Chinese commercial aircraft complete demo flights with sustainable fuel

STORY: Chinese commercial aircraft complete demo flights with sustainable fuel SHOOTING TIME: June 5, 2024 DATELINE: June 6, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the demonstration flights STORYLINE: An ARJ21 regional aircraft and C919 passenger aircraft completed their first demonstration flights with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Shanghai and Dongying, respectively, on Wednesday, according to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC). The demonstration flights showed the sound flight performance of the Chinese commercial aircraft, the COMAC said. SAF is an alternative made from renewable materials. Compared to conventional jet fuel, it can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 percent over the fuel's life cycle. Using SAF is an important way for the global civil aviation industry to address global warming and reduce carbon emissions. A number of Chinese airlines have conducted commercial test flights using China-made

Incumbent president, PM head for runoff in Lithuania's presidential race

STORY: Incumbent president, PM head for runoff in Lithuania's presidential race SHOOTING TIME: May 13, 2024 DATELINE: May 13, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:55 LOCATION: Vilnius CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. aerial views of Vilnius 2. various of press conference of Lithuanian presidential election STORYLINE: Incumbent President Gitanas Nauseda and Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte are poised to advance to the second round of Lithuania's presidential race, according to preliminary results of Sunday's vote. The latest data announced by Lithuania's Central Electoral Commission showed Nauseda led with 44.10 percent of voter support, while Simonyte was second with 19.86 percent. Neither Nauseda nor Simonyte secured the presidency in Sunday's first round, falling short of the 50 percent threshold, and declared their advancement to the runoff. The runoff is set for May 26. "I am ready to make a strong push for victory in the runoff, and I think I will succeed in doing so," Nauseda told reporters early Monday.

Chinese agricultural technology helps with oilseed harvesting in Pakistan

STORY: Chinese agricultural technology helps with oilseed harvesting in Pakistan SHOOTING TIME: April 19, 2024 DATELINE: April 26, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: AGRICULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of agriculture in Pakistan 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): ZHOU XUSHENG, Director, International Business Department of Wuhan Qingfa Hesheng Seed Company STORYLINE: Pakistan is an agriculture-centric economy, which depends on imports for approximately 89 percent of its edible oil needs. Due to the high cost of imported edible oil and scarcity of quality oil seeds in the local market, many villagers had to resort to cheaper but unhealthful alternatives such as mustard oil. In line with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor cooperation in agriculture, Chinese company Wuhan Qingfa Hesheng Seed Co., Ltd. and Pakistan's Evyol Group signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022 to help Pakistan produce and harvest ample amounts of canola oilseeds. In Pakistan's eastern Bhakkar district, farmers are increasi

Japan logs trade deficit of 38 bln USD in fiscal 2023

STORY: Japan logs trade deficit of 38 bln USD in fiscal 2023 SHOOTING TIME: file DATELINE: April 17, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street view in Tokyo STORYLINE: Japan's trade deficit in fiscal 2023 shrank around 70 percent from a year earlier to 5.89 trillion yen (about 38 billion U.S. dollars), government data showed Wednesday. In the fiscal year ended March, exports expanded 3.7 percent to 102.90 trillion yen, topping 100 trillion yen for the first time and marking a record high for the third straight year, according to a preliminary Finance Ministry report. Automobile exports, which account for about 17 percent of Japan's total, grew 30.2 percent to 17.88 trillion yen, eclipsing the previous record of 14.67 trillion yen in fiscal 2007. In contrast, imports dived 10.3 percent to 108.79 trillion yen, falling for the first time in three years, chiefly reflecting falls in imports of coal and liquefied natural gas. With a weaker yen inflati

"There's no end of opportunity" in China: DHL Express CEO

STORY: "There's no end of opportunity" in China: DHL Express CEO SHOOTING TIME: March 7, 2024 DATELINE: March 9, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: FRANKFURT, Germany CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the DHL 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JOHN PEARSON, Global CEO of DHL Express 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JOHN PEARSON, Global CEO of DHL Express 4. various of the logistics 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): JOHN PEARSON, Global CEO of DHL Express 6. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): JOHN PEARSON, Global CEO of DHL Express STORYLINE: German logistics giant DHL was one of the first international logistics companies to establish a presence in China. The country now plays a crucial role in the company's global strategy. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JOHN PEARSON, Global CEO of DHL Express "Like anything in China, there's no end of opportunity, there's no end of innovation. It's about which innovation fits us." DHL estimates its global market share at around 43 percent according to a 2021 survey. It has seen market share expansion thank

China's 2024 economic growth target feasible, uplifting: int'l observers

STORY: China's 2024 economic growth target feasible, uplifting: int'l observers SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage DATELINE: March 6, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Dar es Salaam/Singapore/Addis Ababa/Abidjan/Islamabad CATEGORY: ECONOMY/POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BENJAMIN MGANA, Chief editor of Foreign News of The Guardian, Tanzania 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): YAN LI, Senior lecturer, Singapore's Nanyang Technological University 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English) COSTANTINOS BT. COSTANTINOS, Professor of public policy at the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia 5. SOUNDBITE 4 (French) RANDOLPHE KICHIEDOU, Ivorian economic analyst 6. SOUNDBITE 5 (English) HAROON SHARIF, Former Minister of State for Investment of Pakistan STORYLINE: International observers have said that China's economic growth target of around 5 percent for 2024 is feasible and sends an uplifting message to the world. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BENJAMIN MGANA, Chief editor of Foreign News of The Guardian, Ta

European Commission proposes 90 pct cut in emissions by 2040

STORY: European Commission proposes 90 pct cut in emissions by 2040 SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 6, 2024/File DATELINE: Feb. 7, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:41 LOCATION: Brussels CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of the European Commission Berlaymont building 2. various of footages on climate change STORYLINE: The European Commission announced on Tuesday its target of slashing net greenhouse gas emissions within the European Union (EU) by 90 percent by the year 2040, as compared to 1990 levels. A legislative proposal will be made by the next Commission, after the EU elections in June, according to a press release by the Commission. The target aligns with the EU's commitment made in 2021 to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, with an interim objective of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030, relative to 1990 levels. Setting a 2040 climate target will provide a clear framework for European industry, investors, citizens and governments to make strategic decisions in the decade, thereb

China exports 196,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables via Horgos Port to Central Asia in 2023

STORY: China exports 196,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables via Horgos Port to Central Asia in 2023 SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 24, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 25, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: URUMQI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Horgos Port 2. various of fruits and vegetables 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): YU CHENGZHONG, Chairman of Horgos Jinyi International Trade (Group) Co., Ltd. 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Russian): LIYAS KAIRBAYEV, General manager of a Kazakhstan logistics company 5. various of customs clearance of agricultural products STORYLINE: Horgos Customs data show that in 2023, 196,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables were exported to Central Asia through the Horgos Port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, reaching a year-on-year increase of 154.6 percent. Customs clearance of agricultural products is fast-tracked through a "green channel" at the port. The shortened time has ensured the freshness of fruits, cut costs, and improved efficiency for businesses. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese

China's further opening-up, innovations boost global recovery

STORY: China's further opening-up, innovations boost global recovery SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 2023/file DATELINE: Nov. 8, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of economic activities and city views in China 2. various of the 6th CIIE 3. various of NEV production lines STORYLINE: China's economy has sustained its recovery momentum with solid progress made in high-quality development, with China's gross domestic product expanding 4.9 percent in the third quarter, and growing 5.2 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2023, according to China's National Bureau of Statistics. Data show that by the end of September, 1,110 overseas institutions had gained access to China's bond market, with holdings topping 3.3 trillion yuan (453 billion U.S. dollars), and 202 banks from 52 countries and regions had set up institutions in China. Over the past five years, the annual China International Import Expo (CIIE) has become a symbol of China's high-level opening-up and a

Greece to receive 55 bln euros from EU funds for economic recovery

STORY: Greece to receive 55 bln euros from EU funds for economic recovery DATELINE: Sept. 28, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Athens CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Greek Parliament 2. various of Greek Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis speaking at a press briefing 3. SOUNDBITE (Greek): NIKOS PAPATHANASIS, Greek Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance 4. various of markets, street views in Greece STORYLINE: Greece will receive financial support totaling some 55 billion euros (58.22 billion U.S. dollars) from the European Union (EU) over the next four to six years, Greek Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis said on Tuesday. Greek ministry officials emphasized the vital role of European funds, constituting over 80 percent of Greece's public investments, in driving the country's economic recovery and growth prospects. SOUNDBITE (Greek): NIKOS PAPATHANASIS, Greek Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance "The Nat

World leaders commit to end tuberculosis by 2030 at UN high-level meeting

STORY: World leaders commit to end tuberculosis by 2030 at UN high-level meeting DATELINE: Sept. 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:55 LOCATION: UN Headquarters CATEGORY: POLITICS/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of conference room 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): DENNIS FRANCIS, President of 78th session of UN General Assembly 3. wide shot of delegates applauding 4. wide shot of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed speaking 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): AMINA MOHAMMED, UN Deputy Secretary-General STORYLINE: World leaders at the United Nations General Assembly's high-level meeting on the fight against tuberculosis (TB) on Friday approved a political declaration to advance efforts to end the disease by 2030. The document lays out ambitious new targets for the next five years, which include reaching 90 percent of people with TB prevention and care services, providing social benefit packages to those who have the disease, and licensing at least one new vaccine. UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis addressed the meeting.

France willing to help Egypt attract foreign investment: FM

STORY: France willing to help Egypt attract foreign investment: FM DATELINE: Sept. 15, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the presidential palace 2. various of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi meeting with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna (courtesy of Egyptian presidency) STORYLINE: France is willing to help Egypt solve its debt problems and attract foreign investments, said visiting French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna on Thursday in Egypt. Colonna made the remarks in a joint press conference in the capital Cairo with her Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry. France is aware of the difficult economic conditions Egypt is going through and is willing to help Cairo in its talks with international financial institutions, the French foreign minister told reporters. Egypt's foreign debt reached 165.3 billion U.S. dollars by the end of March 2023, registering a 4.8-percent increase from the same period last year, according to the Centr

Woman suffering from rare, fatal condition during childbirth saved in China

STORY: Woman suffering from rare, fatal condition during childbirth saved in China DATELINE: Aug. 29, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: NANNING, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of a pregnant woman being rescued by medical workers STORYLINE: A pregnant woman, who suffered from a rare and fatal condition with a mortality of over 80 percent, was recently saved at a hospital in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The woman was being transferred to the delivery room when she showed symptoms of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), a condition in which amniotic fluid enters the mother's bloodstream, triggering a fatal reaction. She was immediately sent to the emergency room. After nearly 27 hours of rescue by over 30 medical workers, the mother was out of danger. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): FENG JIFENG, Doctor, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Maternal and Child Health Hospital "We have been racing against time to conduct rescue for nearly 27 hours. We never gave up. The patient had

Egypt's non-oil trade deficit downs 10.7 pct in Q2

STORY: Egypt's non-oil trade deficit downs 10.7 pct in Q2 DATELINE: Aug. 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Egypt 2. various of oil and gas fields STORYLINE: Egypt's non-petroleum trade deficit has reached 7.5 billion U.S. dollars in the second quarter (Q2) of 2023, showing a 10.7 percent dip from the same period last year, said the Egyptian cabinet on Tuesday. It said in a media release that the decrease in non-petroleum import value was behind the decline of the trade deficit, adding that non-oil imports value has dropped to 15.9 billion dollars in 2023 from 17.6 billion dollars in 2022. The value of the non-oil exports fell to 8.4 billion dollars in Q2 from 9.2 billion U.S. dollars in the same period last year, it said. China served as the most important non-oil trade partner with Egypt in Q2 in terms of trade volume, followed by the United States, Türkiye, Italy, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo. (XHTV)

China's Guangxi sees surging China-Europe freight train trips in Jan-July

STORY: China's Guangxi sees surging China-Europe freight train trips in Jan-July DATELINE: July 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:00 LOCATION: NANNING, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the freight train service 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ZHANG XIA, Manager of Guangxi Pan-Pacific Logistics & Trade Co., Ltd. 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): QIN YUFANG, Official of China Railway Nanning Group Co., Ltd. STORYLINE: A train loaded with 55 containers departed from the Nanning International Railway Port in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Thursday. The train will arrive at Almaty, Kazakhstan via the Alashankou Port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Nanning has launched 22 China-Europe freight trains as of Thursday this year, delivering 2,420 TEUs of goods, up by 214 percent and 261 percent respectively compared with last year. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ZHANG XIA, Manager of Guangxi Pan-Pacific Logistics & Trade Co., Ltd. "After the regular operation of China-Eu

Drought affects 710,000 hectares of farmland in north China's Hebei

STORY: Drought affects 710,000 hectares of farmland in north China's Hebei DATELINE: July 6, 2023 LENGTH: 0:02:55 LOCATION: SHIJIAZHUANG, China CATEGORY: AGRICULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of farmland in Hebei STORYLINE: Drought has impacted about 10.65 million mu (710,000 hectares) of crops in north China's Hebei Province, said the provincial water resources department on Wednesday. Due to poor precipitation and high temperatures recently, central and northern parts of Hebei have reported droughts. Currently, the province has activated a Level IV drought emergency response. In the first half of this year, Hebei recorded an average precipitation of 123.2 mm, 13 percent less than the average for the same period in previous years. Its total precipitation during the first six months of 2023 is the lowest recorded in this period since 1956. Notably, in June alone, Hebei's average precipitation was a mere 29 mm, 60 percent less than the average for the same period in other years. The province has allocate

Kenya's coffee exports earnings fall on low global prices

STORY: Kenya's coffee exports earnings fall on low global prices DATELINE: June 15, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:25 LOCATION: NYERI, Kenya CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a coffee plantation 2. various of coffee bushes 3. various of ripe coffee berries 4. various of a farmer inspecting coffee bushes 5. various of a farmer picking ripe coffee berries 6. various of farmers sorting coffee berries 7. various of farmers drying the coffee beans 8. various of cups of coffee with different varieties 9. various of processed coffee in packets 10. various of coffee bags being packed for export STORYLINE: The value of Kenya's coffee earnings in the first quarter of 2023 (Q1) dropped 20.2 percent amid a decline in export volumes and global prices, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) said in an economic report released Tuesday. The country earned 7.63 billion shillings (about 55 million U.S. dollars) from 11,284 metric tons (MT) of coffee, a decline from 69 million dollars from 11,923 MT in Q1 of 2022, KNBS

Italy's public debt tops 3 trillion USD for 1st time

STORY: Italy's public debt tops 3 trillion USD for 1st time DATELINE: May 16, 2023 LENGTH: 0:00:55 LOCATION: Rome CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of monuments in Rome 2. various of banks in Rome 3. various of shops in Rome STORYLINE: Italy's public debt climbed above 3 trillion U.S. dollars in the latest reporting period, according to data released Monday. The Bank of Italy said that the government's debt was 2.790 trillion euros (3.022 trillion dollars) in March, up from 2.762 trillion euros (2.992 trillion dollars) in the previous month. It was the third consecutive month that the country's public debt went up and it is the first time that the figure crossed the 3 trillion dollars level. Despite the increase in public debt, Italy's ratio of debt to gross domestic product (GDP) has fallen since reaching an all-time high of around 155 percent of GDP during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The Italian economy afterwards has grown, and the debt-to-GDP ratio has declined to 144

Canada's federal government tables new offer to union as strike continues

STORY: Canada's federal government tables new offer to union as strike continues DATELINE: April 29, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Ottawa CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the strike 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JULIENNE PACQUIN, Vice president of Union of Veterans' Affairs Employees 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): DIANE GIROUARD, Regional vice-president for Union of Health and Environment Workers STORYLINE: Canada's federal government said on Friday that it had tabled a new offer for a collective agreement with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the country's largest federal public service union. Treasury Board President Mona Fortier's office said the government presented a new offer to PSAC on Friday as members nationwide continued their already 10-day-long strike. However, it didn't reveal whether the offer included a higher wage increase than the government's previous offer of nine percent over three years. Wages and remote work are among the points of contention in the labor dispute.

Japan's population estimated to shrink to 87 mln by 2070

STORY: Japan's population estimated to shrink to 87 mln by 2070 DATELINE: April 27, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views in Tokyo STORYLINE: Japan's population is expected to fall to 87 million by 2070, shrinking 30 percent from 2020, a government estimate showed on Wednesday. According to projections released by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, those aged 65 and over are predicted to account for 38.7 percent of the total population, with 33.67 million in 2070 after peaking at 39.53 million in 2043, resulting in ballooning social security costs. Foreign residents, including students and workers residing in Japan for more than three months, are set to comprise 10.8 percent of the population in 2070, hitting 9.39 million. Despite the increasing influx of foreign nationals, the working-age population, or people aged 15 to 64, is forecast to decline sharply to 45.35 million in 2070, representing a 40-percent fall from

Inflation in Laos jumps to 41.26 pct in February

STORY: Inflation in Laos jumps to 41.26 pct in February DATELINE: March 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Vientiane CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Central Bank of Laos 2. various of the market STORYLINE: Inflation in Laos jumped to 41.26 percent year-on-year in February from 40.3 percent in January, according to the Lao Statistics Bureau. According to a report released on Monday on the bureau's website, the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages has surged by 49.33 percent. The price of communications and transport rose by 47.42 percent. The cost of medical care and medicine increased by 42.4 percent. Meanwhile, the cost of hotel and restaurant category surged by 36.23 percent. The cost of household utilities rose by 35.4 percent. The cost of housing, water, electricity and gas category surged by 28.26 percent. In addition, the cost in the alcohol and tobacco category rose 26.43 percent, and the cost of clothing and footwear category increased 25.28 percent. Inflation in Laos has in

Fasteners production hub in N China sees export booming

STORY: Fasteners production hub in N China sees export booming DATELINE: Feb. 22, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:03 LOCATION: SHIJIAZHUANG, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the factory 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): HAN RUI, General manager of a hardware manufacturing company in Yongnian 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): HAN YONGGANG, Director of Yongnian district commerce bureau STORYLINE: Yongnian District in Handan City, Hebei Province is a major fastener production and distribution hub in China. Its annual production and sales volumes account for about 55 percent of the national market share. Companies in Yongnian have used a variety of platforms to boost export in recent years. In 2022, the exports of fasteners generated nearly 160 million U.S. dollars in revenue, a strong growth of 70.8 percent year-on-year. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): HAN RUI, General manager of a hardware manufacturing company in Yongnian "In 2022, we received many overseas orders through cross-border e-commerce, online and onsite exhibitions,

Laos' average inflation for 2022 rises to 23 pct

STORY: Laos' average inflation for 2022 rises to 23 pct DATELINE: Feb. 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Vientiane CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Central Bank of Laos 2. various of the traffic and market STORYLINE: Laos' annual average inflation rate was 23 percent in 2022, jumping from 3.8 percent in 2021, according to a report issued by the Lao Statistics Bureau on Thursday. The soaring price of fuel, gas and other imported goods, compounded with the depreciation of the kip, the Lao currency, is among the main factors driving inflation, according to the report. The price of food and non-alcoholic beverages category rose by 22 percent on average in 2022. The cost of medical care and medicine increased by 27.6 percent. The price of the communications and transport surged by 41.3 percent. The cost of the hotel and restaurant category rose by 18.8 percent. The cost in the alcohol and tobacco category rose by 14.2 percent. In addition, the cost of clothing and footwear category surged by 1

Turkish retailers heed gov't appeals to freeze prices amid high inflation

STORY: Turkish retailers heed gov't appeals to freeze prices amid high inflation DATELINE: Jan. 26, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:40 LOCATION: Ankara CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of people on the streets at cashpoints and supermarkets in Türkiye 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): SEMRA TOPRAK, Pensioner 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): SAHIN DURAK, Self-employed person STORYLINE: Responding to the appeals by the government, major retailers in Türkiye have launched an initiative to freeze prices and even offer discounts on many daily essential goods despite the country's steep inflation rate. A fresh wave of price increases swiped the country after the Turkish government announced a 55-percent increase in the minimum wage for 2023 in December 2022. This prompted Nureddin Nebati, minister of Treasury and Finance, to warn shops against "unfair pricing." Supermarket chains, such as Migros and discount retailers Sok, BIM and A101, announced at the start of the year that they will freeze the price of thousands of daily goods f

Türkiye enters new year with pay hikes but falling living standards

STORY: Türkiye enters new year with pay hikes but falling living standards DATELINE: Jan. 12, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:30 LOCATION: Ankara CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. people at ATMs and shops in Türkiye 2. people in different kind of bazaars in Türkiye 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): NIHAT BASARAN, Veteran 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): ADEM CAM, Pensioner STORYLINE: Türkiye has ushered in the new year with significant pay hikes for minimum-wage earners, pensioners, and civil servants amid a cost-of-living crisis that has plunged millions into financial hardship. Inflation remains alarmingly high despite a sharp drop to 64.2 percent in December, the Turkish Statistical Institute announced on Jan. 3, down from 84.3 percent reported in November after hitting a 24-year high in October. Annual food prices rose by 77.9 percent in December, down from 102.6 percent in November, while energy prices increased 118 percent, down from 94.4 percent compared to the previous month. The government announced a 55-percent increase in

Inflation in Laos climbs to 39.3 pct in December

STORY: Inflation in Laos climbs to 39.3 pct in December DATELINE: Jan. 9, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:55 LOCATION: Vientiane CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Central Bank of Laos 2. various of the market STORYLINE: Inflation in Laos increased to 39.3 percent year-on-year in December, the highest rate of 2022, according to a report issued by the Lao Statistics Bureau on Saturday. The year-on-year inflation rate in Laos increased from 38.46 percent in November to 39.3 percent in December. The higher prices of the communications and transport, consumer goods and the continuing depreciation of the Lao currency kip are among the main factors driving inflation. According to the report, costs in the communications and transport category rose by 50.4 percent year-on-year in December. The price of food and non-alcoholic beverages has surged by 45.9 percent. In addition, the cost of the housing category surged by 32.1 percent. The cost of medical care and medicine increased by 42.1 percent. Meanwh

Türkiye's exports reach record high in 2022: president

STORY: Türkiye's exports reach record high in 2022: president DATELINE: Jan. 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Istanbul 2. various of Türkiye Exporters Assembly in Istanbul 3. SOUNDBITE (Turkish): RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN, Turkish President 4. various of the container port 5. various of Istiklal Street 6. various of exchange office STORYLINE: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Monday that Türkiye's exports in 2022 reached a record high of 254.2 billion U.S. dollars, registering a year-on-year growth of 12.9 percent. "Our goal now is to make Türkiye one of the top 10 exporting countries," Erdogan told the Türkiye Exporters Assembly in Istanbul, adding that exports were only 36 billion dollars when the ruling Justice and Development Party came to power 20 years ago. SOUNDBITE (Turkish): RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN, Turkish President "Our goal now is to make Türkiye one of the top 10 exporting countries." According to the president, the num

Türkiye hikes minimum wage by 55 pct for 2023

STORY: Türkiye hikes minimum wage by 55 pct for 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 23, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:43 LOCATION: Ankara CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Turkish flags and people on the streets 2. various of factories and employees 3. various of the press conference of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announcing the minimum wage for 2023 (courtesy of ihlas news agency) 4. various of Turkish Lira 5. various of the press conference (courtesy of ihlas news agency) 6. various of factories and employees STORYLINE: Türkiye has decided to raise the minimum wage by 55 percent from the beginning of 2023, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Thursday, as part of efforts to ease the burden of rising living costs on Turkish citizens. According to the president, the monthly net minimum salary will be 8,506.80 liras (about 455 U.S. dollars) in 2023, marking a 55 percent hike from the level determined in July and a 100 percent increase from January. Erdogan said at a press conference that give

Price of Fukushima peaches tumbles

Price of Fukushima peaches tumbles

FUKUSHIMA, Japan - Women pack peaches into boxes in the town of Iizaka, Fukushima Prefecture, on Aug. 10, 2011, during the shipping peak of harvested peaches. The average wholesale price of peaches harvested in the prefecture, the No. 2 producer in Japan, fell about 55 percent from its year-earlier level in August amid the Fukushima nuclear crisis.

'Stable' TBS shareholdings likely to reach 55%

'Stable' TBS shareholdings likely to reach 55%

TOKYO, Japan - The proportion of Tokyo Broadcasting System Inc. shares held by long-term shareholders will reach 55 percent soon, sources close to the firm said Oct. 27. TBS has been trying to increase the number of ''stable'' shareholders to fend off a possible hostile takeover bid from Rakuten Inc., they said. Photo shows TBS headquarters in Tokyo.

White House, Congress remain underwater in approval ratings: Gallup

STORY: White House, Congress remain underwater in approval ratings: Gallup DATELINE: Dec. 10, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:38 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of U.S. President Joe Biden arriving at the White House 2. various of exterior of the U.S. Capitol STORYLINE: The White House and Congress remained underwater in their approval ratings, according to a new Gallup survey. U.S. President Joe Biden's approval rating stands at 40 percent, with 55 percent disapproving of the way he is handling his job. Disapproval of Biden has consistently outpaced approval since September 2021 after the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Americans' approval of Congress remains largely negative, with 73 percent of U.S. adults expressing disapproval. Those findings came from a Nov. 9-Dec. 2 Gallup poll conducted after the 2022 midterm elections on Nov. 8. The United States will have a divided Congress over the next two years after Republicans flipped th

Egypt "closely follows reactions" from OPEC+ oil production cut decision

STORY: Egypt "closely follows reactions" from OPEC+ oil production cut decision DATELINE: Oct. 18, 2022 LENGTH: 0:00:55 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the headquarters of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry STORYLINE: In a statement issued by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Egypt said it was closely following the reactions from the recent OPEC+ decision to slash its daily oil production. On Oct. 5, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, announced a major production cut of 2 million barrels per day (bpd) starting November to bolster oil prices that have recently tumbled over recession fears. The reduction equals around 2 percent of this year's global oil demand, which is estimated by OPEC at around 100 million bpd. Egypt also said it supported Saudi Arabia's stance in explaining the technical considerations of the OPEC+ decision, which aims primarily to achieve oil market discipline, and to ensure the s

Over 33 mln people, 72 districts of Pakistan affected by floods

STORY: Over 33 mln people, 72 districts of Pakistan affected by floods DATELINE: Aug. 30, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:55 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): JIANG JIANG, Xinhua correspondent STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): JIANG JIANG, Xinhua correspondent "Over 33 million people and 72 districts have been affected by the ongoing calamity of floods in Pakistan caused by this season's monsoon rains started in mid-June, the country's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said. According to a report released by the NDMA late Sunday night, the country's southern Sindh province remained the worst-hit region as 23 of its districts and over 14.5 million people have been affected by the floods. The report added that southwest Balochistan was the second most affected province, with more than 9 million of its population and 31 districts suffering. The country suffered a 188 percent increase in rainfall throughout this season till Aug. 28, in comparison to the average rainfall over

Historic site emerges from China's largest freshwater lake

STORY: Historic site emerges from China's largest freshwater lake DATELINE: Aug. 25, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: NANCHANG, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of the historic site of Luoxingdun Island STORYLINE: The historic site of Luoxingdun Island has emerged from Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake, due to the lower water level in the lake. Poyang Lake officially entered this year's dry season on Aug. 6, the earliest date since records started in 1951 and 69 days earlier than the average starting date between 2003 and 2021. According to local authorities, of late, drought conditions triggered by sustained hot weather and low precipitation in Jiangxi Province have reduced the lake by 75 percent. Luoxingdun Island only shows up when the water level drops. On this island are some ancient buildings that were first constructed during the Five Dynasties (907-960). Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nanchang, China. (XHTV)

Egypt sees decrease in COVID-19 cases

STORY: Egypt sees decrease in COVID-19 cases DATELINE: Aug. 4, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. exterior of Egypt's Health Ministry headquarters in Cairo 2. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egypt's acting Health Minister 3. various of people waiting at hospital 4. various of a hospital 5. various of people taking coronavirus vaccine STORYLINE: Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar announced Wednesday that Egypt witnessed a decrease in infection with coronavirus during the current epidemiological week compared to the previous epidemiological week by 55 percent, in addition to a 20 percent decrease in deaths. The minister confirmed that no positive cases of monkeypox had been proven in Egypt so far, as he followed the ministry's procedures in preparation for the global outbreak. He explained that an integrated guideline for the disease has been issued and updated in accordance with the latest

Extremely hot weather, humidity continue to prevail across much of Egypt

STORY: Extremely hot weather, humidity continue to prevail across much of Egypt DATELINE: July 29, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:10 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views in Egypt STORYLINE: The Egyptian Meteorological Agency (EMA) predicts that most parts of Egypt will continue to be extremely hot and humid. From Thursday to next Tuesday, Cairo is witnessing high temperatures of 35 to 37 degrees Celsius that may feel like 37 to 40 degrees due to humidity. During the same period, average humidity levels in Cairo will range between 30 to 40 percent during the day and 75 to 80 percent at night, EMA added. According to the EMA, the North Coast will see highs of 31 to 32 degrees Celsius that will feel like 31 to 33 degrees. The average humidity rates will range between 55 to 60 percent throughout the day and 90 to 95 percent at night. Meanwhile, for Upper Egypt, temperatures will go up to highs of 42 to 43 degrees Celsius which may feel like 43 to 44 degrees. Many say the heat waves co

Namibia marks emergency medical services day

STORY: Namibia marks emergency medical services day DATELINE: July 23, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Windhoek CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of the event in Windhoek STORYLINE: An event was held on Friday in Namibia's capital Windhoek to mark the National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) Day. At the event site, a number of medical institutions showed the citizens the first aid equipment used in ambulances, and taught them professional first aid knowledge to deal with emergency situations. "The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many gaps and challenges in the provision of emergency care systems services. While it stretched our capacity to the limit, it also proved that our systems are resilient and can respond to shocks," the country's Minister of Health and Social Services Kalumbi Shangula said on Friday. According to statistics, among the 80 percent of the Namibian population who access and receive medical services from public health facilities, about 60 percent of patients seen at emergency depar

Italy declares state of emergency to confront drought

STORY: Italy declares state of emergency to confront drought DATELINE: July 5, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Rome CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of Tiber River 2. various of people under the hot sun STORYLINE: The Italian government on Monday declared a state of emergency related to the prolonged heatwave and drought conditions that have badly hit the country, particularly its north. The state of emergency, which will remain in force until at least the end of the year, will give the government extra funds and power to deal with the hot and dry conditions that threaten to reduce the country's agricultural output by as much as a third. The government also earmarked a total of 36.5 million euros (38.1 million U.S. dollars) for the northern regions of Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto to tackle their water shortages. Focus will be placed on easing droughts along the Po River -- Italy's longest waterway that is running 85 percent below its normal wate

Int'l shipping exhibition Posidonia opens in Athens

STORY: Int'l shipping exhibition Posidonia opens in Athens DATELINE: June 8, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Athens CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the inaugurated of the Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis 2. various of the Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition 3. SOUNDBITE (Greek): KYRIAKOS MITSOTAKIS, Greek Prime Minister 4. various of the speech of Greek Prime Minister during the inauguration of the Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition 5. various of the Greek Prime Minister touring the exhibition STORYLINE: The Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition, one of the most prestigious shipping events globally, was inaugurated on Monday evening in Athens by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The biennial event returned after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the largest in size during its 54 year-long history, having grown by 7 percent in net exhibitor space at the Athens' Metropolitan Exhibition Cente

Turkish currency plunges to new low against USD, signaling fresh inflation

STORY: Turkish currency plunges to new low against USD, signaling fresh inflation DATELINE: May 25, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Turkey CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of exchange office in Istanbul, Turkey 2. various of Istanbul 3. various of exchange office in Istanbul, Turkey 4. various of clerk in exchange office counting U.S. dollars 5. various of employee in Turkey's central bank, 6. Turkey's central bank, Istiklal Street 7. various of cars moving in the city, people walking on the street 8. various of people shopping STORYLINE: The Turkish currency plunged to 16.17 on Tuesday morning against the U.S. dollar and lost over 1 percent of its value in 24 hours, signaling new price hikes in the upcoming month. After surpassing the resistance level of 16.00, one dollar stood at 16.09 Turkish liras at 3:45 p.m. local time (1245 GMT). The currency has lost almost 60 percent of value against the greenback since 2021. According to Murat Sagman, a portfolio manager and economist, the lates

U.S. Senate confirms Powell to second term as Fed chair

STORY: U.S. Senate confirms Powell to second term as Fed chair DATELINE: May 13, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the U.S. Senate voting on the confirmation bill 2. various of exterior of the U.S. Capitol STORYLINE: The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed Jerome Powell to a second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve in a long-delayed vote, allowing him to continue leading the Fed to tame the highest inflation in four decades. The upper chamber voted 80-19 to confirm Powell to a second four-year term, almost half a year after President Joe Biden announced the nomination. As the Fed takes more aggressive steps to rein in the surging inflation, Powell's challenge would be to bring inflation down without triggering a recession, which, according to many economists, would be very difficult. Last week, the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate by a half percentage point to a target range of 0.75 to 1 percent, marking the sharpest rate hike s

Voting begins in 2022 French presidential election

STORY: Voting begins in 2022 French presidential election DATELINE: April 10, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Paris CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): SUN XINJING, Xinhua correspondent 2. various of voters casting their ballots at poll stations 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (French): Voter 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (French): Voter STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): SUN XINJING, Xinhua correspondent "France is voting in the first round of its presidential election. French President Emmanuel Macron and far-right National Alliance candidate Marine Le Pen are the top two candidates in a field of 12, according to opinion polls, and are likely to reach the second round of voting. Meanwhile, the abstention rate for this round of voting could be as high as 30 percent or more." Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. Some 48.8 million eligible voters will choose their new president for the next five years among 12 candidates, including curren

Egypt approves special free zone in Alexandria port

STORY: Egypt approves special free zone in Alexandria port DATELINE: April 7, 2022 LENGTH: 0:00:51 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Alexandria port STORYLINE: Egyptian Council of Ministers, at its meeting on Wednesday headed by Mostafa Madbouly, approved the establishment of a special free zone for the Egyptian Group for Multi-Purpose Stations Company. The project aims to establish, exploit and manage a multi-purpose terminal on berths 55-62 at Alexandria Port in an area of 539,000 square meters for handling containers and general cargo at an investment cost of about 500 million U.S. dollars with 100 percent Egyptian investments. The Alexandria Port Authority, the Suez Canal Authority, the Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport and Alexandria Container Handling Company will contribute to the project. Counselor Mohamed Abdel Wahab, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, explained that the establishment of the multi-purpose terminal at Alexandria

Ghana announces record rate hike to curb rising inflation

STORY: Ghana announces record rate hike to curb rising inflation DATELINE: March 23, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of black stars squad 2. various of Accra central business district. 3. SOUNDBITE (English): ERNEST ADDISON, Bank of Ghana Governor 4. various of Accra central business district STORYLINE: Ghana's central bank on Monday announced a tightening of its monetary policy stance with a record hike in the policy rate to slow down inflation. At a press briefing, Bank of Ghana Governor Ernest Addison announced an increase in the benchmark policy rate by 250 basis points to 17 percent to tame ballooning commodity prices on the local market and curb the rising inflation. He said the policy rate hike, the highest over the past 20 years, would arrest the rising inflation rate, which surged to 15.7 percent in February. The governor attributed the elevated inflationary risk to the rising cost of food and petroleum products, part of which he blamed on t

'Stable' TBS shareholdings likely to reach 55%

'Stable' TBS shareholdings likely to reach 55%

TOKYO, Japan - The proportion of Tokyo Broadcasting System Inc. shares held by long-term shareholders will reach 55 percent soon, sources close to the firm said Oct. 27. TBS has been trying to increase the number of ''stable'' shareholders to fend off a possible hostile takeover bid from Rakuten Inc., they said. Photo shows TBS headquarters in Tokyo. (Kyodo)

Price of Fukushima peaches tumbles

Price of Fukushima peaches tumbles

FUKUSHIMA, Japan - Women pack peaches into boxes in the town of Iizaka, Fukushima Prefecture, on Aug. 10, 2011, during the shipping peak of harvested peaches. The average wholesale price of peaches harvested in the prefecture, the No. 2 producer in Japan, fell about 55 percent from its year-earlier level in August amid the Fukushima nuclear crisis. (Kyodo)

Majority against constitutional changes while Abe is in office: poll

Majority against constitutional changes while Abe is in office: poll

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks at a parliamentary session in Tokyo on Oct. 28, 2016. A Kyodo News survey showed the same day that while nearly 60 percent of Japanese people think the country's Constitution needs be revised, 55 percent are opposed to constitutional revisions while Abe is in office. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo