i-flex flexes muscles

SINGAPORE: Indian banking software group i-flex Solutions is doubling the size of its Asia-Pacific headquarters here in a drive to tap the robust growth in the region. The company plans to create 400 more jobs in the city-state over the next two-three years. Financial institutions in the Asia-Pacific region are hungry for new generation technology. — DPA

China’s oil imports up

BEIJING: China’s oil imports last year are forecast to have risen by 10.2 per cent as the booming economy’s reliance on foreign energy grew. Imports of 980 million barrels last year are believed to have supplied 48 per cent of China’s oil needs, up from 43 per cent in 2005. Total demand in 2006 is estimated at just over two billion barrels, a report said. — AP

Exports rise in Taiwan

TAIPEI: Taiwan’s exports in December rose by 9.1 per cent year-on-year to $19.58 billion, compared with an 8.2 per cent increase to $19.54 billion posted in November. Imports in December jumped by 16.4 per cent to $16.68 billion, against a 7.9 per cent rise to $17.12 billion, giving a trade surplus of $2.90 billion. — AFP

Greenhouse reopens

KATHMANDU: Dabur Nepal Pvt Ltd has reopened its Corporate Social Responsibility Project - Banepa Greenhouse from Monday. The greenhouse had shutdown due to Maoists threats since December last week. “The VDC representatives took initiative to resolve the matter,” states a release. At present, there are 1.5 million saplings of rare and endangered herbs. — HNS

Oriental Hotels’ AGM

KATHMANDU: Oriental Hotels Ltd (Radisson Hotel Kathmandu) held its ninth AGM on Monday, under the chairmanship of G D Shrestha. B K Shrestha, managing director, Anil Das Shrestha, joint managing director and board of directors including Sunil Lal Shrestha and Upendra Rizal were also present during AGM. — HNS