Russia, China to create joint rating agency as ties grow

(Reuters) - Russia and China have reached an agreement to create a joint credit rating agency and are working on a series of measures to make trade easier, Russia's finance minister said on Tuesday, a sign of growing ties between the neighbors.

Singapore economy contracts 1.5% but avoids recession

Singapore's economy contracted in the July to September period, but has narrowly avoided a technical recession.

"Economic security" should be top priority in Asia

KUWAIT, Oct 10 (KUNA) -- The scheduled 10th Asia Cooperation Dialogue got underway here on Monday under sponsorship of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, with the foreign minister of the host Gulf state stressing that "economic security" should top strategies of the Asian nations.

Speaking at the inaugural session, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, expressed gratitude to HH the Amir for sponsoring "this crucial Asian event, saying in part, "Your sincere interest in the aspirations and affairs of the Asian nation will serve the causes of the peoples of Asia, and these issues will be included in the agenda of the meeting." Asian nations should seek to rise to the challenges and address issues of common interest. The extraordinary events happening in our nations warrant efforts that match the volume of these challenges, Sheikh Mohammad said, stressing that conferees should seek practical plans to meet aspirations of the Asian peoples.