BIZ BRIEFS
Mittal donates 2m
LONDON: British prime minister Tony Blair has expressed his “delight” at London-based Indian businessman Lakshmi Mittal donating two million pounds to the ruling Labour Party at a time when the party is facing financial ruin. In a statement, Blair said: “I am delighted that Mr Mittal, who is one of the world’s most successful businessmen, has made such a generous donation.” In a statement, Mittal said, “I am a long-term supporter of the Labour Party and the work it has done in the United Kingdom to improve the overall prosperity and prospects of the country.” — HNS
824 orders for Airbus
PARIS: Airbus said on Wednesday it won orders for 824 airliners in 2006, falling behind Boeing Co, which won 1,050, for the first time since 2000. The European aircraft maker delivered 434 planes during the year - 36 more than its US-based rival - to remain the No. 1 commercial jet maker for the fourth straight year. Airbus’ parent company also said Wednesday that the plane maker will post a loss before interest and taxes in 2006 due to charges related to its delayed A380 program and restructuring.—AP
HBL’s new scheme
KATHMANDU: Himalayan Bank Ltd (HBL) has launched a ‘Credit Card Reward Programme’ to mark its 14th anniversary. All domestic Visa/Master cardholders are eligible to participate in this scheme, which awards a free Visa pre-paid gift card worth Rs 1,000 after accumulating 1,000 points within six months, states a press release issued today. The cardholder will get one point for every transaction made worth Rs 100. The customer can use the Visa pre-paid gift card himself or herself, or gift it to someone who can use it at more than 300,000 Visa merchant outlets and at 20,000 Visa ATM’s throughout India and Nepal. — HNS
Carpet promo event
KATHMANDU: Nepal Carpet Exporters’ Association (NCEA) recently organised a Nepali Evening programme at the Domotex Carpet Trade Fair in Germany. Madan Kumar Bhattarai, Nepali ambassador to Germany, gave away letters of felicitation to those who have contributed in promoting Nepali carpets abroad. Dr Andreaas Gurubo, executive director of the German Exhibition Company, congratulated Nepal for being best in carpet design and informed that 1,360 companies from across the world participated in the exhibition. Kabindra Nath Thakur, president of NCEA expressed the commitment to give continuity to Nepal Evening Programme at the fair. — HNS
American Standard
KATHMANDU: American Standard, a leading manufacturer of bathroom and kitchen products, has appointed Rukmani Iron and Steel, as its exclusive agent for the Nepali market. Rukmani will handle all domestic and project sales for Nepal. American Standard is a leading provider in innovative lifestyle solutions and provides healthier and safer bathrooms. It has introduced family health line comprising of two innovative technologies. American Standard plans to set up after sales and customer care centres soon at Maitidevi, states a press release issued today. — HNS