Google AdSense Sets Up E-Payment
Google will launch an e-payment service for its AdSense clients in
China, Zhou Wenbiao, Director for Online Sales and Operations, was
quoted by state media. Zhou did not reveal the name of the company that
will perform the service. So far, publishers have received a cheque or
used Western Union for payment options. Google China started the
AdSense programme in May of 2008.
Chinese Netizens Slam Microsoft Anti-Piracy Technology
Earlier this month, Microsoft launched a new update of its Windows
Genuine Advantage (WGA) tool in China. The download verifies whether
the installed XP system is genuine or not. If the software determines
that the computer is run with a fake copy, it will reportedly turn off
the screen every 60 minutes. Unsurprisingly, thousands of Chinese
netizens have voiced their dissatisfaction. State media reports that a
Beijing lawyer has already filed a complaint with the Ministry of
Public Security, saying the WGA notification and validation technology is "in violation of Chinese law".
Grosvenor Launches USD600m Fund
Real estate development and investment firm Grosvenor announced the
launch of a USD600m opportunity fund, news wires report. The UK-based
company has plans to invest in shopping centres in first and second
tier cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu,
Chongqing, Nanjing and Tianjin. Grosvenor has reportedly completed a
first round of fund raising from investors in September.
Sanofi –Aventis Expands China Operations
Sanofi-Aventis has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the
Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences for the discovery of new
drugs for neurological diseases, diabetes and cancer, state media
reports. The French-based pharmaceutical company also announced that it
will expand its R&D facility in Shanghai and establish a biometrics
centre in Beijing.
Wal-Mart Sets Higher Standards in China
U.S.-based Wal-Mart Stores said it will set up new quality standards
for its thousands of suppliers in China, AP reports. Mike Duke, Vice
Chairman of Wal-Mart's international division said the world's largest
retailer expects greater transparency. Suppliers need to "tell us the
name and location of every factory they use to make the products we
sell," he was quoted. The new standards will be applied to apparel
first.
Bayer MaterialScience Confirms EUR2.1 bn Investment
Germany's Bayer MaterialScience said it will stick to its original plan
to invest EUR2.1 bn in Shanghai in the coming four years, AP reports.
Chairman Patrick Thomas said it is possible that certain activities in
the United States and Europe will be put on hold due to the financial
crisis. But for China he remains optimistic as sales grew to EUR1.3 bn
in 2007. "The risk of not being in China is much greater than the risk of being in," he added.
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