Asia

Boeing has announced sale agreements with two Asian airlines for a combined total of 43 new aircraft, highlighting the significance of the region for aircraft manufacturers.

Hong Kong Airlines is to buy 38 Boeing aircraft, six 777 Freighters, 30 787-9s and two 787-8 VIP airplanes.

At the same time Air China signed an agreement for the purchase of five 747-8 Intercontinental jetliners. Air China is the first Chinese carrier to contract the passenger version of the new, fuel-efficient 747-8.

Jeff Daniels looks at one of the most important energy suppliers in the Indian sub-continent playing a role in India’s drive towards modernisation.

India’s insatiable appetite for energy is no secret. More industrial activity and greater affluence have increased demand for just about every single resource imaginable. And although India does have oil and gas deposits, the demand is increasing at a rate which cannot be fulfilled by domestic production.

Established less than 10 years ago, Fortis Healthcare has become India’s largest private healthcare provider. Managing director Shivinder Mohan Singh explains to Gay Sutton how the company is providing world-class medical care while using economies of scale and improving efficiency to bring costs down.

Ford Motor Company announced today that its supply network is creating thousands of new jobs around the world to support the launch of the new Ford Focus.

Ford is using 310 suppliers in 22 countries to make parts for the new Focus, and many are adding jobs, facilities and equipment to meet demand for the vehicle. Suppliers have added 5,500 jobs at facilities in North America, Europe and Asia to produce parts for the new Focus.

India is rapidly becoming the world hub for biotechnology research, with the quality of its scientists, doctors and pharmacology researchers regarded as second to none. Newly restructured Life Technologies is ready to give them the tools they need, enabling them to make rapid and meaningful progress in the areas of basic and medical research.

South Africa's Afripalm Resources has signed an agreement with Steel Authority of India (SAIL) to build a steel mill in South Africa, according to a report in the Business Day newspaper.

The paper said the two companies would carry out a feasibility study for a R21 billion plant with a production capacity of between three to five million tonnes of steel a year.

Under the terms of the agreement, Afripalm will also establish a distribution business for SAIL’s products in South Africa, the paper said.

Chinese telecomms equipment maker Huawei has changed its mind about the controversial acquisition of US server manufacturer 3Leaf, after national security concerns had been raised in the US.

Huawei purchased intellectual property from 3Leaf in May 2010 for $2 million but the deal caused concern in the US government, as it had not been cleared through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Huawei initially rejected the CFIUS's recommendation to voluntarily divest from acquisition, but has now had a change of heart.