China and Hong Kong Expand Trade
Beijing and Hong Kong have agreed to expand its Closer Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA), allowing mining and exploration companies
from Hong Kong more access to China's resources. The supplementary
agreement signed between China and Hong Kong also includes
liberalisation for Hong Kong-based accounting, architectural, medial
and human resources companies, Reuters writes. The CEPA was first
signed in 2003 and has generated HKD5.1 bn in capital investment in
Hong Kong, Chief Executive Donald Tsang said.
Online Advertising Grows 33 Per Cent
China's online advertising market expanded to RMB2.808 bn in the second
quarter, a new report of research firm Analysys International revealed.
The number represents an increase of 33 per cent compared with the
first quarter. Analysys said the promotion of the Olympic Games in
Beijing has had a major impact on online advertising spending.
Niger-China Deal Under Scrutiny Last month's USD5 bn deal
between Niger and the China National Petroleum Corp. has been
criticised by human rights groups in Niger. The Network of
Organisations for Transparency and Budgetary Analysis says the
parliament should investigate the deal, as there is a "lack of
transparency surrounding the signing of the contract". The organisation
is demanding clarity on how the USD300m signature bonus would be spent.
China has invested USD30 bn in oil and gas projects in several African
countries.
Last Olympic Tickets Sold in Hong Kong
On Tuesday, the last batch of 14,000 tickets for the Olympic equestrian
events were sold in Hong Kong. The ticket prices ranged from HKD58 to
HKD544. In total, 200,000 tickets for the equestrian competitions have
been issued and now sold. The events will be held in Hong Kong, and
take place from 9 August to 21 August.
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