Be sure to check out our "Recent Columns" page for more news. The Latest in Asian Business News : May 1999 Columns Business Opportunities Buyers looking for : 1)high grade Zinc 2)high quality fire-retardant 3)Any environment friendly or environment related products Looking Towards the North May 30, 1999 The PRC economic development started in the south, on the borders of provinces neighboring Hongkong and Macao. Development gradually seeped inside of Quangtung. With the 'Open-Up' policy, Shanghai became the new Garden-- not for adventurers as was previously the case--but for investors from all directions outside PRC. The phenomenon was natural because southeastern China has been, for hundreds of years, more populated and prosperous than the rest of China. It looks like now the wind is changing direction again. It is going further north to where minerals and other natural resources are greater abundance than the southeastern part. Not many people may have heard of the port of Dalian. However, the Chinese remember 1924, during which the Germans leased Chiaochow gulf (Tsingtao) while Russia leased Port Arthur and Dalian. Since then, Dalian has become an international seaport, taking care of much of the import-export of the 9 Northeastern provinces (the one-time, so-called Manchukuo created by the Japanese), where the most famous soybean comes from plus many useful minerals. At present, this port has become the hub of coal,fish, grains, minerals, and other trades. A new harbor has been built and attached to Dalian with superhighway connectors to major cities. So far, only Japanese investors have paid attention to this growing port while other western trading powers' representatives are still mesmerized by Shanghai and southern China. The geographical location of Dalian has also helped its trade with Korea and Russia. As trading in Southeastern China become gradually saturated and industries have become more competitive, this northern port is, comparatively speaking, a virgin land for investment and growth. Its role in international trade with PRC is expected to become bigger and bigger because it is the last major seaport in the north. Do not be too late to go north. We have the guides who can help you navigate this new territory.     Water, Water, Water May 25, 1999 Once upon a time, there was a leader from a desert country visiting USA. He was guided to see many places and high-tech projects. At the send-off party, the host said in his toast : "Sir, I would like to present you with a gift. Could you tell me what you would like most?". Without pausing a second, the leader replied: "I want that piece of metal tube to take home. When I turn it, water will come out. What do you call it? Oh yes, I remember you call it FAUCET" Of course, the visitor's intention was obvious. He and his people need water which is essential to their daily life. So does everyone on earth. PRC's water shortage has become more more serious as the population grows. The problem would not be as serious every faucet in China could stop dripping. I believe many readers who have been to PRC could confirm the dripping problem in many of the hotels. Even the people say: "If all dripping could be stopped, PRC could save enough money to build new dams or reservoirs." Anybody has the technology to help the plumbing industries in PRC stopping water dripping? we shall be pleased to hear him. E-mail: VJCHANG@hotmail.com Tel/Fax USA : (301) 438-7439   Looking for advanced technology investment or cooperation for cement, glass, porcelain or other construction materials HEART ATTACK CRISIS IN TAIWAN? May15, 1999 On Feb 7, 1999, we talked about Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). From April 29,2000, there will be export ban on certain chemicals to Taiwan. Money involved of this ban could amount to US$ one billion plus. Among the chemicals banned to be imported into Taiwan are CHLORIDES, which are used as ingredients for heart muscle clogging treatment. Taiwan needs to import 80% this raw material to meet the market demand. Although there are a number of substitutes of Chorides, the ban renders a business opportunityfor those who have the technology to manufacture it. USA government has agreed to export the technical know-how to Taiwan. Grasp this opportunity before anybody else to be ahead of you. We shall be pleased to provide you with more details.   E-mail: VJCHANG@hotmail.com Tel/Fax USA : (301) 438-7439 Looking for suppliers or manufacturers: 1)a glass encased radio transponder to be implanted in the ears of farm animals to be used as electronic id tags 2)Portland cement to be purchased, via international tender in PRC, by a railway financed by Asian Bank UNDERGROUND BUSINESS May 9, 1999 Fret not. It is not about illegal business. It's about the underground rapid transit system business. The congestion of horse-drawn surface traffic, coupled with the need to make newer and larger areas accessible to residential use, led to the construction of world's first subway in London in 1863. On a 3.7 miles TUBE, the first year served 9 million passengers! Budapest had its subway in 1896, first on the Europen continent. Paris was 4 years later than Hungary. In 1900, France built the first 87 miles subway system, metropolitain, popularly known as the METRO. New York was ahead of European continent. Nevertheless, it abandoned its first ill-fated subway, started in 1870, because of commercial failure. Beijing's subway is a hundred years later than that of NY. As the urbanization in PRC has progressed rapidly, subway, as a mode of public transportation, has become more and more in demand. At present, only Beijing, Tienjing, Shanghai and Kuangzhou have subway. 15 other cities have applied to build their own rapid transit system underground. It will require 1.8 billion US$ to finance 430 kilometers distance. Even more applications are anticipated. So you see, the UNDERGROUND BUSINESS in PRC looks like a big cake. Anybody wishing to have a slice will need knowledgeable local support and assistance. We can provide that.   E-mail: VJCHANG@hotmail.com Tel/Fax USA : (301) 438-7439