SRI LANKA-INFLATION-INCREASE

SRI LANKA-INFLATION-INCREASE

(240722) -- COLOMBO, July 22, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- People buy vegetables at the Pettah Market in Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 22, 2024. Sri Lanka's inflation increased to 2.4 percent in June from 1.6 percent reported in May, according to the national consumer price index, the department of census and statistics said on Monday. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Tokyo consumer inflation accelerates in May

STORY: Tokyo consumer inflation accelerates in May SHOOTING TIME: recent footage DATELINE: June 3, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:39 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views in Tokyo STORYLINE: Core inflation in Tokyo continued to rise in May as utility costs expanded, government data showed. The Tokyo core consumer price index, which excludes volatile fresh food but includes fuel costs, rose 1.9 percent in May from a year earlier, accelerating from a 1.6 percent rise in April, according to the internal affairs ministry. Seen as a leading indicator of nationwide trends in Japan, the Tokyo data released on Friday stood below the Bank of Japan's 2-percent target. The acceleration was largely pushed up by utility costs related to renewable energy promotion, as electricity bills increased for the first time in 16 months by rising 13.1 percent year on year. Meanwhile, prices of food excluding fresh items rose 3.2 percent, unchanged from the previous month. Xinhua News Agency correspondent

U.S. GDP growth slows to annual rate of 1.6 pct in Q1

STORY: U.S. GDP growth slows to annual rate of 1.6 pct in Q1 SHOOTING TIME: April 25, 2024 DATELINE: April 26, 2024 LENGTH: 0:01:06 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of exterior of U.S. Department of Commerce (April 25, 2024) STORYLINE: The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate slowed down to an annual rate of 1.6 percent in the first quarter of this year, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported on Thursday. The latest data marks a sharp slowdown from the fourth quarter in 2023, when GDP grew by 3.4 percent, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Compared to the fourth quarter, the deceleration of real GDP in the first quarter primarily reflected decelerations in consumer spending, exports, and state and local government spending and a downturn in federal government spending. These movements were partly offset by an acceleration in residential fixed investment. The newly released GDP estimate for the first quarter, in what was called an "advance" e

U.S.-ECONOMY-GDP-Q1-GROWTH

U.S.-ECONOMY-GDP-Q1-GROWTH

(240426) -- WASHINGTON, April 26, 2024 (Xinhua) -- People walk past a food truck in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 25, 2024. The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate slowed down to an annual rate of 1.6 percent in the first quarter of this year, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

U.S.-ECONOMY-GDP-Q1-GROWTH

U.S.-ECONOMY-GDP-Q1-GROWTH

(240426) -- WASHINGTON, April 26, 2024 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Commerce Department is seen in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 25, 2024. The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate slowed down to an annual rate of 1.6 percent in the first quarter of this year, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

U.S.-ECONOMY-GDP-Q1-GROWTH

U.S.-ECONOMY-GDP-Q1-GROWTH

(240426) -- WASHINGTON, April 26, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A souvenir booth is seen near the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 25, 2024. The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate slowed down to an annual rate of 1.6 percent in the first quarter of this year, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

Chinese economy in Q1 shows consolidated recovery momentum

STORY: Chinese economy in Q1 shows consolidated recovery momentum SHOOTING TIME: Earlier footage DATELINE: April 16, 2024 LENGTH: 0:00:54 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JELENA GRUBOR STEFANOVIC, Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): YANN BOZEC, President of Tapestry and President & CEO of Coach, APAC Region STORYLINE: China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.3 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2024, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Tuesday. The country's GDP reached 29.63 trillion yuan (about 4.17 trillion U.S. dollars) during this period, the NBS data showed. On a quarterly basis, the economy increased 1.6 percent in the first three months. Many business leaders have hailed the consolidated recovery momentum of China's economy in the first quarter of this year. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JELENA GRUBOR STEFANOVIC, Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in

Swedish economy expected to remain sluggish: gov't

STORY: Swedish economy expected to remain sluggish: gov't SHOOTING TIME: April 15, 2024 DATELINE: April 16, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:10 LOCATION: Stockholm CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the press conference (credit: Government Offices of Sweden) 2. various of Stockholm's streets 3. various of the press conference (credit: Government Offices of Sweden) 4. various of Stockholm's Central Station STORYLINE: The Swedish economy is expected to remain sluggish with rising unemployment, the government said when presenting its spring amendment budget on Monday. The economy is expected to remain slow until 2025 with the gross domestic product expected to grow by 0.7 percent this year and 2.5 percent in 2025, the government said in a press release. Meanwhile, unemployment is expected to climb up from 7.7 percent in 2023 to 8.3 percent this year, the press release said. The spending package totaling 17.3 billion kronor (1.6 billion U.S. dollars) is considerably bigger than the 4 billion announced in

Myanmar earns over 1.48 bln USD from beans, pulses export in 2023-24 FY

STORY: Myanmar earns over 1.48 bln USD from beans, pulses export in 2023-24 FY SHOOTING TIME: April 8, 2024 DATELINE: April 9, 2024 LENGTH: 00:03:14 LOCATION: MANDALAY, Myanmar CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of farmers working in Mandalay, Myanmar STORYLINE: Myanmar earned over 1.48 billion U.S. dollars from the export of over 1.7 million tons of beans and pulses in the fiscal year 2023-24, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday. During the period from April 1 last year to March 31 this year, the country shipped over 1.6 million tons of beans and pulses via marine routes, while exporting over 157,409 tons via land borders, the ministry's figures showed. Myanmar mainly exports black grams, green grams, pigeon peas and many others. Among them, the black gram was the top earner, bringing in over 724 million U.S. dollars in the cited period. According to the ministry, beans and pulses are among Myanmar's most cultivated crops, second only to rice, and they contribute to over 30 percent of t

China's Yunnan sees over 12 mln visits during Qingming holiday

STORY: China's Yunnan sees over 12 mln visits during Qingming holiday SHOOTING TIME: April 4-6, 2024 DATELINE: April 8, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:15 LOCATION: KUNMING, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of tourists in China's Yunnan during Qingming holiday STORYLINE: Southwest China's Yunnan Province saw nearly 12.47 million tourist trips during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday that ended on Saturday, data showed. This figure was up 59.5 percent from the same holiday in 2019, according to the China Tourism Academy. Tourism revenue totaled 11.32 billion yuan (about 1.6 billion U.S. dollars), up 85.7 percent from the same period in 2019 before the COVID-19 epidemic. Yunnan boasts rich tourism resources, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites. The most popular tourist destinations during this year's Qingming Festival holiday included the old towns of Lijiang and Dali. Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival for people to pay tribute to the de

U.S. investor bullish about China's economic growth after industrial data

STORY: U.S. investor bullish about China's economic growth after industrial data SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage DATELINE: April 4, 2024 LENGTH: 0:02:43 LOCATION: NEW YORK, U.S. CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BRENDAN AHERN, Chief investment officer with U.S.-based asset management firm Krane Funds Advisors LLC 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): BRENDAN AHERN, Chief investment officer with U.S.-based asset management firm Krane Funds Advisors LLC 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): BRENDAN AHERN, Chief investment officer with U.S.-based asset management firm Krane Funds Advisors LLC STORYLINE: The latest economic data from China once again signals positivity, particularly in the manufacturing sector, which rendered overseas investors and entities bullish. The figures included the nation's manufacturing PMI, non-manufacturing PMI, and comprehensive PMI output index, which stood at 50.8 percent, 53.0 percent and 52.7 percent respectively, with each climbing 1.7, 1.6 and 1.8 points.

SOUTH AFRICA-CAPE TOWN-BUDGET SPEECH-ECONOMY

SOUTH AFRICA-CAPE TOWN-BUDGET SPEECH-ECONOMY

(240221) -- CAPE TOWN, Feb. 21, 2024 (Xinhua) -- South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivers the 2024 Budget Speech in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 21, 2024. South Africa's economy is estimated to have grown by 0.6 percent last year and will increase to 1.6 percent over the next three years, Godongwana said here Wednesday. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua)

SOUTH AFRICA-CAPE TOWN-BUDGET SPEECH-ECONOMY

SOUTH AFRICA-CAPE TOWN-BUDGET SPEECH-ECONOMY

(240221) -- CAPE TOWN, Feb. 21, 2024 (Xinhua) -- South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana (Front) delivers the 2024 Budget Speech in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 21, 2024. South Africa's economy is estimated to have grown by 0.6 percent last year and will increase to 1.6 percent over the next three years, Godongwana said here Wednesday. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua)

Turkish currency hits historic low against U.S. dollar

STORY: Turkish currency hits historic low against U.S. dollar SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 11, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 12, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:10 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Istanbul city in Türkiye 2. various of exchange office 3. various of Turkish Central Bank, Turkish lira 4. various of people walking on street in Istanbul, Türkiye STORYLINE: The Turkish currency hit an all-time low against the U.S. dollar on Thursday, trading at over 30 liras per dollar. One dollar was traded at 30.01 liras at 10:25 a.m. local time (0725 GMT). The Turkish currency has lost over 37 percent of its value since last year and depreciated by 1.6 percent against the dollar in the first 10 days of 2024. Murat Sagman, an economist and portfolio manager, recalled that it was only in 2013 that a dollar was worth 2 liras. Economist Duran Bulbul warned that the dollar exchange rate may move towards 40 liras soon, under such challenges as high inflation. "The greenback will first smash th

Report finds livestock, medical technology among Australia's top AI opportunities

STORY: Report finds livestock, medical technology among Australia's top AI opportunities SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 7, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 8, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:47 LOCATION: Canberra CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of CSIRO Discovery center 2. various of AI robert hand 3. various of robot 4. various of livestock 5. various of robot STORYLINE: Livestock, medical technology and horticulture have been identified as key artificial intelligence (AI) commercial opportunities for Australia by the national science agency. A report published by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) on Wednesday calls for Australia to more efficiently turn its AI research into economic opportunities. According to the report, which was commissioned by the CSIRO's National AI Center and released during the country's first AI Month, Australia produces 1.6 percent of global AI research but only 0.2 percent of global AI patents. Stela Solar, director of the National AI Center, said in a media rele

Japan's economy expands annualized real 1.6 pct in Q1

STORY: Japan's economy expands annualized real 1.6 pct in Q1 DATELINE: May 18, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:39 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views in Tokyo STORYLINE: Japan's economy expanded at an annualized real 1.6 percent in the January-March quarter of 2023, the government said in a report on Wednesday. The Cabinet Office's preliminary data showed the growth in the recording period marked the first expansion in three quarters. In terms of real gross domestic product, meaning the total value of goods and services produced in the country adjusted for inflation, the economy grew 0.5 percent from the previous quarter, the office also said. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Tokyo. (XHTV)

Malaysia's FDI up marginally in Q1

STORY: Malaysia's FDI up marginally in Q1 DATELINE: May 13, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:26 LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. Various of Kuala Lumpur city views 2. Various of crowds at a shopping mall 3. Various of crowds on the street STORYLINE: Malaysia's foreign direct investment (FDI) increased by 1.6 percent, reaching a record 893.2 billion ringgit (about 200.18 billion U.S. dollars) at the end of the first quarter of 2023, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2022, official data showed Friday. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement the manufacturing sector remained the largest recipient of the FDI with a value of 385.3 billion ringgit (about 86.35 billion U.S. dollars) or 43.1 percent of the total FDI. This was followed by financial activities and wholesale & retail trade. According to the DOSM, the country's FDI inflows were largely from Singapore, the United States and China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reportin

China's Beibu Gulf Port sees rise in cargo throughput in Q1

STORY: China's Beibu Gulf Port sees rise in cargo throughput in Q1 DATELINE: April 16, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:11 LOCATION: NANNING, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Beibu Gulf Port 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): ZHOU CHUIJIAN, Manager, Operation Department of Guangxi Qinzhou Shenggang Wharf Co., Ltd. STORYLINE: In the first quarter of this year, the cargo throughput of Beibu Gulf Port in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region reached 68.77 million tonnes, up 5.5 percent year on year. According to Beibu Gulf Port Group, more than 1.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers were handled by the port, up 14.7 percent year on year. The port serves as an important transit point in the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, a trade and logistics passage jointly built by western Chinese provincial regions and Singapore. Since last year, the port has launched specific foreign trade routes covering destinations in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries.

Vietnam's coffee exports slow in Q1 as domestic prices rise

STORY: Vietnam's coffee exports slow in Q1 as domestic prices rise DATELINE: April 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:41 LOCATION: Hanoi CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of coffee harvesting in Vietnam 2. various of roasting and packaging process of coffee beans in Vietnam 3. various of the coffee festival in the central highlands Dak Lak province STORYLINE: Vietnam's coffee exports in the first quarter this year edged down 1.6 percent to 572,000 tons from a year ago, the General Statistics Office has said, adding that coffee export revenue for the same period reached 1.3 billion U.S. dollars, down 2.3 percent on the year. Vietnamese coffee prices surging this year, coupled with rising interest rates on bank loans, have made exporters refrain from building their stockpiles and reluctant to have contracts for delivery in the future on concerns about global price volatility, said Nguyen Xuan Hien, head of staff of the Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association (Vicofa). Also, Vietnamese farmers are in no rush to sell their

Malaysia's wholesale, retail sales up 12.4 pct in Jan.

STORY: Malaysia's wholesale, retail sales up 12.4 pct in Jan. DATELINE: March 15, 2023 LENGTH: 0:02:16 LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of streets in Kuala Lumpur 2. various of 4S store 3. various of supermarkets STORYLINE: Malaysia's wholesale and retail sales grew 12.4 percent year on year to 135.1 billion ringgit (30.1 billion U.S. dollars) in January, official data showed Monday. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement that the growth was attributed to the retail trade sub-sector, which recorded an increase of 21.7 percent to 59.6 billion ringgit (13.3 billion U.S. dollars). Meanwhile, the sales of motor vehicles expanded 20.1 percent to 15.2 billion ringgit (3.39 billion U.S. dollars). Wholesale trade, on the other hand, went up 3.1 percent to 60.4 billion ringgit (13.49 billion U.S. dollars). However, for month-on-month comparison, the data showed the sales value of wholesale and retail trade declined by 1.6 percent, as the motor vehicle

Tourist resort in China's island province sees travel boom

STORY: Tourist resort in China's island province sees travel boom DATELINE: Feb. 22, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:04 LOCATION: SANYA, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of tourists and tourist sites 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): LI YANJIAO, Marketing director of Sanya Tianya Haijiao Tourist Area STORYLINE: Tourists have been swarming to Sanya, a popular holiday resort in south China's island province of Hainan after the country optimized its COVID-19 response. Figures released by the city government show, during the Spring Festival holiday, Sanya recorded more than 1.6 million tourist trips, 616,400 more than the number for the same period in 2019. Total tourism revenue stood at 4.87 billion yuan (710 million U.S. dollars), up 25.98 percent year on year. Even weeks after the Spring Festival holiday, tourist attraction sites, hotels and duty-free shops are still packed with people. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): LI YANJIAO, Marketing director of Sanya Tianya Haijiao Tourist Area "Now, we record more than 10,000 tourist

Malaysia's wholesale, retail trade rise 19.6 pct, services revenue rises 20.3 pct in 2022

STORY: Malaysia's wholesale, retail trade rise 19.6 pct, services revenue rises 20.3 pct in 2022 DATELINE: Feb. 9, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:35 LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Malaysia's national flag with street views 2. various of customers shopping in stores 3. various of crowds 4. various of street views of Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur 5. various of visuals at food court 6. various of crowds doing their grocery shopping in supermarket STORYLINE: Malaysia's wholesale and retail trade rose 19.6 percent year on year to 1.6 trillion ringgit (about 0.37 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2022, official data showed Wednesday. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement that the growth was underpinned by retail trade, which increased by 23.9 percent to settle at 661.1 billion ringgit. This was followed by wholesale trade which expanded 10.7 percent to 710.3 billion ringgit. As for pre-pandemic comparison, sales of wholesale and retail trade in 2022 surpassed th

SAIC-GM-Wuling reports robust sales in 2022

STORY: SAIC-GM-Wuling reports robust sales in 2022 DATELINE: Feb. 4, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: NANNING, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of manufacturing of Hongguang MINIEV 2. various of Hongguang MINIEV STORYLINE: SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), a major automobile manufacturer in China, reported strong sales in 2022. SGMW, based in Liuzhou in south China's Guangxi, saw its vehicle sales surpass 1.6 million units last year. The company said the sales of its new-energy vehicles (NEVs) also posted robust growth, soaring 33 percent year on year to over 600,000 units throughout the year. SGMW also logged strong performance in exports in 2022, with its export sales rising 33 percent year on year to 193,579 units, registering an increase for seven consecutive years. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nanning, China. (XHTV)

Japan economy shrinks in July-Sept. period

Japan economy shrinks in July-Sept. period

TOKYO, Japan - Akira Amari, Japan's economic and fiscal policy minister, attends a press conference at the Cabinet Office in Tokyo on Nov. 17, 2014, following the release of a preliminary report that the country's economy shrank an annualized real 1.6 percent in the three months to September.

China's consumer inflation slows to level not seen since 2010

China's consumer inflation slows to level not seen since 2010

BEIJING, China - A vendor awaits shoppers in a market in Beijing on Oct. 10, 2014. China's consumer price index, a major gauge of inflation, rose 1.6 percent in September from a year earlier, compared with the previous month's increase of 2 percent, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Oct. 15. The latest rise in the inflation index is the lowest since January 2010.

China's consumer inflation slows to level not seen since 2010

China's consumer inflation slows to level not seen since 2010

BEIJING, China - A vendor awaits shoppers in a market in Beijing on Oct. 10, 2014. China's consumer price index, a major gauge of inflation, rose 1.6 percent in September from a year earlier, compared with the previous month's increase of 2 percent, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Oct. 15. The latest rise in the inflation index is the lowest since January 2010.

BOJ cuts growth forecast for FY 2011

BOJ cuts growth forecast for FY 2011

TOKYO, Japan - Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa attends a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on April 28, 2011. The BOJ downgraded its economic growth forecast for fiscal 2011 to 0.6 percent from an earlier projected 1.6 percent as the country has been seriously damaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Toyota expects 1st operating profit fall in 9 yrs

Toyota expects 1st operating profit fall in 9 yrs

TOKYO, Japan - Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuaki Watanabe speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on May 8 on the automaker's business results in fiscal 2007. Toyota posted record-high sales and profits in fiscal 2007 as solid vehicle sales in emerging economies and oil-producing nations offset adverse factors. But its group operating profit is projected to fall 29.5 percent to 1.6 trillion yen in fiscal 2008, down for the first time in nine years, due chiefly to the strong yen against the dollar and other key currencies and a slump in the North American auto market.

Greece projects 1.8 pct GDP growth, 5 pct inflation in 2023

STORY: Greece projects 1.8 pct GDP growth, 5 pct inflation in 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 23, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:42 LOCATION: Athens CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Greek Finance Ministry and people walk in front of it 2. various of people in Syntagma square in front of the Greek parliament STORYLINE: The Greek Finance Ministry forecasted the country's economy to grow by 5.6 percent this year and 1.8 percent in 2023, according to a revised estimate in Greece's final 2023 draft budget presented to the parliament on Monday. The projected growth figures in the initial draft, which was submitted in early October, were 5.3 percent for 2022 and 2.1 percent for 2023. The forecast for the annual inflation rate has been increased to 5 percent from 3 percent for 2023. In the initial draft budget, the forecast for inflation in 2022 was 8.8 percent, rising to 9.7 percent in the new draft. The primary surplus is expected to be 0.7 percent in 2023, up from a 1.6 percent deficit in 2022, the ministry said on Mon

Egypt's annual urban inflation rate hits 4-year high in Sept.

STORY: Egypt's annual urban inflation rate hits 4-year high in Sept. DATELINE: Oct. 11, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:13 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics 2. various of markets 3. various of shops STORYLINE: The annual urban inflation rate in Egypt accelerated to 15 percent in September from 14.6 percent in the previous month and above market expectation of 14.7 percent, data from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics showed on Monday. It was the highest reading since November 2018. On a monthly basis, consumer prices climbed 1.6 percent, the highest in five months, accelerating from a 0.9 percent gain in August. The agency attributed the hike to a 1.8 percent increase in meat prices, 4.4 percent in eggs, 6.2 percent in vegetables, and 1.5 percent in products, devices and equipment and more. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo. (XHTV)

Cuban students head back to school amid COVID-19, dengue outbreaks

STORY: Cuban students head back to school amid COVID-19, dengue outbreaks DATELINE: Sept. 6, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:11 LOCATION: Havana CATEGORY: SOCIETY/EDUCATION SHOTLIST: 1. various of opening of schools in Cuba 2. various of students attending the class STORYLINE: More than 1.6 million Cuban students headed back to school on Monday amid the COVID-19 pandemic, dengue outbreaks, and power outages. Although mask mandates are not in place, schools have been provided with disinfectant solutions to minimize the risk of contagion with COVID-19 among students and faculty. In addition, the Cuban government strives to contain the worst dengue outbreak in the past 15 years. School boards have been instructed to step up energy-saving rules amid the island's electricity crisis fueled by the U.S.-led economic sanctions. In total, 10,793 schools resumed in-person classes across the country, the Cuban Ministry of Education said. According to official data, the Caribbean nation allocates 25 percent of i

Remittances from Egyptian expatriates hit 31.9 bln USD in fiscal 2021-2022

STORY: Remittances from Egyptian expatriates hit 31.9 bln USD in fiscal 2021-2022 DATELINE: Aug. 24, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:03 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) 2. various of an accountant counting banknotes 3. various of different banks and ATMs in Egypt STORYLINE: The remittances from Egyptian expatriates rose to 31.9 billion U.S. dollars in the fiscal year 2021-2022 ending June, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) said Tuesday. The figure registers a 1.6-percent increase from 31.4 billion dollars in the fiscal year 2020-2021, according to a CBE statement. Official statistics show some 13 million Egyptians living and working abroad, mainly in the Gulf countries. "Remittances from Egyptian expats, which were more than the total revenues of direct investments, Suez Canal and tourism in the fiscal year 2021-2022, have become a cornerstone of Egypt's economy," Egyptian economist Karim Al-Omda said. He explained that the Egyptian workers abroad p

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

(220729) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on July 28, 2022 shows the Commerce Department building in Washington, D.C., the United States. The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), which refers to the value of all U.S.-produced goods and services, shrank by 0.9 percent at an annualized rate in the April-June quarter, according to data from the Commerce Department Thursday. The drop came on the heels of last quarter's 1.6 percent decline. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

(220729) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on July 28, 2022 shows the Commerce Department building in Washington, D.C., the United States. The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), which refers to the value of all U.S.-produced goods and services, shrank by 0.9 percent at an annualized rate in the April-June quarter, according to data from the Commerce Department Thursday. The drop came on the heels of last quarter's 1.6 percent decline. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

(220729) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Customers select goods at a supermarket in Washington, D.C., the United States, July 13, 2022. The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), which refers to the value of all U.S.-produced goods and services, shrank by 0.9 percent at an annualized rate in the April-June quarter, according to data from the Commerce Department Thursday. The drop came on the heels of last quarter's 1.6 percent decline. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

(220729) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on July 28, 2022 shows the Commerce Department building in Washington, D.C., the United States. The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), which refers to the value of all U.S.-produced goods and services, shrank by 0.9 percent at an annualized rate in the April-June quarter, according to data from the Commerce Department Thursday. The drop came on the heels of last quarter's 1.6 percent decline. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

(220729) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on July 28, 2022 shows the Commerce Department building in Washington, D.C., the United States. The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), which refers to the value of all U.S.-produced goods and services, shrank by 0.9 percent at an annualized rate in the April-June quarter, according to data from the Commerce Department Thursday. The drop came on the heels of last quarter's 1.6 percent decline. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

(220729) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on July 28, 2022 shows the Commerce Department building in Washington, D.C., the United States. The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), which refers to the value of all U.S.-produced goods and services, shrank by 0.9 percent at an annualized rate in the April-June quarter, according to data from the Commerce Department Thursday. The drop came on the heels of last quarter's 1.6 percent decline. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

(220729) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on July 28, 2022 shows the Commerce Department building in Washington, D.C., the United States. The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), which refers to the value of all U.S.-produced goods and services, shrank by 0.9 percent at an annualized rate in the April-June quarter, according to data from the Commerce Department Thursday. The drop came on the heels of last quarter's 1.6 percent decline. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-ECONOMY-SHRINK

(220729) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A customer selects goods at a supermarket in Millbrae, California, the United States, July 13, 2022. The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), which refers to the value of all U.S.-produced goods and services, shrank by 0.9 percent at an annualized rate in the April-June quarter, according to data from the Commerce Department Thursday. The drop came on the heels of last quarter's 1.6 percent decline. (Photo by Li Jianguo/Xinhua)

Snow leopard protection bears fruit in world's highest nature reserve

STORY: Snow leopard protection bears fruit in world's highest nature reserve DATELINE: May 21, 2022 LENGTH: 0:01:18 LOCATION: LHASA, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1 various of the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve 2 various of the snow leopards STORYLINE: The number of snow leopards in a nature reserve in China's Tibet has been on the rise thanks to strengthened protection over the past years. Located on the China-Nepal border, the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve is the world's highest nature reserve. In 2013, the Vanke Foundation and forestry departments in China's Tibet established a strategic cooperation partnership and co-initiated a plan for snow leopard protection in the Mt. Qomolangma area. By 2021, the foundation had donated 11 million yuan (about 1.6 million U.S. dollars) and a snow leopard protection network has been basically set up in the Mt. Qomolangma area. To date, the monitored area for snow leopard protection has reached 3,000 square km, accounting for 8.9 percent of the na

Vaccine coverage rate for adult citizens in Egypt exceeds 51 pct

STORY: Vaccine coverage rate for adult citizens in Egypt exceeds 51 pct DATELINE: March 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of a hospital STORYLINE: Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egypt's higher education and scientific research minister and acting health minister, said Wednesday that the vaccine coverage rate for citizens 18 years or older had exceeded 51 percent. The minister made the remarks while presenting a report on the epidemiological situation during the cabinet meeting headed by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. Ghaffar indicated that more than 142 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been provided so far, and more than 74 million doses have been consumed, including about 1.6 million booster doses for priority groups. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo. (XHTV)

Toyota expects 1st operating profit fall in 9 yrs

Toyota expects 1st operating profit fall in 9 yrs

TOKYO, Japan - Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuaki Watanabe speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on May 8 on the automaker's business results in fiscal 2007. Toyota posted record-high sales and profits in fiscal 2007 as solid vehicle sales in emerging economies and oil-producing nations offset adverse factors. But its group operating profit is projected to fall 29.5 percent to 1.6 trillion yen in fiscal 2008, down for the first time in nine years, due chiefly to the strong yen against the dollar and other key currencies and a slump in the North American auto market. (Kyodo)

Japan economy shrinks annualized 1.6% in April-June

Japan economy shrinks annualized 1.6% in April-June

Japanese Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Akira Amari holds a press conference at the Cabinet Office in Tokyo on Aug. 17, 2015, following the release of data showing the Japanese economy shrank an annualized 1.6 percent in the April-June period in real terms, the first contraction in three quarters. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

China sharply devalues yuan for second day

China sharply devalues yuan for second day

File photo taken in July 2015 shows 100 Chinese yuan bills. China sharply devalued the yuan for a second day on Aug. 12, 2015, with the central bank setting its daily reference rate for the yuan 1.6 percent lower than the previous day at 6.3306 per U.S. dollar, sparking concerns over financial-market volatility and a currency war in Asia. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

China sharply devalues yuan for second day

China sharply devalues yuan for second day

File photo taken in July 2015 shows the People's Bank of China in Beijing. China sharply devalued the yuan for a second day on Aug. 12, 2015, with the central bank setting its daily reference rate for the yuan 1.6 percent lower than the previous day at 6.3306 per U.S. dollar, sparking concerns over financial-market volatility and a currency war in Asia. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

BOJ cuts growth forecast for FY 2011

BOJ cuts growth forecast for FY 2011

TOKYO, Japan - Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa attends a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on April 28, 2011. The BOJ downgraded its economic growth forecast for fiscal 2011 to 0.6 percent from an earlier projected 1.6 percent as the country has been seriously damaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. (Kyodo)

Japan economy shrinks in July-Sept. period

Japan economy shrinks in July-Sept. period

TOKYO, Japan - Akira Amari, Japan's economic and fiscal policy minister, attends a press conference at the Cabinet Office in Tokyo on Nov. 17, 2014, following the release of a preliminary report that the country's economy shrank an annualized real 1.6 percent in the three months to September. (Kyodo)

China's consumer inflation slows to level not seen since 2010

China's consumer inflation slows to level not seen since 2010

BEIJING, China - A vendor awaits shoppers in a market in Beijing on Oct. 10, 2014. China's consumer price index, a major gauge of inflation, rose 1.6 percent in September from a year earlier, compared with the previous month's increase of 2 percent, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Oct. 15. The latest rise in the inflation index is the lowest since January 2010. (Kyodo)

Tokyo stocks climb on U.S. stimulus hopes

Tokyo stocks climb on U.S. stimulus hopes

A financial data screen in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing up 1.6 percent on Jan. 7, 2021, as Democrats winning U.S. Senate runoff elections in the southern state of Georgia boosted U.S. stimulus hopes.