Taiwan’s economy

TAIPEI: Taiwan’s economy showed signs of a slowdown with the index of leading indicators for April standing at 110.0 points, down by 0.2 percent from March. In March, the index of leading indicators registered a revised 1.7 per cent month-on-month increase. The index is used as a gauge for the economy’s anticipated direction over upcoming three months. — AFP

Windfarms in Cuba

HAVANA: In a bid to assimilate and expand power generation through the force of winds, Cuba will build three windfarms in 2077, for a gradual take off of the energy. Besides the installation opened in the Isle of Youth in February this year, another one, with six generators, is being built in the city of Gibara in Holguin province in northern coast and a third station in the same province has also been planned. — Prensa Latina

Malaysia holds rate

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s central bank on Monday kept its key interest rate unchanged at 3.50 per cent on expectations of sustained economic growth as inflation remains low. The central Bank Negara’s monetary policy committee decided to leave the overnight policy rate unchanged. “Given the medium term outlook for inflation and economic growth, the current level of the policy rate remains appropriate,” it said. — AFP

New rule for market

KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia will unveil new measures soon to boost liquidity in the stock market, and is working with Malaysia to allow dual listings of each other’s exchange. The government is finalising the capital market development package, which will include tax incentives as well as new supervisory laws especially on money laundering. — AP

Mitsubishi in tie-up

TOKYO: Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd said it had secured a foothold in China’s fast-growing wind turbine market through a tie-up with local firm Wuzhong Instrument Co. Mitsubishi will licence production technology of a mid-size wind turbine to Chinese company, which is part of Ningxia Electric Power Group Co, an electricity provider formed in 2003 that plans to build its own wind power generation farm. — AFP

Nepal-Lanka forum

KATHMANDU: To enhance relation between the two countries, Nepal-Sri Lanka Cultural, Social, and Economy Forum has been established. The forum is headed by Jay Dewan, a travel and trade entrepreneur, as its president, industrialist Rajendra Khetan as general secretary, and Sunil Shakya as treasurer. The forum will focus on enhancing more people-to-people contact, bilateral trade, air connectivity, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Speaking on the occasion, Sumith Nakandala, Sri Lankan ambassador to Nepal, emphasised on the strong need to increase people-to-people contact between the two nations. Also speaking at the occasion, Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne said, “Sir Lanka being largely a Buddhist country and Nepal being the birthplace of the Buddha, the cultural and social ties between the people of two countries could add a new dynamics in socio-economic relations. —HNS

HBL opens 12th ATM

KATHMANDU: Himalayan Bank Ltd (HBL) has opened its 12th ATM counter inside the premises of Teaching Hospital at Maharajgunj. Dr Mahesh Khakurel, executive director of the hospital inaugurated the ATM counter. “The ATM has been established with an objective to provide instant cash services to those visiting the hospital for treatment,” states a press release. It is in the process to establish nine more ATMs, one each in Birgunj, Dharan, Bhairahawa, Bharatpur, and Lakeside in Pokhara, and four inside the Valley. — HNS

Nabil Bank’s winners

KATHMANDU: Nabil Bank’s announced the winners of monthly lucky draw for Baisakh on Monday. Hari Maya Gurung has won the first prize of Rs 50,000, while Kush Sigdel, Kedar Bhakta Shrestha, Shailendra SJB Rana, Shailendra Bahadur Thakali, and Ashok Kumar Malla have won second prizes of Rs 10,000 each. The bank has been awarding cash prizes totalling Rs 1,00,000 to six winners each month. At the end of the year, a mega lucky draw is conducted for a Toyota Echo car, states the bank’s press release. — HNS

Agro information

BUTWAL: Farmers in Nawalparasi will now get information on quantity and price through scientific measurement of milk quality through the first milk automation and Rural Information Centre. Chhabilal Biswokarma, minister for agriculture and cooperatives inaugurating 11th AGM of Devdaha Dairy Producers and Collectors Cooperatives Ltd said that the life standard of the people would not be raised unless agriculture is commercialised and modernised. — RSS

Contraband seized

PARASI: District Police Office, Nawalparasi confiscated two trucks of copper including other metals worth around Rs 700,000 while it was being brought from Narayangarh. The copper and metals were being exported to India illegally. According to Police Inspector Diwakar Ghimire, truck driver and his helpers have been taken under control. — RSS