Greece, China trade

ATHENS: Red carpets and VIPs are a rare sight at the Greek container terminal of Neo Ikonio, near the port of Piraeus, not to mention morning appearances by prime minister. But the 551-m container ship christened on July 27 before Karamanlis and a Chinese business delegation symbolised high Greek expectations for a trade relationship with Beijing that Athens has spent years cultivating. — AFP

S’pore to boost BMS

SINGAPORE: Singapore will pump almost $949 million into the biomedical sciences (BMS) sector as the city-state seeks to expand the industry which has become a new engine of growth. The funding will go towards boosting Singapore’s foundation in basic sciences and also to develop capabilities in translational and clinical research over the next five years. — AFP

LA Times not for sale

LOS ANGELES: Three local billionaires have written separate letters to the Tribune Co expressing their interest in buying the Los Angeles Times. But were told it is not for sale. Those making inquiries were philanthropist Eli Broad, entertainment mogul David Geffen and former supermarket baron Ron Burkle. — AP