GOVT MAY INCLUDE EUROPE, US IN FOCUS MARKET SCHEME

With India's exports declining for the eighth month in a row in May and the need to arrest the decline assuming urgency, the Government may convert the US and Europe into focused markets.

"We have been trying to help exporters diversify their markets in the last few months. There is a need to arrest decline in exports...we may have to convert the US and Europe into our Focus Market Scheme," Director General of Foreign Trade, R S Gujral, told exporters in an open-house meet organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), here today..

The Economic Times

ASIA PACIFIC M&A SPREE TO REMAIN BUOYANT IN 2009

Notwithstanding the global financial turmoil, the mid-market merger and acquisition activity in the Asia-Pacific region is likely to remain buoyant this year on attractive valuations.

The Economic Times

Biotech industry revenue doubles to $2 bn in a year

The biotech industry is going great guns. The industry’s revenue revenue hit the $2-billion mark during 2006-07, up from $1 billion in 2004-05. The industry is now aiming to garner revenue of $5 billion before 2010. This sterling performance has its roots abroad. According to industry players, escalating research and development expenses and stringent policies are making manufacturers from the regulated Markets look towards India for cutting costs.

The Financial Express
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/
Biotech-industry-revenue-doubles-to-2-bn-in-a-year/256621/

Rupee to continue rise against the dollar in 2008

The Indian rupee, that has appreciated about 12% against the dollar in 2007, will continue to rise against the dollar in 2008 but move in the 38-41 band to a dollar.After nearly three decades, the rupee has appreciated 12% against the greenback and about 6% against a basket of six major world currencies belonging to the US, the UK, Japan, Euroland, China and Hong Kong. The rupee began the calendar year 2007 at Rs44.26 a dollar.

Mint
http://www.livemint.com/2007/12/28000330/
Rupee-to-continue-rise-against.html

It's US Vs Russia over $40 bn India market

The United States is gearing up to battle Russia and Europe for sales of billions of dollars in jet fighters, cargo aircraft and other arms to India. US officials regard sales to India, with a potential $40 billion arms market including missile-defense systems, as a way to cement strategic ties and boost bilateral military cooperation as a hedge against China's growing clout.

Express India
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/
bIts-US-Vs-Russia-over-40-bn-India-market-b/254477/