Australia: Maritime SAR in Asia Pacific a Priority
Defense force personnel from Australia are in China for Exercise Cooperation Spirit 2014 which begins today. The exercise aims to enhance coordination and cooperation between Australia, China and New Zealand in responding to unforeseen disasters that occur in the Asia-Pacific. This year the exercise is focusing on a maritime search and rescue response involving the Australian Defense Force, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the New Zealand Defense Force. Captain Michael Harris (Royal Australian Navy), Commander of the Australian Contingent, said exercise Cooperation Spirit will enable Australia, China and New Zealand to enhance their ability to work closely together.
China Firm Buys Scana Machinery Co. Stake
Norway Headquartered Scana Industrier ASA has entered into an "Equity Sale and Purchase Agreement" with Leshan Zhi Yuan Gao Di Mining Co. Ltd. regarding a sale of Scanas 80% equity share interest in Leshan Scana Machinery Co. Ltd. The new owner will immediately take responsibility for daily operation of the company together with the existing organization, and will take responsibility for the companys obligations, say Scan Industrier. Leshan Scana Machinery is located in Leshan City, Sichuan Province, China. "The transaction will gradually strengthen Scanas capital base through cash inflow and reduced debt. The "Equity Sale and Purchase Agreement" is now to be approved by Chinese authorities.
China to Set Up River–Sea Intermodal for Taiwan Trade
An intermodal shipping line connecting the Yangtze River city of Luzhou in Sichuan province and Wuhan in Hubei province, thence on to Taiwan will be launched by the end of this year, reports Xinhua. With the new service, Sichuan products, such as auto parts, mechanical or electronic products, will be shipped to Wuhan on smaller vessels and then be loaded onto larger near-sea ships for Taiwan, moving goods nearly four times faster door to door. Luzhou port, being the only river port in the region to offer sea-rail intermodal service, is an important port for trade cargo in the mid-west region. Last year, it handled 135,200 TEU, taking up 84 per cent of Sichuan's total. Source: Xinhua
