IN BRIEF (Page 14)

2012-08-03 11:09

Tussle of the screen titans

2012-08-03 11:09

It was the Hollywood film Avatar that got the ball rolling two and a half years ago. As the film set all kinds of box office records across China, the country's moviegoers began to hanker for more big-screen 3D movies. The movie's success was also a huge fillip for the world's largest giant-screen film producer, Imax Corp, as it expanded its presence in China.

Reds' star rises in East

2012-08-03 11:09

As the global economic downturn hits Western demand for French wines, Chinese buyers are being viewed as saviors of the industry. The Bordeaux wine region, most recognized by Chinese consumers, has seen a three-digit growth of its wine exports to China since the country overtook the UK and Germany to become its largest client in 2010. According to figures released by the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB), China imported 58 million bottles of wine at a price of 334 million euros ($410 million) from Bordeaux in 2011, an increase of 103 percent from the previous year. The sales value generated from the Chinese market, including Hong Kong, accounted for 35 percent of Bordeaux's total wine exports.

The great chateaux show

2012-08-03 11:09

Luxury wine-themed tours in France are becoming a new "must-do" among affluent Chinese tourists, and famous wine regions such as Bordeaux are welcoming them with open arms.

Grape expectations

2012-08-03 11:09

A grape-picking trip to a vineyard in Champagne two years ago that sparked an interest in French wines has led to a sparkling career for young Chinese student Wang Qiuyun.

British airports eye the Chinese market

2012-08-03 11:09

Big British airports are in a round of renovation work in order to attract more business and investment from China.

Chasing the glittering prize

2012-08-03 11:09

With its centuries-old industry on the point of ruin, Murano island in the Venetian lagoon is eager to send its intricate handmade glassware to a big market.

Latvia spruces up to woo big business

2012-08-03 11:09

As host country of the Global China Business Meeting 2012 in November, Latvia is taking the opportunity to make itself more attractive to China.

A gold medal winning performance

2012-08-03 11:09

'I think they should take all the outfits, put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over." When Harry Reid, the US Senate majority leader, made that declaration three weeks ago, referring to uniforms for his country's Olympic team being made in China, he was obviously not out to win gold medals from the people of Dalian.

Around the world in 80 ways

2012-07-27 12:15

Now some companies are aiming to provide services of a less materialistic nature, ones that can perhaps bring more spiritual satisfaction to people who have no hesitation when it comes to spending money.

Keeping it exclusive is a balancing act

2012-07-27 12:15

Most companies and analysts in the customized travel market say the service cannot be done on a large scale because it is designed to cater for individual clients' demands.

Quotable

2012-07-27 12:15

IN BRIEF (Page 14)

2012-07-27 12:15

La belle France served on a platter

2012-07-27 12:15

The late French president Charles de Gaulle is said to have once asked about his nation: "How can you possibly govern a country that has 246 kinds of cheese?"

Lofty goals and ambitions

2012-07-27 12:15

For sports agents the world over in the past few months, Hui Ka-yan has become a name they cannot ignore since the Chinese property tycoon signed the World Cup winning soccer coach Marcello Lippi and his entourage for a reported 10 million euros ($12 million) a year in May.

Fullback billionaires up the ante in player signing

2012-07-27 12:15

When Roman Abramovich bought the Chelsea football club in 2003 for $233 million (192 million euros, it made history as the highest price ever paid for an English club.

Management drama takes place offstage

2012-07-27 12:15

In a rehearsal hall of China's National Centre for the Performing Arts, 15 people are busy working on the set of La Boheme, measuring, drawing, moving props, checking marks and sightlines.

Chockablock with sweet success

2012-07-27 12:15

For chocoholics it was no doubt a dream come true: a landmark department store throwing open the doors of a swish new cafe laden with displays of the finest Belgian chocolate, pastries and drinks - including thick, decadent chocolate, of course - to wash it all down.

Nailed to the mast

2012-07-27 12:15

For cynics, it may seem like nothing more than half a dozen outrageously expensive boats owned by a group of immensely rich people sailing their way across the Seven Seas in a mad dash to see who can thump their chests the hardest.

Homeward bound? Firms mull return

2012-07-27 12:15

It has taken 25 years to evolve from the brick-like dageda (big brother's handset) to the slim iPhone currently in vogue.