still at an early stage, with further appraisal drilling, Ngassa has the potential to be the largest oil field in the basin to date.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/386/tullow_announces_oil_discovery_in_the_ngassa2_exploration_well_in_uganda_africaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:00:44 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Siemens to supply gas turbine-generators to the Russian oil company Rosneft (ADR/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Siemens Energy has received an order from Russia for the supply of six industrial gas turbine generators. Purchaser is OOO RN-Tuapsinskiy NPZ, a subsidiary of the major Russian oil company OAO Rosneft. The gas turbine-generators will be operated in the Tuapse refinery located on the Black Sea. The order is valued at approximately EUR90 million.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/385/siemens_to_supply_gas_turbinegenerators_to_the_russian_oil_company_rosneft_adrindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:58:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Fluor Completes RasGas Projects in Qatar (Middle East/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Fluor Corporation announced today that RasGas Company Limited has recently recognized the firm for its successful completion of the RL3 Common Offplot Projects in Ras Laffan City, Qatar. Fluor began the $1.5 billion engineering, procurement and construction management project in November 2005.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/384/fluor_completes_rasgas_projects_in_qatar_middle_eastenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:55:27 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Is Gaining Momentum: Will the U.S. Be Left in the Dark? (BRIC/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A lot of cross currents in the solar patch the past week; to reiterate, I like the "sector" in terms of long-term growth (U.S. and China have yet to begin to scratch the surface of ultimate demand) but I find investing in the sector a high risk game akin to gambling. Most of these stocks are populated by day trading types whose holding period is akin to... well, I suppose HAL9000. They are scary to short as well, because at any moment if oil pops, the solar stocks can jump 15% in a session.I called for a major purge in the group a few years back   [Jan 3, 2008: The Long Term in Solar], as far too much capacity has come online and I would prefer to see this space consolidated down to a handful of industry giants. Then it should become easier to invest in.Speaking of glut, according to Digitimes, there is a potential that half of existing solar manufacturers might be gone by the end of 2010. That would actually be a good step for the long term in my eyes.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/383/solar_is_gaining_momentum_will_the_us_be_left_in_the_darkgbricenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:41:48 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Chinese Numbers Are Starting to Look as Skewed as Ours (BRIC/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[It is hard to take the Chinese data at face value, much like in the U.S., (any country that can have nearly double digit revenue growth while their electricity usage falls has a magic trick I'd like to see), but the most important data point in my eyes at this point is loan growth.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/382/chinese_numbers_are_starting_to_look_as_skewed_as_ours_bricbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:28:32 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Another First Step for China: Foreign Listings  (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A lot of "first steps" coming out of China of late - yet another interesting one just announced. With the high savings rate and wealth of the Chinese people (along with the indexes surging each time China turns on the loan spigots), I'd expect multinationals to leap at this opportunity to tap a new avenue of capital.Now the ultimate step will be when China allows its multiple markets to be fully open to foreign investors and allows shorting within its market. Then perhaps the great discrepancy between company values in the Chinese indexes versus Hong Kong would go away and their markets would take on more of a rational sensibility.   [Oct 13, 2007: Shanghai the Mystical Land of Premium Valuations]Baby steps for a growing giant... via Financial Times]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/381/another_first_step_for_china_foreign_listings_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:26:43 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Gafisa's Quick 20% Return in Two Weeks (Africa/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Gafisa made a pitstop about 2 weeks ago; it was a nice opportunity to add shares, and I wish more companies would have some news item that let us jump in on pullbacks - that is more our style.&nbsp;While thankful for the opportunity to get part of our position back near $26, we obviously did not buy enough, as the stock has made a U turn and surged nearly back to recent highs; that's a quick 20% return in under 2 weeks.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/380/gafisas_quick_20_return_in_two_weeks_africaindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:31:14 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Full steam ahead on Australian Gorgon Project for Shell (ADR/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Now that Royal Dutch Shell has agreed to come on board on the Gorgon LNG project in Australia, it seems that it's full steam ahead for majority partner Chevron, as it signs long term supply agreements with&nbsp;four leading Asian energy providers.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/379/full_steam_ahead_on_australian_gorgon_project_for_shell_adrenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:57:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Shell commits to Gorgon LNG project (Asia Pacific/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Board of Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell) has taken the Final Investment Decision on the Gorgon liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, signalling the start of initial construction on one of the world&rsquo;s largest natural gas developments. Chevron will operate the project, with a 50% stake, with participants Shell and ExxonMobil each holding 25% shares.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/378/shell_commits_to_gorgon_lng_project_asia_pacificenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:35:24 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[A-Power lines up 50MW wind farm in Mongolia (EM Asia/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A-Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd, a leading provider of distributed power generation ("DG") systems in China and a fast-growing manufacturer of wind turbines, today announced the Company has won a "full-responsibility" contract to develop a 49.5MW wind farm in the township of Saiwusu, Guba County, Inner Mongolia ("the Saiwusu Wind Farm"), for the Urat Rear Banner-based Jihe Orient Wind Energy Co., Ltd. ("Jihe Orient"). The total value of the contract is $90.5 million.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/377/apower_lines_up_50mw_wind_farm_in_mongolia_em_asiaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:17:45 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Vodafone & Novatel launch Mobile Broadband Hotspot for on the road WiFi connectivity (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Vodafone, the world's leading international mobile telecommunications company today announces the launch of the Vodafone Mobile Broadband Hotspot, extending the benefits of mobile broadband from laptop and netbook customers to users of all Wi-Fi enabled devices in selected markets. The device will initially be available in Germany, Romania and Spain.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/376/vodafone_novatel_launch_mobile_broadband_hotspot_for_on_the_road_wifi_connectivity_adrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:28:19 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Repsol & Petrobras announce new discovery in Santos (ADR/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Repsol and partners Petrobras and British Gas (BG Group) have made a new oil and gas discovery in block BM-S-9 of Brazil&rsquo;s deep water Santos Basin. The find was made in the Abare Westwell of the Carioca area, sitting 290 kilometres from the coast of Sao Paulo, in water 2,163 metres deep.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/375/repsol_petrobras_announce_new_discovery_in_santos_adrenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:20:59 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[BT Wholesale & Vodafone partner to provide unified comms to UK SMEs (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Vodafone UK and BT have announced an extension of their long term partnership that will enable Vodafone to provide fixed line communications targeting small to medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK.&nbsp;The managed services agreement with BT Wholesale, underpins the launch of Vodafone One Net, a communications service aimed at SME customers offering - one number for fixed and mobile phones, one voicemail and one contract through one service provider for a fixed price. It further demonstrates Vodafone&rsquo;s commitment to delivering unified communications services, across all of its customers. &nbsp; Vodafone One Net builds on the June 09 introduction of Vodafone One for corporate customers offering integrated fixed, mobile and data services at a standard price per user. &nbsp;Under the five year deal, BT (NYSE:BT) will provide IP-enabled voice and broadband as a dedicated business-ready managed service to Vodafone (NYSE:VOD), delivering a fixed-line solution that ensures nationwide coverage to complement Vodafone&rsquo;s existing mobile business services. Vodafone customers will receive a national broadband service at the highest speeds available through the new service in their area. They will also have the ability to upgrade to next generation broadband services as and when they become available.&nbsp; The agreement will enable Vodafone to extend its existing service portfolio without the need for capital investment to build its own IP network.&nbsp;Peter Kelly, Enterprise Director at Vodafone UK, said: &ldquo;BT Wholesale will provide a crucial link in our ability to offer our SME and small business customers a complete service that addresses both their fixed and mobile communications needs.&rdquo; &nbsp;Sally Davis, CEO at BT Wholesale, said: &ldquo;Today&rsquo;s agreement builds on our existing strategic partnership with Vodafone and is yet further evidence of BT Wholesale&rsquo;s track record in helping BT customers, from consumers to other fixed and mobile service providers, thrive in today&rsquo;s challenging economy.&rdquo;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/374/bt_wholesale_vodafone_partner_to_provide_unified_comms_to_uk_smes_adrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:39:15 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Vivendi targets Brazil for broadband growth (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[French communications and entertainment group Vivendi has launched a takeover bid for Brazilian broadband operator GVT, valuing the company at BRL 5.4 billion (EUR 2.0 billion). The move shifts Vivendi's telecoms focus from France's SFR and Africa, where it controls a number of operators through Moroccan incumbent Maroc Telecom, to a new market where it has no presence, Latin America. While the move may be surprising, the growth prospects on the Brazilian broadband market and GVT's position at the top end of the market suggest that the acquisition, if successful, should prove profitable. Brazil is one of the fastest growing broadband markets in the world. According to the latest statistics from the Broadband World Forum, the country had 10.5 million lines at the end of June, making it the ninth largest broadband market in the world. The market grew by 4% sequentially in Q2 and was up 23.2% from a year earlier in H1.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/373/vivendi_targets_brazil_for_broadband_growth_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:22:23 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China's appetite for raw materials companies not waning (BRIC/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[With this years iron ore contract prices still up in the air, many Chinese steelmakers are taking a different approach, rather than wait on Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton &amp; Vale to make an accord with the China Iron  &amp; Steel Association. The alternate route is to find small and medium-sized Australian miners for equity cooperation to enable them to avoid having much to do with the world's three monster iron ore providers.&nbsp;Business data provider Dealogic says that Chinese companies' planned &amp; completed investment in Australian mining firms has reached $9.7 billion so far in 2009, about triple that in 2008, &amp; the trend is gathering pace. Most small and medium-sized iron ore projects in Australia are open to foreign investment, and are now under increasing Chinese scrutiny. China's steel firms have technological advantages and attractive demand, but it is their solid finances that these mining companies find truly attractive.&nbsp;In early&nbsp;September, Baotou Iron  &amp; Steel (Baogang) set up a joint venture company with the Australian iron ore exploration company Centrex Metals (ASX:CXM) on the Bungalow Magnetite project, aiming to establish a project with an annual output of three million tons of fine ores. Baogang&nbsp;is required to&nbsp;invest AU$40 million, paid in three phases, and as a result, will gain a&nbsp;50% stake in the project.&nbsp;Late August&nbsp;saw Australian miner Aquila Resources&nbsp;(ASX:AQA)&nbsp;signing a strategic cooperation agreement with China's largest steel group Baosteel to develop iron ore, coal and manganese projects. Baosteel will invest AU$285.6 million to obtain a direct 15% stake in Aquila through the placement of 43.95 million shares at AU$6.50 per share, making Baosteel its second largest shareholder. The deal marks Baosteel first direct investment in an Australian mining company.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/372/chinas_appetite_for_raw_materials_companies_not_waning_briccommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:20:15 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Indian Reserve Bank will tighten monetary policy to combat inflation fears (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Reserve Bank of India is likely to start monetary tightening in the first half of 2010. A deficient monsoon season has hurt the&nbsp;agricultural sector and complicated India&rsquo;s recovery path. The government will gradually restore fiscal discipline and allow market forces to play a larger role in economic development. As growth regains momentum, the new concern is inflation.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/371/indian_reserve_bank_will_tighten_monetary_policy_to_combat_inflation_fears_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:44:07 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Millicom International to benefit from bidding war (EM Asia/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Millicom International Cellular could shortly be on the  end of a nice windfall as three major emerging market telco's line up in a  bidding war for MICCs Tigo network in Sri Lanka. Millicom has been making  concerted efforts to divest it's Asian operations as it realigns it's strategy  to concentrate on key markets in Latin America &amp; Africa.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/370/millicom_international_to_benefit_from_bidding_war_em_asiatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:00:35 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[News Corp explores 20% stake in Rotanma to enter Arabic media world (Middle East/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Rupert Murdoch&rsquo;s News Corp is considering paying between US$250 million (Dh918.2m) and $350m for a 20% stake in Prince Alwaleed bin Talal&rsquo;s Rotana media empire, according to Variety magazine.The US weekly reported that News Corp (Nasdaq:NWSA) and Rotana were meeting in London about the deal, and had been in talks since the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.Executives also met in Cairo this summer to conduct due diligence and try to reach a value on the stake News Corp planned to take in Rotana.&ldquo;The deal hasn&rsquo;t closed yet, but the signs are promising,&rdquo; one Rotana executive, who wished to remain anonymous, told Variety. &ldquo;If it goes through, this will be all positive for Rotana. We will be able to draw on the expertise of people from News Corp and its Fox division in the Middle East.&rdquo;The deal would strengthen the relationship between Mr Murdoch and Prince Alwaleed, who owns a 5.7% stake in News Corp through his investment vehicle, Kingdom Holdings.It would also deepen the connections between News Corp and Rotana, which launched two channels with News Corp&rsquo;s Fox International Channels last year. &nbsp;As the first major News Corp investment in the Middle East, the deal would also boost the international media conglomerate&rsquo;s presence in the region, which is one of its last untapped markets. Twentieth Century Fox, which is owned by News Corp, is now casting for its first Arabic-language feature film, Samba, about a Moroccan man obsessed with a Brazilian TV melodrama who teaches a samba class full of young women eager to woo him.&nbsp;It is being made by Hicham Ayouch, the Moroccan filmmaker who met Fox officials at last year&rsquo;s The Circle Conference in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;Mr Ayouch was granted the conference&rsquo;s $100,000 Sasha Grant, which was presented by Jim Gianopulos, the chairman and chief executive of Fox Filmed Entertainment. Rotana is a major force in Middle East media with holdings in print, television, radio, film, digital and most notably music, in which it holds the largest single catalogue of Arabic-language music in the world. It also owns the rights to more than 2,000 Arabic movies.News Corp is one of the world&rsquo;s largest media conglomerates, owning many media brands such as BSkyB, The Sunday Times, The New York Post, Harper Collins, National Geographic Channels, Fox film and television holdings and MySpace.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/369/news_corp_explores_20_stake_in_rotanma_to_enter_arabic_media_world_middle_easttechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:09 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Mubadala profits surge on asset base returns (Middle East/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Mubadala Development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)  Government&rsquo;s strategic investment arm, said yesterday that profits had  quadrupled in the first half of this year, after rising prices for asset base  helped&nbsp;offset higher costs incurred as the company moved into new  operations.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/368/mubadala_profits_surge_on_asset_base_returns_middle_eastbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:45:09 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[FirstRand earnings slump by 46% (Africa/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[South Africa's FirstRand Banking Group &nbsp;has reported a 43% decline in attributable earnings from R11,3bn to R6,5bn for the year ended June. Against a difficult macro background, exacerbated by losses from certain international strategies which the group said had now been terminated, pro forma normalised earnings were down 31% to R7,151bn.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/367/firstrand_earnings_slump_by_46_africabanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:19:07 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Miners drop seven year old complaint against Arcelor Mittal (Africa/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[HARMONY Gold Mining &amp; DRD Gold&nbsp;yesterday withdrew their seven-year-long complaint against ArcelorMittal for charging excessive prices for steel products in a case that could have cost ArcelorMittal R692m .]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/366/miners_drop_seven_year_old_complaint_against_arcelor_mittal_africaindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:11:15 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Toro Energy succeeds in $40 million capital raising (Asia Pacific/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A total of A$40 million has been raised by Toro Energy Ltd (ASX: TOE) as the&nbsp;emerging uranium project developer forges ahead to have first production from its&nbsp;key Western Australian uranium project by 2012.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/365/toro_energy_succeeds_in_40_million_capital_raising_asia_pacificcommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:57:01 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[OZ minerals splashes out on Toro Energy (Asia Pacific/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Cash rich OZ Minerals has poured $20 million into Toro Energy to maintain its 49.9 per cent stake &amp; has mangaged to have its CFO added to the uranium hopeful's board.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/364/oz_minerals_splashes_out_on_toro_energy_asia_pacificcommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:28:26 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Australians dump ADSL for wireless services (Asia Pacific/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Australian Internet subscribers are increasingly abandoning ADSL technology for mobile wireless link-ups, a new report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows.The ABS Internet Activity Survey shows that at the end of June there were 4.2 million DSL connections, accounting for 57 percent of non dial-up connections. This was a drop on figures recorded in December last year, when 63 percent of non dial-up connections were made via DSL.Over the same period mobile wireless connections jumped from 20 percent&nbsp; or 1.3 million&nbsp; to 27 percent, or 2 million connections. This represents an increase of 51 percent in wireless numbers in the six months, the ABS points out.Stats also notes that the survey counts mobile wireless subscribers who connect via a datacard or USB modem, but not connections via mobile phones.In all, Australia now has 8.4 million Internet connections, up from 7.9 million in December and 7.2 million back in June last year. Of these 1.08 million are dial-up links (down from 1.28 million in December); and 7.3 million are non dial-up, including fixed and mobile wireless, satellite andcable links as well as DSL.Data downloads have almost doubled from 55,434 terabytes in June last year to 99,993TB in June this year.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/363/australians_dump_adsl_for_wireless_services_asia_pacifictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:23:13 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[SAB opens subsidiary in Namibia (Africa/Manufacturing)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Global brewing giant SABMiller has announced that it had been granted a license by the Namibian government to brew and bottle beer in Namibia.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/362/sab_opens_subsidiary_in_namibia_africamanufacturing.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:17:41 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Yahoo! to Extend Reach to Millions of Consumers in the Arab World via Maktoob acquisition (Middle East/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Yahoo! Inc. has announced it has entered into a        definitive agreement to acquire Maktoob.com, the leading online        community in the Arab world, with more than 16.5 million unique users.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/361/yahoo_to_extend_reach_to_millions_of_consumers_in_the_arab_world_via_maktoob_acquisition_middle_easttechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:11:59 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Basmati rice exports from India under threat (BRIC/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Indian Basmati rice exporters are trying to fend off fresh threats to their business with Iran. The threats are being fuelled by media reports in&nbsp;Iran that the rice varieties, especially the Pusa 1121 variety, was genetically modified, chemically treated and harmful to health. The industry has breifed commerce secretary Rahul Khullar on the subject and urged government intervention at the appropriate level.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/360/basmati_rice_exports_from_india_under_threat_briccommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:06:13 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Australian government pushes for Telstra to diverge (Asia Pacific/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The government raised pressure on Australia's largest telecommunications company Telstra Corp. on Tuesday to surrender its market&nbsp;domination by splitting its wholesale and retail businesses.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/359/australian_government_pushes_for_telstra_to_diverge_asia_pacifictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:01:07 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[US tyre duties abuse of WTO safeguard (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A U.S. decision to impose added duty on Chinese-made tyres is an abuse of World Trade Organisation safeguardmeasures, the Chinese&nbsp;commerce ministry said on Tuesday.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/358/us_tyre_duties_abuse_of_wto_safeguard_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:57:23 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[First Android Device Signals LG's Two-tier Smartphone Strategy  (EM Asia/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Seoul, September 14, 2009&nbsp;- LG Electronics (LG), a global leader and technology innovator in mobile communications, reinforced its aggressive strategy in smartphones by announcing the first Android mobile device which will give LG a broader and more dominant position in this expanding market.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/357/first_android_device_signals_lgs_twotier_smartphone_strategy_em_asiatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:49:48 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Resurgent transport sector should indicate positive movement in Malaysia ETF (EWM) (ETF/Single Country)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Like many sectors of the Malaysian economy, the country's transport industry has experienced a decline in activity due to the global recession. Though there are some signs that Malaysia's transporters are again moving in the right direction, other signals suggest a full recovery is still some time off.&nbsp;  There was mixed news for the transport sector in data released by the Department of Statistics on August 26, which showed that while still in recession, the rate of negative growth in the Malysian economy is slowing. Having declined by 6.2% in the first quarter of 2009, GDP contracted by 3.9% in the second, the curve being smoothed out due to increased public spending and positive growth in private consumption. This should be encouraging for the transport sector, which has seen productivity fall as demand for moving cargo locally and internationally plunged.   Less equivocal data indicating an improvement in the sector came in early August, with statistics showing a sharp rise in cargo-handling activity at Malaysia's ports. Movements of containers at the country's 10 major ports rose by 10.2% in the second quarter compared to the first three months of the year, with 3.79m twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) being handled against 3.44m TEUs in the first quarter. Of the second-quarter figure, 2.49m TEUs was trans-shipment traffic, up 11.7% on the previous quarter; 670,718 TEUs carried exports, a rise of 10.2%; and the remaining 640,469 TEUs containing imports, a 4.4% increase.&nbsp;  While a solid performance, the six-month total of container movements was still down 7.7% on the January-to-July figure for 2008, though this decrease in activity is far less than that recorded by some of Malaysia's near neighbours, with throughput at ports in Thailand and the Philippines down by 35% and 20.6%, respectively.&nbsp;  Another hint that the transport sector is on the road to recovery was a jump in commercial vehicle sales, which hit a six-month high in July, with 4800 units rolling off the lots, almost 20% higher than the previous month.&nbsp;  Exhibiting robust health is national carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS), which posted its best-ever quarterly net profit in the April-to-June term, bouncing back from losses of $193.7m in the first quarter and $244m in the second. Key to the airline's return to form was an aggressive advertising campaign, cost reductions, cutting fares on off-peak flights to increase passenger take up, and reversing losses on fuel hedging.&nbsp;  It is not just MAS that benefitted from the steep drop in fuel prices, one of the transport sector's highest costs. In the 12 months to the end of July, transport charges had fallen by 19.9%, according to figures released by the Department of Statistics in mid-August, though this could reverse as the price of fuel has once again started to climb. Month on month, transport charges rose by 0.1% in July, in line with the overall movement of the consumer price index.   If, as is widely predicted, the Malaysian economy continues its push out of recession in the third quarter and returns to positive growth in the fourth, the upturn should carry the transport sector in its wake, especially if the pick up in domestic demand is matched by that in the country's export markets. Our expectation is that this would confirm that the iShares MSCI Malaysia Index Fund (NYSE:EWM) is set to add to its succesful growth over the last 6 months. The Malaysia ETF has not exploded as some of its emerging market counterparts, but has shownsteady &amp; sustained growth, with very little volatility. A solid buy in torrid times.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/356/resurgent_transport_sector_should_indicate_positive_movement_in_malaysia_etf_ewm_etfsingle_country.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:27:12 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Whats in the mix ? Deutsche Telekom & France Telecom jump into bed (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom have agreed to merge their UK units T-Mobile UK and Orange UK into a 50-50 joint venture. The new company will become the UK market leader with 28.4 million mobile subscribers. The venture will also include Orange's broadband activities and T-Mobile's 50 percent share in a 3G network-sharing venture with 3 UK. Orange UK CEO Tom Alexander will lead the new company, while T-Mobile UK CEO Richard Moat is COO of the venture.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/355/whats_in_the_mix_gdeutsche_telekom_france_telecom_jump_into_bed_adrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:05:05 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Nokia & Symbian go for gold in China (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Yesterdays, announcement that the Symbian Foundation has signed an agreement  with China Mobile, the deal is an obvious move by Symbian to push  back on increasing competition from Google Android &amp; Apples iPhone in the  largest mobile market globally.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/353/nokia_symbian_go_for_gold_in_china_adrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:54:17 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Latvia's Agony Continues In Q2 - With Little Relief In Sight (EM Europe/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Latvia&rsquo;s economy shrank a revised 18.7 percent in the second quarter of 2009 over a year earlier in what was the second-steepest drop in the entire European Union (worsted only by Lithuania) according to detailed data released by the statistics office yesterday. The contraction, which is now the largest since quarterly records began in 1995, was revised down from a preliminary estimate of a 19.6 percent annual drop. And Latvia's problem can easily be seen in the above charts which show the most recent movement in exports, and quarterly data for constant price imports and exports. ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/351/latvias_agony_continues_in_q2_with_little_relief_in_sight_em_europeeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:31:03 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Estonia donates ferry company with billions of kroons (EM Europe/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Estonia supports Vjat&scaron;eslav Leedo&rsquo;s monopolistic ferry business with billions of kroons to at least 2016, &Auml;rip&auml;ev reports.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/350/estonia_donates_ferry_company_with_billions_of_kroons_em_europeindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:27:10 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon's real estate sector  bucking the regional trend  (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Lebanon's real estate sector appears to be bucking the regional trend of boom and bust, with only modest declines in sales and value levels.&nbsp;Though there has been a recent slowing in the sector, with sales dipping 10.6% year-on-year in June, pulling down the property sales transactions in the first half to 3.3% lower than for the same six months in 2008, overall the market has shown remarkable strength over an extended period of time.&nbsp;The average annual rate of growth for real estate sale values over the past five years has been 17.6%, while the number of construction permits issued over the same period has risen by an average of 12.6% each year.&nbsp;As has been the case in other key sectors of the country's economy such as banking and tourism, the Lebanese real estate industry appears to have avoided the worst of the global financial crisis and even profited from it.&nbsp;While property prices and transactions have tumbled across the region, Lebanon has avoided any dramatic collapse of its real estate sector. What decline there has been is mainly due to a slowing in the growth of foreign activity in the market, though even that is relative. In 2008 there was an 18.5% increase in the number of property sales by overseas buyers, a rate of growth that has eased to 9.6% in the first half of this year.&nbsp;Commenting on the figures, a report by Bank Audi said that when looking at the wider regional picture in the real estate sector, the drop was hardly significant. "Such a decline is trivial when compared to the plummet in real estate prices witnessed across the region. But still, the mere fact that foreigners are still purchasing property in Lebanon, in spite of the crisis, is an indicator of the attractiveness of the Lebanese real estate sector to Arabs and foreigners," the bank said in its statement.&nbsp;According to Raya Mamarbachi, the director of Lebanon-based property portal Simplyzigzag.com, the solid growth in the domestic property sector is being driven by a number of factors, including greater activity in the tourism industry and a rise in the numbers of Lebanese returning home, in part due to the financial crisis in other countries.&nbsp;These factors have made the Lebanese market especially appealing to investors from the UAE, Mamarbachi said in an interview with the Gulf Daily News on August 22.&nbsp;"UAE developers are going into Lebanon for various reasons. First of all, Lebanon real estate is booming," she said. "Over the past year, the increase has been over 30% per sq metre, and there is a lot of demand for small apartments and luxurious ones, as well as new styles such as lofts."&nbsp;There could be even better times ahead for the real estate sector, with the Central Bank upgrading its predictions for growth. In early September, the bank governor, Riad Salameh, said GDP would increase by 6% this year, 2% higher than the rate forecast by the IMF in August.&nbsp;According to figures released by the Association of Engineers of Beirut and Tripoli in early August, there was a sharp rise in the number of building permits issued in the first half of 2009. In total, permits for developments covering 6.3m sq metres were approved in the January to June period, 23% up on the 2008 first-half figure, while in June alone the increase was 94% year-on-year, with permits issued for work on 2.02m sq metres of projects.&nbsp;The Lebanese real estate sector also seems to have been remarkably indifferent to the political turmoil that beset Lebanon between 2005 and 2008, a period that encompassed the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Israel's military strike in 2006, the stand off between Hizbullah and the March 14 alliance, and the prolonged failure to install a new president.&nbsp;While having ridden out all these storms, that is not to say that Lebanon's property market would not have fared far better without having to operate in a climate of near-continuous crisis.&nbsp;The latest bout of rough weather that could rock real estate's boat is the failure of the prime minister designate, Saad Hariri, to form a cabinet three months after national elections.&nbsp;According to Nabil Itani, the head of the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon, the uncertainty over the new government could deter investors and reduce the flow of direct foreign capital into the economy.&nbsp;"You can't expect investors to come to Lebanon if there is no government. They want a government that passes laws, carries out reforms and facilitates the work of investors," Itani said in an interview with the Daily Star on September 3.&nbsp;That said, the real estate sector has overcome the problems of the past, is continuing to build in the present and should offer good investment potential for the future.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/349/lebanons_real_estate_sector_bucking_the_regional_trend_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:24:50 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[(NYSE:TCL) Tata Comms takes on SEACOM (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Tata Communications Transformation Services Limited (TCTS), has announced that they have launched NOC operations, subsequent to SEACOM commissioning the 1.28 Terabytes per second (Tb/s), 17,000-kilometre cable system. TCTS has started managing the network administration, operations and maintenance functions of the SEACOM cable system which connects East Africa to the rest of the world.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/348/nysetcl_tata_comms_takes_on_seacom_adrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:08:59 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Bahamian economy marks time, looks to 2010 for recovery (Latin America/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Though the hurricane season is well and truly over, it is a storm of another kind that many Bahamians are bracing themselves for, with the deepening recession blowing a chill wind across the country's economy.&nbsp;Unemployment across the island nation is on the rise, hitting a 10-year high, while tourist arrivals are down and business confidence is sagging. Although there are some signs that the global economy is slowly moving towards modest recovery, most indications are that the Bahamas will have to wait until 2010 before grass roots start sprouting.&nbsp;In its latest monthly economic and financial developments report, issued in mid-August, the Bahamas Central Bank warned that the economy was not projected to return to long-term growth until late 2010.&nbsp;Citing the effects of the global economic downturn, which harmed the tourism sector and reduced foreign investments, the Central Bank said that while the government's increased spending on infrastructure would help mitigate some of the impact of the recession, the stimulus programme and lower revenues would also mean debt and GDP were expected to remain elevated in the near to medium term.&nbsp;More optimistic were the bank's findings that fiscal liquidity levels and external reserves would remain at "comfortable levels" over the remainder of the year, while, with the exception of the tourism sector, there would be a moderating of the levels of employers shedding jobs and a tempering in the pace of economic decline.&nbsp;Though the pace of the downturn may be slowing and the worst may be over for the global economy, the minister of state for finance, Zhivargo Laing, believes that the Bahamas still has a long way to go before its own recovery will fully kick in.&nbsp;"We have very difficult monetary and fiscal issues to deal with, and we have to be sober about dealing with them," he said in an interview with the&nbsp;Nassau Guardianon August 23. "The global recovery is not something that is predictable and so for the moment the Bahamas has to take into account its own realities and know that the economic situation remains challenging."&nbsp;Among the challenges is the rising level of unemployment. Department of Statistics data released in mid-August showed that 14.2% of the workforce was now jobless, up from 8.7% a year ago.&nbsp;Much of this increase can be attributed to the drop in activity in the tourism sector, one of the cornerstones of the Bahamas economy. According to the results of a survey conducted by the Bahamas Hotel Association (BHA), 90% of hotels that took part in the study recorded a fall in both sales and occupancy rates in the first half of the year.&nbsp;The BHA's Mid-Year Economic Review and Tourism Outlook Survey, released in mid-August, showed that 77% of hoteliers also anticipated lower revenue levels for the second half of the year. However, there was more optimism regarding 2010, with 53% of respondents saying the outlook was fair, along with 17% who viewed the prospects for the coming year as positive, while 30% said the outlook was negative.&nbsp;Robert Sands, the president of the BHA, said the sector will continue to feel the effects of the economic crisis until consumer confidence in the Bahamas main tourism markets recovers and the recession ends.&nbsp;"The combination of lower occupancy rates and lower room rates is creating a very difficult situation for many hotels," Sands told local media. "While there is some improvement in the outlook for 2010, we anticipate we will continue to be vulnerable."&nbsp;Confidence levels at home are also well down, with the latest Central Bank business sentiment survey indicating almost two-thirds of private sector firms are expecting a fall in profits for the second half of 2009, while more than 65% had reported a worsening of operating conditions within the general business environment during the first six months of the year.&nbsp;The report found a majority of companies had reduced staff numbers in the period of January to June, with 80% saying they would either not be hiring new employees or would make further retrenchments in the coming six months.&nbsp;One of the few positives that could be taken from the Central Bank's report was that most of those surveyed believed that the pace at which the economy was declining would ease over the rest of the year.&nbsp;While a slowing of the rate of decline is good news, it is not a recovery. For that, the Bahamas will have to wait until at least next year, when the global economy starts to strengthen, investments start to flow and tourists begin to think of sun and sand.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/347/bahamian_economy_marks_time_looks_to_2010_for_recovery_latin_americaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:43:39 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Banking reforms to make a better Thailand (EM Asia/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Thailand is planning a series of major reforms to further overhaul the country's banking system, intended to strengthen the sector and attract greater foreign participation in the industry.&nbsp;The government and the Bank of Thailand (BOT), the country's reserve bank, are in the final stages of completing a second master plan for the Thai financial sector, with the plan to be submitted for cabinet approval before the end of the year.&nbsp;The first master plan, enacted in 2003, set strict minimum capital levels, sharpened the definition of commercial and retail banks, removed requirements for local banks to lend up to 60% of their deposits within their operating area and encouraged banks to either operate nationally or transform into smaller credit providers.&nbsp;The second programme of reforms is intended to go much further. At its core, the master plan aims to improve the regulatory environment for the banking sector through streamlining regulation without compromising proper oversight or good risk management.&nbsp;It also targets a raising of efficiency levels through boosting competition in the system via further liberalisation, expanding retail banking and promoting new microfinance business models and players; and enhancing financial infrastructure in the areas of risk management, credit information system, legal reform, information technology, while also upgrading the quality of human resources.&nbsp;According to Bandid Nijathaworn, the deputy governor of the BOT, the new scheme should be in place by the last quarter of 2009.&nbsp;"The Ministry of Finance and the central bank have a joint agreement on the master plan and will soon propose it to the economic cabinet. We will educate the Thai and foreign banks about the direction," Bandid told local media in mid-August.&nbsp;Among the broader outlines of the new master plan so far revealed are proposals to encourage the mergers of smaller local banks, with BOT officials saying such moves would not be subjected to taxation.&nbsp;Consolidating the banking sector would lead to an increase in efficiency and a reduction in operating costs, which in turn would in time lower the real sector's costs and increase the domestic banking system's competitiveness with foreign banks, Bandid said.&nbsp;Under the new plan, foreign banks with full branch status will be allowed to extend their operations, increasing branch numbers and service centres, while the opportunity will be given to more overseas players to enter the market. Foreign banks will also be allowed to expand the scope of their activities, with the door to be opened to segments such as microfinance, treasuries and securities depository services.&nbsp;On August 7, the Thai finance minister, Korn Chatikavanij, said the second master plan would also focus on widening and deepening the public access to funding, changing the present situation whereby some 20% of consumers go to the non-organised market when seeking funds.&nbsp;"Microfinance could be one option to improve the access to funding for the low-income earners," Korn was quoted as saying by the English-language daily&nbsp;The National. "This could be done through existing financial institutions, which could adopt the Bank of Thailand's 'people's bank concept'. Or, we could establish a specialised organisation. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The master plan offers the leeway to apply any concept."&nbsp;Another of the steps the government and the BOT want to take is increasing the role of Islamic finance in the banking sector. Though Thailand has long had regulations allowing for Islamic banking, the segment has not developed as strongly as some had hoped, with the state-owned Islamic Bank of Thailand, which started operating in 2002, dominating the still small sub-sector.&nbsp;During a meeting with senior Malaysian officials in mid-August, the foreign minister, Kasit Piromya, said Thailand was keen on improving its Islamic finance sector using the experience of its neighbours.&nbsp;"We already have an Islamic banking industry, but it is still small, so we would like to develop it further," he said on August 13. "We have also agreed to explore a 'triangular cooperation' on Islamic banking with the Gulf Cooperation Council."&nbsp;While working with Malaysia may open a few doors for the Thai Islamic banking segment, it will likely always remain a minor component of the overall sector, having to compete with conventional rivals at home and far more powerful and advanced sharia-compliant competitors elsewhere in the region.&nbsp;Overall, Thailand's banking sector has weathered the global economic downturn quite well, thanks in no small part to lessons learned from the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, which resulted in a bolstering of risk management practices and heightened levels of corporate discipline and governance. Another factor in the domestic sector's favour has been its low exposure to the international subprime market and toxic assets, meaning most Thai banks had few connections with troubled overseas lenders.&nbsp;When the proposed changes to the sector are put in place, the Thai banking industry will have an even-stronger base from which to operate, while also being more attractive to foreign investors, allowing it to reach its full potential.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/346/banking_reforms_to_make_a_better_thailand_em_asiabanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:19:06 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Insured groth in Turkey (EM Europe/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Having gone through a period of consolidation and foreign investment, with many of the industry's leading firms taking on overseas partners, and having apparently ridden out the worst of the global financial crisis, Turkey's insurance sector appears to be again gaining momentum.&nbsp;There are some 60 companies in Turkey that offer insurance, reinsurance or private pension plan services, with most of the firms affiliated with local or foreign banks and the majority now having at least some overseas-ownership component.&nbsp;Shares in traded companies in Turkey's insurance sector have ridden the wave of the global recession over the past year. The industry index on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) peaked at around 38,000 points in late April 2008 before tumbling to 16,845 by the end of October. The year 2009, meanwhile, has been one of recovery.&nbsp;As of late August, the index was trading in the vicinity of 34,000 points, having broken through the 30,000 point barrier at the end of the previous month.&nbsp;While the resurgence of insurance stocks followed the general trend of the ISE, the steady climb over the past three quarters is also a reflection of the industry's improving performance and future potential.&nbsp;This potential is also borne out by the relatively low levels of insurance in Turkey, which ranks 68th globally in terms of insurance penetration yet is the 17th largest economy in the world.&nbsp;Figures released by the Union of Insurance and Reinsurance Companies of Turkey (TSRSB) in early April showed that the country's insurers were providing coverage to 13.65m individuals or businesses as of the end of 2008, nearly 20% more than at the close of 2007. Much of this increase came from business, with many employers providing staff with health and life policies.&nbsp;This coverage rate still leaves considerable room for expansion, though more work by insurers will be required to attract new clients, with many in Turkey yet to grasp the opportunities on offer from the industry.&nbsp;While there has been growth in the numbers of those insured, this has not been fully reflected in premium levels. According to the domestic industry publication Sigortaci, the total premium production in the Turkish insurance market increased by 0.34% in the first quarter of 2009, reaching a total of $2.1bn. However, taking into account annualised inflation of just under 8%, the overall market saw a contraction.&nbsp;The picture varied across different segments though, with premium production for life insurance, which represents around 15% of the total market, strengthening by 12% to $340m, while accident insurance premiums saw a 9% drop. There were also falls in premium levels of coverage for the maritime, automotive and, particularly, the agriculture sector, which recorded a decline of more than 30% compared to the figures for the first quarter of 2008.&nbsp;These results are very much a reflection of the fallout of the economic crisis, which has seen Turkey's shipping industry hard hit, with many vessels laid up due to a lack of charters; automotive sales plunge; and agriculture prices drop, though it should be noted that the first quarter is also a fallow period for Turkish farmers, coming as it does in the dead of winter when activity and employment levels are at their lowest.&nbsp;One segment that is recording high levels of growth is private individual pension plans. As of the end of March, the total of funds under management (FUM) by the 12 companies offering such services was $4.5bn, with 1.78m Turks paying into private pension schemes. Just two weeks later, on April 10, the FUM figure broke through the $4.6bn mark, with analysts expecting this trend to continue as the economy begins to pick up in the latter part of the year.&nbsp;That pick up may have already started, at least for some companies in the sector. At the end of August, the initial first-half results started to come out from Turkish insurers, with Aksigorta - a member company of the giant Sabanci Holdings group - announcing a 251% increase in net profits from its insurance operations for the six months ending June 30 compared to the same period in 2008. The company reported a $24.7m first-half profit from its direct insurance activities, and a further $4m of black ink from other sources.&nbsp;Given that Aksigorta posted a total $28m net profit for the first six months of 2009, it appears as if core activities, rather than subsidiary ones, have made a strong comeback.&nbsp;With a growing awareness of the benefits to be had from holding insurance, money looks set to flow into the industry, and there could be further foreign interest in the sector as it moves towards meeting its potential.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/345/insured_groth_in_turkey_em_europebanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:17:31 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[IMF sees growth in Malaysian economy in 2010 (EM Europe/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[There has been mixed news on the Malaysian economy of late, with revised estimates suggesting it may fall further than first expected as a result of the global recession but bounce back more quickly, while some figures are hinting that the bounce has already begun.&nbsp;On August 14, the IMF released its latest assessment on the Malaysian economy, with the report lowering its forecast for this year but raising expectations of higher growth rates in 2010.&nbsp;According to the IMF's Article IV assessment, Malaysia's economy will contract by 4.5% this year, rather than the 3.5% it had predicted in April. On the upside, the fund said that the economy would expand by 2.5% next year, a solid improvement on its earlier estimates of 1.3%.&nbsp;There was praise for the government's handling of the crisis, with the IMF saying that the fiscal and monetary policies being pursued were appropriate for the country's needs and Malaysia was well positioned to weather the severe impact of the global downturn.&nbsp;While praising the positives, the IMF also gave a "to-do" list to Malaysia, putting forward a series of measures that would help economic recovery in the shorter term and assist in making it more resilient to shocks in the longer term.&nbsp;Foremost among these recommendations was the broadening of the taxation base, including the introduction of the long-delayed goods and services tax, and a reduction in state subsidies.&nbsp;The IMF also called for some tweaking of the economy, saying there was a need to move it away from a dependence on exports, especially of energy, and a rebalancing of the market more towards domestic-driven expansion.&nbsp;To a degree, that recommendation is already being acted on, with the government of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak rolling out a series of reforms opening up services industries. Most notable is dropping Bumiputera ownership requirements in 27 segments of the sector as part of its programme to increase the contribution of services to 70% of the economy.&nbsp;Though giving an upbeat assessment of the Malaysian economy, the fund did warn there were some potential speed bumps on the road to recovery, though these were mainly beyond the government's control.&nbsp;"Risks to growth relate to the duration of the global recession, the evolution of commodity prices and adverse macro-financial interactions," the IMF said.&nbsp;The Malaysian government's own forecast for GDP retreat this year is in the 4 to 5% bracket, an assessment reached well before the IMF's recent revision, though there are signs that the economy is starting to set out on the road to recovery earlier than either local officials and the IMF have predicted.&nbsp;Recent figures released by state agencies show the monthly decline in manufacturing production is easing off, having reduced for each of the past five months, while earnings from exports is again trending up, from $11.6bn in April to $12.8bn in June.&nbsp;In June passenger vehicle sales had their best month of the year, with more than 41,000 cars sold, while 4100 commercial vehicles drove off the lots in the same month, the best result in a quarter.&nbsp;The Malaysian central bank is also seeing indicators that the worst is over, having decided to leave interest rates unchanged at 2% at the last meeting of its monetary policy board at the end of July. It was the third time in a row that Bank Negara Malaysia had met to discuss rates but took no action.&nbsp;"Signs of stabilisation of the global economy have emerged whilst conditions in the international financial markets have generally improved," the bank said in a statement issued on July 29 accompanying its decision to hold rates. "The assessment is that with the current low interest rates and with the fiscal stimulus gaining traction, the prevailing policy measures are sufficient to provide support to economic activity."&nbsp;Another positive for Malaysia are suggestions some of its major export markets, including in some of Europe's biggest economies, are starting their own recovery. According to the deputy finance minister, Datuk Wira Chor Chee Heung, this augers well for Malaysia.&nbsp;"Since Malaysia's major exports are to Europe, the recovery there is bound to have a positive impact on our economy," he told reporters on August 17.&nbsp;Combined with the impact of the government's $19bn economic stimulus package, the effects of which are starting to be felt, the short- to medium-term prospects for Malaysia are improving. Though it is too soon to describe the health of the economy as robust, nor is it fragile, having already exhibited distinct signs of life.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/344/imf_sees_growth_in_malaysian_economy_in_2010_em_europeeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:15:50 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Positive signs on Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (Middle East/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Like the majority of stock markets around the world, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has endured an element of uncertainty since the onset of the global financial crisis. However, with the index on an 11-week high, and positive trading signals for the first half of the year, the capital's bourse can look to the future with a degree of optimism.&nbsp;The emirate's index, buoyed by a surging Emirates Telecommunications Corp (Etisalat), climbed 0.5% to 2897 points on August 31, its highest finish since June 15. While other reasons for sanguinity came from the fact that the ADX index, market capitalisation and volumes all increased in the first half of 2009, influenced by an appreciation for the positive long-term economic outlook for Abu Dhabi, according to Tom Healy, the chief executive of the ADX.&nbsp;Statistics released in mid-July showed trading volumes leapt 39% in the first half of the year, while the ADX index and market capitalisation are up 10% and 12%, respectively. The increase in activity was attributable, in part at least, to the return of foreign investors, which accounted for 30% of trading.&nbsp;This resurgence of non-GCC participation is a welcome shot in the arm for the bourse. During the global credit crunch - and the ensuing financial morass in which many stockholders found themselves - a horde of foreign investors repatriated their money to meet domestic obligations.&nbsp;In the UAE matters were made worse due to a significant amount of speculative cash, known as "hot money", entering into the markets in 2007 and early 2008, with the aim of making a quick profit on the anticipation of the de-pegging of the dirham from the dollar. Once this began to look like a failed gamble, the hot money flowed out.&nbsp;Though the majority of this capital still remains overseas - foreign investors owned only 4% of the value of stocks listed on ADX in the first half of this year - there is an increase in trading from non-GCC investors, amounting to around 30% of all trades. This accounts to buying and selling shares worth nearly $4bn, leaving them with net purchases of $163m worth of shares, according to the ADX.&nbsp;As it currently stands, UAE nationals remain the highest owners of shares by value, with $59bn worth of shares, 92.5% of the total value owned.&nbsp;The good news for traders at the ADX is that volumes have picked up steadily in the first half of 2009 compared to the second half of 2008. Towards the end of last year the ADX witnessed a fall in volumes. However, since the beginning of 2009 volumes have risen 39% to over 20bn shares, from under 15bn.&nbsp;"As we would expect, given the lower values of shares, the value of trading is down by 48%, with shares worth $9.8bn changing hands in the first six months of this year compared to $19bn in the latter half of 2008," Healy told OBG.&nbsp;Due to the global economic uncertainty there has also been a slowdown in initial public offerings, as Abu Dhabi's companies put capital-raising plans on hold until financial markets stabilise. Green Crescent Insurance Company was the only firm to list in the first half of 2009, bringing the total amount of companies to 66, the vast majority of which are national.&nbsp;The combined market capitalisation of the ADX is over $77bn, a 12% increase on the end of 2008. Etisalat retained its place as the largest company listed on the ADX in terms of market capitalisation, followed by the National Bank of Abu Dhabi. In terms of trading value by sector, real estate demonstrated its supremacy again. Aldar, a government-backed real estate developer, was the most traded, with over $2.3bn worth of shares changing hands. Sorouh, another property developer, came second with $1.7bn, followed by RAK Properties, Dana Gas and Aabar Investments, respectively.&nbsp;The number of institutional investors on the ADX also increased by 7% in the first six months of this year. Attracting such investors is a central tenet of the ADX strategy because they bring with them stability and experience to the market.&nbsp;Healy is confident that Abu Dhabi possesses the right characteristics to succeed in this sphere. He told OBG that, "Abu Dhabi's economy has a very positive outlook for the next 20 years, as outlined in the Economic Vision 2030 plan. It has strong fundamentals, which tick many of the right boxes for investors, particularly the large foreign institutions looking for high growth in emerging markets."]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/343/positive_signs_on_abu_dhabi_securities_exchange_middle_eastbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:14:06 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai's transport infrastructure is on track (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Dubai's transport sector is about to enter a new era, with the launch of the initial stage of the world's largest fully automated metro system scheduled for early September. The first phase of the network, the Red Line, consists of 52 km of track, linking 29 stations, and will begin a limited service on September 9, with the second stage, the 18-station Green Line, scheduled to start running in March 2010. There are also plans being drafted for an additional two lines - Purple and Blue - though work on these will be held off pending further studies on growth trends and transport requirements. At optimum levels, the initial metro link will be able to carry 23,000 passengers in each direction every hour, a figure set to expand as further services come on-line. To maximise the usage of the metro, the Roads &amp; Transport Authority (RTA) is reconfiguring its public bus routes and timetables to provide easy feeder services to the metro's stations, and has re-equipped its bus fleet with new vehicles to increase passenger comfort and appeal. The project has a well-publicised budget of $4bn, though senior officials have acknowledged there has been a cost overrun. This is in large part due in part to extensive changes to the planned design and facilities required to meet the growing needs of Dubai, RTA board chairman and executive director Mattar Al Tayer said in an interview with the daily Gulf News in mid-August. Though well over budget, Al Tayer said the metro would be value for money. "Take a ride once or twice on the metro and you will get used to it because it is the best metro system in the world," he said. However, the new centrepiece of Dubai's mass transit system has had its fair share of problems in the lead up to its opening. The project was completed in four and a half years, far quicker than comparable transit systems elsewhere, though this tight timeframe has caused difficulties. While the launch of the new transit system will be a gala event, the opening will not be all that was promised, with as few as nine of the network's 29 stations expected to be ready for service on September 9. Such has been the rush to get even these stations completed that contractors have had to breach Dubai's building laws, which mandate no outdoors construction work be carried out between the hours of 12.30-3.00pm in the summer months. There have also been media reports of technical problems, with difficulties over some of the software needed to operate the fully automated system and delays with handing over some of the stations to Serco, the British firm that will manage the network. However, the biggest issue that the metro will have to contend with is Dubai's love affair with the automobile. Many in the emirate are more accustomed to private transport than public, resulting in heavy traffic congestion in and around the city centre, as well as high levels of pollution and competition for limited parking spaces. Currently, just 6% of Dubai's 2.2m population use public transport, according to the RTA, a figure it hopes to increase to 30% by 2020, with half of that total carried by the new rail network. The RTA is planning a massive promotion campaign to encourage the public to leave their cars at home and ride the rails, touting the network's ease, convenience and cost effectiveness. More than just a people mover, the Dubai metro has been designed as a mover of the emirate's economy. With some estimates putting the cost of time lost due to traffic congestion at Dh4.5bn ($1.2bn) annually, the metro could pay for itself in a few years. Among those looking to reap the rewards are Dubai's retailers. According to Eisa Ibrahim, the general manager of the BurJuman shopping centre, the metro will have a major impact on the emirate's malls. "It will bring in huge numbers through its stations," Ibrahim told local media on August 28. "In addition, the ease on traffic will also help a lot more people come through with their cars. We see a very positive benefit to all the malls either connected to or located close to the stations." Some sectors are less sure what the short-term impact will be, adopting a wait-and-see attitude. One such industry is the real estate sector, which is expecting a rise in property prices but is still uncertain about how the metro will affect both commercial and residential clusters. According to Jesse Downs, the director of research and advisory services at Landmark Advisory, the market is still unclear about metro-usage patterns at the outset and how these will evolve over time. "On average, I could imagine a 5-10% average premium developing in areas around stations over the first one or two years of operation," he said in an interview with local press in late August. "Of course, the actual premium will depend on the residential location and specifics of the development and individual building.â¨â¨ For commuters, the office location will be a critical factor." Some doubt that the metro will provide value for money, given that few such transit systems turn a profit. These concerns are in part based on Dubai's relatively small population and the propensity of locals and expatriates to rely on private means of transport. Though possibly not a money spinner, others such as Richard Anderson, of the Imperial College's railway and transport strategy centre in London, believe the metro offers Dubai a value far beyond monetary terms. "The main benefit of a metro system is that it allows a city to be more cost effective. It increases productivity in a way that is not easily quantified, and helps it support a sustainable lifestyle," Anderson said in an interview with The National on August 27. "It is hard to put a price on those benefits." Time will tell if the Dubai metro will allow the city to be more cost effective. For it to do so, the RTA will need to convince potential passengers of the efficiency of the service, and wean them away from their addiction to the automobile.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/342/dubais_transport_infrastructure_is_on_track_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:11:59 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Kudrin Upbeat on oil, should we upbeat on  Market Vectos RSX ? (ETF/Single Country)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Russia&nbsp;has been hard hit&nbsp;by the current economic crisis &amp; especially by the decline in oil prices this year.&nbsp;According to Economics Ministry data, Russia's GDP declined by 9.3% in July 2009 year-on-year and 10.2% in the first seven months of the year. Energy products, including crude oil&nbsp;&amp; natural gas, accounted for 65.5% of exports in the first half, while metals made up 12.1%.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/341/kudrin_upbeat_on_oil_should_we_upbeat_on_market_vectos_rsx_getfsingle_country.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:23:34 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[App Store wars coming to China with CHU, CHL & CHA (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Whilst China Mobile and China Telecom are devoting marketing budgets into their online mobile phone application stores, China Unicom &nbsp;is also developing an online store focusing on WCDMA cell phones, reported Shanghai Securities News.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/339/app_store_wars_coming_to_china_with_chu_chl_cha_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:29:57 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Concrete evidence that Qatari construction is on the move (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The construction sector, having avoided the full impact of the global financial crisis, is continuing to build from a position of strength. One of the key indicators that the Qatari construction sector is still vibrant, in contrast with others in the region, is the high demand for cement, with consumption at or around the same levels as it was last year. Even though the emirate's main cement producer, the Qatar National Cement Company, has ramped up production from 3m tonnes a year in 2008 to the present level of 4.65m tones, it still cannot meet all of domestic requirements, estimated to be between 18,000 and 19,000 tonnes a day. According to Mohamed Ali Al Sulaiti, the general manager of the Qatar National Cement Company, Qatar's daily requirements for cement mean that around 3000 tonnes of the material has to be imported daily, to complement the 15,500 tonnes of local production per day. "There are reports that the construction industry in many places in the region and outside has been hit because of the economic slowdown. Despite the increase in production, there is still shortage for cement in our country, which is a clear sign of Qatar's economic stability and strength," Al Sulaiti said in an interview with the Gulf Times on July 29. Omar Yaji, the general manager of Gulf Holding Company (GHC), another of Qatar's cement producers, supported this view. "It is true that the construction sector is badly hit around the world due to the financial crisis. But with Qatar, the situation is different. The crisis has had no major impact on Qatar," Yaji told local media on August 8. With demand still high, GHC is also increasing its daily output to 5000 tonnes from the current 3500 via a new facility due to start production before the end of the year. "There are several giant real estate projects on the list. With such projects, there would be no drop at all in the local demand for cement," Yaji said. Of all the countries in the Gulf region, only the cement companies in Qatar and Oman increased their earnings in the second quarter of 2009, according to a report issued by Kuwait's Global Investment House (GIH) in mid-August. The report also said that it expected Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia, to top any growth trend as construction recovered in the region. If the Qatari building sector needed a boost at all, it received one in late July with the news that construction work on a $5.5bn project to redevelop the centre of the capital Doha will begin in the fourth quarter of this year. The Heart of Doha project, being carried out by Dohaland, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, will see an area of 35 ha redeveloped so that architecture of downtown Doha better reflects the character of the city. Due to be completed in 2016, the five-stage, mixed-usage project foresees the construction of 226 separate buildings, along with supporting infrastructure, and should provide work to many local companies. There are potential downsides to the ongoing construction boom, though they are probably ones many in the sector have become used to. Increasing demand for both materials and skilled workers could push prices up as varying projects vie for the products needed to carry out developments and the professionals and labourers required to turn plans into reality. This price pressure will only increase as the building sectors in other Gulf countries start to pick up, as they are predicted to do in 2010, further adding to the demand for resources in the region. As across much of the region, there has been a fall in housing prices in Qatar, which are around 30% down so far this year, a drop that has seen the slowing in the rate of new residential projects being launched. However, any resulting slack in the building sector is being taken up by a slew of infrastructure developments that are either under way or on which work is about to start. These include ongoing work the New Doha International Airport, Qatar's largest power and desalination plant being build at Ras Laffin and the soon-to-commence Qatar-Bahrain Causeway, one of the biggest construction projects ever undertaken in the Gulf. Overall, prospects for the Qatari construction sector look good, with plenty of work on the horizon and the money available to pay for it.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/338/concrete_evidence_that_qatari_construction_is_on_the_move_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:12:20 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Nigeria Extends Aviation Concessions (Africa/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to extending the partial privatisation of the nation's airports, despite lingering doubts over the profitability of Nigeria's 17 remaining state-controlled airports, as it seeks to boost flight frequency and arrival figures. The four candidates for private concession are Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos; Mallam Amino Kano International Airport, Kano State; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; and Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State. If privatised, these four would join the existing concession at Murtala Mohammed Airport 2 (MMA2), which was awarded to Bi-Courtney Aviation Services in a N20bn ($126m) 36-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract in 2003. As a trial-run for further privatisation, MMA2 clearly signposted the government's intent to improve the efficiency of the aviation sector, although it has not been without teething troubles. The initial agreement for a 25-year BOT contract was recently extended to 36 years following a court dispute, which involved several industry players, including the government. Under the terms of the initial memorandum of understanding, MMA2 was intended to have a monopoly over domestic air traffic in Lagos. However, in an attempt to recoup investment costs Bi-Courtney announced earlier this year that it would increase passenger charges at the terminal from N350 ($2.21) to N1000 ($6.32) in June. This factor, combined with the continued operation of the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) which MMA2 was supposed to supersede, and which continued to charge N350 ($2.21) per passenger, made for some difficulty in persuading carriers to switch to the new terminal. Other wrangles, including the desire of some carriers to develop their own terminals (thus circumventing MMA2), debates over the difference between transfer and transit passengers, and government concerns over the establishment of a private sector monopoly, have all served to slow the gains of privatisation. The announcement that more of Nigeria's most profitable airports will follow the same route as MMA2 will bring about changes for the country's aviation industry bodies, such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). There is no doubt that the concessioning of airports in Nigeria fits into a wider government policy towards the development of aviation: establishing a modern, privatised network, where the government assumes the role of regulator as opposed to service provider. As Richard Aisuebeogun, the MD and CEO of FAAN, told OBG, "The government realises that it cannot develop and maintain the country's infrastructure by itself." FAAN expects the four proposed airports to be conceded within the next 18 months. Aisuebeogun's views are echoed by an independent aviation consultant, who wished to remain anonymous. "By and large, the safety environment in Nigeria's 22 airports has improved in recent years," he told OBG. "The separation of FAAN, the airport operator, and the NCAA, the regulator, has improved the regulatory environment for the aviation industry." Indeed, in a highly significant step for the Nigerian aviation industry, the US Federal Aviation Administration has awarded the IASA category 1 safety certification to Nigeria this year - allowing domestic operators to resume flights to US airports. The government also sees an opportunity to make Nigeria the West African hub for international carriers, and to that end has recently secured an agreement with Lufthansa and Lufthansa Teknik to build a maintenance hangar. While becoming a regional hub remains an achievable goal, there are indications that the current market framework needs some fine-tuning. Nigerian carriers in particular are struggling to maintain market share against their better-capitalised international competitors, with Virgin Nigeria recently pulling out of long-haul routes to London and South Africa. Nigerian carriers in general currently have a significantly lower share of international long-haul routes in and out of the country than two decades ago.The current complications surrounding aviation in Nigeria may resemble something of a Gordian knot. However, in common with that knot, whichever operators can successfully untangle it stand on the cusp of great rewards.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/337/nigeria_extends_aviation_concessions_africaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:07:31 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Tourism in Lebanon - Flying High (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[One of Lebanon's most important sectors - tourism - is enjoying its best year on record, thanks in no small part to the country's improved transport links, and in particular the record-breaking performance of Beirut's airport. Tourism is already one of the driving forces of the Lebanese economy - contributing just under 10% to GDP - and is a sector that the country hopes will continue to provide further employment and revenue. One of the key pieces in Lebanon's transport infrastructure network is Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport (BRHIA), the country's main entry point for overseas tourists that is also becoming important as a cargo hub. According to data released by airport authorities in August, BRHIA looks set for another record year, with nearly 2.7m passengers passing through its terminals in the first seven months of 2009, up by 28.9% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the number of planes touching down and taking off also increased by 31.4%, with the airport handling 31,100 flights. BRHIA also recorded an 11.3% increase in the volume of cargo handled in the first seven months of this year, with 41,000 tonnes shifted, a further reflection of the upward trend in the Lebanese economy. Such is the growing importance of BRHIA as an international aviation hub that Air Arabia, the Middle East's largest low-cost carrier, is considering establishing its third operations centre at the airport. According to Karim Hijazi, the managing director of aviation consultancy firm Air Synapsis, BRHIA has the inside track to become the Sharjah-headquartered airline's new base. "We compared Egypt and Lebanon, and technically Beirut could be the best choice for Air Arabia for their third hub," Hijazi said in an interview with the Khaleej Times in mid-August. Such praise for Beirut's airport and the rest of the country's transport infrastructure has not always been the norm. Over the years, Lebanon's transport facilities have come in for a good deal of criticism, as successive governments have suffered shortages of funds to improve the country's land, sea and air links, while at the same time meeting other demands on the budget. Of course, along with the criticism has come some fairly rough treatment and years of often-enforced neglect. Lebanon's 16-year war, which ended in 1990, resulted in widespread damage to the transport grid. The long-running violence and political instability meant there was little opportunity to repair or upgrade infrastructure. With a return to peace, efforts were made to restore and improve existing transport links and undertake new projects, though fiscal constraints meant that there was never enough funding to do all that was required. Despite those restrictions, Beirut's airport underwent a series of upgrades, with two new runways added and passenger-handling capacity increased to 6m annually through the expansion of its primary terminal. However, some of this work was undone in the summer of 2006, when Israel struck at Lebanon. Though its operation targeted the Islamist Hezbollah movement, there were also widespread strikes against transport infrastructure across the country, including in regions not under Hezbollah control. This resulted in the damage or destruction of some 600 km of roads, 73 bridges and many of Lebanon's main transport facilities, in particular ports up and down the coast and the BRHIA, which had all three of its runways put out of action. Though the war damage to the airport was quickly repaired, it did take longer for confidence to return, with many international airlines wary of resuming flights into Beirut so soon after the conflict. Confidence was also shaken in May 2008, when protests led by Hezbollah closed the BRHIA for a week, though since that time the airport has operated undisturbed by internal or external disruptions. However, there have been rumblings of late that this situation may not continue. In early August, Tel Aviv resurrected the spectre of Israeli military operations targeting the country amid speculation that Hezbollah would be included in the new Lebanese government. Israel has warned that if Hezbollah is involved in any future Lebanese government, strikes against Israeli targets linked to the group will be considered as an attack by the Lebanese state itself and as such would result in a response. In early August, the Israeli defence minister, Ehud Barak, warned that Lebanon's infrastructure would be specifically targeted in any further military action, saying that operations in 2006 had actually spared many transport links and utilities at the request of Washington. "What happened in the second Lebanon war will not happen again," Barak said on August 6. "At the time a message from the US indicated we must spare Lebanon's infrastructure." This might come as something of a surprise to many Lebanese, given the level of destruction in 2006 and the high cost of trying to repair the damage. While it is to be hoped that Tel Aviv's threats come to nothing, the beating of drums do sound a warning that the progress made by the Lebanese transport network over the past few years is constantly under a cloud, one that could direct a strike at tourism confidence and the economy.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/336/tourism_in_lebanon_flying_high_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:04:29 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Widening Impact of IT in the Phillipines (Asia Pacific/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Philippine government has placed particular focus on the development of the country's IT industry, though the sector still faces numerous challenges in order to modernise its infrastructure. In early August the development of the IT sector in the country drew the attention of the UN International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The ITU deputy secretary-general, Houlin Zhao, visited the country in order to better understand how the progression of IT in a developing country can impact industry, especially during the time of a global economic downturn. The case of the Philippines is particularly intriguing as private sector IT-driven companies have continued to expand despite the grey economic climate, largely due to the growth of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. Currently the Philippines is without a fully fledged department of information and communications technology (ICT), instead relying on a less empowered Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), along with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). While the CICT and the NTC together perform the essential functions of a department of ICT, they lack the funding, support and political power needed to stimulate and maximise IT development. In June of 2009 the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce (JFC) of the Philippines recommended 10 policy reforms to the Filipino government that it claims will dramatically increase foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country - among those reforms was the departmentalisation of the CICT. Also drumming support for the necessary legislation to be passed through congress, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made a special point in her "State of the Nation Address" in late July to implore congress to pass the bill before next year's elections. The reality behind the IT sector in the Philippines certainly indicates the need for decisive action. Recently, the Philippines ranked 85th of 134 countries in the Global Information Technology Report. The report, which assesses a country's ability to establish and improve ICT infrastructure, indicates the country is falling behind the curve, allowing some of its regional neighbours (such as Vietnam and Indonesia) to surpass it. Industry experts are quick to point out inefficiencies - some of which are caused by the presence of overlapping infrastructure. It should be noted that the archipelagic makeup of the country presents extremely difficult challenges regarding infrastructure development. As a result, broadband penetration in the country remains very low; however, given the advent of affordable netbooks, internet accessibility in the country is anticipated to grow rapidly in the near future. In an interview with OBG, the Globe telecom CEO, Ernest Cu, stated that, "The Philippine broadband market is very attractive as penetration rates are low and demand from both consumer and business segments is increasing. In early 2008, only 8% of all Filipino households had broadband access, representing just 1.1% of our 92m population and therefore, the potential for broadband is vast." Other issues, such as e-governance, indicate a need for escalating the capabilities of the CICT. Not only can e-governance streamline simple processes, it can increase transparency and accountability in a government severely lacking in both areas. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly possible that part of the Arroyo administration's 10-point agenda, automated elections, may not be fully functional in time for next year's voting. Lastly, issues within the private sector, such as piracy, intellectual property laws and the need for IT courts, should likely be addressed in a sterner manner. According to some estimates piracy accounts for over two-thirds of the entire software market in the country. Software piracy is a crime punishable with up to nine years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,430 under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Republic Act 8293). However, the implementation of the law has yet to stem losses due to piracy, which were estimated at $202m in 2008, up from $147m in 2007, according to the Pilipinas Anti Piracy Team. Despite some industry insiders' perceived lack of government oversight and support, there are several highly promising aspects to the sector - the first of which is the quantity of human resources in the country. While questions pertaining to quality have been raised in recent years there is no doubt the country produces ample quantities of graduates with degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and software development. The English-language capabilities add further value to the human resources of the country. This is an important factor as the BPO industry is certainly one of the Philippines' most promising sectors. Also referred to as the country's "sunrise industry", BPO has rapidly emerged as a significant contributor to the national economy, accounting for over $6bn and 600,000 jobs annually. Over the past decade, growth in the country's BPO industry has been driven primarily by call centres dedicated to customer service. However, the industry continues to expand in terms of quantity, quality and variety of services. Emerging knowledge process outsourcing services in areas such as animation, graphic design, IT support and software development will necessitate the continued development of IT students. Although the Philippines has yet to fully utilise and develop its IT sector, signs indicate that the government will have a department of ICT by 2010. The looming election season of spring 2010, during which time most legislative reform slows, remains the only obstacle. Regardless of congressional outcomes, private sector IT development will continue to grow - creating jobs and adding significant value to the national economy.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/335/widening_impact_of_it_in_the_phillipines_asia_pacifictechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:48:01 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lithuania is going to lose 1 mlrd. euro due to LEO LT liquidation (EM Europe/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Lithuania is going to lose 1 mlrd. euro due to LEO LT liquidation]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/334/lithuania_is_going_to_lose_1_mlrd_euro_due_to_leo_lt_liquidation_em_europeenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:42:28 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/334.xml</guid>
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<title><![CDATA[(NYSE: T) AT&T eyes 25% stake in India's BSNL (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[According to the Economic Times of India, domestic US  telecom giant AT&amp;T is in talks with&nbsp;state controlled&nbsp;Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL)&nbsp;regarding placing an investment, that would see the company&nbsp;make a comeback in&nbsp;one of the fastest growing telecoms sectors. With mobile penetration advancing from 2% in 2005 to over 40% in 2009, still leaving plenty of room for growth.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/333/nyse_t_att_eyes_25_stake_in_indias_bsnl_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:40:48 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Mobile Content in Russia. New players involved: MTS Omlet, Megafon Trava. (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Mobile content becomes one of the most interesting areas for MNOs. Many MNOs in Russia are considering ways for their portals improvement in order to distribute multimedia content. Initially it was a niche piece of Internet market. At the moment that initial players are leaders in this area but all could change very rapidly as MNOs are invading this market. Fidel.ru and Soundkey at the moment have about 70% of the market. Other players are imobilko.ru, muz.ru, stereokiller.ru.MTS Omlet was launched about half a year ago and rapidly increases its popularity by massive advertisement and comfortable payment schemes. MTS anounced its big interest in this new area: multimedia content for PC and Mobiles. Mobile Content is one of the biggest trends now and stands among Mobile Advertisement and Mobile Commerce. While Mobile Ads and m-Commerce are still very immature markets, Mobile Content has already achieved senior level of maturity. Hence it gets more interest from MNOs. They have to develop their business and in the current downtime there are no many ways to do that.Main drivers for Contet market growth:1. Growing Russian Internet base.2. Growing erudition and device capabilities awareness.3. Growing legal content market share and Government pressure in content legalization.4. MNOs become broadband ISPs and they are interested in getting money not only from access.I think it is really good time for getting into this business with small investments (the crisis made all thing cheaper) and protect future incomes. It is clear that MNOs income could be increased not from big increase in penetration but from new services (Mobile Internet, Content, Advertisement, Commerce). And this becomes very important strategic task to take place in the markets of new trends in order to be able to have quick win there later.Recently Megafon anounced it's plans to launch multimedia Content Portal Trava (like Grass). It seems that they chose the similiar to MTS business model. I think we will see interesting competition soon. Beeline is taking a long pause regarding its plans in this area but it seems they simply don't have resources for a new business direction development. Government held SvyazInvest should think about this area too - they have really big Internet subscribers base and many of them are buying content through Internet. Why not to earn that money too?MNOs and Internet companies are not the only competitors here. The major players in this competition are handset and devices vendors. Just look at Apple iTunes, Nokia OVI store and you will see many more interested in Content business.So, Internet companies, MNOs, ISPs, Vendors will be developing Content Portals and compete for the End Users. All of them have their pros and cons. Probably, the winner will be some partnered project. It could decrease investments and risks and increase end user value (and hence revenue for parties involved).Some estimations of this area:Fidel turnover is $400k in 2008, 2009 estimated at $570k, 2010 estimated at $1 mlnFidel and Soundkey both have about 70% market shareMTS investments in Omlet are estimated at $5 mlnsDigital content market size is estimated at $2,4 blns (J'Son &amp; Partners)Additional information (in Russian) could be found in this Vedomosti issue http://www.vedomosti.ru/newspaper/article.shtml?2009/09/01/212300, http://ruformator.ru/news/article05950/default.asp and here http://hostinfo.ru/articles/business/rubric160/1540/.Thanks,Denis.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/332/mobile_content_in_russia_new_players_involved_mts_omlet_megafon_trava_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:34:05 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Brazilian banking, a two horse race - ITUB / BBD (BRIC/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Brazilian banks have been on a tear this year, with both  Itau-Unibanco &amp; Banco de Bradesca returning more than 100% year to date. As  the "B" in BRIC, Brazil is thought by economists to be coming out of it's recession, with The Economist stating that the country could see a return to 4%-5% in 2010, as Brazil is less dependant on the US as an export market &amp; is forging ties in Asia, notably with China on energy accords.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/330/brazilian_banking_a_two_horse_race_itub_bbd_bricbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:31:16 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Hedged In on SDS, FXI & FXP as bears refuse to sleep (ETF/Single Country)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Normally at this time of year, bears are getting their stores in &amp; looking at hibernation, but the recent market has turned that around, with bears dozing most of the summer &amp; now waking up &amp; looking hungry.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/329/hedged_in_on_sds_fxi_fxp_as_bears_refuse_to_sleep_etfsingle_country.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:00:09 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[No further information available]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/325/.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:13:23 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Heads Operators win, Tails I loose… Update for 28 Aug 09… (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[I would like to first get up and salute the perfect manner in which the closing of the markets was planned out that we hit the nail on the head.&nbsp; It is phenomenal to see the markets singing to the tune of whomsoever the operators are. The markets were supposed to be range bound &ndash; basically due to the open interest that was there at the levels of 4600 and 4700.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/324/heads_operators_win_tails_i_loose_update_for_28_aug_09_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:05:22 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[ACWI or VT: Which is the Best World ETF? (ETF/Regional)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Want to own the world stock market with one trade?&nbsp; Are you a keep it simple stupid (KISS) investor?&nbsp; Tired of the daily spin regarding what to buy or sell? &nbsp;Then I have the answer for you.&nbsp; Two answers, actually, if you&rsquo;re convinced the worldwide bear market is over.&nbsp; Both are nearly identical, but the benefit is owning the global stock markets in one neat and tidy package.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/323/acwi_or_vt_which_is_the_best_world_etfgetfregional.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:51:32 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[RSX: Your ETF Ticket to Russia (ETF/Single Country)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Ah, Russia.&nbsp; Home to those infamous cold winters, backdrop to so many dark classic novels and exporter of, among other things, vodka.&nbsp; But that&rsquo;s not all investors should think of when it comes to Russia.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/322/rsx_your_etf_ticket_to_russia_etfsingle_country.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:44:13 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Working On The Railroads, China-Style (NYSE: GSH) (EM Asia/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Transportation stocks are usually a good barometer of overall economic health.&nbsp; Trucking companies, airfreight shipping firms, and railroad operators thrive when the economy thrives. &nbsp;Conversely, these are among the first to be hit when the economy falters. &nbsp;Slower business activity means less need for transportation of goods and people. &nbsp;While American railroad operators such as Burlington Northern (BNI), Union Pacific (UNP) and others moved up in the recent market rally, the group remains well off its 2008 highs.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/321/working_on_the_railroads_chinastyle_nyse_gsh_em_asiaindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:38:28 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[JVS: First Islamic ETF For U.S. Markets (ETF/Other)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Back in April we reported on FaithShares, a planned&nbsp;line of new ETFs aimed at various Christian denominations.&nbsp; In early July,&nbsp;the pool of monotheist-oriented ETFs expanded with the launch of Javelin Dow Jones Islamic Market International Index Fund (NYSE: JVS) on the NYSE.&nbsp; More funds are planned from this new ETF family that calls itself JETS &ndash; Javelin Exchange Traded Shares.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/320/jvs_first_islamic_etf_for_us_markets_etfother.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:31:49 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[iShares MSCI All Peru Capped Index Fund (NYSE: EPU) (ETF/Single Country)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The race to bring the first Peru ETF to the US market was won by iShares with the introduction of iShares MSCI All Peru Capped Index Fund (NYSE: EPU) on June 22.&nbsp; Most observers were expecting Global X to win this race, anticipating a mid-June launch according to a Bloomberg interview with Global X Management.&nbsp; A link to that interview was available on the Global X website prior to the launch, but it is no longer there, an apparent acknowledgment iShares turned out to be the first-mover.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/319/ishares_msci_all_peru_capped_index_fund_nyse_epu_etfsingle_country.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:26:23 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/319.xml</guid>
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<title><![CDATA[New iShares S&P Emerging Markets Infrastructure Index Fund (EMIF) (ETF/Other)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[New products continue to emerge from the ETF IPO pipeline, albeit far more slowly than in the halcyon days of 2007-2008.&nbsp; June 19&nbsp;brought iShares S&amp;P Emerging Markets Infrastructure Index Fund (EMIF).&nbsp; Volume has been light, but I suspect iShares has enough marketing muscle to keep EMIF off the ETF Deathwatch list.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/318/new_ishares_sp_emerging_markets_infrastructure_index_fund_emif_etfother.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:21:12 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Four More 2x Inverse International ETFs from ProShares (ETF/Other)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[ProShares introduced four more double inverse international ETFs to their lineup on June 18. The new funds provide 2x inverse exposure to MSCI indexes covering Europe, Pacific ex-Japan, Brazil, and Mexico. The ProShares catalog now contains 10 inverse international products and 84 ETFs in all.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/317/four_more_2x_inverse_international_etfs_from_proshares_etfother.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:00:43 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[ProShares Introduced Four 2x Long International ETFs in June (ETF/Other)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[For US investors who want to trade international equity indexes but wish they were more volatile, your wish has come true. On June 4, ProShares expanded its line-up with four new 2X leveraged ETFs covering developed markets, emerging markets, Japan and China.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/316/proshares_introduced_four_2x_long_international_etfs_in_june_etfother.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:51:22 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Maemo 5 injects speed and power into mobile computing  (ADR/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Running on the new Maemo 5 software, the Nokia N900 empowers users to have dozens of application windows open and running simultaneously while taking full advantage of the cellular features, touch screen and QWERTY keyboard.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/309/maemo_5_injects_speed_and_power_into_mobile_computing_adrtechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:00:56 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Go with China Unicom (NYSE: CHU) (Asia Pacific/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Are those happy days back?&nbsp; The China SPDR ETF (GXC) outperformed the S&amp;P 500 by 26% recently and we told you about international real estate &ndash; China is one of the big drivers in that play. &nbsp;This week, we have another idea in the Middle Kingdom.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/308/go_with_china_unicom_nyse_chu_asia_pacifictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:50:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/308.xml</guid>
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<title><![CDATA[Emerging Market Sector ETFs from Emerging Global Advisors (ETF/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[First there were sector ETFs.&nbsp; Then there were emerging-markets ETFs.&nbsp; Now we have emerging markets sector ETFs.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/307/emerging_market_sector_etfs_from_emerging_global_advisors_etfenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:42:08 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF (NYSE: BRF) (ADR/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[ETF developers are slicing the pie thinner and thinner, and this time thinner might be better.&nbsp; US investors wishing to invest in Brazil have had the very popular iShares MSCI Brazil (EWZ) available for almost nine years.&nbsp; EWZ is focused on the largest, most liquid Brazlian stocks.&nbsp; On May 14,&nbsp;Van Eck Global&nbsp;launched Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, under the ticker BRF.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/304/market_vectors_brazil_smallcap_etf_nyse_brf_adrbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:37:26 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China Telecom's H1 profit down 27.5 pct (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[BEIJING, Aug. 27, 2009 (Xinhua News Agency) -- China Telecom Corp, Ltd, China's largest fixed line service provider, said Thursday that net profits fell 27.5%&nbsp; from a year earlier in the first half of this year on losses of fixed-line subscribers and increased costs on mobile services.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/294/china_telecoms_h1_profit_down_275_pct_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:40:56 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Canadian Solar Obtains Rights for Chinese 500 MW Project  (Asia Pacific/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Canadian Solar Inc. today announced it obtained rights to design, install, operate, and maintain a 500 MW solar power plant system. Under a letter of intent with the Administration Committee of Baotou National Rare Earth Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone ("CPT") in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, the solar power plant will be located in CPT.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/293/canadian_solar_obtains_rights_for_chinese_500_mw_project_asia_pacificenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:34:04 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait: Retail Steady (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Kuwait's retailers are confident their sector is on the verge of picking up after a slow first half of the year, though shoppers themselves seem to be more cautious, waiting to see the way the economy will go before splashing out. The sector has enjoyed high levels of growth in recent years, reflected by the sharp rise in gross leasable space, which is expected to top 1.1m sq metres by the beginning of next year, triple the 2006 figure of 345,000 sq metres. However, with the economic slowdown, various estimates put the expected fall in Kuwait's GDP at around 1% for 2009, not dramatic but a sharp contrast to the figures enjoyed in recent years. The economy is nevertheless expected to return to positive territory next year, the IMF is predicting GDP to expand by 2.4% in 2010, though the retail sector is tipped to exceed this. A report on Kuwait issued by research firm Business Monitor International in early August predicted retail sales will rise from $39bn in 2008 to almost $51bn in 2013. Among the factors that will stimulate growth in the sector are an increasing population in the 20 to 44 age bracket, and a high level of urbanisation, with nearly 99% of those living in Kuwait expected to be residing in built-up areas by 2015, up from the 96% in 2005. Industry projections put retail sales growth in the country at around 31% between 2008 and 2013, averaging slightly over 6% per annum. While the medium-term prospects look bright, if not spectacular, the outlook in the immediate future appears to be tinged with grey. The findings of the latest MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence survey, covering the second half of 2009, shows that Kuwaitis are far more pessimistic over the economy than they were in the first six months of the year. According to the index, published at the beginning of August, the confidence of Kuwait's consumers has slipped from a high of 96.6 to just 49.5, with a score of 100 representing optimism and 50 being neutral. According to Raghu Malhotra, the area business head for the Middle East (Gulf countries) at MasterCard Worldwide (NYSE: MA), a neutral position could almost be seen as a vote of confidence. "In Kuwait, while consumers are not bullish about the next six months, neither are they feeling pessimistic. This is encouraging given the economic challenges of today," Malhotra said. There was also some good news for retailers, with the breakdown of the study showing purchasing electrical goods, along with dining out and entertainment, remained as priorities for consumers when spending, while just over-two thirds of those surveyed said they were planning to maintain the same level of discretionary and recreation spending as the last six months. While Kuwait's consumers might be somewhat wary, retailers themselves are starting to take a more upbeat view of the economy. According to a survey conducted by Dun &amp; Bradstreet South Asia Middle East and Muthanna Investment Company (MIC), business confidence is on the rise. The Business Optimism Index (BOI) for Kuwait for the third quarter of 2009, released at the end of July, reveals that just over half of respondents expected sales volumes to pick up from their levels in the second quarter, with just 18% predicting further falls, while forecasts for net profits are running at similar levels. Though many businesses in the wholesale and retail trade cited tight liquidity as hampering their efforts to access finance, 33% of firms plan to boost investment expenditure, with another 28% planning to maintain investments at the same level this quarter as in the last. Positive developments such as rising oil prices and the anticipation of improved corporate performances were some of the factors driving the strengthening of business sentiment, MIC said in a statement accompanying the release of the data. "The Kuwaiti economy outlook for the third quarter is certainly brighter than it was in the previous quarter, as clearly visible by the BOI survey, where all the sectors have shown firm confidence to register an improvement in their business," the company said. While shoppers may be of a more neutral frame of mind, adopting a wait-and-see approach to spending, it seems as if many retailers are readying themselves for better times ahead.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/292/kuwait_retail_steady_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:16:55 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Infosys wins 5 year outsourcing deal with BP (BRIC/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Infosys Technologies will manage and operate a large portion of business  systems for BP, one of the world&rsquo;s largest oil and gas companies, under the  terms of a five-year applications outsourcing and support agreement.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/291/infosys_wins_5_year_outsourcing_deal_with_bp_brictechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:39:39 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China Telecom Launches First China-India Terrestrial Cable (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[China Telecom Americas, the largest international subsidiary of China Telecom Corporation Limited, announced that its parent company has launched the first terrestrial broadband cable transmission system between China and India.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/290/china_telecom_launches_first_chinaindia_terrestrial_cable_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:27:40 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Nokia brings mobile financial services to millions  (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Nokia today introduced Nokia Money, a new mobile financial service offering consumers with mobile device access to basic financial services. For many consumers, this will be the first time they have had any access to such financial services.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/289/nokia_brings_mobile_financial_services_to_millions_adrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:58:31 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Beating a Dead Horse (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[I know, I may sound like I&rsquo;m beating a dead horse how much printer cartridge can one spill over China?&nbsp; &ndash; but I have a very high burden of proof to overcome.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/288/beating_a_dead_horse_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:22:20 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[The Conclusion: Beating a Dead Horse (to Death) (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[My recent &ldquo;Beating the Dead Horse&rdquo; article ended with a very insightful conclusion &ldquo;Need I say more?&rdquo;.&nbsp; I received a dozen emails that said &ndash; you DO need to say more.&nbsp; So here I am saying more:]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/286/the_conclusion_beating_a_dead_horse_to_death_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:09:49 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Vodafone steps up to the plate, backed up by Emerging Markets (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Recently Vodafone Group (NYSE:VOD) released an interim management statement that considering the current economic climate, I consider to be pretty upbeat. I have been a long term holder of Vodafone stock on the London Stock Exchange &amp; have&nbsp;over the last year traded the NYSE traded ADR up &amp; down on swings. However with the current market, I am now looking for some growth &amp; value plays. Looking a little closer at the report &amp; doing some quick analysis of some of the major themes contained, I am now quite bullish on VOD going forward &amp; will be picking up some shares for my investment portfolio. As of writing Vodafone was trading at &pound;121.00 in London &amp; $19.64 in New York.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/284/vodafone_steps_up_to_the_plate_backed_up_by_emerging_markets_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:01:55 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[NSE India market update for 25 Aug 09... (BRIC/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[So we have the same situation wherein the FIIs are having a ball of the time purchasing and the DIIs seem to have resigned to the idea that the upswing is here to stay and it is best to board the bus. The run up seems to be here to stay for the time being atleast. The entire world is getting convinced that the upswing is there to stay. Mind you that if we do test 4700 this time around then it would be the third time this level will be tested and if it breaks &ndash; which is likely &ndash; then the upper limit is way up.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/283/nse_india_market_update_for_25_aug_09_bricbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:13:29 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Nokia Booklet 3G brings all day mobility to the PC world  (ADR/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[After more than 25 years as a pioneer and leader in the mobile industry, Nokia will bring its rich mobility heritage and knowledge to the PC world with the new, Windows based, Nokia Booklet 3G.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/282/nokia_booklet_3g_brings_all_day_mobility_to_the_pc_world_adrtechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:09:31 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[NSE India market update for 24 Aug 09... (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[You want me to place my bets in this upmove? See the FII/DII data &ndash; the purchasing by the FIIs does not at the moment show too much of enthusiasm. The markets are perhaps&nbsp; being forced to be kept range bound &ndash; and that may remains so till the expiry. On Friday the markets moved up with a sudden drop in open interest in 4500 Calls. Now the range may be dictated by a different level in Nifty but all the same the range is likely to remain till such manipulations disappear. The second factor working in favour of the markets at the moment (negate the China factor) is the fact the globally there is a talk of being high and dry out of recession. The results coming out an the various forecasts may be pointing towards that. Finally all the world markets are waiting for me to become bullish &ndash; it is only then the bears will get a signal to strike. It will be when you me and the tom around the corner&nbsp; is convinced that we are out of the woods and when we reach the other bank &ndash; we will stare with complete disbelief and the markets will fall. That they are not falling means that everyone is still not board the bull bus.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/280/nse_india_market_update_for_24_aug_09_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:23:24 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[South Africa Recession Continues Even as The Rand Surges (Africa/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA["The banking sector in South Africa has insubstantial leverage and did not enter in to excessively risky lending practices that were the hallmarks of the credit-boom days. However, South Africa&rsquo;s CAD remains wide and its ability to service its short-term debt is on the wrong side of comfortable. These factors, along with the size of the banking sector in relation to that of other emerging markets, would bring unwelcome attention to the economy in the event of a deterioration of global risk sentiment (perhaps precipitated by a sovereign debt crisis elsewhere in the world)."]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/279/south_africa_recession_continues_even_as_the_rand_surges_africaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:24:01 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[New E-Commerce Player, Buynow Online Store Formally Launched In China (BRIC/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[It is exciting to see the pace at which ecommerce is developing in China. Today, Chinese technology products retail chain Buynow has formally launched its online store Buynow.com.cn.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/278/new_ecommerce_player_buynow_online_store_formally_launched_in_china_brictechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:27:12 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Sharism and the potential impact on online reputation (Asia Pacific/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Thanks to my friends at iMedia for publishing my story about &ldquo;Sharism&rdquo; A notion embracing the spirit of Web 2.0, and as the number of bloggers and social media contributors continues to increase, so does the risk to your brand&rsquo;s image. ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/277/sharism_and_the_potential_impact_on_online_reputation_asia_pacifictechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:24:15 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Impact of the Yahoo-Microsoft deal on Search in China (ADR/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[So as they say in the US, &ldquo;Game On&rdquo;&hellip; the Yahoo/Microsoft deal certainly makes for some interesting reading for those us search guys in China but does it really change the search landscape here?]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/276/impact_of_the_yahoomicrosoft_deal_on_search_in_china_adrbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:21:19 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[How much should be paid for a new telecom license? (EM Europe/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The French government has recently opened the bidding for the country&rsquo;s fourth 3G license. Reserve price is set at 240 million EUR (about $339 million), and France Telecom said it will appeal against the license fee, because it&rsquo;s too low compared to what the incumbent operators have paid.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/275/how_much_should_be_paid_for_a_new_telecom_licensegem_europetelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 09:38:34 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ukranian power plays could benefit Turkcell (EM Europe/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Ukraine&rsquo;s telecommunications sector is, potentially at least, in line for a major shake up, with plans to privatise a controlling stake in state-owned landline operator Ukrtelecom. Proposals to sell off Ukrtelecom have been around since the 1990s, with different formulas and percentages being floated at various times, along with varying assessments of the company&rsquo;s net worth.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/274/ukranian_power_plays_could_benefit_turkcell_em_europetelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:27:31 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Three's company, as Syria opens up telecoms sector (Middle East/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Syria is set to unveil a long-awaited new telecommunications law that could see the creation of an independent regulator and the creation of a new licensing regime for mobile operators.  Due to be introduced by early next year, the new law will also see state-owned Syrian Telecommunications Establishment (STE) restructured to become a commercially driven player, as well as pave the way for the possible arrival of a third mobile operator that should lead to increased competition and ultimately result in lower tariffs and increased penetration. The STE is currently set-up as a public enterprise and holds a monopoly over the provision of fixed-line services and infrastructure. The STE also serves as the sector's regulator, a function which, according to its general manager, Nazim Bahsas, is becoming increasingly burdensome. "Fulfilling the regulatory role is not our core business and consumes more than 30% of our management time, detracting from our ability to focus on and dedicate resources to the operational side of our business," he told OBG.  The new law will remove the regulatory function from the STE, allowing the company to focus on boosting its commercial operations. The subsequent, more competitive and independently regulated market should provide a boost to the industry. According to Bahsas, "Looking at global trends, in nearly every market where a separate regulator was established, tremendous progress was achieved for the sector as a whole, so the new telecoms law is a must for the country." Eventually, the government will also consider ending the STE's monopoly over fixed-line services, but this will not take place for a few years. Bahsas justified the delay to OBG, explaining, "If we all of a sudden open the market and issue new fixed-line licences, we will be unable to compete under our current public sector structure, which does not afford us the flexibility to move with the pace of new technologies. So we need a grace period to restructure ourselves and build the necessary commercial and financial competencies to compete with any new arrivals." Pressure to end the STE's monopoly over infrastructure is coming from abroad as well. A stipulation in the pending EU-Syria Association Agreement, which is likely to be signed next year, states that infrastructure ownership will be opened up six years after the agreement takes effect. Some of the biggest changes will come about in the mobile sector, where the country's two current private providers &ndash; Syria-owned SyriaTel and South Africa-owned MTN &ndash; operate under a somewhat restrictive BOT that has been in place since 2002.  While the two operators enjoy a consolidated market, both have expressed concerns over the restrictions the BOT model places on competitive behaviour, especially in the area of tariff flexibility and promotions. They also argue that the BOT model places significant pressure on margins, as they each have to pay out substantial royalties (50%), as well as a 20% charge to cover the costs of infrastructure. This, they argue, reduces the funds available for investments in further capacity and service upgrades.  For a population of 20m, two mobile operators is considered inadequate and the country has been considering a third participant for a number of years. Some of the region's largest players, including the UAE's Etisalat, Kuwait's Zain, Qatar's Q-Tel and Turkey's Turkcell, have all been rumoured to have expressed an active interest in joining the market at one point in time.  Most agree that if a third entrant were to join the field, it would have to be under a licensing format. Having the new arrival operating under a licensing system while the incumbents competed under a BOT model would lead to an uneven playing field, which indicates that the new telecom law will see the entire system changed to a licensing regime for all participants.  When factoring in the average spending power of the population (the average monthly salary is around $200), most agree that having some of the highest tariffs in the region makes mobile services disproportionately expensive. And in May of this year, a group of subscribers organised themselves to carry out a one day boycott to express their discontent against what they perceive as unaffordable services.  Both MTN and SyriaTel have told OBG that they would welcome a new competitor, and are preparing themselves to become leaner and more efficient in anticipation. With present tariff rates in the country nearing their saturation point, there remains a substantial portion of the population that cannot afford services at existing prices. Should a licensing regime emerge, competitors would have more flexibility to compete and lower costs.  Ismail Jaroudi, the CEO of MTN, told OBG, "While we have accomplished a lot over the past few years within the boundaries of the BOT, we have now reached a point where we are stuck, and growth is not what it should be without the ability to lower tariffs. Overall, a new telecoms law that can formalise the sector and define the scope of the operators will have a great impact on mobile growth and the economy at large." Overall, while Syria's telecommunication's sector remains one of the most heavily regulated in the world, changes are afoot as the country sets to open up the competitive landscape and provide further opportunities for private sector participation. While year-over-year growth for 2009 has so far been impressive at around 30%, overall penetration, around 38% according to the Mobile World Database, is still substantially lagging behind the Middle East and North African countries' average of 75.6%, with Syria ranking 15th out of the 20 countries surveyed. However, with a young and growing population (2.4% annual growth rate and 60% of the population below the age 65) and an expanding economy (the projected GDP growth rate for 2009 is 3%, according by the IMF), the country's low penetration rates point to a sector poised to experience significant growth for many years to come.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/273/threes_company_as_syria_opens_up_telecoms_sector_middle_easttelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:53:19 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Bahrain, the industrious kingdom (Middle East/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Although Bahrain is looking to expand its manufacturing base, seeking to strengthen existing industries while also trying to attract new producers, the Kingdom intends to do this with a healthy tinge of green. Industrial production is one of the key planks in Bahrain's long-term programme of diversifying the economy away from a dependence on hydrocarbons, a programme given impetus by the Kingdom's dwindling oil reserves. Such is its success that non-energy based industry now accounts for around 13% of Bahrain's GDP. While Bahrain's financial sector has become one of the driving forces of the economy, contributing around 22% of GDP, industry is still one of the major contributors to export trade. Analysts expect the rate of GDP growth to slow somewhat this year, with most predictions of expansion ranging between 2.0 to 4%, the slowdown mainly due to a fall in demand for exports in traditional markets. However, continuing investments in projects such as the Hidd industrial area, as well as in infrastructure, should see the manufacturing sector well placed to take advantage of the foreseen pick up in the global economy in 2010.  Apart from establishing dedicated industrial estates, Bahrain has also put in place measures to attract manufacturers to the Kingdom. New industries setting up in one of Bahrain's free trade zones can benefit from a series of state-backed incentives, including a 10-year tax holiday, exemption from import duties on raw materials and equipment, duty-free access to the markets of all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and easy access to the US thanks to a free trade agreement signed in 2004.  Not only do Bahrain's industries have duty-free admission to GCC markets, they have access to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway and thence to the rest of the region. The regional transportation network will be improved further with the construction of a second causeway linking Bahrain with Qatar. The 40-km causeway will carry a broad gauge rail line, a major boost to industries needing to move moving heavy cargos to clients and dependent on bulky imports to keep their plants operating.  These improved transport links will be a major asset to Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the backbone of the Kingdom's industrial success. Quite aside from being Bahrain's leading manufacturer, Alba also has a series of side industries built around the plant's 870,000-tonne annual output. These include Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill Company, Bahrain Atomisers International, Bahrain Aluminium Extrusion Company and Midal Cables, all of which produce for both the local and export markets. Between them, they account for around one-third of Alba's output, with the rest destined for GCC and Asian markets.  Though aluminium prices have dipped sharply in the past year, falling from their peak of $3200 per tonne last year to around $1660, Alba is still operating at full capacity and is planning to expand output to 1m tonnes in the next two to three years.  However, while promoting growth in the sector, officials are also conscious of the need for balance, becoming increasingly aware of a potential downside to such projects &ndash; the impact on the island's environment. In September, work will begin on an eight-month study to assess air and sea pollution levels, including measuring pollutants from the Kingdom's industries.  According to Adel Al Zayani, the director-general of the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife, the results of the study could have a bearing on the extent of future industrial development in Bahrain.  "This will be a planning tool that can be used to decide if additional industries can be accommodated in the country," Al Zayani said in an interview with the Gulf Daily News on July 10.   Depending on the finding of the study, Al Zayani said the commission could ask the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to restrict new industrial developments to those that would not add to pollution levels and request existing manufacturers to reduce emission levels.  "We must get measurements to find out what is acceptable or not acceptable and this study is our tool," he said.  Stricter guidelines in the future should not discourage further industrial development, though they may add to overall set-up costs, and indeed should benefit Bahrain as it gains a reputation as a green industrial hub, a reputation worth having as environmental protection becomes more of a factor in trade.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/272/bahrain_the_industrious_kingdom_middle_eastindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:48:50 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Brunei is ready for take off (Asia Pacific/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Brunei Darussalam has long harboured ambitions of becoming a major transport and trans-shipment hub for the East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), as well as taking an increased slice of the trade from regional giants such as China and Singapore.  To this end, Brunei Darussalam has been developing its transport infrastructure as part of its long-term programme to expand and diversify the economy. While much of the focus of this programme has been on the $1.5bn Pulau Muara Besar port development, the Sultanate is also looking to capitalise on its central position in the region to build up its air freight capability and tourist-handling capacity.  There had been speculation in the local media in the preceding months that the government might construct a second international airport in the Belait district, though with the minister's announcement it now seems this proposal has been shelved in favour of expanding the capacity of the existing Brunei International Airport (BIA).  In late March, the government ruled out a proposal to build a new airport to cater for the growing airborne tourism and freight traffic, with the minister of communications, Pehin Dato Haji Abu Bakar Haji Apong, saying there was not sufficient space to devote to constructing a new facility. "A consultant was assigned to monitor the situation recently but due to the amount of land needed to build a new airport, which is 8 km by 5 km, the plan was set aside, and a plan has been handed over to a local consultant for the expansion of the existing airport," the minister said on March 23.  Rather than build a new airport, the focus of upgrading Brunei Darussalam's air transport infrastructure would be on the BIA, he added. And this capacity is in need of building, at least in passenger-handling terms, with the BIA having reached its planned limit of 1.5m arrivals and departures in 2007. Under a master plan drafted over the past two years, BIA is to undergo a $363.5m facelift to upgrade it to the status of an airline and cargo hub, giving it the capacity to process 4.5m passengers a year by 2024, with the potential to expand to 6m by 2030.  Just as importantly, the plan also includes a major expansion of the BIA's freight-handling infrastructure, which unlike its passenger processing facilities is currently underutilised.  The move would be a timely one if Brunei Darussalam is to achieve its ambition of being an airfreight hub and could help revive the dwindling air cargo export trade, which has seen volume drop by more than 50% in the past six years.  According to a report issued by the Brunei International Air Cargo Centre (BIACC), the company established in 2001 to handle air cargo activities into and out of the Sultanate, outgoing freight levels have fallen from 2869 tonnes exported in the 12 months ending March 2004 to 1260 tonnes in the April 2007-March 2008 period.  Though levels of cargo imports only registered a minor fall, easing 1% from the 7719 tonnes flown in during the April 2003-March 2004 period to 7627 tonnes in the year ending March 2008, this flat line contrasted with the steady expansion of Brunei Darussalam's economy over that period. Among the reasons cited by Ariffin Hj Emran, the general manager of BIACC, for the downturn in cargo movements, especially exports, was the decline in the country's once-vibrant textile sector and the shift by national flag carrier Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) to using smaller aircraft in 2003 and 2004. "Since 90% of air cargo is handled by RBA, their refleeting programme definitely had an impact on cargo throughput," Ariffin said in an interview with the Brunei Times on July 8. "In the past, bigger planes like the 767s were used for regional routes but RBA has downscaled its fleet."  This downsizing has reduced RBA's cargo-carrying capacity, with the airline's newer fleet, consisting of six Boeing B767-300s, two Airbus A320s and two A319s, having less space for freight, he said.  While RBA's own cargo-carrying capacity may have been reduced in recent years, a new firm has stepped in to fill at least part of the gap. In mid-June, Syabas Aviation, a newly formed local company, began cargo services out of BIA, flying twice a week to Singapore using two leased Antonov freight haulers.  Sheikh Abas bin Sheikh Mohamed, Syabas' chairman, believes that the airline can tap into a growing niche market, saying there is an increasing demand for quick movement of special cargos.  "Petroleum exploration, for instance, requires logistical products such as drilling parts," he told local media on June 12. "Certain work at the oilfield needs to be speeded up and faster delivery is required." Though stressing that Syabas was not competing with the existing air cargo flights, merely complementing existing services, Sheikh Abas said that for the first time in 30 years, Brunei Darussalam now had a dedicated air forwarding service. As is the case with maritime cargo services, Brunei Darussalam will always face stiff competition across the region as it seeks to gain a greater slice of the airfreight market. Both Thailand and Malaysia have embarked on projects to expand the freight-handling capacities of some of their major airports, while Singapore's Changi Airport has a total airfreight capacity of around 4m tonnes.  With improvements and upgrades in the works, BIA's cargo-handling capacity is expected to boost the local economy and allow the airport to service the freight needs not only of the Sultanate itself but also of the nearby Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, and further across the BIMP-EAGA.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/271/brunei_is_ready_for_take_off_asia_pacificindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:36:13 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[ Banking on Stability in the Phillipines (Asia Pacific/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Philippines boasts one of the few banking sectors around the world to have evaded many of the consequences of the US-led financial turmoil. Certainly much is owed to lessons learned in the form of strong monetary and fiscal policy reforms after the Asian financial crisis in 1997-98. Relatively conservative banking practices also played a significant role in sheltering the country's finances during what has proven to be one of the most siginificant economic downturns in recent history. The overall risk management framework of the banking industry has improved greatly, thanks to sensible banking supervision and monetary guidance. Reforms initiated by the country's central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), have created solid fundamentals that are currently underpinning the banking sector today. The BSP's adoption and implementation of Basel II in July 2007 was a significant step in ensuring that the Philippines' banking sector is in line with international standards.  Sanjiv Vohra, the country officer of Citibank, told OBG, "There is certainly a correlation between the Asian countries that were impacted by the Asian crisis and those that have managed to limit the effects of the current financial turmoil. Those countries, such as the Philippines, that were affected in 1997-98 have generally been able to implement the necessary reforms to withstand the current crisis." In fact, today's average capital adequacy ratios (CARs) among banks are pushing close to 15%, well above the international standard of 8%. Asset quality ratios also performed well in 2008, as non-performing loans (NPLs) fell below 5% of total assets last year.  Despite the solid progress made in the financial world, other sectors of the Philippine economy, particularly those heavily reliant on foreign demand, such as the manufacturing of semiconductors, have been caught up in the global economic slowdown. The decrease in activity in these sectors is expected to feed through to the banking sector. Nevertheless, in recognition of its stability, especially within the financial arena, Moody's Investors Service has upgraded the Philippines credit rating from B to Ba3 for the first time in over four years in late July. In a statement to the press Moody's executive vice-president, Thomas Byrne, said, "The upgrade was prompted by the relatively high degree of resiliency exhibited by both the country's financial system and external payments position in the face of the global financial and economic crises." Indeed, liquidity in the country has reached a new high as foreign currency reserves have peaked at $39.6bn, while some economies are suffering from declining foreign capital. Headline inflation, which peaked just 12 months ago at 12.3%, dropped to a record low of 0.2% in July, bringing the average of the first seven months of 2009 to 4.3%, as increases in prices of commodities have slowed recently. The BSP predicts an annual inflation rate between 2.5% and 4.5% in 2009 and 3.5% and 5.5% in 2010.  The dramatic decrease in inflation over the past year has provided the BSP with adequate room for monetary policy easing. The crucial inter-bank lending rate is currently at an all-time low of 4%, having been decreased six times since December 2008. Responding to questions from local press, the governor of the BSP, Armando Tetangco Jr, said, "We believe our current stance remains appropriate. Nevertheless, we are closely monitoring developments, particularly the firming of global demand to check for any price press build-ups. We will then make adjustments to our stance as needed." Perhaps one of the most positive signs of a return to substantial growth is the fact that foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Philippines, which dropped dramatically by 77% in 2008, has posted an 86% increase in the first seven months of 2009, reaching just over $1bn in FDI, according to the BSP. Tetangco later hinted at the emergence of some positive signals, stating, "The emerging signs of stabilisation of global financial markets and economic conditions are expected to encourage the gradual return of capital flows to Asia. With the ongoing realignment in risk perceptions, flows to emerging economies, particularly those with sound macroeconomic policy and good growth prospects, are expected to improve in the second half of 2009 and in 2010." Despite the current stability in the sector, some experts have observed a large number of relatively weak small and medium-sized banks in the industry. Consolidation within the sector has slowed due to the current economic climate and it is not likely to see any major movements within the top tier of the banking sector in the remainder of the year. The merger between Philippine National Bank and Allied Bank, which was due to take place in 2008, appears to have stalled again and likely won't take place for another six to nine months. For its part the BSP has strongly encouraged mergers and acquisitions in an effort to strengthen efficiencies within the sector. Typically mergers are subject to regulatory penalties, which the Monetary Board has been willing to waive if the merging banks are able to prove substantial friction costs.  Although the financial industry of the Philippines remains strong, its overall economic performance continues to be called into question after posting a surprisingly low first quarter of just 0.4% growth. The slow economic growth of the country has created an air of caution among bankers as they have seen some adverse affects on profit margins. However, the financial stability of the country, combined with the resiliency of the economy will certainly bode well for the country in 2010.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/270/banking_on_stability_in_the_phillipines_asia_pacificbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:32:16 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Easing Congestion in Egypt (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[For years, a booming population has led to increasingly crowded streets, but new government initiatives may finally ease some of Egypt's traffic problems. With more than 16m inhabitants in the greater Cairo area, the erection of new buildings and the rising number of cars, the density of the capital has left little space for road construction and expansion. To address these issues, projects that offer alternatives to road transport, such as metros and high-speed trains, are being explored, while efforts to expand national thoroughfares have finally begun to move off the drawing board, with the aim of reducing congestion and improving transit times. The biggest development in Egypt's public transportation sector in recent months is the official launch of the second phase of Cairo's new metro line. At a ceremony in late June, the government announced that a $140m contract was awarded to a consortium of firms headed by Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) for the civil and electromechanical work on the project. The consortium includes Vinci, Arab Contractors, Bouygues, Colas Rail of France, Alstom and the Thales Group. OCI and Eurovia Travaux Ferroviares have also been given a separate $24m contract for the railway construction component of phase two. That there are a significant number of French companies is unsurprising, given the longstanding cooperation between the two governments on the project. The French minister of foreign trade, Anne-Marie Idrac, who was at the launch ceremony, told local press that since the start of the metro project 30 years ago, France has committed $1.4bn in concessional loans. For this new segment, the French government is supplying $280m in loans to the French companies involved in the plans. Total investments for phase two stand at $600m.  This second phase will see the construction of four new metro stations: Cairo Fairgrounds, the Stadium, Koliyat Al Banat and Al Ahram Street, which are expected to open in October 2012. This construction is part of the larger Line 3 metro system, which has been under construction since July 2007. It will extend 34.2 km from Imbaba in the west to Cairo International Airport in the east, and is expected to ultimately accommodate 4.5m daily commuters. The third line itself is part of a larger master plan for Cairo's metro system, which calls for the construction of six lines by 2022. Rail projects are a significant component of the long-term plan for overhauling Egypt's transport infrastructure. In late September, the results of a two-month Egyptian-Italian feasibility study for a high-speed railway line between Cairo and Alexandria will be available, according to Mohamed Mansour, Egypt's transport minister. Egyptian technical staff and the Italian state-owned railway company Ferrovie dello Stato are studying a range of factors, including capacity, cost and possible routes. He said that if the $775,000 study finds that the train is a realistic possibility, Egypt will release a public tender for construction and operation. This new plan comes in the middle of the Ministry of Transport's four-year refurbishment programme, which began in mid-2007 and which will see $1.48bn directed towards infrastructure needs for the world's second-oldest railway network, through 2011. International organisations have added their support to the upgrades, which came after a number of fatal crashes at the beginning of the decade. In early August the minister of transport, Mohamed Lotfi Mansour, confirmed the World Bank's loan of $270m to support the project, following negotiations that lasted 30 months. While the expanded metro and rail plans will reduce road congestion and improve safety, Egypt has also been taking measures to deal with the ever-rising number of cars on the street. While the number of cars sold has declined in the wake of the global financial crisis, down 36.3% year-on-year in June 2009 according to officials at the Automotive Marketing Information Council, in total, the number of cars in Egypt has increased some 400% over the past 25 years, making the expansion of the country's road network a vital step.  To this end, a number of roads and projects are in the planning and construction phases. The Cairo-Alexandria Highway aims to transform the current road into a 231-km-long freeway. Another major project is the Mediterranean Coastal Highway, which runs 562 km from Port Said to Marsa Matrouth along the northern coast of the Mediterranean. The two roads are estimated to cost $546m and $269m, respectively. The two remaining large-scale highway projects are those connecting Shoubra to Banha and Kafr El Zayat to Alexandria. The latter, which is intended to relieve congestion bound for Alexandria from the Delta region, will stretch 110 km and cost an estimated $273m. The Shoubra-Banha Highway, which is projected to accommodate 125,000 vehicles a day, is expected to cost about $129m. Still, while these projects should significantly expand the roads, the growing number of cars poses serious structured and environmental challenges. For a more sustainable solution, the government needs to maintain its commitment to public transport and draw in sufficient private investment to create a modern and efficient transportation network for its citizens.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/269/easing_congestion_in_egypt_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:27:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China Mobile Announces 2009 Interim Results  (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[China Mobile Limited (referred to below as the "Company", and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") (HKEx: 941) (NYSE: CHL) announced its 2009 interim results today.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/267/china_mobile_announces_2009_interim_results_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:12:53 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Strong Increase in Revenue Drives ZTE’s Growing Global Market Position (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[ZTE Corporation (&ldquo;ZTE&rdquo; or the &ldquo;Group&rdquo;) (A share : 000063.SZ /H share : 0763.HK), a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, today announced its Interim results through 30 June 2009. ZTE recorded a revenue of RMB27.7 billion in the first half year of 2009, representing an increase of 40.4% against the same period of 2008 according to ASBEs and HKAS. Net profit was RMB780 million, a year-on-year growth of 40.5 %. Basic earnings per share were RMB 0.45.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/266/strong_increase_in_revenue_drives_ztes_growing_global_market_position_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:40:34 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PR : Bombardier Signs Airline for Five Q400 NextGen Airliners (Asia Pacific/Manufacturing)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Seoul (Korea Newswire) August 05, 2009 reports that Bombardier Aerospace&nbsp; (TSE: BBD.A) announced today that it has received a signed, firm order for five Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners. The airline which placed the order has requested to remain undisclosed at this time, and has also taken options on an additional five Q400 NextGen aircraft.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/265/pr_bombardier_signs_airline_for_five_q400_nextgen_airliners_asia_pacificmanufacturing.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:47:17 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PR : Pantech Enters into Agreement with Qualcomm (EM Asia/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Pantech today announced that it has entered into a debt-to-equity conversion agreement with Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) Such debt-to-equity conversion is part of a restructuring of Pantech&rsquo;s outstanding debt into equity with many of its creditors.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/264/pr_pantech_enters_into_agreement_with_qualcomm_em_asiatechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:34:29 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[ HSBC banking on BRIC & Emerging Markets   (ADR/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[HSBC has reacted strongly to retail customer  demand in New Zealand by launching four new funds, entirely focused on Emerging  Markets.&nbsp;The four NZ$ denominated funds in which customers can invest are the  China Fund, India Fund, BRIC Fund&nbsp;&amp; the Asia ex Japan Fund. New Zealand investors have been looking for opportunities to take advantage of the phenomenal growth in emerging markets where we have seen EEM, EWZ, FXI &amp; IFN realising returns between 41% &ndash; 70% year to date. These&nbsp;markets are widely acknowledged to be the fastest growing in the world.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/262/hsbc_banking_on_bric_emerging_markets_adrbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:07:53 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alcatel-Lucent partner with DoCoMo for LTE services (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE:ALU) announced today that it has been selected by NTT DOCOMO, Japan&rsquo;s largest mobile network operator and a leader in the adoption of next-generation mobile services,to build the mobile backhaul network for its Long Term Evolution (LTE) service with Alcatel-Lucent&rsquo;s Ethernet transmission solution. This will enable NTT DOCOMO to meet the increasing end-user service demands&nbsp;in a significantly faster way via very high bandwidth with managed quality of service.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/86/alcatellucent_partner_with_docomo_for_lte_services_adrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:35:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China Mobile & Far EastTone enter strategic agreement (EM Asia/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[China Mobile Limited has announced that it entered into a share subscription agreement and a strategic cooperation agreement with Far EasTone Telecommunications&nbsp; today. Under the terms of the agreements, the Company will subscribe through a private placement for 444,341,020 new shares of Far EasTone, representing 12% of its enlarged issued share capital. The consideration is approximately NT$17.77 bn (approximately HK$4.08 bn) in total or NT$40.00 (approximately HK$9.17) per share.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/93/china_mobile_far_easttone_enter_strategic_agreement_em_asiatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:43:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[BT and Tata Communications sign global strategic voice services agreement (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[BT Group and Tata Communications Ltd. have signed a major voice services agreement that will allow two of the world&rsquo;s largest providers of voice and IP services to mutually benefit from shared resources as part of a global supply arrangement.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/92/bt_and_tata_communications_sign_global_strategic_voice_services_agreement_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:37:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[ Mechel signs coking contracts with China, Japan & Korea (BRIC/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Mechel OAO, one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announces signing of contracts for coking and steam coal supplies to Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean companies for 2009.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/83/mechel_signs_coking_contracts_with_china_japan_korea_bricindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:15:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Malaysia builds momentum in construction sector (EM Asia/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Malaysia's construction industry is set to rebound from the slowdown of the local economy, with both private and state funds flowing to new projects that are helping to boost confidence as the country works to increase future supply of infrastructure and property.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/196/malaysia_builds_momentum_in_construction_sector_em_asiaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:13:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Thai insurance industry facing tough challenges (EM Asia/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Though many of Thailand's leading insurance firms are predicting solid annual results, with policies written and premiums earned expected to rise, it is unlikely the industry will achieve the growth levels recorded in recent years as the effects of the ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/195/thai_insurance_industry_facing_tough_challenges_em_asiabanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:11:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Siemens expects to garner 15 Billion Euro from global stimulus efforts (ADR/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Siemens expects to win new orders of around &euro;15 billion in the next three fiscal years 2010 until 2012, which will be generated by government stimulus programs already announced around the world. Green technologies are expected to account for 40 percent or approximately &euro;6 billion of this total, which will significantly increase the share of the company&rsquo;s revenues from its environmental portfolio in the future.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/182/siemens_expects_to_garner_15_billion_euro_from_global_stimulus_efforts_adrindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:44:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Macquarie Research points to more demand from China (BRIC/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The past week has seen the release of some figures on China&rsquo;s economic performance that Macquarie Research describes as &ldquo;stunning, underscoring the unmitigated success of its fiscal and monetary stimulus package.&rdquo;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/189/macquarie_research_points_to_more_demand_from_china_briccommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lenovo looks to India & Emerging Markets for next phase of growth (BRIC/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Chinese personal computer giant Lenovo has aggressive plans for its global business and is looking at its India operations to lead its thrust in emerging markets.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/185/lenovo_looks_to_india_emerging_markets_for_next_phase_of_growth_brictechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ecuador Signs Copper Development Deal With Codelco (Latin America/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[In a June 5, 2009 ceremony attended by President Rafael Correa,&nbsp; Minister of Mining,&nbsp; Santiago Gonzales &amp; the&nbsp; CEO of Codelco,&nbsp; Jose Pablo Arellano, a cooperation agreement was signed for the exploration and development of potential copper resources currently under the control of the Government of Ecuador. Personnel from Corriente were invited as guests to the signing ceremony, which included top officials from Codelco, President Rafael Correa, his Cabinet and local dignitaries.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/184/ecuador_signs_copper_development_deal_with_codelco_latin_americacommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:55:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Sharjah: Still Building (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Sharjah's construction industry has managed to work its way through the global financial crisis, avoiding the slump that other regional economies have witnessed.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/187/sharjah_still_building_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:10:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Egypt: Constructing a Correction (Africa/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Egyptian government has long been chipping away at the country's shortage of affordable housing, but its recent expansion of mortgage financing may be its most innovate idea yet. While construction programmes remain an essential piece of the plans, the state-owned National Bank of Egypt (NBE)'s new fund will capitalise on an underdeveloped segment, benefitting both aspiring homeowners and lenders.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/186/egypt_constructing_a_correction_africabanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:02:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Thai government plays subsidised fuel card for stimulus (EM Asia/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Thailand's government is having to balance hard economic realities with the need to provide relief to many in the community, especially those in lower-income brackets, as it mulls whether to continue price subsidies for liquid petroleum gas (LPG).]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/188/thai_government_plays_subsidised_fuel_card_for_stimulus_em_asiaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:15:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwaiti operators push for de-regulation (Middle East/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Kuwait's mobile telecommunications sector was given new momentum at the end of 2008 with the launch of a third service provider, Viva. Despite the newcomer joining incumbent players Zain and Wataniya, there are still some rumblings within the sector that more needs to be done to liberalise the Kuwaiti telecoms industry.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/181/kuwaiti_operators_push_for_deregulation_middle_easttelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:32:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Burundi: room for more mobile operators or set for consolidation? (Africa/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Burundi, one of the the poorest countries in the world, has an exceptionally low GDP, largely due to civil wars, corruption, poor access to education, and the effects of HIV/AIDS. In light of these difficulties, it is perhaps not surprising that this land of some 3.59 million inhabitants has the third lowest mobile penetration rate in Africa - 5.48% in December 2008, according to the World Cellular Information Service database maintained by Informa Telecoms &amp; Media. Only Ethiopia (3.16%) and its neighbour Eritrea (2.13%) have lower mobile penetration.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/169/burundi_room_for_more_mobile_operators_or_set_for_consolidationgafricatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:18:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Siemens AG supports Clean power from Africa  with Desertec initiative (ADR/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Along with other industrial companies, Siemens Energy is participating in the Desertec initiative to provide sustainable power to Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. A corresponding Memorandum of Understanding was signed today in Munich. Environmentally friendly power generated at solar thermal power plants in the Sahara and wind farms in North Africa is to be transported to the load centers where the power is needed. A technical and financial concept will be developed.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/180/siemens_ag_supports_clean_power_from_africa_with_desertec_initiative_adrindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:29:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Beeline tapping into Vietnams mobile explosion (Asia Pacific/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Established last July, GTEL Mobile is a joint venture between Vietnam&rsquo;s GTEL Corporation and VimpelCom (NYSE: VIP), the leading provider of telecommunications services in Eastern Europe. Vietnam&rsquo;s telecommunications industry recently has been growing at 20 to 25 percent annually, with more than 50 million mobile service users.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/176/beeline_tapping_into_vietnams_mobile_explosion_asia_pacifictechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:44:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China : American Dairy expands production capacity (ADR/Manufacturing)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[American Dairy, Inc. (NYSE: ADY) , one of the leading producers and distributors of premium infant formula, milk powder and soybean, rice and walnut products in China, today announced that it has entered into an agreement ('Agreement') with the GEA Group, Germany ('GEA'). Under the Agreement, GEA has agreed to provide the Company with infant formula production equipment, along with the related installations and training, at American Dairy's Gannan production facility, Flying Crane Dairy Products Co., Limited ('Gannan Feihe'). The Company expects the Agreement to increase production capacity at Gannan Feihe from 300 tons/day to 1,000 tons/day by August 2010.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/115/china_american_dairy_expands_production_capacity_adrmanufacturing.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:46:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Sprint gains Network Advantage from Ericsson outsourcing deal. (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Sprint (NYSE:S) is breaking away from competitors today with a unique wireless and wireline network services agreement with global leader Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC).]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/159/sprint_gains_network_advantage_from_ericsson_outsourcing_deal_adrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:53:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanese government hits a steep learning curve (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Lebanon's incoming government has been given a clarion call to improve the country's educational system and remove inequalities. Though Lebanon guarantees universal education under its constitution and ensures equal access for all citizens, while dedicating at least 4.4% of GDP to funding the system, the academic network has been the subject of widespread criticism.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/158/lebanese_government_hits_a_steep_learning_curve_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:05:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Vietnam taps France for nuclear technology (EM Asia/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[French ambassador Herve Bolot talks to Viet Nam News on the occasion of France&rsquo;s National Day today.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/177/vietnam_taps_france_for_nuclear_technology_em_asiaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:45:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Filipino government targets $10Bn in revenues from mining by 2011 (Asia Pacific/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Philippines, a country with an abundance of natural resources, has remained a largely untapped market for the mining industry. However, it seems the Filipino government has finally decided to start capitalising on its inherent asset by pursuing investor-friendly reforms designed to benefit all stakeholders.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/153/filipino_government_targets_10bn_in_revenues_from_mining_by_2011_asia_pacificcommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:33:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Emerging markets to lead global recovery (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Bank of America Securities -Merrill Lynch (NYSE:BAC) has hiked up its global economic growth forecasts for 2010 on the back of signs of recovery in the United States and China.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/164/emerging_markets_to_lead_global_recovery_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:29:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[America Movil & Nokia partner to bring mobile messaging to Latin America (Latin America/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[America Movil (NYSE : AMX) and Nokia (NYSE: NOK) announced today that they will bring a top of the line messaging experience in multiple devices to customers in Latin America. The agreement adds to the leading collaboration between both companies in music and maps, to meet the growing demand for multimedia options on mobile devices in the region.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/148/america_movil_nokia_partner_to_bring_mobile_messaging_to_latin_america_latin_americatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:37:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Oil keeps Nigerian economy afloat (Africa/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Nigeria's economy is riding out the international financial crisis fairly well, registering solid growth and managing to avoid some of the international toxic debt market. Nevertheless, domestic problems are slowing the government's programme for diversification away from hydrocarbons.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/147/oil_keeps_nigerian_economy_afloat_africaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:43:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Structured progress boosts growth in Jordanian insurance sector (Middle East/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The insurance sector is looking to regulatory changes to welcome in a new era of business growth and competition, with the motor segment in particular likely to benefit from the reforms.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/146/structured_progress_boosts_growth_in_jordanian_insurance_sector_middle_eastbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Azerbaijan: as the Ministry pushes 3G licences, the market is eyed by giant Russian cellco (EM Asia/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[It's time to take a break from writing about the rumoured sales  of ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/172/azerbaijan_as_the_ministry_pushes_3g_licences_the_market_is_eyed_by_giant_russian_cellco_em_asiatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:27:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Vodafone to brave India's 'Internet graveyard'? (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Thanks to Indian digital and media business watchers Medianama, I learned today that Vodafone Essar has gained the approval of India&rsquo;s Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) for setting up as an ISP. The intention to do this, and to gain a National Long Distance Licence was reported by the Press Trust of India last month.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/166/vodafone_to_brave_indias_internet_graveyardgadrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:06:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Bahrain: A Measured Approach (Middle East/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[With many regional economies looking to post negative growth in 2009, Bahrain appears set to buck the trend.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/143/bahrain_a_measured_approach_middle_eastbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:19:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Rio Tinto  to sell Alcan Packaging Food Americas division for US$1.2 billion (Asia Pacific/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Rio Tinto (NYSE : RTP) has signed an agreement to sell its Alcan Packaging Food Americas division to Bemis Company, Inc for a total consideration of US$1.2 billion of which US$ 200 million may be in the form of shares in Bemis Company, Inc. Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/142/rio_tinto_to_sell_alcan_packaging_food_americas_division_for_us12_billion_asia_pacificcommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:53:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Somalia: while daring operators turn a profit, it's the bad news that tends to reach us (Africa/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Somalia - often in the news, but, sadly, this rarely seems to be for positive reasons. Just this week, ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/168/somalia_while_daring_operators_turn_a_profit_its_the_bad_news_that_tends_to_reach_us_africatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:15:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Are African markets saturated by too many cellcos? (Africa/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[In a previous post, I tried to examine an idea articulated last week by ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/171/are_african_markets_saturated_by_too_many_cellcosgafricatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:24:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Indonesian Tobacco Producers Roll with the Times (ADR/Manufacturing)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The air in Indonesia hangs heavy with smoke from the distinctive clove-scented kretek cigarettes that account for the bulk of production in one of the world's most distinctive and largest tobacco industries. The sector is large in terms of production, employment and number of firms, and is responsible for generating major revenues for the government through taxes, while also forming a distinct part of Indonesia's culture.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/193/indonesian_tobacco_producers_roll_with_the_times_adrmanufacturing.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:20:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Mechel fires on all cylinders at Tikhvin smelting plant (EM Asia/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announces that electric furnace No. 1 at Tikhvin Ferroalloy Smelting Plant (JSC &ldquo;TFZ&rdquo;) has been commissioned. JSC &ldquo;TFZ&rdquo; is a subsidiary of Oriel Resources Ltd. . Today all of the four electric furnaces concurrently operate at Tikhvin Ferroalloy Smelting Plant.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/109/mechel_fires_on_all_cylinders_at_tikhvin_smelting_plant_em_asiaindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:45:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[ BHP announces sale of Yabulu Nickel Refinery (Asia Pacific/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[BHP Billiton (NYSE : BHP)&nbsp; has signed an agreement to sell the Yabulu nickel refinery to companies wholly owned by Professor Clive Palmer. It is expected that the sale will be finalised by 31 July 2009. The terms of the sale are confidential, however both BHP Billiton and Professor Palmer have sought to provide that, at sale completion, working capital and access to funds are sufficient to enable the business to commence as a going concern under Professor Palmer's ownership.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/155/bhp_announces_sale_of_yabulu_nickel_refinery_asia_pacificcommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:42:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Tight squeeze in Romanian telco market (EM Europe/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The cooling of the Romanian economy and the near saturation of the market have resulted in lower earnings for the country's telecommunications sector. There are signs that competition is about to increase the pressure on sector players even further.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/114/tight_squeeze_in_romanian_telco_market_em_europetelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:32:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Credit Suisse launches 16 new ETF funds to cater to global equity appetite (ETF/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Credit Suisse (NYSE : CS) today announced that it is expanding its existing Swiss Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) range, known as Credit Suisse Xmtch, with the launch of 16 new funds on a variety of global equity and bond indices. Credit Suisse is currently the largest ETF provider in Switzerland as measured by turnover with CHF 6.76 bn in its Xmtch ETF products.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/98/credit_suisse_launches_16_new_etf_funds_to_cater_to_global_equity_appetite_etfbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:37:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Telecom Italia & 3 ITALIA sign network sharing agrrement (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Telecom Italia (NYSE : TI) and 3 Italia have signed a &ldquo;co-siting&rdquo; agreement for the sharing of radio mobile access sites which regards both existing sites and those which will be built in the future. The objects of the agreements are the so called &ldquo;passive&rdquo; infrastructures: poles, cables, electricity supply and conditioning systems and other civil infrastructures.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/149/telecom_italia_3_italia_sign_network_sharing_agrrement_adrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:25:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Spain's BBVA looks for more co-operation in global banking (ADR/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Speaking recently at the Nueva Economa Forum in Madrid, BBVA&rsquo;s Chairman &amp; CEO, Francisco Gonz&aacute;lez, reflected on reforms to the financial system in the wake of the global financial crisis. He believes &ldquo;global regulation and supervision must be reinforced, with greater co-operation needed to avoid market fragmentation.&rdquo;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/87/spains_bbva_looks_for_more_cooperation_in_global_banking_adrbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:12:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Malaysia : Economy begins to ease (EM Asia/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Though Malaysia's economy has contracted at a faster rate than previously predicted in the opening months of the year, as the effects of the global recession take their toll, there are signs the worst could be over.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/84/malaysia_economy_begins_to_ease_em_asiaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:18:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait mulls role of IOC's on developing natural resources (Middle East/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[With massive oil and gas reserves, Kuwait is working on boosting production and upgrading its downstream capabilities. However, how to go about this is dividing opinion.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/82/kuwait_mulls_role_of_iocs_on_developing_natural_resources_middle_eastenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:03:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[LDK Solar bullish on 2nd quarter (BRIC/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[LDK Solar Co (NYSE: LDK), a leading manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers, today provided an updated outlook for the second quarter endedJune 30, 2009. For the second quarter of 2009,LDK Solar estimates shipments between 220 and 230 megawatts ("MW"). This compares to its previously issued guidance for the second quarter of 2009 of wafer shipments in the range of 200 to 220 MW. The company expects to record between$215and$225 millionin revenues.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/110/ldk_solar_bullish_on_2nd_quarter_bricenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:51:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Egypt : looking abroad to sustain food supplies (Africa/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[With irrigation efforts moving slowly and imports beset by inconsistencies, Egypt has begun to follow its neighbours' lead into overseas farming. In particular, persistently high wheat prices, and the resulting social instability over the price of bread, have motivated the government to seek new sources for the staple. The so-called \land grab\", where rich but infertile nations head to poorer yet arable ones to secure food for their populations, while not unfamiliar, is now happening on an unprecedented scale. Egypt did not embrace the trend as quickly as some of its neighbours, but since the bread riots in spring 2008 the government has announced two such projects in the hopes of providing respite to the price shock of the past year.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/81/egypt_looking_abroad_to_sustain_food_supplies_africaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:18:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[American Safety Insurance  Announces Acquisition of Victore Insurance Company (ADR/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE:ASI) announced today that       its wholly-owned subsidiary, American Safety Casualty Insurance Company       (ASCIC), has acquired, for cash, Victore Insurance Company (VIC), an       Oklahoma domiciled admitted insurance company based in Oklahoma City,       providing customized bonding solutions for the surety bond industry. VIC       specializes in contract surety for general contractors and       sub-contractors, and also provides other types of bonds such as oil and       gas, court, and license and permit bonds. In conjunction with the       purchase of VIC, ASCIC also acquired Victore Enterprises, Inc., an       Oklahoma based holding company, and Agency Bonding Company, Inc., an       Oklahoma based insurance agency specializing in providing surety agency       services, primarily for VIC (together with VIC collectively referred to       as the Victore Companies). ASI does not expect the acquisition to have a       material impact on its 2009 earnings.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/126/american_safety_insurance_announces_acquisition_of_victore_insurance_company_adrbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:16:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Will the merger of Romania's 3rd and 5th-placed MNOs shake up the mobile market? (EM Europe/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[In mid-May, as part of a longer piece about M&amp;A activity potentially changing the competitive landscape in Central and Eastern Europe, I noted that Greek telecoms group Cosmote had reportedly reached an agreement with Oger Telecom regarding the takeover of Romanian CDMA mobile operator Zapp.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/167/will_the_merger_of_romanias_3rd_and_5thplaced_mnos_shake_up_the_mobile_marketgem_europetelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:14:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Nigeria invests in pharma infrastructure (Africa/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[As Nigeria strives for more of the pharmaceutical products it consumes to be manufactured domestically, the critical issue of counterfeit drugs has taken centre stage. Although aggregate statistics for pharmaceutical demand in Nigeria remain unreliable, the underground economy still dominates sales.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/80/nigeria_invests_in_pharma_infrastructure_africaindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:15:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Credit Suisse expands presence in Qatar (ADR/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Credit Suisse (NYSE : CS) announces the expansion of its presence in Qatar by rolling out its complete range of integrated banking solutions. Credit Suisse will now offer investment banking and asset management in addition to private banking services to clients in Qatar.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/100/credit_suisse_expands_presence_in_qatar_adrbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:39:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Repsol makes two new discoveries in Spain's Mediterranean waters (ADR/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Repsol has made two new offshore oil discoveries in the Spanish Mediterranean. The Montanazo D-5 and Lubina-1 wells are located 45 kilometres from the coast of Tarragona, where the company is developing similar satellite fields.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/137/repsol_makes_two_new_discoveries_in_spains_mediterranean_waters_adrenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:22:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[SMIC Achieves Silicon Success with High Performance 45-nanometer Process (ADR/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (NYSE: SMI) today announced the successful completion of its first 45-nanometer high performance (GP, generic process with high performance) yield lot. ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/119/smic_achieves_silicon_success_with_high_performance_45nanometer_process_adrindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:24:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/119.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Dubai: Banking on Confidence (Middle East/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Dubai's banking sector is being urged to become more transparent in order to take advantage of a predicted upswing in the national and regional economy.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/79/dubai_banking_on_confidence_middle_eastbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:22:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/79.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[MTS Raises 413 Million Euro for Central Asian networks (EM Asia/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (NYSE: MBT), the largest mobile phone operator in Russia and the CIS, announces that it has signed agreements to receive three separate loans for the total amount of EUR 413 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to be used for the further development of 2G and 3G mobile networks in the Company&rsquo;s markets of operation.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/133/mts_raises_413_million_euro_for_central_asian_networks_em_asiatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:31:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/133.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Shell and Sovcomflot sign shipping co-operation agreements (ADR/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Sovcomflot and Royal Dutch Shellsigned a General Cooperation Agreement. The official signing ceremony was held within the framework of the meeting of Russian Federation Prime Minister, Mr Vladimir Putin, with outgoing Chief Executive Royal Dutch Shell plc, Mr Jeroen van der Veer and his successor from 1st July, Mr Peter Voser.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/136/shell_and_sovcomflot_sign_shipping_cooperation_agreements_adrenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2009 08:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/136.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[BP offloads Java subsidiary, taken up by Indonesian state controlled Pertamina. (Asia Pacific/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[BP (NYSE:BP) today announced that it has agreed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, BP West Java Limited (BPWJ), to Indonesian state-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina (Persero).]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/91/bp_offloads_java_subsidiary_taken_up_by_indonesian_state_controlled_pertamina_asia_pacificenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:33:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/91.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Gold Fields gives upbeat forecast for Q4 production estimates (Africa/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Gold Fields Limited (NASDAQ : GFI) today updated its operational guidance for Q4 F2009. Attributable production for Q4 F2009 is expected to increase by about 4% to approximately 905koz, which is better than the guidance provided on 7 May 2009. Total cash cost and Notional Cash Expenditure for the Group are expected to be slightly higher than guidance at approximately US$525/oz and US$750/oz.&nbsp; This is solely due to converting at a much stronger rand/US dollar exchange rate.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/144/gold_fields_gives_upbeat_forecast_for_q4_production_estimates_africacommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:39:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/144.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Korea : POSCO opens automotive steel plant in China to meet demand (EM Asia/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[POSCO (NYSE : PKX) has now completed its automotive steel processing center, which is capable of producing 180,000 tons of steel a year, in Wuhu, China. The processing center in Wuhu is POSCO`s 39th overseas steel processing center and follows the 2nd plant at POSCO-MKPC in Malaysia, which was completed on June 17.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/156/korea_posco_opens_automotive_steel_plant_in_china_to_meet_demand_em_asiaindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:16:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[BRIC & Emerging Markets review (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Since the beginning of March we see the growing stock markets rally and investors have been again focused on emerging markets. The growth in emerging stock markets have beaten developed markets. Strengthening of more than 50% is much more than in the rest of the world.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/165/bric_emerging_markets_review_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:51:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Credit Suisse Raises Emerging Asia Growth Expectation (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Credit Suisse (NYSE : CS) economists expect the growth outlook of most emerging Asia countries to improve in the second half of 2009 as the global economy slowly moves into a healing phase. In a recently published Emerging Markets Quarterly Q3 2009 report, Credit Suisse revised up its 2009 GDP growth forecasts for the region to 4.7% from 4.4% for 2009, and to 7.3% from 6.7% for 2010 .]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/99/credit_suisse_raises_emerging_asia_growth_expectation_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:37:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/99.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[ABB wins $170 million power order in Bahrain (ADR/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth $170 million from the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) of Bahrain for substations to help meet the growing demand for electricity and support economic development. The order was booked in the second quarter.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/85/abb_wins_170_million_power_order_in_bahrain_adrindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:31:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/85.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Vale strikes JV to power bio-fuel for own operations (BRIC/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Vale (NYSE:VALE) has just taken another step towards more sustainable energy use. The Brazilian mining giant has announced&nbsp; a partnership with Biopalma da Amaz&ocirc;nia S.A. to produce palm oil, which from 2014 onwards will be used to make biodiesel, in the northern-central region of Par&aacute; State, Brazil.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/179/vale_strikes_jv_to_power_biofuel_for_own_operations_bricenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:18:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/179.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Syria : Signs of economic easing (Middle East/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Indicating Syria's economy may not be as immune to the global downturn as initially thought, the IMF lowered its assessment for growth, while exogenous factors are affecting output in the vital agriculture sector, putting an extra strain on the budget. ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/192/syria_signs_of_economic_easing_middle_eastcommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:20:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/192.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Amdocs launches mobile banking solution in partnership with Trivnet (ADR/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Amdocs (NYSE: DOX), the leading provider of customer experience systems, announced today the availability of the Amdocs Mobile Money Hub, a SaaS (Software as a Service)-based solution for enabling service providers to support any payment or banking process over the mobile phone in real time. Partnering with leading enabler of mobile money services - Trivnet, the Amdocs Mobile Money Hub combines technology from Trivnet with Amdocs' implementation and integration expertise and data center facilities around the world.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/131/amdocs_launches_mobile_banking_solution_in_partnership_with_trivnet_adrtechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:08:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Vodafone goes head to head with Qtel for subs (Middle East/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The lines have been drawn for the fight to win the hearts, minds and subscriptions of Qatar's phone users, with long time monopoly rights holder Qatar Telecommunications (Qtel) about to face off against newcomer Vodafone Qatar.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/68/vodafone_goes_head_to_head_with_qtel_for_subs_middle_easttelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:27:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/68.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Intel and Nokia announce strategic relationship to shape next era of Mobile Computing (ADR/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Further uniting the Internet with mobile phones and computers, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ : INTC)&nbsp; and Nokia (NYSE : NOK) today announced a long-term relationship to develop a new class of Intel&reg; Architecture-based mobile computing device and chipset architectures which will combine the performance of powerful computers with high-bandwidth mobile broadband communications and ubiquitous Internet connectivity.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/112/intel_and_nokia_announce_strategic_relationship_to_shape_next_era_of_mobile_computing_adrtechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:57:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Telefonica, commited to progressive increase in annual dividend (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[In his speech to shareholders, Telef&oacute;nica chairman, C&eacute;sar Alierta, reviewed the company&rsquo;s performance in 2008. He also confirmed its commitment to prioritising shareholder remuneration and increasing the dividend.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/139/telefonica_commited_to_progressive_increase_in_annual_dividend_adrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Saudi Aramco and Total award EPC contracts for Jubail Refinery (ADR/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Company (SATORP) finalized the awarding plan for&nbsp; Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts that constitute&nbsp; the thirteen different process packages of their Jubail joint venture refinery, following a meeting of the SATORP Board of Directors. The awarding of these contracts marks an important step in the execution of this 400,000 barrel per day world-class, full-conversion refinery in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, which plans to be fully operational by the second half of 2013.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/129/saudi_aramco_and_total_award_epc_contracts_for_jubail_refinery_adrenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:37:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[ Gartner predicts Indian mobile service revenues to exceed $30 Billion by 2013 (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Total mobile services revenue in India is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5 percent from 2009-2013 to exceed US$30 billion, according to Gartner, Inc. The India mobile subscriber base is set to exceed 771 million connections by 2013, growing at a CAGR of 14.3 percent in the same period from 452 million in 2009. This growth is poised to continue through the forecast period, and India is expected to remain the world&rsquo;s second largest wireless market after China in terms of mobile connections.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/183/gartner_predicts_indian_mobile_service_revenues_to_exceed_30_billion_by_2013_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:19:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[TransCanada becomes sole owner of Keystome Pipeleine (Asia Pacific/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[TransCanada Corporation&nbsp; today announced that it has reached an agreement to become the sole owner of the Keystone Pipeline System (Keystone) through the acquisition of ConocoPhillips&rsquo; remaining interest in the project for approximately US$550 million plus the assumption of approximately US$200 million of short-term debt. The purchase price reflects ConocoPhillips&rsquo; capital contributions to date and includes an allowance for funds used during construction. TransCanada(TSX, NYSE: TRP)  will also assume responsibility for ConocoPhillips&rsquo; share of the capital investment required to complete the project resulting in an incremental commitment of approximately US$1.7 billion through the end of 2012. The transaction is expected to close in third quarter 2009, subject to the receipt of certain regulatory approvals.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/125/transcanada_becomes_sole_owner_of_keystome_pipeleine_asia_pacificenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:08:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[LG looks to thin-film solar for fiuture growth (EM Asia/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[LG Display Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LPL), a leading innovator of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) technology, today announced plans to focus its R&amp;D capabilities on a thin-film type solar cell and nurture it as a future growth driver.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/111/lg_looks_to_thinfilm_solar_for_fiuture_growth_em_asiaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:53:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/111.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Cemex sells Australian unit to Holcim Group (Asia Pacific/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: CX), announced today that it has reached an agreement to sell its Australian operations to Holcim Group for approximately A$2.02 billion. The agreement is subject to fulfillment of various closing conditions, including confirmatory due diligence, regulatory approvals and funds from buyer financing being disbursed, among others. The maximum period of time to meet all closing conditions is six months.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/94/cemex_sells_australian_unit_to_holcim_group_asia_pacificindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:46:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Encana hedges 35% of gas production for 2009/10 (Asia Pacific/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[EnCana Corporation (TSX &amp; NYSE: ECA) has extended its risk management program for 2010 by establishing fixed price hedges on about 35 percent of the company's expected natural gas production - about 1.39 billion cubic feet per day - at an average price of US$6.21 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) for the 2010 gas year, which runs from November 1, 2009 to October 31, 2010.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/122/encana_hedges_35_of_gas_production_for_200910_asia_pacificenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:31:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[China plays down hopes for quick recovery (BRIC/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Li Yang, a former adviser to the People's Bank of China, the central bank, said he expected the world economy would need at least five years to fully get over the current recession.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/66/china_plays_down_hopes_for_quick_recovery_briccommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:11:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/66.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA['BRIC' countries are trading more and relying less on West (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Just when you thought decoupling &mdash; one of the hottest economic theories in recent years &mdash; was dead and buried, it resurrects itself in a new, and even more controversial, form.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/65/bric_countries_are_trading_more_and_relying_less_on_west_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:09:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[African telecoms market to grow despite economic downturn (Africa/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Telecommunications &nbsp;in Africa will continue to develop faster than any other region in the world over the next three to five years inspite of the current economic downturn, a new report from Ernst and Young, a global leader in assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services reveals. According to the report , &ldquo;Africa connected: A telecommunications growth story,&rdquo; the telecommunications market is becoming ever more competitive.&ldquo;Despite the global slow down, the number of new licenses issued and mergers and acquisitions have continued apace in Africa during the last year. As competition increases, operational efficiency should take on added importance for telecoms operators,&rdquo; the report states.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/64/african_telecoms_market_to_grow_despite_economic_downturn_africatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:44:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Barclays announces  binding offer of $13.5 billion by BlackRock for Global Investors Unit (ADR/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Board of Directors of Barclays PLC (&ldquo;Barclays&rdquo;) announced today that it has received a binding offer from BlackRock, Inc. (&ldquo;BlackRock&rdquo;) for the purchase of the Barclays Global Investors business (&ldquo;BGI&rdquo;) for consideration of approximately US$13.5 billion (&pound;8.2 billion) (the &ldquo;BlackRock Offer&rdquo;). As part of the consideration offered, Barclays would receive 37.784 million new BlackRock shares giving it an economic interest of approximately 19.9% of the enlarged BlackRock Group which would be renamed BlackRock Global Investors. The remainder of the consideration of US$6.6 billion (&pound;4.0 billion) would be paid by BlackRock in cash.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/90/barclays_announces_binding_offer_of_135_billion_by_blackrock_for_global_investors_unit_adrbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:28:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[China factory output lifts hopes for world economy (BRIC/Manufacturing)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[China&rsquo;s May factory output rose more than forecast and retail sales growth accelerated, giving new impetus to investor hopes the world&rsquo;s third-largest economy can lead a global revival.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/67/china_factory_output_lifts_hopes_for_world_economy_bricmanufacturing.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:12:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/67.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Bahamas: In Search of Oil (Latin America/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas, which has no proven reserves of oil or natural gas, is totally reliant on imports to meet its energy needs. A major upcoming development project, however, could change this situation in the foreseeable future.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/63/bahamas_in_search_of_oil_latin_americaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:42:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/63.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[US gives nod to Abu Dhabi's nuclear power aspirations (Middle East/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Although Abu Dhabi's first atomic power plant is many years away, its sensible nuclear strategy, which is receiving positive feedback from the West, is making steady progress. ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/62/us_gives_nod_to_abu_dhabis_nuclear_power_aspirations_middle_eastenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:41:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/62.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Indonesia: Domestic Obligations (Asia Pacific/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has announced the finalisation of a domestic pricing mechanism scheme for coal that will come into effect next year. ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/60/indonesia_domestic_obligations_asia_pacificcommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:34:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/60.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Ad-driven MVNO concept ailing in Europe but set to succeed in India? (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[In March, I chewed over the question of whether India or one or more markets in Africa would be the most likely setting for genuinely successful MVNOs to gain traction. I came down on the side of India, notwithstanding the fact that earlier the same month I had ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/175/addriven_mvno_concept_ailing_in_europe_but_set_to_succeed_in_indiagbrictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:32:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Syngenta acquires innovative bio-control technology to improve usable crop yields (ADR/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Syngenta (NYSE : SYT) today announced that it has acquired Georgia-based Circle One Global, Inc., to add an innovative antitoxin crop protection technology to the company&rsquo;s portfolio. Circle One Global markets the product Afla-Guard&reg;, which is aimed at reducing aflatoxin, a toxin that can develop in crops such as corn and peanuts, particularly during heat and drought stress.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/151/syngenta_acquires_innovative_biocontrol_technology_to_improve_usable_crop_yields_adrindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:23:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Kuwait: Insured Strength the Best Policy (Middle East/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Kuwait's insurance sector, along with much of the country's economy, looks set for a period of consolidation, with larger and more diverse operators best placed to weather the downturn in the local market.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/59/kuwait_insured_strength_the_best_policy_middle_eastbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:25:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Phillipines ponders a second stimulus to lift economy (Asia Pacific/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Philippines has posted surprisingly low first quarter GDP growth of just 0.4%, far below previous government projections of 2.5%, creating significant cause for concern. However, too much alarm will only serve to amplify the already stinging effects of the US-led global economic turmoil. The country still controls the reigns over its economy primarily due to the fact that its underlying fundamentals, especially within its financial sector, have provided a cushion against external recessionary pressure.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/57/phillipines_ponders_a_second_stimulus_to_lift_economy_asia_pacificeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:22:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[HSBC receives final approval for Chinese insurance JV (BRIC/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[HSBC Insurance (Asia) Limited (HSBC Insurance) has received final approval from the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) to launch a jointly held insurance company with Beijing-based National Trust Limited (National Trust).]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/108/hsbc_receives_final_approval_for_chinese_insurance_jv_bricbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[GSK and Shenzhen Neptunus create JV to develop and manufacture influenza vaccines in China (ADR/Manufacturing)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[GlaxoSmithKline today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to form a new Joint Venture with Shenzhen Neptunus Interlong Bio-Technique Co. Ltd (Shenzhen Neptunus) focused on developing and manufacturing influenza vaccines for the Chinese market.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/106/gsk_and_shenzhen_neptunus_create_jv_to_develop_and_manufacture_influenza_vaccines_in_china_adrmanufacturing.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:25:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Shanda to Purchase Majority Stake In Hurray! (BRIC/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited (or Shanda) (NASDAQ: SNDA), a leading interactive entertainment media company in China, and Hurray! Holding Co., Ltd. (or Hurray!) (NASDAQ: HRAY), a leader in artist development, music production and wireless music distribution and other wireless value-added services in China, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Shanda, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, will commence a tender offer to acquire 51% of the total outstanding ordinary shares of Hurray! on a fully diluted basis (including shares represented by the American Depositary Shares of Hurray! (&ldquo;ADSs&rdquo;)) at a price of US$0.04 per ordinary share (or US$4.00 per ADS).]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/157/shanda_to_purchase_majority_stake_in_hurray_brictechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:25:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[ Thomson beats the trend with 60% growth in Wi-Fi shipments (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[According to new research from leading independent research body In-Stat, Thomson  (NYSE: TMS), a worldwide leader of services to content creators, was a big winner in the Wi-Fi market in 2008, growing its shipments by almost 60% over the previous year, a remarkable achievement in a market for wireless LAN products which shrank by 2.4% year on year in the fourth quarter. Thomson&rsquo;s market share, which is concentrated in the home gateway sector, rose to almost 8% worldwide.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/128/thomson_beats_the_trend_with_60_growth_in_wifi_shipments_adrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:33:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Bahrain: Building on a Solid Base (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Bahrain appears to be riding out the worst of the global recession, with the economy expected to expand this year and the crucial finance industry apparently well protected against any future shocks.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/58/bahrain_building_on_a_solid_base_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:24:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Australia : Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton announce Iron Ore Production Joint Venture (Asia Pacific/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Rio Tinto (NYSE : RTP) and BHP Billiton (NYSE : BHP) have signed a non-binding agreement to establish a production joint venture covering the entirety of both companies' Western Australian iron ore assets.&nbsp; The joint venture will encompass all current and future Western Australian iron ore assets and liabilities and will be owned 50:50 by BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/154/australia_rio_tinto_and_bhp_billiton_announce_iron_ore_production_joint_venture_asia_pacificcommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:36:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[MTS and Nokia Enter Strategic Partnership (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (NYSE: MBT), the largest mobile phone operator in Russia and the CIS, and Nokia (NYSE: NOK) havesigned a memorandum of understanding on the direct delivery of Nokia devices to MTS&rsquo; retail network. The first joint project of the two companies will be the priority sales launch of Nokia N97, Nokia's flagship mobile computer, equipped with exclusive software from MTS.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/134/mts_and_nokia_enter_strategic_partnership_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:32:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[MNO's look to expand as Kuwaiti market becomes crowded (Middle East/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Having undergone one of the biggest shake ups in its history at the end of last year, Kuwait's mobile telecommunications sector has now settled down into its new form and appears to be busier than ever. ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/56/mnos_look_to_expand_as_kuwaiti_market_becomes_crowded_middle_easttelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:35:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Alvarion deploys fisrt mobile WiMAX solution to Papua New Guinea (Asia Pacific/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Alvarion Ltd. (NASDAQ:ALVR), the world&rsquo;s leading provider of WiMAX&trade; and wireless broadband solutions, today announced it was chosen to deploy the first Mobile WiMAX&trade; network in Papua New Guinea for Telikom PNG. The country&rsquo;s telecommunications leader plans to provide nationwide coverage using Alvarion&rsquo;s end-to-end Mobile WiMAX 4Motion solution at the 2.3 GHz frequency band. Alvarion&rsquo;s local partner for this project is Telrad Networks.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/178/alvarion_deploys_fisrt_mobile_wimax_solution_to_papua_new_guinea_asia_pacifictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:48:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China : WSP Holdings Acquires Steel Billet Manufacturing Assets (BRIC/Manufacturing)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[WSP Holdings Limited (NYSE:WH) a leading Chinese manufacturer of API (American Petroleum Institute) and non-API seamless casing, tubing and drill pipes used in oil and natural gas exploration, drilling and extraction, has announced that it established a company through its wholly-owned subsidiary in northeast China to produce steel billet and ensure steady supplies for its growing OCTG manufacturing capacities.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/118/china_wsp_holdings_acquires_steel_billet_manufacturing_assets_bricmanufacturing.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:17:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PetroChina Reports upbeat results for Q1 2009 (BRIC/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[PetroChina Company Limited (NYSE : PTR) reported that in the first quarter of 2009, the Company continued to focus on its development, despite a challenging and difficult environment including the spread and intensification of the global financial crisis, low international crude oil prices, declining domestic demand for oil and petrochemical products, and increasingly intense market competition. PetroChina succeeded in reporting quarter-on-quarter growth and showing month-on-month improvement within the quarter in its operating performance indicators. The Company&rsquo;s production and operations remained stable and continued their development momentum.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/117/petrochina_reports_upbeat_results_for_q1_2009_bricenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:13:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Stable elections stable country, Indonesia goes to the polls  (Asia Pacific/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Despite some polling hiccups and minor unrest, the April 9th parliamentary elections were staged peacefully, with early results boding well for incumbent president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). He is expected to be comfortably re-elected in the July 7th presidential poll. Considered pro-business, with a strong track record when it comes to the economic advancement of the country, the results point towards the country enjoying political and economic stability for years ahead. The news is being greeted with optimism by the international investment community.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/36/stable_elections_stable_country_indonesia_goes_to_the_polls_asia_pacificeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2009 11:04:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Vodafone and Hutchison to form new, 50/50 joint venture: Vodafone Hutchison Australia (Asia Pacific/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Vodafone (NYSE : VOD) and Hutchison (NYSE : HCX) today welcomed the decision of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to approve the merger of the Vodafone Australia Limited and Hutchison 3G Australia Pty Limited businesses. The companies intend to complete the merger transaction within the next two weeks and form a 50:50 joint-venture that will be known as Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA).]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/141/vodafone_and_hutchison_to_form_new_5050_joint_venture_vodafone_hutchison_australia_asia_pacifictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2009 09:44:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Thailand: Turning Point (EM Asia/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[While Thailand's economy formally entered recession as of the end of the first quarter of the year, with exports falling sharply, many experts and officials believe the worst is over and recovery is within sight.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/55/thailand_turning_point_em_asiaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2009 07:05:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Malaysia: Top of the Class (EM Asia/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Malaysia is looking to boost its role as a regional education centre, seeking to attract more foreign university students to its expanding network of tertiary facilities while also increasing the number of overseas universities with campuses based in the country.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/54/malaysia_top_of_the_class_em_asiaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2009 07:03:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi: Creating Culture (Middle East/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The development of a thriving media and creative content industry in Abu Dhabi remains an important issue not only for economic diversification and inward investment, but also for the emirate's goal of becoming a cultural centre. ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/53/abu_dhabi_creating_culture_middle_easttechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 20:09:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Colombia : Ecopetrol finalises acquition of Hocol (Latin America/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Ecopetrol S.A. (NYSE:EC) reported today its closing of the deal with Maurel &amp; Prom for the acquisition of Hocol, a company engaged in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons, according to the terms that were announced last 10 March 2009.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/101/colombia_ecopetrol_finalises_acquition_of_hocol_latin_americaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 09:44:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Phillipines set Great Expectations for nascent tourist industry (Asia Pacific/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Blessed with stunning landscapes, white sand beaches, rich biodiversity and wonderful hospitality, the Philippines has all the key elements of a premier tourism destination. Yet, for all these natural qualities, the country is still struggling to build the necessary infrastructure to accommodate large numbers of tourists. It seems the government has recognised the underutilisation of its chief assets and is making strides in the expansion of the sector. However, the country is likely to continue serving niche markets until its ongoing infrastructure development is completed. ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/52/phillipines_set_great_expectations_for_nascent_tourist_industry_asia_pacificeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2009 20:07:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Egypt: Growing Pains (Africa/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[One of the most prominent hiccups affecting the telecoms sector of late was the decision by the National Telecoms Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to postpone the sale of a second fixed operator licence, citing turbulence in international markets. Similarly, in the past few weeks, the two-year long dispute between the shareholders of the mobile operator Mobinil (MT) has become tenser, as France Telecom (FT) and Orascom Telecom (OT) jockey to retain shares of the company. Although numerous deadlines for resolution have already passed, investors seem to think the issue could be resolved soon and newly purchased shares helped buoy the benchmark index last week.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/48/egypt_growing_pains_africatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2009 18:50:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Bulgaria: Beyond Slowdown (EM Europe/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The country's transport sector has been hard hit by the ongoing international downturn, with falling domestic industrial activity reducing demand for freight haulage, while slowing international trade is cutting into transit traffic revenues.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/42/bulgaria_beyond_slowdown_em_europeindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2009 18:21:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Qatar: Transport for the Future (Middle East/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Thanks to its strong fiscal reserves, continued flow of revenue from gas exports and the financial sector&rsquo;s relatively low levels of exposure to the markets in the US or Europe, Qatar is better placed than most of its neighbours to weather the current economic downturn.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/41/qatar_transport_for_the_future_middle_easttelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2009 18:19:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Soundbite from Qatar, construction set to grow by 17.6% in 2009 (Middle East/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[According to Trade Arabia, a news source, the Qatar construction sector is poised to grow by 17.6% YOY in 2009, as &ldquo;gas revenues continue to provide the country with ample funds to re-invest into infrastructure development and construction projects.&rdquo;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/24/soundbite_from_qatar_construction_set_to_grow_by_176_in_2009_middle_eastindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2009 10:20:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Sri Lanka: Back In Play (EM Asia/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Following the defeat of the Tamil Tigers&rsquo; (LTTE) 26-year insurgency in Sri Lanka, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) surged, with the All Shares Price Index (ASPI), which tracks the movement of all the stocks listed in the CSE, recording its sixth highest daily percentage growth in history, and the Milanka Price Index (MPI), composed of 25 select equities, realizing its fifth highest percentage growth in history. Meanwhile, volume during the week reached the four highest number in history. While there was some profit taking on Friday, the ASPI gained 20% for the week (4.21 points) to end at 2,146.73 while the more liquid MPI gained 34% (8.25 points) to close at 2,466.90. Both indices are now up over 35% for the year.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/23/sri_lanka_back_in_play_em_asiaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2009 10:18:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PetroChina Acquires Keppel's Stake in Singapore Petroleum Company (BRIC/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[PetroChina Company Limited (NYSE : PTR) announced today that it, has entered into a conditional agreement with Keppel Oil and Gas Services Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel Corporation Limited , to acquire its entire shareholding in Singapore Petroleum Company Limited (&ldquo;SPC&rdquo;) representing approximately 45.51% of the total issued share capital of SPC for a cash consideration of S$6.25 per share.&nbsp; If and when the acquisition is completed, subject to Chinese regulatory approvals, PetroChina International (Singapore)&nbsp; intends to make a Mandatory General Offer for the remaining shares of SPC.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/116/petrochina_acquires_keppels_stake_in_singapore_petroleum_company_bricenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 24 May 2009 11:09:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[More pain for US dollar as China & Brazil go bilateral (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Much was recently made of China&rsquo;s physical gold stock revelation &amp; rightly so. On a number of boards &amp; blogs, I have stated my view that China is trying desperately to move away from USD denominated debt &amp; will look at a multitude of ways of doing this.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/8/more_pain_for_us_dollar_as_china_brazil_go_bilateral_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 22:35:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Russian & Chinese MNCs will see inevitable adjustments in overseas expansion (BRIC/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[SKOLKOVO Institute for Emerging Market Studies releases an analytical survey &ldquo;Global Expansion of Emerging Multinationals: Post-Crisis Adjustment&rdquo;. The survey reviews the activities of the active participants of this process &ndash; Russian and Chinese multinational companies (MNCs) &ndash; and analyses the impact of the economic slowdown on expansion, performance and role of these companies under the new conditions.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/161/russian_chinese_mncs_will_see_inevitable_adjustments_in_overseas_expansion_briceconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 15:44:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Jordanian property market stays buoyant (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Jordanian property sector is experiencing a correction, as are nearly all markets in the region. However, the kingdom can take solace in the fact that foreign investors are still interested and active in the country, while the government tries to help the sector rebound by pushing forward with its ambitious affordable housing initiative.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/26/jordanian_property_market_stays_buoyant_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 10:46:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Indonesia : HSBC completes acquisition of 88.89% of Bank Ekonomi (Asia Pacific/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[HSBC (NYSE: HBC), through its wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC Asia Pacific Holdings (UK) Limited, has completed its acquisition of 88.89 per cent of PT Bank Ekonomi Raharja Tbk (Bank Ekonomi) for US$607.5 million in cash, paid in US dollars.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/107/indonesia_hsbc_completes_acquisition_of_8889_of_bank_ekonomi_asia_pacificbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 10:29:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[JA Solar Announces First Quarter 2009 Financial Results (BRIC/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd., (Nasdaq: JASO) a leading manufacturer of high-performance solar products, today announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2009.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/163/ja_solar_announces_first_quarter_2009_financial_results_bricenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 20:33:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Daimler acquires stake in Tesla (ADR/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Daimler AG (NYSE : DAI) has acquired an equity stake of nearly 10% of Tesla Motors Inc. This investment deepens the relationship between the inventor of the automobile and the newest member of the global auto industry. Tesla is the only production automaker selling a highway capable electric vehicle in North America and Europe.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/130/daimler_acquires_stake_in_tesla_adrindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 17:26:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Taiwan : Busy Signals in telecoms (EM Asia/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Taiwan's crowded telecommunications sector is likely to get even more competitive in the coming months as rival firms strive to woo customers away from each other and launch new services, at a time of economic upheaval. ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/191/taiwan_busy_signals_in_telecoms_em_asiatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 12:18:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Nokia maintains leadership in bringing internet access to Emerging Markets (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Finland's mobile giant Nokia (NYSE : NOK) brings the Internet in emerging markets closer to reality with the announcement of three new mobile phones that open the door to information, entertainment, family and friends.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/113/nokia_maintains_leadership_in_bringing_internet_access_to_emerging_markets_adrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 11:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Orange deploys its new vision and brand campaign in Africa (Africa/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[From May 18, France Telecom (NYSE: FTE) subsidiary Orange will be launching a pan-African brand campaign across the majority of African countries(*) where the brand is present unveiling its new international vision: &ldquo;together we can do more&rdquo;. This vision is founded on a strong conviction:]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/102/orange_deploys_its_new_vision_and_brand_campaign_in_africa_africatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 09:52:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Vimpelcom launches mobile services in Cambodia (EM Asia/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Vimpel-Communications (NYSE: VIP), the leading provider of telecommunications services in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), today officially announced the commercial launch of mobile operations in the Kingdom of Cambodia.&nbsp; Mobile services were launched under VimpelCom&rsquo;s &ldquo;Beeline&rdquo; brand via its subsidiary Sotelco LTD.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/132/vimpelcom_launches_mobile_services_in_cambodia_em_asiatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 08:25:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Malaysia: Tourism Defying Predictions (EM Asia/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Malaysia's tourism industry could be in for a soft landing in 2009 in the face of the international economic downturn, though the sector may be hard pushed to equal the record levels of arrivals and revenue of 2008.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/46/malaysia_tourism_defying_predictions_em_asiaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 18:38:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Merger and Acquisitions are set to change the landscape of SE Europe; Central Asia to follow? (EM Asia/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The emerging markets focus of this blog has led me, in the main, to round up and review developments in low teledensity countries of Africa and Asia, with only occasional detours into somewhat more mature markets in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America and elsewhere.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/170/merger_and_acquisitions_are_set_to_change_the_landscape_of_se_europe_central_asia_to_followgem_asiatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 13:20:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Sharjah in Good Shape (Middle East/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Having been an early proponent of the need to develop a diverse economic base, Sharjah is now reaping the benefits by placing itself in a good position to ride out the international recession.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/29/sharjah_in_good_shape_middle_eastindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 10:51:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/29.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Malaysia: Extending Reforms (EM Asia/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Malaysia's real estate industry could be a major beneficiary of the recent reforms to the services and financial sectors announced recently by the government, which are expected to attract higher levels of overseas investment and increase the options for developers looking for project financing.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/28/malaysia_extending_reforms_em_asiaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 10:49:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi: Bucking the Trend (Middle East/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Despite weakening global demand for plastics and polymers, Abu Dhabi's chemical investment, which is seen as a key part of the emirate's future economy, remains well placed to become a sustainable growth platform for future economic expansion and diversification.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/27/abu_dhabi_bucking_the_trend_middle_eastenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 10:47:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Allianz Group registers 1.4 billion Euro profit in Q1 2009 (ADR/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Allianz Group (NYSE:AZ) showed a robust performance in a continuing challenging market environment during the 1st quarter of 2009. Total quarterly revenues increased to 27.7 billion euros, from 27.0 billion euros in the 1st quarter of 2008.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/127/allianz_group_registers_14_billion_euro_profit_in_q1_2009_adrbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 16:29:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/127.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Telefonica's Q1 net profit grows by 9.8%, stands by 2009 overall guidance (Latin America/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Tel&eacute;fonica (NYSE: TEF) reiterates guidance for 2009, and maintains target of distributing &euro;1.15/share in 2009, in line with its commitment to prioritise dividends to shareholders. The solid performance of organic growth in income (+2.8%), OIBDA (+2.5%), and operating income (+3.9%) confirms Telef&oacute;nica's differential profile in the sector, which is characterised by its highly diversified operations, both in terms of businesses and geographies.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/138/telefonicas_q1_net_profit_grows_by_98_stands_by_2009_overall_guidance_latin_americatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 09:26:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Croatia : T-Mobile and T-Com launch Internet access offer  (EM Europe/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Full Internet offer combines Internet access via various access technologies thus enabling customers to surf the Internet at favorable prices regardless where they are.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/96/croatia_tmobile_and_tcom_launch_internet_access_offer_em_europetelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/96.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Vodafone to Redefine the Mobile Internet Experience (ADR/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[This initiative will enable content partners and developers to create a range of attractive mobile internet services that can be rolled out to all Vodafone customers]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/160/vodafone_to_redefine_the_mobile_internet_experience_adrtelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 13:25:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/160.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Indonesia moving towards solid ground (Asia Pacific/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Facing its toughest test since the 1997-98 Asian Financial Crisis, Indonesia's banking sector appears to be well positioned to weather the global financial storm. While lending and liquidity are being squeezed in line with global trends, the country's leading banks appear to be in good shape, less exposed to the pitfalls that have plagued the banking sectors in the US and Europe.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/31/indonesia_moving_towards_solid_ground_asia_pacificbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 10:54:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/31.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Filipino BPO sector to grow 20-30% in 2009 (Asia Pacific/Technology & Media)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[While the majority of industries are struggling to cope with the effects of the ongoing global economic downturn, the Philippines business process outsourcing (BPO) sector is expected to post 20-30% growth in 2009. Although this is far short of the near-50% increase the industry enjoyed throughout 2004-07, it will certainly play a major role in keeping the Filipino economy afloat during what is proving to be a challenging year.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/30/filipino_bpo_sector_to_grow_2030_in_2009_asia_pacifictechnology_media.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 10:53:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/30.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia: Maintaining FDI (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[At a time when the international economic downturn is proving a test to many countries around the world, Saudi Arabia is expecting to avoid the worst consequences and keep foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing into its economy.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/33/saudi_arabia_maintaining_fdi_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2009 10:57:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/33.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Constructive Optimism in Bahrain's building sector (Middle East/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Similar to its regional counterparts, Bahrain has witnessed a rapid increase in construction activity over the past few years. High oil prices, a burgeoning financial sector and substantial population growth have led to a consistently rising demand for newly developed commercial and high-end residential real estate in particular.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/32/constructive_optimism_in_bahrains_building_sector_middle_eastindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2009 10:56:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/32.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Norway : Statoil shows high production & solid operations Q1 2009 (ADR/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The quarterly result was negatively affected by a 41% drop in oil prices, partly offset by a 23% increase in the average price of natural gas and a 7% increase in lifted volumes of oil and gas.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/135/norway_statoil_shows_high_production_solid_operations_q1_2009_adrenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2009 08:36:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Barrick Announces Go-Ahead of Pascua-Lama (Latin America/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE: ABX)(TSX: ABX) announced today that its Pascua-Lama project is proceeding to construction. The Company has finalized the project's economic parameters, received key construction permits, satisfactorily resolved key outstanding fiscal matters with the governments of Chile and Argentina, and is engaged in discussions for project financing.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/120/barrick_announces_goahead_of_pascualama_latin_americacommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 12:01:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[T-Mobile Czech Republic reports Q1 2009 (EM Europe/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[T-Mobile Czech Republic achieved satisfactory results despite challenging economic recession, new regulations and accounting methodology changes. T-Mobile reports the highest number of SIM cards in the Czech market: more than 5.4 million customers, which represents year-on-year growth of 2.6%. More than 2.5 million customers are contract customers, accounting for more than 47% of the customer base. The revenues reached almost CZK 7.6 billion, service revenues CZK 7.3 billion; EBITDA amounted to more than CZK 3.5 billion. The ARPU indicator decreased to the level of CZK 452.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/97/tmobile_czech_republic_reports_q1_2009_em_europetelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 09:04:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Vale well positioned as Chinese steelmakers warm up (BRIC/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (Vale) (RIO) has recently been climbing back from lows caused by the severe drop in demand for its principle feedstock, iron ore. However, there are signs that the Brazilian mining giant may be turning the corner, as the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) has begun to show some activity off the back of speculation that the steel industry is picking up, particularly in Asia.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/9/vale_well_positioned_as_chinese_steelmakers_warm_up_briccommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2009 22:37:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/9.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Barrick Pours First Gold at Buzwagi (ADR/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Barrick Gold Corporation announced today the first gold pour at its Buzwagi mine in Tanzania. In 2009, Buzwagi is expected to produce approximately 200,000 ounces of gold at total cash costs of $320-$335 per ounce. In production, the mine will be one of the country's largest mining operations. Buzwagi is the sixth Barrick project brought into production on time in the last six years.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/121/barrick_pours_first_gold_at_buzwagi_adrcommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2009 12:03:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[The Long Case for Russia's Mobile Telesystems (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Although in Q4 2008, Mobile Telesystems [MTS] (MBT) suffered a disastrous $794.8 million foreign exchange loss to reflect book value of the company&rsquo;s foreign-denominated debt due to the weak ruble, there are plenty of signs Russia&rsquo;s largest mobile operator is worth investing in now. Revenue grew 4.0% to $2.42 billion from $2.33 billion a year ago, which is healthy in the current economic climate. Taking into account that the ruble declined by 16% against the dollar in the last three months of 2008, this is a signal that Mobile Telesystems is a very robust play indeed.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/10/the_long_case_for_russias_mobile_telesystems_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2009 22:41:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Malysia opens doors to domestic banking (EM Asia/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Malaysia's banking sector is about to undergo one of the biggest shake ups in its history, with the government unveiling plans to allow greater overseas participation in the financial services industry by raising foreign ownership ceilings in some types of banks and granting new licences to international lenders.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/38/malysia_opens_doors_to_domestic_banking_em_asiabanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:07:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Nigeria: Free to Talk (Africa/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Nigeria's mobile telecommunications market has grown rapidly in recent years, filling a gap left by the small number of landlines. The government has announced it expects to see reductions in tariffs in the near future, prompting companies to consider cost-saving strategies.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/35/nigeria_free_to_talk_africatelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/35.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Bank of Ireland raises 1 Billion Euro in notes sale (ADR/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Bank of Ireland Group announced that it has raised a further Euro 1 billion of term funding through a successful tap of its existing September 2010 Government Guaranteed fixed rate medium term note. The original public benchmark transaction was issued on 26th November 2008 and raised Euro 2 billion. Bank of Ireland has also raised a further Euro 100 million through a recent reverse enquiry private placement tap of this September 2010 transaction, bringing the total transaction size to Euro 3.1 billion.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/105/bank_of_ireland_raises_1_billion_euro_in_notes_sale_adrbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:21:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Sovereign entities as market makers means less mystery (Middle East/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), an Abu Dhabi-based investment company, announced on Monday that it has been assigned Aa2/AA/AA long term credit ratings by Moody&rsquo;s, Fitch Ratings and Standard and Poor&rsquo;s, with a stable outlook.&nbsp; &ldquo;While we have no immediate plans to raise external capital, the ratings will facilitate future engagement with the debt capital markets if IPIC wishes to pursue this,&rdquo; commented its managing director, Khadem al-Qubaisi, who added that the ratings were a means of &ldquo;reinforcing strong corporate governance principles and enhancing transparency.&rdquo;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/50/sovereign_entities_as_market_makers_means_less_mystery_middle_eastbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:38:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Chile : Banco Santander announces increased income, flat profits for Q1 2009 (Latin America/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Banco Santander Chile (NYSE: SAN) announced today its unaudited results for the fourth quarter of 2008. These results are reported on a consolidated basis in accordance with Chilean GAAP(1),(2), in nominal Chilean pesos.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/88/chile_banco_santander_announces_increased_income_flat_profits_for_q1_2009_latin_americabanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:21:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Endesa Chile announces strong Q1 2009 performance (Latin America/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A net income of Ch$165,785 million is the result of Endesa Chile, a subsidiary of the Enersis Group, for the first quarter of 2009, a figure comparing favorably with the Ch$68,413 million of income reported for the same period of 2008. This is the result of better operating and financial results, compensated by reduced income from investments in related companies. It should be pointed out that these figures are presented for the first time following the methodology of the international financial reporting standards (IFRS), in replacement of Chilean GAAP.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/104/endesa_chile_announces_strong_q1_2009_performance_latin_americaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:06:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Nokia Receives an Official 3G Thumbs Up from China (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Following on from the distribution of 3G licences earlier this year for China&rsquo;s three mobile networks, China Mobile (CHL), China Telecom (CHA) and China Unicom (CHU), along with the convoluted technology demands imposed by the regulator, signs are that Nokia (NOK) will be sitting a little higher up the table at the tea party, as Chinese news portal Xinhua reports:]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/12/nokia_receives_an_official_3g_thumbs_up_from_china_brictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:46:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Petrobras Sets New Production Record (BRIC/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Perennial favourite Petrobras (NYSE: PBR), has announced that in March of this year, it surpassed February&rsquo;s output record by 52,00 bpd. Last month, the Brazilian oil giant produced a record 1.99 million bpd from its domestic holdings. The increase has been attributed to a number of new wells in the offshore Campos Basin being brought into commercial production. Petrobras has also reported domestic production of combined oil &amp; gas for March reached 2.3 million bpd of oil equivalent, a 9.5% month on month icrease, adding in international operations, brings an enviable 2.5 million bpd production average for the month of March.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/11/petrobras_sets_new_production_record_bricenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:43:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Central Europe looks to Qatar for reliable energy supplies (EM Europe/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Though international oil and gas prices have fallen steeply resulting in the economies of many countries in the Middle East facing negative growth and large-scale cut backs in energy projects, Qatar stands out as an exception.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/43/central_europe_looks_to_qatar_for_reliable_energy_supplies_em_europeenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:23:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/43.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Education comes under focus in Kuwait (Middle East/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Kuwait is looking to balance the demands placed on its budget by falling oil prices and the global economic downturn along with the need to support and strengthen its education system - and through it the country's long-term prosperity.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/40/education_comes_under_focus_in_kuwait_middle_easteconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:11:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Bahrain pushes towards sustainable energy resources (Middle East/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Despite one of the most successful diversification strategies in the region, Bahrain's energy sector is by no means overlooked in the country's drive to attract investments; rightly so, as the sector continues to be pivotal to the Kingdom's economy.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/39/bahrain_pushes_towards_sustainable_energy_resources_middle_eastenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:08:00 +0100</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mystockvoice.com/magicSite_feed_generator/blog/list_all/39.xml</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Itaú-Unibanco: Riding High on Bank Consolidation (BRIC/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Following the merger between the number four and number two banks in Brazil last November, the newly forged conglomerate, Ita&uacute;-Unibanco (ITU) is the frontrunner in a race for consolidation in the Brazilian banking market.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/13/itauunibanco_riding_high_on_bank_consolidation_bricbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2009 22:48:00 +0100</pubDate>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Mining Majors to Benefit from Changes to Indonesian Law (Asia Pacific/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Under Indonesian law, foreign mining companies operating in the country are required to sell 51% of their local holdings back to the government after 5 years of commercial operation. However, Newmont (NEM), will only be asked to relinquish 17% of its subsidiary, PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (PTNNT), as 20% of this entity is already held by a local partner. An international arbitration panel on March 31 gave Newmont and minority partner Sumitomo Corp. (SSUMY.PK) a 180-day deadline in which to divest 17% of PTNNT to local buyers, ruling that the companies were in default of their contract of work for failing to meet divestiture schedules in 2006-2008.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/14/mining_majors_to_benefit_from_changes_to_indonesian_law_asia_pacificcommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2009 22:49:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan: Taking Stock (Middle East/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Although many of its regional counterparts have been hit hard in recent months, the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) has suffered less than most from the effects of the global financial crisis. While 2009 may not be one of exceptional growth for the ASE, the government's responsiveness and flexibility in dealing with the situation has helped the bourse hold steady on a number of measures, and the exchange looks set to emerge from the slowdown as one of the region's stronger markets.&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/44/jordan_taking_stock_middle_eastbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:31:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Pullback in construction provides stiff test for Romanian economy (EM Europe/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Sidetracked by the international financial crisis, much of the Romanian economy is facing a lean year in 2009, with the country's once-booming construction industry among those that will be hardest hit.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/37/pullback_in_construction_provides_stiff_test_for_romanian_economy_em_europeeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:05:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Deutsche Telecom subsidiary T-Hrvatski aims for 1 million broadband subs (EM Europe/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[T-Hrvatski Telekom started the program of accelerated expansion of broadband Internet access by investing into further development of optical infrastructure in order to bring optical fibers to customers&rsquo; homes and buildings, thus ensuring even higher access speeds, higher data transmission capacity and better service stability. Planned implementation of infrastructure based on FTTH/FTTB solutions &ndash; optical fiber to the home/optical fiber to the building &ndash; T-HT plans to ensure an even better quality of the existing services and open possibilities for development of new, even more sophisticated and technically demanding services.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/95/deutsche_telecom_subsidiary_thrvatski_aims_for_1_million_broadband_subs_em_europetelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:58:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Credit Suisse  reports net income of CHF 2.0 billion for Q1 2009 (ADR/Banking & Finance)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Credit Suisse Group (NYSE :CS) reported net income attributable to shareholders of CHF 2,006 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared with a net loss of CHF 2,148 million in the prior-year period. Core net revenues were CHF 9,557 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared with CHF 2,926 million in the prior-year period. The return on equity attributable to shareholders was 22.6% and diluted earnings per share were CHF 1.60.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/150/credit_suisse_reports_net_income_of_chf_20_billion_for_q1_2009_adrbanking_finance.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:14:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[BHP & Rio Tinto to Extract Billion Dollar Contracts Along with Uranium (Asia Pacific/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Australia could be looking at a new multibillion-dollar export market as China looks for a steady supply of uranium, which it needs to underpin a massive expansion in its nuclear power industry. Chinese officials this week announced they would start building five extra power plants this year on top of the 24 already under construction and 11 already in operation. Australia could add A$17 billion ($12 billion) to gross domestic product by 2030 by maximizing suppliers to meet rising global demand for nuclear energy, the Uranium Association said last month.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/15/bhp_rio_tinto_to_extract_billion_dollar_contracts_along_with_uranium_asia_pacificcommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:51:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ras Al Khaima banks on industry & logistics for future growth (Middle East/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Plans by the government of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) to bolster the emirate's infrastructure in order to support a more diverse and expanded economy are on track, in more ways than one.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/45/ras_al_khaima_banks_on_industry_logistics_for_future_growth_middle_eastindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:33:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Infrastructure sharing to have a major impact in emerging markets in 2009? (BRIC/Telecoms)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[More details are emerging about the long-expected infrasructure sharing deal between Indian cellcos ]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/173/infrastructure_sharing_to_have_a_major_impact_in_emerging_markets_in_2009gbrictelecoms.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:29:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Mongolia: a proxy on China's insatiable resource hunger (EM Asia/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Marc Faber, the Swiss-born, Thai-based investor known affectionately to many as &ldquo;Dr. Doom,&rdquo; remarked to&nbsp;Bloomberg recently that Mongolia is &ldquo;torn between two lovers &ndash; China and Russia,&rdquo; and is a country with huge potential. &ldquo;The country is incredibly resource rich, another Saudi Arabia, next to the largest population in the world.&rdquo;]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/51/mongolia_a_proxy_on_chinas_insatiable_resource_hunger_em_asiacommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Nuclear an option for the Phillipines ? (Asia Pacific/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Philippines has been facing some of the highest energy costs in the region for some time now - a fact any industrialist will attest to. It seems, however, that looming power shortages could possibly be averted as a result of the ongoing economic turmoil; thus giving the government and private sector precious time to boost domestic production. As it stands, the country relies heavily on outside sources of energy, which account for roughly 65% of its energy needs. However, despite slowing industrial demand for power, some industry insiders still believe the country could face a power shortage of 3000 MW by 2012.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/49/nuclear_an_option_for_the_phillipines_gasia_pacificenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:06:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan: An Eye for Energy (Middle East/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[In spite of dropping oil prices, Jordan is continuing to push its energy diversification programme in a bid to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers and decrease the Kingdom's burdensome energy bill.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/47/jordan_an_eye_for_energy_middle_eastenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Diageo and Kirin agree to form Joint Venture in Japan (ADR/Manufacturing)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Diageo plc (NYSE : DEO) and Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd. (Kirin) today announced an agreement to form a joint venture in Japan to expand distribution of Diageo products and contribute to the growth objectives of both companies.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/140/diageo_and_kirin_agree_to_form_joint_venture_in_japan_adrmanufacturing.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2009 09:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Total Continues Investments in Emerging Markets (ADR/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Total SA (TOT), France's largest company, announced the highest annual net profit in French corporate history last week, sounding a rare positive note in today's grim financial meltdown. In 2008 the firm made a profit of &euro;13.9 Bn ($18.0 Bn) thanks to record oil prices in the first half of the year, which helped offset the second half collapse in oil prices. Profits began to fall in the fourth quarter of 2008 as the credit crunch hit demand, sending crude prices tumbling. Total is now preparing for the future by investing in increased capacity in new fields, especially in Africa &amp; the Middle East, whilst putting the brakes on production in Canada &amp; the North Sea.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/21/total_continues_investments_in_emerging_markets_adrenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:12:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[ABB: Switzerland's Slumbering Giant (ADR/Industry)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Swiss power &amp; automation specialist ABB is moving from strength to strength with the recent announcement of a &euro;550m contract which integrates with a green power project in Ireland. Irish system operator Eirgrid, has ordered a transmission system using HVDC Light (high-voltage direct current), an ABB technology with environmental benefits that include neutral electromagnetic fields, oil-free cables, low electrical losses, and compact converter stations. The solution will allow Ireland to expand wind power generation &amp; via the new link, will enable it to import power from the UK as needed &amp; to export power when it generates a surplus.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/16/abb_switzerlands_slumbering_giant_adrindustry.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:56:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Copper Prices Leave Producers feeling (BRIC/Commodities)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[With global copper prices sinking from a 2008 high of $4 per lb, down to today's miserly, $1.25 per lb, it is hardly surprising that the two major copper producing countries in South America are looking at ways to buoy up their operations. Last week, Peruvian president Alan Garcia dropped some strong hints that Peru and Chile should coordinate on copper production, in order to achieve greater control of prices on international markets.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/18/copper_prices_leave_producers_feeling_briccommodities.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Ukranian government in tight corner as economy shrinks by 30% (EM Europe/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Ukrainian government is bracing itself for a tough ride ahead. In an address to the parliament on March 31, President Viktor Yushchenko said the economy shrank 25-30% year-on-year in the first two months of 2009 and that further hardships would have to be endured before there was a return to positive growth.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/190/ukranian_government_in_tight_corner_as_economy_shrinks_by_30_em_europeeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[ Chavez looks to nationalise agriculture & energy (Latin America/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[For the last 4 years, soaring worldwide oil prices and 9% growth rates have underpinned President Chavez's generous social programs &amp; his (none too successful) campaign to build an international anti-American alliance. The oil windfall saw the socialist government of Venezuela threaten to divert oil exports from the US to competitors in China and India, even though the Asian markets would be costlier to serve. Currently, 60% of Venezuela's production goes to the States.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/19/chavez_looks_to_nationalise_agriculture_energy_latin_americaenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:08:00 +0000</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Vietnam: Asia's Sleeping Tiger? (EM Asia/Economy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[2009 can be considered as a special year for Vietnam and its economy as the country has now belonged to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for two years, facing both opportunities for growth along with internal challenges and heralding a sea change as Vietnam's markets are now open to foreign companies as never before. Foreign investors now have the opportunity to enter into Vietnam's domestic markets and enjoy fairer treatment under law and service sectors such as banking and consumer retail are prime targets for 2009.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/20/vietnam_asias_sleeping_tigergem_asiaeconomy.html</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:10:00 +0000</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Dragon & Bear Agree $25B Handshake on Energy (BRIC/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Having discussed the Byzantine workings of Russia&rsquo;s energy players in previous articles and also the direction that China has taken recently in securing strategic reserves, it was only a matter of time before the Dragon and the Bear came to an accord together. During a visit to China this week, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin has succeeded in bringing together a massive deal for Russian oil producers in Siberia.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/22/dragon_bear_agree_25b_handshake_on_energy_bricenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:14:00 +0000</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[BHP Billiton extracts  first Oil & Gas from the Shenzi Field in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico (Asia Pacific/Energy)]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[BHP Billiton announced today that first oil and natural gas production has commenced from the Shenzi development in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The tension leg platform (TLP) has a nominal capacity of 100,000 barrels of oil per day and 50 million cubic feet per day of natural gas, on a 100 percent basis.]]></description>
<link>http://www.mystockvoice.com/blog_details/89/bhp_billiton_extracts_first_oil_gas_from_the_shenzi_field_in_deepwater_gulf_of_mexico_asia_pacificenergy.html</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 25 Mar 2007 18:26:00 +0100</pubDate>
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