Pacific Orient

Access the global market in privacy and security. Expand your options and achieve more from your pension and finances. With the expansion of the global market and individuals desire to escape taxes, offshore markets are now accessible and easy. Many governments are allowing the inevitable, and lifting restrictions that have previously prevented many from reaching their potential benefits.

For example, In April 2006 it was announced that British expatriates with a UK pension scheme who now lives overseas as an expatriate, or is planning to leave the UK can now transfer their existing pension provisions into a QROPS (Qualifying Recognized Overseas Pensions Scheme). The financial benefits can be huge if professional managed and planned in advance. By doing so, you can be sure to expect higher investment growth, more flexibility, and future financial security by starting now. Additional benefits include not having to purchase annuity, ability to take a large amount transfer, and un-spent pensions can be transferred to beneficiaries.

With any financial advice it is recommended you work with qualified professionals, and the following is available for insight and review

Getting Past The Government and Its Acronyms

For some reason governments like to use acronymn and complex terms. This is where a professional would come in, but here are the basics. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) permit UK pension rights to be transferred to a Qualifying Recongnised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). The QROPS must act as if it were a UK based scheme for QROPS who have been residents in the UK at any time in the previous 5 years.

Qualifying Recognized Overseas Pension Schemes

In an effort to protect the tax revenues of the UK by taxing income from annuities, taking residual value on death, and stopping pensioners spending all of their money; UK Pensions are notorious for being tied up in many layers of restrictions and regulations.

However, citizens overseas can bypass with an HMRC approved QROPS while endulging in the numerous other advantages of living abroad.

Benefits and Costs of QROPS:

• No need to EVER purchase an annuity or pay UK tax charge upon death.
• Leave ALL unused pension funds to your beneficiaries free of tax at source.
• Much greater investment freedom.
• Tax free lump sum, even if you have already taken 25% from your pension.
• Onshore / offshore funds, highest fixed deposit rates, total diversification.
• Take income from your pension in a much more tax efficient way.
• Take income and benefits in currency of your choice.
• Protection against possible future creditors. (Dependent on QROPS jurisdiction).
• Greater confidentiality.

Off Shore Accounts

Although, it is usually labeled as lucrative or mafia-like, off shore accounts are an actual option for many. Individuals, companies, conglomerates and even governments often need to move money around the world and off shore accounts are essential essential to facilitate this transaction.

Legal Issues About Off Shore Accounts

When discussing about offshore bank accounts it is important to start out by saying that if you are an American citizen, it IS NOT ILLEGAL to open an offshore account. There are conditions that can make this illegal, and again is where a professional can help consult on this and prevent you from facing criminal charges.

Risks of Off Shore Accounts

Banking in the United States may give you the impression of being secure by the government, but there are definitely no guarantees with offshore bank accounts. Also, with more people researching the off shore market, scammers and mis-information is rampant. This can all be reduced if you use a qualified professional, regardless of your nationality, when exploring your potential with offshore accounts.

Your Pension - Your Money

The benefits of being in control of your pension fund are immense for those living abroad! Not only can you benefit from being able to invest into a more diversified range of asset classes, but you can also take tax free benefits if structured correctly. Remember it is YOUR pension fund & YOUR money as you have worked for it!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Improving your credit score may be one of the most important things you can do for your future. Repairing your credit score can help you qualify for lower interest rates and increase your financial options. With Repair My Credit Now, you are able to receive a FREE credit report evaluation with FREE credit repair information!

ANY collection account from ANY collection agency can be removed!

You do not have to live with bad credit and you owe it to yourself to improve your credit rating by improving the accuracy of your credit report. It is also important you become more educated and prevent these situations from happening again.

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Popularity: 31% [?]

We would like to introduce our new military and government financing partner High Tech Credit, a partner of 800HighTech. Who is High Tech Credit? Well, High Tech Credit was formed by the 800HighTech joining up with the guys who kept CompUSA alive for as long as it did. They left CompUSA after its doors closed and got right to work building up the partner base and delivering the goods under 3rd Coast Marketing LLC. With 800HighTech’s customer base growing, we needed to offer a larger product range and pre-configured computers and laptops at the best possible price for our Armed Forces and Civilian DoD customers. It was also imperative that we continue to provide fast shipping that included overseas military address and combat zones.

Military Armed Forces High Tech Credit Financing

High Tech Credit is offering new best buy computer electronics media with financing for Armed Forces and Civilian DoD government contracted employees. Regardless of adverse credit history, receive bad credit history secured loans for high performance consumer electronics at military discount rates. Low monthly payments and zero money down with allotments through mypay DFAS Mil. All orders are guaranteed approval loans and include free shipping overseas. Shipments to troops stationed CONUS also include express overnight shipping.

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Popularity: 38% [?]

If you find your self struggling to cope with the stress of everyday life or work has seemingly ground down your muscles, a Thai massage may be just what the mind and body are looking for. Thai Massage is an ancient art form combing guided stretches and Meridian pressure techniques with Pranayama breathing.

Traditional Thai massage is over 2500 years old and originates from India. It was the famous Indian ‘Doctor Jivaka (Shivago) Kumar Baccha’ Buddha’s personal physician, who bought the techniques to Thailand. Dr. Shivago is known as the ‘father or medicine’ throughout Thailand and homage is given to him by all serious practitioners of Thai Massage.

Although most of the literature regarding Traditional Thai Massage was destroyed during the Burmese invasion of Thailand, there are still a collection of intricate carvings and drawings on display at the famous Wat Po Temple, located behind the Grand Palace in the Phra Nakhon District of Bangkok, that give testimony to its existence and its place in tradition.

Thai massage is based around the energy (prana or chi) which flows around our bodies. Our energy is said to circulate around 72,000 energy lines within the body, if there are blockages in these lines our ‘chi’ is broken and we may become susceptible to sickness and disease. Thai Massage Techniques help rid the body of these blockages enabling our energy to flow properly.

With the application of rhythmic pressure on certain points and the yogic stretching of muscles and joints, blockages can be broken and the energy restored to its natural flow. Using a combination of the hands, thumbs, elbows, knees, feet and forearms, Traditional Thai Massage Techniques focus on utilizing body weight and correct posture to perfect the spiritual art form.

Benefits of a Traditional Thai Massage

Traditional Thai Massage is about restoring the body’s natural balance and well-being. Depending on your mood, the massage may leave you feeling drained and tired or completely invigorated and full of energy. However you feel after the experience, a Thai Massage is able to:

• Alleviate conditions such as lower back pain, headache, arthritis, digestive difficulties or menstrual cramps
• Release built-up tension (knots) in the muscles
• Increase general flexibility and joint mobility
• Act as a lymphatic cleanser
• Eliminate toxins in the system
• Stimulate internal organs
• Improve neurological functioning
• Increase vitality
• Relieve tension and stress-related diseases
• Help heal old injuries
• Help strengthen the immune system
• Release emotional blockages
• Induce deep relaxation
• Calm the mind

Popularity: 50% [?]

Toyota Motor Corp Thursday unveiled two new robots that can assist humans in transport, domestic duties and care taking.

The first robot is envisaged to transport humans and objects at a speed of 6 km per hour for a distance of 20 km with one battery charge.

The other, a two-legged violin-playing robot, has 17 movable joints that provide it capability to conduct domestic duties and assist in nursing or medical care.

Japan’s top automaker plans to put the ‘mobility robot’ on trial at its facilities late 2008, and commercially introduce both into the market by the early 2010s, the company said in a statement.

Popularity: 42% [?]

800HighTech has been proudly providing military armed forces custom built computer PCs and customized laptop notebooks for over 10 years. They are the Number 1 Choice for military members and still going strong. They have the most powerful and fastest computers on the IT market; available for ZERO MONEY DOWN and LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS! If they do not have what you want - let them know and they will get it for you. You could even win a $100 if it is a product they add to their product line.

If you have been considering buying a computer, 800HighTech is definitely a website you should visit. Regardless if you have bad credit history or no credit at all, YOU ARE FINANCED - Guaranteed! They will even help you improve your credit history because they will report your good payments. This will help you get back on the road to good credit.

Payments are made easily via the MyPay allotment system. All you have to do is go to their website and apply. You are pre-approved. Financing is then finalized by submitting your LES.

The price you see is the price you get - no hidden costs! When you go to buy a computer, you would think you would not have to ask this, but many dealers do not include many things in the price they give you.

H! You wanted a monitor with that?! Well that’s another $300.

There are no tricks in their price. It includes shipping including FPO APO military P.O. Boxes and Combat War Zones. Also, their renowned customer support is also included. It is provided by the same Americans that built your computer! The go well beyond for their customers and which is very apparent from their military testimonials!

There is no risk in buying as Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed! If within 30 days you are not completely satisfied, send it back with no questions asked! The PX does not even offer anything like this remotely close.

www.800HighTech.com

Military Sales Financing

• Custom Build a Computers
• Custom Build a Laptop
• Computer PC
• Laptop Notebooks
• LCD HD Display Monitors
• Digital Cameras
• Video Camcorders
• Digital Electronics
  

Popularity: 44% [?]

On behalf of our partner 800HighTech, we would like to apologize to all of their customers who received their Email newsletter and were dissatisfied. We received many complaints and questions regarding it - and I was not what it was suppose to be. It was our first attempt at communicated with their customers via Email and 800HighTech wanted to do it professionally. They searched and we were referred to Jerry Hart - who from his website seemed like he was going to help achieve our goal and more, but he wasn’t. It was a shame it turned out the way it was - Okizoo was able to help them recover and helped establish their new Email newsletter program.

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Popularity: 53% [?]

Wheather sightseeing or killing time in Bangkok, taking a cruise along the legendry Chao Phraya River is a perfect way to spend a day or evening. The Chao Phraya River or “The River of King” has been the lifeblood of Thailand. When the capital of Thailand was moved to Bangkok in 1782 (the beginning of the Rattanakosin period), canals where so abundant in Bangkok that it was labeled “Venice of the East” by European travelers. Since then, many of the canal ways have been filled in or are no longer in use, however life around the Chao Phraya still holds the nostalgia of days long passed.

There are few different types of cruise available, cruises held in the day time tend to be geared towards sightseeing and may provide food, whilst cruises during the evening tend to be luxury dinning and entertainment oriented.

Day Trip and Short Cruise

On both sides of the Chao Phraya River, a tourist can see many magnificent temples and architectural buildings including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun(Temple of dawn), Wat Prayunwong, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, the Rama 8 Bridge, the First Presbyterian Church, the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard, the Thai Maritime Navigation Company, the Old Customs and the Royal Boat House.

Other sights you might wish to see if you don’t wish to travel too far, include the Floating Market at Wat Sai along the Klong(canal) Dao Khanong, 35 mins from Wat Sai is the Snake Farm and then also in the same area is Wat Pak Nam which is famous for amulets and is also a popular place to pay respects to Buddha at the weekend.

Dinner Cruise

Perhaps the most popular cruise to take is a luxury dinner cruise. Held in the evening amidst the cool breeze of the evening, there are a host of different cruises to cater you’re needs. Cruise’s range from traditional Thai cuisine to International buffets, sometime with live music or traditional Thai entertainment. You can expect first class service, 5 star foods and a delightful evening on one of many Bangkok River Cruises.

There are many luxury cruises when it comes to dinning, Hotels like JW Marriot and the Oriental offer International Buffets at a very reasonable price, other cruises like the Loy Nava Cruise and Manorah Cruise offer Traditional Thai Cuisine at around the same price. Cruises take place on wide variety of different boats, some are modern cruise boats with air conditioning and indoor or open air dinning, others may be traditional rice barges and may also have indoor or open air dinning areas. One drink is usually included with the price so be prepared to spend a little more for drinks.

Overnight or 2-4 Day Cruise

If you travel further north you can reach the famous ancient Siamese capital city of Ayutthaya. A river cruise to Ayutthaya can be done in one day; there are options to shorten the cruise by traveling one way on the bus, and cruising back to Bangkok. One or two night cruises offer cabins on board with all amenities.

You can even take 3-4 day river cruise across to Kanchanaburi and visit the Death Railway and the “Bridge over the River Kwai”. During this 3-4 day cruise you will be taken to many untouched places in Thailand such as Khao Noi Cave Temple, Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park also known as “Stone Garden”, Krasae Cave, Kaeng Lava Cave. You will also get the opportunity to visit other parts of the Death railway like Hell Fire Pass and the Thailand-Burma Railway Center Museum.

Booking A River Cruise

River Cruises are available from many hotels and tourist information centers. Short day trips can be organized at different piers along the river however you may have to haggle to get a fair price, so it’s good to have an idea of how much your chosen tour should cost.

Dinner Cruises are often one standard price; they can be organized by your hotel or travel rep. The choice of food and your boat preference should be the deciding factors for the best experience.

If you wish to take a longer cruise, prices vary according to accommodations and quality of service. It is best to organize these trips through a reputable provider for the best value for money.

Popularity: 47% [?]

A recent report has shown that medical tourism and cut-price cosmetic surgery is becoming almost as popular as a tropical beach for nearly one in three Australians choosing a relaxing getaway.

A survey by travel website Total Travel found that 31.5% of Australians would love to relax by a pool in a tropical destination such as Malaysia, Sri Lanka or Thailand, while saving thousands on surgery.

Managing director of Totaltravel.com Malcolm Baker, said society was centered on the body beautiful.

“People are very conscious of how they look. I’m not surprised that the travel industry is taking advantage of this social trend and that cosmetic surgery holidays have become so popular.”

A survey by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons carried out earlier in the year found a growing number of patients seek further medical help when they return home because of complications regarding the surgery. This has prompted a warning from plastic surgeons about the dangers of cut priced surgery.

Cut Priced surgery in a popular tourist destination can be risky, before deciding whether or not your chosen surgery should be done in another country, important in-depth research should be carried out and the patient should be fully aware of the possible dangers from undergoing surgical procedures in particular hospital or clinic.

We at ThaiMed specialize in organizing personalized medical tours in Bangkok, Thailand. Offering a wide range procedures including dental, orthopedic and cosmetic surgery’s, sexual replacement surgery, penis enlargement and vaginoplasty, Thaimed can help you tailor make a professional medical tour in Bangkok.

Popularity: 44% [?]

IBNLive reports on how online marketing is becoming a big business in India.According to a study by Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) in association with Pinstorm, India alone produces more than half-a-million searches a month.
The study puts light to the evolution and growth of search engine marketing in India. The study found that over 40,000 marketers are using this platform to capture the market share.

For the uninitiated in Internet marketing,

TAIPEI, Oct 1

American Express is expanding in Taiwan through a tie-up with the island’s EVA Airways as foreign interest in Asia’s fourth-biggest banking market heats up.

American Express will issue a co-branded credit card on Monday with EVA, the island’s No. 2 carrier, after the U.S. company halted issuing new cards for several months last year due to mounting defaults.

Taiwan’s financial sector has become a target for major foreign banks such as Standard Chartered and private equity funds like Carlyle Group [CYL.UL] seeking acquisitions at lower multiples than elsewhere in Asia as Taiwan lenders return to profit.

Taiwan’s domestic banks had a combined pretax profit of T$47.63 billion (US$1.47 billion) from January to July, swinging from T$7.4 billion in losses for the full year of 2006, latest government data showed.

Standard Chartered recently completed its US$1.2 billion merger of a Taiwan lender, while Citigroup  finished its US$436 million merger of another bank.

Popularity: 100% [?]

When doing business in Taiwan, if there is one Chinese word an American business person will come to know, it is kuan-hsi. Its most basic English translation is “connections.” However, Kuan-hsi (pronounced “gwon-she”), like most Chinese words, has a much deeper meaning.

Traditional Chinese culture stresses the importance of human interaction. The essence of this interaction is kuan-hsi. It goes far beyond the American concept of networking. Kuan-hsi is developed over a long time period. It reaches down into every aspect of Chinese society, influencing social, political, and commercial relations.

Establishing Kuan-Hsi

A business person’s kuan-hsi building begins with the initial contact. Since the Chinese place heavy emphasis on personal relationships, it is important for the American business person to realize that his/her Chinese counterpart will first want to be on a closer personal basis before actually doing business. Therefore, it is mandatory that American firms take the long-term approach. Before actually looking for business deals Americans should look for a business counterpart in Taiwan.

Americans should seek out the representative of the company with which they want to cooperate. Introductions through a mutual friend, through the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), or through international Commercial and social groups provide a necessary human touch. In the United States, business is often conducted through an impersonal advertisement, catalog, or telephone inquiry. Many U.S. manufacturers have no personal knowledge of their customers. In Taiwan, this is not the case. Chinese prefer to do business with people they know. In Taiwan, a human connection will open many doors. The American firm should then follow the personal introduction with an official letter, fax, or telex to arrange a meeting.

During the initial contact period, one way to make a good first impression is to show respect for the Chinese language. As in most Asian societies, the business card has become essential. Although many professionals in Taiwan speak English, an American business person interested in Taiwan should take the time to have bilingual business cards printed. It must be made clear to the printer that complex characters are used in Taiwan. In addition, businesses in Taiwan greatly appreciate foreign business literature translated into Chinese. Making this effort paves the way for a successful initial contact and creates the proper atmosphere for the important first meeting.

The first meeting might take place over a meal at the invitation of the Chinese. This generosity is essential to Chinese business contacts. Sharing a dinner can be important in building friendships that will foster the needed trust for doing business in Taiwan. A final hint about your first banquet is to show appreciation for the food. The Chinese take great pride in their cuisine. Also, plan to reciprocate. Chinese are both gracious hosts and guests.

Effectively Using Your Kuan-Hsi

As your business dealings develop in Taiwan, kuan-hsi becomes ever more important. Businesses in Taiwan understand commercial relationships as a cooperative effort, rather than a series of black and white contracts. U.S. companies must realize that flexibility is the sign of a healthy business relationship and is mandatory to succeed in Taiwan. The reason that flexibility is so important is the type of firms most Americans deal with in Taiwan. Businesses in Taiwan are generally small- to medium-sized operations managed by an extended family. These businesses survive by exploiting niches in the market; therefore, they need to be able to adapt rapidly to the ever changing market situation. Successful American companies must adjust their products, procedures, and services to the current market situation.

The best way to strengthen and utilize your kuan-hsi is by an on-island presence. If your company is looking for a long-term commercial relationship in Taiwan, consider opening an office on the island. If that is not feasible, develop a strong working relationship with your agent. Also, senior company officials should visit Taiwan often and invite their counterparts to the United States. This expense is a good investment. Actions such as these show commitment, sincerity, and respect for your Chinese counterpart.

Although kuan-hsi can open many doors in Taiwan, it is not a substitute for quality, price, and service. Businesses in Taiwan are astute buyers and are increasingly aware of what is available on the world market. American firms must realistically price their products and services. They should realize that their prices need to be competitive with those from Japan and Europe.

American companies also need to make an effort in their after-sales service. If the firm can afford it, have service people on the island to answer clients’ needs. At the very least, be prompt in answering telex, fax, and written correspondence. There is a Taiwan joke which American businesses need to overcome to make their after-sales service more attractive to Taiwan businesses: “When something goes wrong, the Japanese send engineers. The Americans send faxes.” Paying close attention to pricing and service establishes a good reputation and builds strong kuan-hsi in Taiwan.

Popularity: 47% [?]

BEIJING, Sept. 19 — China has registered a solid growth track since 2003, and its economy has expanded quickly and in a stable manner, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Sep.18.

    Living standards have also improved considerably, as income levels have steadily increased since the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China convened in 2002, according to the NBS.

    The economy expanded by more than 10 percent in each of the last four years, at an average of 10.4 percent. That is more than double the average growth rate of the world economy during the same period, and is higher than any period in China since reform and opening-up in the late 1970s.

    The economy remained stable as it steamed ahead. In the last four years, the growth rate never fluctuated by more than 1.1 percentage points. Meanwhile, consumer prices have also remained stable at about 2.1 percent per year.

    China’s overall economic volume was the world’s fourth largest in 2005. It was the sixth largest in 2002. The gap between China and the U.S., Japan and Germany - the top three world economies - has also narrowed in terms of gross domestic product (GDP).

    As its economy has grown, China now contributes more than 5.5 percent of the world’s GDP, up from 4.4 percent in 2002.

    China’s booming economy also saw its per capita income cross the threshold of 2,000 U.S. dollars for the first time in 2006. According to World Bank standards, China should no longer be considered a low-income nation, as its per capita income now resembles that of a middle-income country.

    While enjoying such rapid and stable economic growth, China has restructured its economy to increase the weight of its service sector in poorer western regions, the NBS said.

    By 2006, the service industry accounted for 40.1 percent of the economy, as retail sales increased by an average of 12.2 percent each year in the four years.

    Rural development

    China has found it easier to develop its rural regions due to the growth of fixed-assets investment. These investments often reflect the potential for development in a region, and have increased faster in the middle, western and northeast regions. In 2006, for example, fixed-assets investment in the middle provinces accounted for 19.3 percent of the national total, 1.6 percentage points higher than in 2002.

    This indicates that those regions that are lagging behind economically are gaining greater potential for future development.

    Overall national fixed-assets investment reached 32.5 trillion yuan (4.32 trillion dollars) between 2003 and 2006, more than during the period between 1981 and 2002. Fixed-assets investment grew at an average rate of 26.6 percent over the last four years, 6.2 percentage points higher than the period between 1981 and 2002.

    China has also seen its urban population grow steadily in the past four years as its rural population has decreased, which helps balance national development, the NBS said.

    The bureau predicted that as the State puts in more resources to build a new countryside and further increases its subsidies to farmers, the income of farmers will continue to grow, which will further promote the balanced development of urban and rural areas.

    In 2006, rural residents saw their incomes grow by 7.4 percent to an average of 3,587 yuan. Their income increased by more than 6 percent for three consecutive years, which was rare in the past, the NBS said.

    The average income of urban residents was 11,759 yuan in 2006, up 10.4 percent from 2005. It was the fourth consecutive year that urban income increased by more than 7 percent.

Booming coffers

    Chinese enterprises have registered impressive profit records, bolstering the national economic growth.

    Corporate profits as a whole grew at an average of more than 20 percent each year in the past four years.

    Meanwhile, the national coffers have reaped more revenue. They reached 3.87 trillion yuan in 2006, which is more than double the total in 2002. It represents an average annual growth of 19.6 percent.

    Increased fiscal revenue has also made it possible to make more payment transfers to the economically backward regions, the NBS said.

    The national drive to conserve energy and reduce emissions has also progressed over the past four years. While the energy consumption per unit of GDP increased for three consecutive years by 2005, the index finally decreased in 2006. This has been a hard-won result, the NBS said.

    The growth of major polluting emissions, meanwhile, has been slowing, the NBS said, indicating strengthened policy enforcement.

    China has also built up its infrastructure and has enhanced its industrial equipment to back up the development of core industries, such as energy production, the NBS said.

    In 2006, the NBS said, China produced energy in amounts equivalent to 2.2 billion tons of coal, up by 53.7 percent from 2002.

    China also saw rapid progress in trade. Its trade volume reached 1.76 trillion dollars in 2006, the third largest in the world. In 2002, it was the sixth largest.

    China’s income from international tourism has also grown rapidly, the NBS said.

    In 2006, there were 35.6 percent more tourists in China than in 2002. The country recorded 33.9 billion dollars in revenue from international tourism, 66.5 percent more than in 2002.

Popularity: 40% [?]

Five foreign and joint venture restaurants in the top 100 restaurants in China reported an operating revenue of 15.84 billion yuan (1.92 billion US dollars) last year.
Their operating revenue accounted for around one-third of the total of the top 100 restaurants, said the China Cuisine Association (CCA) on March 16.

The top 100 restaurants in China earned 52.8 billion yuan (6.38billion US dollars) in 2003, a year-on-year rise of 31.3 percent, and contributed to around 8.7 percent of the industry’s total operating revenue, the CCA source said.
Foreign restaurant companies have increased turnover in China, the CCA source said.
Yum! Brands Inc., running KFC and Pizzahut, released an operating revenue of 9.3 billion yuan (1.12 billion US dollars) in China last year, up 31 percent over 2002, the CCA said. It added 233 chain restaurants to its 1,130 in China last year, among which some 1,000 were KFC outlets.
Its major rival MacDonald’s totaled about 600 chain restaurants by the end of last year.
Both Yum! Brands Inc. and MacDonald’s are expanding business from big cities to medium and small cities in China, the CCA source said.

Restaurants gained an revenue of 600 billion yuan (72.55 billion US dollars) last year in China, up 11.6 percent over 2002, despite a slump last spring caused by SARS outbreak, according to the CCA.

Their revenue accounted for 13.2 percent of total Chinese consumer spending last year, the CCA said.

Hotpot restaurants were the hottest business in China last year.

Of the top 100 restaurants, 17 were hotpot restaurants with a total operating revenue of 13.58 billion yuan (1.64 billion US dollars), the CCA said.

Popularity: 35% [?]

Nepal has just started to see political stability but this small country is afflicted by various problems. One major problem is the fake education certificate. There are many people in Nepal who are working in different high ranking posts with no education qualifications at all. A former public service commission secretary revealed that there are 35000 people in government offices holding fake educational certificates.

“It has been reported time and again that many people in the country have been enjoying high posts submitting fake educational certificates. According to some sporadic reports flashed on media, there are fairly a large number of people who have occupied high-ranking posts in the government services using fake educational certificates. It is believed that there could be people in every government sector with fake certificates, mostly bought from India. In such a situation to take any action against those people who are now in the influential positions, will be an uphill task. It is suspected that even there could be some employees within the CDC who might possess fake Indian certificates. These people will never support any probe formed to look into fake educational certificates. This was the reason why a free and fair investigation failed to make a steady headway in the past. Under this circumstance, we have plenty of reasons for doubting about the work undertaken by the CDC.

Now the question that every Nepali wants to ask the CDC whether its staff would perform their task by alacrity and determination. However, we have yet to see that how the new government will react against those culprits who have been enjoying the perks, which they do not deserve for that. Much sensation was created when one of the then secretaries of Public Service Commission (PSC) revealed that about 35,000 persons in the government service hold fake certificates. This statement of the secretary instilled a sense of fear in the mind of many employees who held fake certificates. Later when a high-level probe committee was formed to look into employees with fake certificates, defaulters sensed an axe hanging over their neck that could land at any moment. Before an action was taken against them, many employees decided to quit their jobs voluntarily.”

I believe this is a serious problem because education is one of five basic needs of human beings. Without good education, a country can never be developed. A person who undergoes hardship to acquire education deserves respect. If another person with no educational qualifications gets better job than the educated person then what is the meaning of acquiring education. If Nepal’s government allows this to continue then many people in Nepal would become disheartened. Necessary steps must be taken to find the guilty and punish them.

Popularity: 14% [?]