Business

By Jerry Maglunog Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the main cogs of the economy, as 94 percent of local firms are classified under this category. 

By Riza Lozada European trade experts will visit the country to present investment options and business conditions in three rising Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) members, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said. 

The World Bank (WB) is working with the government to develop an insurance and risk-transfer mechanism for national and local governments, businesses and even individual households to help them deal with natural disasters. 

By Jerry Maglunog Banks are also making a killing out of lending, aside from the conventional route of bank loans through tie-ups with credit-card companies. 

Beijing—China plans to allow foreign central banks into its interbank currency market, the country’s No. 2 leader said, in a new move to expand use of the tightly controlled Chinese yuan. 

Hong Kong—Moody’s Investors Service is challenging a $3 million fine by Hong Kong’s securities regulator, which accuses the credit rating agency of misconduct over a 2011 report that flagged potential problems at Chinese companies. 

The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) said it has strengthened its technology systems and business continuity processes to prevent a repeat of the glitch that resulted in the disruption of trade on two consecutive days. 

The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in the Port of Manila has started implementing a vehicle appointment system called Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS) for selected user groups. 

By Lito U. Gagni  Shandong, China—Liwayway China Co. Ltd , part of the Oishi business empire, has invested $20 million in a new factory here in a bold marketing move that has characterized the company’s presence in China where it has flourished, earning the coveted Shanghai and China Famous brands. 

By Jerry Maglunog Online business caters mostly to people who are very busy or live too far from the city proper. It is in these scenarios that the likes of Lazada, Zalora, Carmudi, OLX or Autopinoy.com have become a household name.