Business -- February 19, 2006

• China's machinery trade deficit decreases sharply in 2005
• China on verge of inaugurating financial derivatives futures market
• China's high-tech companies enjoy bumper exports
• China insists iron ore price stabilization in int'l talks
• China to issue 60b yuan worth of T-bonds

• Central bank urges Chinese firms to further forex-hedging ability
• China extends jet fuel surcharge
• Chavez threatens to cut off oil exports if US "goes over line"
• Chavez threatens to cut off oil to US
• China's power shortage easing in 2005

• CNOOC Ltd. signed production sharing contract for oil block in Equatorial Guinea
• Ethiopian Airlines to start new flights
• Ethiopia's annual flower exports to Britain to reach 100 million by 2007
• HK unemployment rate decreases to 52-month low
• India, Pakistan discuss Iran pipeline project

• India, Pakistan reiterate commitment to Iran pipeline
• Oil, natural gas China's most profitable industries
• Spanish gov't pledges more aid to Ethiopia
• US recognizes Ukraine's market economy status