NEWS,01.02.2013

Daimler boosts stake in China

German automaker Daimler unveiled plans Friday to boost its position in the fast-growing Chinese market by acquiring a 12% stake in the country's fifth-biggest car group.Daimler, which at the end of last year created a new position on its management board dedicated especially to China, said in a statement it had decided to deepen its existing partnership with Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC) by buying a stake in its passenger car unit BAIC Motor.BAIC is planning to float the subsidiary on the stock exchange and when it does so, Daimler would buy a stake of 12%, the German group said.As part of the agreement, Daimler would receive two seats on the BAIC Motor's board of directors.At the same time, the two sides would increase their stakes in existing joint ventures, they said.BAIC's holding in the production joint venture Beijing Benz Automotive Company (BBAC) would rise to 51 percent from 50 percent, while Daimler's stake in the integrated sales joint venture Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service would be increased to 51 percent.Financial details were not disclosed. But Daimler and BAIC expect the deal  which still has to be approved by the relevant authorities -- would be closed "by the end of this year or early next year.""Following our technical cooperation with BAIC Motor and the setup of our integrated sales company, we are now taking the next step in deepening our relationship even further," said Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche."Our investment is a strong sign of the increased level of trust and cooperation between our two companies and clearly emphasises the long-term commitment to a joint successful future of our two companies," he said.BAIC chairman Xu Heyi said the partnership "has entered into its best phase ever, with further deepened cooperation in accordance with the mutual interests and development plans between both companies."Daimler's acquisition of a 12% stake "will go a long way in accelerating the development of BAIC's self-owned brand in terms of capital, technology, management, and brand. At the same time, this will help Mercedes-Benz to boost its business performance in China," Xu said.NordLB analyst Frank Schwope put the estimated price tag of the deal at €640m.He said Daimler has long been trailing rivals BMW and Audi, a unit of Volkswagen, in China, which is the world's most important market in terms of growth outlook.In 2012, Daimler, which employs more than 2 000 people in China, sold around 210 000 of its Mercedes-Benz cars there. It aims to lift sales to 300 000 by 2015 with two thirds of those manufactured locally.China is currently Daimler's third-biggest market after Germany and the United States, but is expected to become the German group's number one market by 2020.According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers or CAAM, BAIC is China's fifth-biggest maker with sales of 1.69 million vehicles last year.Investors nevertheless appeared somewhat sceptical about the deal and Daimler shares were underperforming the overall market on the Frankfurt stock exchange, edging up only 0.08 percent while the blue-chip DAX 30 index rose by 0.26 percent.

Eurozone inflation nears ECB goal

Eurozone inflation fell more than expected in January in a sign that companies were cutting prices to entice consumers at a time when joblessness remained at a record level at the end of 2012.The rate of consumer price inflation in the 17 countries using the euro fell to 2% in January compared to a year ago, the EU's statistics office Eurostat said on Friday.The reading, Eurostat's first estimate, was lower than the 2.2% level forecast by economists polled by Reuters, which was also December's level.Unemployment remained at a euro-era high of 11.7% in December, Eurostat also said, slightly lower than the 11.9% level expected by economists, but still higher than the European Commission's year-end 11.3% prediction.Inflation is now near the European Central Bank's target of close to, but below 2%, and along with record unemployment, gives the ECB room to cut interest rates again to stimulate the economy.But an improvement in eurozone business morale for the third straight month in January and better factory output suggest the bloc has passed the worst of its recession, meaning further ECB stimulus in the form of lower borrowing costs may not be necessary. "Inflation is non-existent," said Thomas Costerg, an economist at Standard Chartered in London. "Now with German inflation decelerating, that will fuel debate about how to do ECB's easing," he said, forecasting a cut in the ECB's main refinancing rate in the second quarter.The ECB's Governing Council kept rates on hold at its January meeting and will discuss rate policy again on February 7. The decision to keep policy on hold was unanimous last month, but economists are still divided over the ECB's next move. 38 out of 73 analysts polled by Reuters in January, said that the ECB will remain on hold in the first quarter. The ECB's task is also complicated by a divide between wealthier, northern countries which are showing signs of emerging from the eurozone's three-year debt crisis and countries such as Spain and Italy, that are in deep recessions."The story in the eurozone remains one of national divergence between the peripheries and the core," said Evelyn Herrmann, an economist at BNP Paribas in London, also pointing to a growing gap between the German and French economies.

 

Taiwan premier resigns over economy

Taiwanese Premier Sean Chen said Friday he has stepped down for health reasons, after the cabinet he heads came under fire for its poor handling of the economy."I have some health problems ... and I need to completely change my life and work style to reverse the situation," the 63-year-old finance expert told a press conference to announce his resignation."I believe that the economy will improve in the coming year. We have worked very hard on the planning for long-term issues and I hope everybody will continue to support the new team."Deputy premier Jiang Yi-huah, 53, a scholar-turned-politician and a former interior minister, will take over his job, Chen said.Chen's departure came as Taiwan's economy grew 1.25% in 2012 from a year ago at the slowest pace in three years due to shrinking exports. Chen, who previously headed the Financial Supervisory Commission, the main industry regulator, had a tense term since taking office as premier in early 2012.His cabinet frequently came under attacks over the sluggish economy and other controversial policies, with the opposition repeatedly demanding his resignation.Last year, Chen survived a parliamentary no-confidence vote - only the second in Taiwan history - over what opposition lawmakers deemed as his cabinet's failure to curb rising unemployment and inflation.Under Taiwan's political system the premier heads the cabinet and is appointed by the president.

'Rockstar' Clinton leaves lasting legacy

Hillary Clinton is stepping down as the top US diplomat firm in the belief she has restored America's global standing during her tenure that may also have traced a path to the White House in 2016.But as she sweeps out of the imposing buildings of the State Department for the last time on Friday, how will history judge her as secretary of state?How she stacks up against giants of American diplomacy like Henry Kissinger and James Baker and how she'll fill in the blank pages as she opens a new chapter in her life remain open questions.Clinton says she never once gave a thought to her legacy in the past four years. Instead, she just got up every day determined to work as hard as she could to promote America's interests.She now leaves office with the highest popularity rating of any of President Barack Obama's cabinet members, imbued with the title of "rock star diplomat" and with many saying she'll be the Democratic Party's strongest hope in the next elections, despite her constant denials that she is planning to run."Her contribution I think was fighting for resources for her own department, America's credibility in the world through her relentless travel, finding a 21st century agenda, I call it planetary humanism," said Wilson Centre vice president Aaron David Miller."These are important issues. They don't get you into the secretary of state hall of fame," Miller, a distinguished scholar who has served under six secretaries of state, said.Critics say Clinton cannot point to a signature issue achieved under her stewardship. The major challenges of the day - Syria, the new world order emerging from the Arab Spring, Iran's nuclear ambitions and the search for peace in the Middle East - she bequeaths to her successor John Kerry.Yet the Obama administration seized the opportunity to help prise open Myanmar, she showed effective diplomacy in negotiating the freedom of Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng, helped the United States pivot its focus toward Asia and built a solid alliance in support of biting sanctions against Iran.And Clinton brought to Obama's administration her charisma, celebrity status and a willingness to travel, believing that even in this interconnected world, face-to-face meetings remain one of diplomacy's most important tools."Secretary Clinton, because of her celebrity and popularity, has been a great secretary of state from that respect. People are thrilled to meet with her. She's probably second best to meeting with Obama," said Isobel Coleman, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.Even hardened politicians found it hard to resist her charms, British Foreign Secretary William Hague revealed during a dinner in her honour."There is a wonderful stillness that descends on large halls full of diplomats and ministers the moment Hillary enters the room," he said.Hague praised Clinton's "infectious spirit of optimism, opportunity and hope" as well as her faith "in the power of friendship and persuasion".In pursuit of diplomacy, Clinton has travelled exactly 1 539 712.5km, visiting about 112 countries. She was the first US secretary of state ever to visit Togo, and the first in over half a century to fly into Laos."Remember what we faced in January 2009: Two wars. An economy in freefall. Traditional alliances fraying. Our diplomatic standing damaged," she told the Council on Foreign Relations on Thursday."And around the world, people questioning America's commitment to core values and our ability to maintain our global leadership."That was my inbox on day one as secretary of state."Four years on, while the world "remains a dangerous and complicated place", much has changed, Clinton argued, saying "we've revitalised American diplomacy and strengthened our alliances".Those dangers were highlighted by the September attack on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya, in which the ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans were killed.Whether the attack, and the scathing criticism of security failures by the State Department, will taint her career in the long-term is too soon to tell.Many argue that Clinton's emphasis on what she calls "soft power" - her unrelenting focus on women's rights, development issues, economic statecraft and lesbian and gay rights - may well be what she's remembered for."As a long-term enduring legacy, I think I'd feel prouder about that than having invaded another Middle Eastern country," Coleman said.Observers also point to Europe's renewed faith in America, after Clinton made 42 trips to the continent during her time in office."In 2009, everything needed to be rebuilt... she has succeeded in restoring America's image in the world. She has marked the return of multilateralism," a western diplomat said in an interview.Tyson Barker, director of transatlantic relations at the Bertelsmann Foundation North America, agreed that "Europe loves Hillary Clinton, and she's spent a lot of time here investing in that relationship."She has really carried the torch for reconciliation and European integration."

Japan PM vows new statement on WWII

Japan's hawkish Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told lawmakers on Friday he intends to release a new statement on World War II, a move that could cause friction with neighbouring nations including China."I would like to announce a future-orientated statement that will suit the 21st century," Abe said. "On the timing and the content I'd like to think thoroughly hereafter."The nationalist premier said he wanted to update a landmark statement issued in 1995 by then-prime minister Tomiichi Murayama, seen as a key step in what many Asian nations say was Japan coming to terms with its brutal history.The statement said Japan "through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations", adding the premier feels "deep remorse" and offers a "heartfelt apology".Abe said on Friday he was in agreement with previous sentiments, adding: "Japan in the past caused great damage and suffering to many countries, particularly in Asia. The Abe cabinet shares that recognition with past cabinets."In a possible hint the statement may come in 2015, he said: "The so-called Murayama statement was issued to commemorate 50 years after the war, and 60 years after the war the [Junichiro] Koizumi administration issued a statement."Neighbouring countries that came under the yoke of Japan's military tyranny in the first half of the 20th Century, notably China and South Korea, chafe at the idea of Japan reneging on its apology, which both insist was insufficient anyway.

NEWS, 13.06.2012.

Cyprus may ask for bailout before Greek elections

 

Cyprus' Finance Minister warned Wednesday that the eurozone country could seek a European Union bailout to help recapitalize its banking sector before crucial elections in Greece this Sunday.Vassos Shiarly said that the Greek elections — seen as a vote on whether the debt-wracked country stays or leaves the eurozone — are a key factor to Cyprus' decision whether to become the fifth eurozone member to ask for EU bailout money."The chosen time (to seek a bailout) will be decided in cooperation with all European Union partners, either within the eurozone or the Union as a whole," Shiarly told a business forum in the capital, Nicosia."We also know that the deadline by which the recapitalization of banks has to be completed is very, very close ... But because the problem that may arise from the (Greek) elections this coming Sunday is perhaps of the highest importance, this is also taken into account in our overall assessment."Shiarly cited the example of Spain, which last weekend asked for a loan lifeline of up to (EURO)100 billion ($125 billion) from the 17 countries that use the euro to shore up Spanish banks."In most cases action is taken and the appropriate moment, meaning when the markets are closed," he said.Unable to borrow from international markets because of its junk credit rating, Cyprus has until June 30th to come up with (EURO)1.8 billion ($22.5 billion) — a tenth of its budget — to support Cyprus Popular Bank, its second largest lender which is most exposed to Greek debt and is unlikely to raise the money on its own.Shiarly and other Cypriot officials have said that the money could either come from the EU bailout fund, or through a loan from another country.Either way, time is running out for the tiny country of 850,000 people with strong cultural and business ties to Greece as the possibility over an anti-bailout party victory in Sunday's vote could further harm Cyprus' economy.Greece is holding the June 17 repeat election following an inconclusive May 6 ballot in which voters turned to smaller, mainly anti-bailout groups that have promised to renege on Greece's austerity commitments that were made in exchange for international bailout money.France's new President Francois Hollande on Wednesday warned that the election outcome could see them pushed out of the eurozone if anti-bailout parties emerge victorious.Fitch ratings agency on Wednesday warned that Cypriot banks would suffer most from a Greek euro exit given their direct exposure to Greek loans and the country's economy through their large branch networks there.Cyprus has vowed to stick to a 2012 deficit target of 2.5 percent of gross domestic product and is drafting additional spending cuts and tax rises to fix a 1 percent deviation. More importantly, Cyprus wants to be seen by its EU partners as living up to its promises in the hope of clinching favorable terms on a possible EU bailout, such as protecting its low 10 percent corporate tax — a key selling point for its large services sector.Cyprus President Dimitris Christofias repeated Wednesday that the measures won't come at the expense of wage earners or pensioners.

ITALIAN FEARS OVER SPAIN CONTAGION

 

Italian premier Mario Monti has seen nearly seven months of confidence-building efforts by his government wiped out as a debt auction revealed that the country's borrowing rates are back near levels last seen in December.A sale of 12-month bonds, a warm-up for Thursday's weightier long-term debt auction, demonstrated the speed with which market jitters spread from Spain following Madrid's weekend concession that its banks need a bailout.Italy paid an interest rate of 3.972% - up from 2.34% in a similar auction last month - to borrow 6.5 billion euro (£5.23 billion) in 12-month money from bond markets. Though demand was strong, the high rate suggests investors worry Italy may need a rescue of its own if Spain takes one.
"Contagion is back with a vengeance, and Italy is bearing the brunt of the fallout from Spain's request for external assistance," said sovereign debt expert Nicholas Spiro. Markets, he noted, are no longer differentiating fiscally-stronger Italy from Spain, "which is a sign that panic has set in".Just before the sale, Mr Monti urged politicians to speed the pace of reforms in a bid to persuade sceptical investors - whom he referred to as "observers that don't nurture an innate sympathy for our country"- that Italy was willing to make the necessary sacrifices to escape the debt crisis.Although Italy's deficit is relatively low, at 3.6% of GDP compared with Spain's 8.5%, the economy is not growing and overall debt is huge, at 1.9 trillion euro (£1.5 trillion). To lower that debt, the economy needs to become more competitive.That has been Mr Monti's task since taking office in November. His technocratic government passed a package of tax rises and spending cuts in December, and has been moving ahead with structural reforms but has found resistance from both lobbies and politicians alike.
The premier also made it clear that a broad European action plan is needed to avoid a spread of market panic from Spain to other countries like Italy, calling for concrete measures to be agreed at a June 28 EU summit.Mr Monti backed measures such as eurobonds, jointly issued European debt that would spread risk across countries, but which Germany has firmly opposed.He said they would not need to be introduced this year, but plans should be put in place.